Details on Dell's Handhelds

Last month, details about Dell's plans to unveil a handheld computer at fall Comdex leaked to the Web. Now come specifications and details from the company itself. Dubbed the Axim X5, the handheld will be based on the Pocket PC 2002 OS and begin shipping the week of Comdex, which starts on November 18. The unit will weigh about 6.5 ounces and be roughly similar to HP iPAQs in size.

Dell will offer the Axim X5 in two configurations: a $299 (list) high-end device with a 400-MHz Intel XScale processor and a $199 value configuration with a 300-MHz XScale processor. Both devices will have 3.5" transflective TFT screens and jog dials. In an attempt to set its service and support apart from that of other handheld device providers, Dell is also offering a one-year exchange policy for Axim X5 units, allowing a user to drop a malfunctioning unit in the mail in exchange for next-day delivery of a new unit.

There are a few key feature differentiators present in the Axim X5, according to Cody Pinkston, communications specialist for Dell Client Products. The devices will come with removable lithium-ion batteries capable of holding a 10-hour charge, according to Pinkston, who says, "Most handhelds have rechargeable battery options now, but they're typically not removable. We also will offer an extended-life battery and have seen as much as 25 hours of life from that." The synchronization cradle offered with Axim X5 units will have a spare battery-charging slot, so users can charge an extra battery and an Axim X5 unit while synchronizing data with a desktop PC. The devices will also offer dual-slot expandability for Secure Digital and CompactFlash add-ons.

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