4. The X50v In Pictures

With the Axim X50 series, Dell has finally given its pocket PCs a visually more appealing, slimmer and curvier design. The case would be truly perfect if Dell had opted for metal instead of plastic as the construction material - it seems that fierce price wars are taking their toll in this segment, too.

In a direct comparison with the Axim X30i, the X50v is more attractive

The button for activating the Bluetooth and WLAN modules is now located on the left side of the device; below it is the on/off switch for the voice recorder. Above these two buttons is the new hold slider switch with which you can deactivate all function buttons, and the pen input. The hold feature makes sense if you use your PDA as an MP3 player, for example.

We found the position of the wireless radio button to be a rather poor choice, as you're bound to accidentally push the button now and again when you hold the unit in your hand to use it. On the flip side, we experienced no problems with the Bluetooth connection to various headsets during the test. The internal WLAN module likewise communicated flawlessly with numerous access points from several providers.

Anyone who thinks the X50v's internal working memory (128 MB ROM/64 MB RAM) is too small can boost the storage capacity with a SD or CF card. The corresponding slots are located on the top edge of the unit.

The microphone is located on the top left. A single LED in the top right corner signals the operating mode of the wireless modules, flashing blue and green if the BT and WLAN modules are on. If you deactivate one of these, the LED only flashes in one color, corresponding to the device still in use.

The circle on the left indicates the microphone; the one on the right, the LED for the wireless radio status.