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Less than a year after announcing the very capable Axim X3i, which we found a solid performer if a bit utilitarian, Dell has again powered up the line and released three new additions. They may not look different on the surface, but open up the hood and you'll see that while they look like safe family cars, they have hot rod engines. Best of all, the top model is a true bargain at $350. The Axim X30's highlights include better wireless connectivity, a blazing fast processor, and the inclusion of Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition.

The Axim comes in three configurations. The top model, which we tested, has a blazing fast 624-MHz processor, while the second ($249) has a 312-MHz processor. Both of these feature 802.11b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. The previous Axims had Wi-Fi alone. Bluetooth is a welcome addition. Now you can use the Axim to connect to your Bluetooth-enabled phone or printer in seconds.

The lowest-priced Axim, at $199, runs off a 312-MHz processor, but has neither Wi-Fi nor Bluetooth. The price is right, but getting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for only as extra $50 makes the $199 model seem as desirable as a pet rock.

The two higher-end Axims weigh a decent 4.9 oz and have 64MB SDRAM (as did previous Axims), while the less expensive model is a hair less at 4.8 oz and has 32MB SDRAM. As with previous models, the Axim comes with a stylish silver charger that resembles an art deco toaster and can power up both the Axim and it's spare battery at the same time. That's convenient-and necessary if you're going to be doing a lot of Web surfing, which takes a high toll on battery life. With occasional Web surfing along with other tasks, we got between 3 and 3 ½ hours from the battery.


Charger

The Axim also comes with a black leather case with belt clip that can best be described as sturdy. It won't win any beauty contests, but it will certainly keep your Axim scratch-free, and that's really the purpose. It will give you worry free service long enough for you to stroll over to Coach so that you can buy a more attractive executive case with a flip cover.

The Axim's exterior hasn't changed with this release, so it's still basic in looks with a clean, utilitarian design. It measures 4.8-inches tall, with a width and depth of 3- and 0.6-inches, respectively. Buttons along the lower front of the Axim offer quick access to the voice recorder, calendar, contacts, messaging, and home. On the two higher-priced models, there's also a dedicated button for turning on and off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That's handy, but the downside is that the button turns these on and off together, which is an unnecessary power drain if you're only using one (Bluetooth can be turned on alone with software, but, oddly, Wi-Fi can't). On non-wireless equipped Axims this button accesses the Windows Media Player.


Side View

Finally, in the center of this button row, a large oval-shaped D-Pad provides navigation. The left side of the Axim contains a useful scroll dial, as well as a headphone jack, and the top has a slot for Secure Digital memory cards. When Bluetooth is on, the antenna nub at the top lights up blue (appropriately), while it lights green when Wi-Fi is on.

This Axim includes some notable firsts, including being the first Pocket PC to use the new Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition OS. This offers a few handy improvements, like the ability to view images in landscape mode (where you turn your PDA 90 degrees sideways to get a horizontal layout).