When Dell entered the PocketPC market with the Axim line, they did what Dell does best: deliver premium specifications at aggressive prices. The Dell Axim X51v, released in 2005, embodied this philosophy perfectly, bringing VGA-class performance to users who couldn’t justify the HP iPAQ hx4700’s premium pricing.
The Dell Axim X51v in its charging cradle. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Dell’s PDA Strategy
Dell’s approach to the PocketPC market mirrored their PC business model:
- Direct sales eliminated retail markup
- Component scale reduced manufacturing costs
- Customization options let users choose their configuration
- Aggressive pricing undercut established competitors
This strategy had already proven successful with the earlier Axim X30 and X50 models. The X51v represented the pinnacle of Dell’s PocketPC ambitions.
Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel PXA270 624 MHz |
| Display | 3.7" VGA (640×480) TFT |
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Storage | 256 MB Flash ROM |
| Graphics | Intel 2700G accelerator |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11b, Bluetooth 1.2 |
| Battery | 1100 mAh (standard) / 2200 mAh (extended) |
| OS | Windows Mobile 5.0 |
The inclusion of an Intel 2700G graphics accelerator was particularly notable. This dedicated GPU enabled smooth video playback and 3D graphics that were impossible on competing devices. For Windows Mobile developers, it opened new possibilities for gaming and multimedia applications.
The VGA Display Advantage
Like its HP competitor, the X51v featured a true 640×480 VGA display. At 3.7 inches, it was slightly smaller than the hx4700’s 4-inch screen, but the pixel density was actually higher, resulting in exceptionally crisp text and graphics.
The VGA resolution transformed productivity:
- Excel spreadsheets displayed readable columns without zooming
- PDF documents rendered with print-like clarity
- Remote desktop sessions became genuinely usable
- Web browsing approached the desktop experience
Software and Gaming
The Intel 2700G graphics chip made the X51v a capable gaming platform. Titles optimized for the accelerator included:
- Quake (full 3D port)
- Doom (OpenGL ES version)
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
- Colin McRae Rally
Dell also shipped the device with useful software bundles, though many users preferred third-party alternatives from the vibrant PocketPC software ecosystem.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Dell X51v | HP hx4700 | Toshiba e830 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2005) | $449 | $649 | $599 |
| Screen Size | 3.7" | 4.0" | 4.0" |
| Resolution | VGA | VGA | VGA |
| GPU | Yes | No | No |
| Build Quality | Plastic | Metal | Plastic |
Dell’s value proposition was compelling. You sacrificed some build quality and screen size, but gained a graphics accelerator and saved $200—enough to buy accessories, software, or an extended battery.
The Axim Legacy
Dell discontinued the Axim line in 2007, citing the convergence of PDAs and smartphones. The X51v was their final flagship, and it went out on a high note.
For enthusiasts today, the X51v remains interesting for several reasons:
- Gaming performance still impresses for the era
- Parts availability is better than rarer devices
- Homebrew community keeps creating new software
- Price remains reasonable on secondary markets