Dell Axim X30 (64MB, 312MHz processor) review

Features
Arguably, the most noteworthy improvement to the Dell Axim X30 is the next-generation Intel processor. This model is equipped with a 312MHz XScale PXA270 CPU, unlike the flagship model, which is 624MHz. The new chip combines SpeedStep technology (originally found in Intel's chip for notebooks), which dynamically adjusts power according to the application, and Wireless MMX technology (for multimedia performance), both of which extend battery life (see the Performance section). Even with the energy-saving processor, Dell includes an internal backup battery so that you don't suffer any data loss if it runs out of juice. A high-capacity 1,800mAh cell is available separately.

Also onboard is a healthy 64MB of RAM, but with the Axim X30's ability to play videos and audio files, you'll want to invest in a storage card to hold these memory-intensive files.

Memory is a terrible thing to waste; carry your files on MMC media

Unlike its predecessor, the X30 now includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It lets you use them simultaneously, unlike the Asus MyPal A716, which can handle only one wireless function at a time. So, for example, you can use Wi-Fi to access your e-mail account, then print a message to a Bluetooth printer.

As noted, connecting to the Web is simple with the X30's single-touch access, and once online, you'll find more useful tools through Dell's WLAN Utility app. The program displays signal strength and encryption (if any), and it lets you perform more sophisticated functions, such as a link test and certificate enrollment for advanced Wi-Fi authentication.

The Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition (SE) enhances the experience with its Wi-Fi protected access feature and landscape-orientation support, which offers a bigger viewing screen. You'll also find the staple Pocket versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player 9.0, and more. Unfortunately, there isn't much else besides a backup utility, a program launcher, games (Solitaire and Jawbreaker), and trial software, such as McAfee VirusScan PDA and Cash Organizer 2003.

Performance
We had a lot of expectations for the Dell Axim X30, and we weren't disappointed by its performance. Sporting an Intel PXA270 312MHz processor and Windows Mobile 2003 SE, the X30 was, on average, about 15 percent faster than the Toshiba e805, which has an older but higher speed 400MHz Intel PXA263 processor. Although it doesn't have the 624MHz processor of its bigger brother, this X30 is still one of the better Pocket PCs we've used to date.

The X30 also offers striking video performance. Even though the screen doesn't have that high a resolution, it's bright, and video clips and games looked great on it. Images were crisp, and action shots were only slightly pixelated. The TFT display is easy to read in sunlight.

The Dell Axim X30's battery life was also impressive. In our drain test, where we let the device repeatedly play a video clip with the wireless radio turned off and the backlight set at High, the battery lasted up to 4 hours, 46 minutes. In our anecdotal test, which replicated normal, real-world use, the battery life was about 16 hours.

Its built-in wireless connections including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi also performed well, offering great range and a strong signal. Web pages loaded quickly, and it took mere seconds for the device to connect to a wireless network. The included Wi-Fi utility has loads of connectivity options. Again, unlike other Pocket PCs, the X30 allows you to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on simultaneously, and we had no access problems when both functions were on.

Performance analysis written by CNET Labs project leader Dong Van Ngo.

Additional editing by Tom Espiner