The hardware of the Dell Axim x51v differs only somewhat from its predecessor the x50v, but when it comes to software the x51v is all new from the ground up.  That means two things, great new innovations and frustrating new software glitches.  There is plenty to say about both.  Read on to learn about Windows Mobile 5, other software included by Dell, what to take advantage of and what to steer clear of...

The New Face of Windows Mobile

The Dell Axim x51v has provided me with my first look at Microsoft's new handheld operating system, Windows Mobile 5.0.  The biggest enhancement by far is one we covered in part two.  The OS now supports the ability to store all your user data and files in a type of memory that keeps its contents when your battery dies.  But there are plenty of other refinements in this new OS too.

The biggest visible change to Windows Mobile in the new version is soft keys.  In prior releases, the menu system for each application was located at the bottom of the PDA's screen.  This menu area now contains two large buttons that are assigned functionality based on the current window.  For example on the Today screen the left soft key is Calendar and the right one is Contacts.  These soft keys are large enough you can press them without having to pull out your stylus.  They can also be linked with physical buttons much like the two buttons found on Windows Mobile Smartphones.  Soft Keys are not customizable, so whatever functionality they access cannot be changed.  This new feature is one you'll probably either love or hate.  I've heard from people in both camps.  Personally, I don't mind the soft keys, but some functionality is hidden one tap further away than it used to be.

New versions of the Office software.  Word mobile doesn't mangle your documents nearly as badly as older versions.  This comes from increased support for tables, outlines and graphics.  All I can say is that it's about time.  Also, it's default format is no longer the .psw file.  It saves natively to .doc files just like on the desktop, although it still maintains the ability to open .psw files from older Windows Mobile Versions.  Excel mobile includes new charting functionality.  And for the first time Microsoft has included a mobile version of PowerPoint.  No you can't use it to create presentations, but you can view them and even show them on an external display with an additional cable available from Dell.

Under the hood Windows Mobile 5 also offers developers new API calls for 3D graphics and other fun things.  Microsoft is continuing their effort to bring the Pocket PC and the Smartphone versions of Windows Mobile closer together in terms of features and functionality.  This release marks another step in that direction.  It's largely because of these changes inside the operating system, along with the soft keys, that many users are not yet able to find compatible versions of their favorite software.   Hang in there.  Third party developers are working hard to get new versions out soon. 

This is also a good place to warn users about software that may run on Windows Mobile 5 but due to incompatibilities, may cause crashes, lockups and possibly even a drained battery.  This is a significantly different operating system.  Please be patient as Microsoft, Dell and third parties smooth out the kinks.  If you're looking for a completely bug free, dependable device, the x51v isn't for you yet.  I'd recommend waiting for a couple of ROM updates to hit the market and then giving the device a try.  I've got a good feeling about this particular machine.  I suspect that with the updates Dell will be releasing and with greater application compatibility from third party developers, this machine will

come to really shine, given time.

ActiveSync 4.0, To Connect or Not to Connect?

The CD included with the Axim x51v package contains a license to Microsoft Outlook 2002.  This is the application that will store your calendar, contacts, notes and tasks on your desktop PC.  The software that copies this data back and forth between your handheld and your desktop PC is called Microsoft ActiveSync.  All Windows Mobile 5 devices must use ActiveSync 4.0 or above to connect to their desktops.  This can be a blessing and a curse.  You'll note that the sync benchmarks for the x51v in part two were the fastest around.  Microsoft has really sped the synchronization process up in the new version.  The bad news is that in making these changes they've introduced all kinds of new deficiencies.  Many people are having issues connecting or having issues with ActiveSync 4.0 interfering with other functionality on their desktop PCs.  Microsoft has acknowledged the issues and is working to release version 4.1 which they claim will address a fair number of them.  As it's not out yet we can only wait, hope and get by with version 4.0.

Included Treats from Dell

Don't despair though.  All is not lost on the software side of the Axim x51v.  In the past Dell has been faulted by reviewers for skimping on included software.  However, the applications included with this new device are many.

There are several full versions of productivity software, games and utilitites on the Dell CD.  Battery Pack Lite gives you battery and memory status information on your today screen.  Resco Picture Viewer is an alternative photo viewer and slide show program.  (There is a similar app included in WM5 called Pictures and Videos, but it's not as fully featured.)  IonFX GeoRally EX is a fast action racing game that makes use of the x51v's VGA screen and graphics processor.  GeoRally is a new favorite time waster of mine.  Toy Golf is a fun take on mini golf that also uses the VGA screen and 2700G GPU.  Dell includes an Axim x51 self-diagnostic tool that may come in handy if your device starts having trouble.  There's a Data Backup utility written by HTC.  I've used it to back up and restore my complete system state.  It's kind of slow but does the job.  There's a "Home" program that can be a replacement for your Today screen if you prefer.  And lastly there's an HTC task management utility that can serve as an app switcher and killer, since the little Xs in the corner still don't actually close applications. 

There are many demo products included on the Dell CD.  They are Calligrapher handwriting recognition,  City Time world clock, Illium eWallet encrypted personal information safe, Journal Bar for weather headlines, etc. on your today screen,   Resco File Explorer, Spb Finance,  ClearVue Office document viewer, Bejeweled 2 puzzle game, Enigmo 3D puzzle game, Full Hand Casino game, Links golf, Monopoly board game, Scrabble board game, and Virtual Pool Mobile.  If you end up liking any of these demos, the CD includes links for purchasing a full version.

Included WiFi and Bluetooth Software

Each device manufacturer has the opportunity to include their own versions of software to put a user interface on the wireless features of their device.  In the WiFi department, Dell has included an app called WLAN Utility.  It includes a place to turn on your 802.11b radio and make connections to the networks it finds.  This software isn't the smoothest I've seen, but it works well.  It didn't take much configuration at all to connect to "open" networks and to networks where a WEP key was required.

The Bluetooth management software on the other hand seems to be a big disappointment.  It lacks a lot of the functionality that users of the x50v enjoyed and this has caused some understandable complaints.  It's rumored that the upcoming ROM update from Dell might rectify this situation.  In the mean time many users have reported they are unable to use their Bluetooth phones and headsets with their x51v.

Coming up in Part Four

In order to help readers make an informed decision about the Dell Axim x51v, we're going to recap the most prominent issues users are having.  We'll take a look at each in as much detail as possible.  And if Dell releases their upcoming ROM update on schedule, we'll look at whether those issues gets resolved.  That way if you are considering purchasing this device, you can go into the deal as well informed as possible.