Windows Phone Thoughts: Dell Axim X50: Dual Slot Goodness at a Reasonable Price

Product Category: Pocket PC
Manufacturer: Dell
Where to Buy: Direct from Dell
Price: $399 USD (mid-range X50) $299 USD (entry-level X50)
Specifications: 119mm x 73mm x 16mm, 167g (5.9oz). 3.5" QVGA screen, Intel PXA270 520 mhz CPU, 64 MB RAM, 128 MB ROM, 802.11b. Bluetooth 1.2, 1100 mAH battery. The entry level X50 has a 416 mhz CPU, 64 MB of ROM, and no WiFi, but is otherwise identical to the mid-range X50.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced for what you get;
  
• Excellent quality screen, no yellow tinting;
  
• Spacious 93 MB of ROM storage;
  
• Strong performer.
  

Cons:

• No built-in screen cover;
  
• Dell branding is a little overpowering;
  
• Based on Dell's track record to date, there may or may not be an operating system upgrade for this device.

Summary:
The mid-range Dell Axim X50 is a well balanced Pocket PC that delivers a strong set of features (including WiFi and Bluetooth) at a reasonable price. The styling isn't anything to write home about, and while it's bigger than the iPAQ 4150, having dual slots is a huge benefit for some people so the size bump may be worth it. And you can't argue with the price!