Dell's slimline models take centre stage
Published: 15 Oct 2003 09:20 BST
Dell will give full details on two new slim handhelds on Wednesday, one that can connect to Wi-Fi networks and another that aims for customers on a budget.
As previously reported, the company will discuss its Axim X3 line. The two gadgets in the X3 family -- the X3 itself, and the X3i -- use the same slim case and Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC operating system, along with Pocket versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger and Media Player.
The $379 (about £227) Axim X3i will come with a 400MHz Intel XScale processor for handhelds, 64MB of memory, an 802.11b chip for wirelessly connecting to networks, a 3.5-inch colour screen with a resolution of 320 pixels by 240 pixels and a Secure Digital expansion slot. Excluding the wireless connectivity, the device costs $329.
The $229 Axim X3 comes with a 300MHz Intel XScale processor for handhelds, 32MB of memory and a USB cable for connecting with a PC, instead of a cradle like the Axim X3i.
Dell first announced the Axim X3 line in late September when it confirmed its entry into the consumer-electronics market, but it would not give information about pricing or features. Some details were revealed in early October when the Federal Communications Commission granted Dell supplier Wistron approval for a wireless handheld labelled the Axim X3.
Dell will continue to offer the Axim X5 line, which it debuted in November of last year.
The Axim X3i is likely to be the first of several Dell Axims with built-in wireless capabilities. While Dell still places much of its focus on other products, such as servers and storage systems, its executives have repeatedly touted the Axim's gains in the market. Dell had nearly 7 percent of the handheld market in the second quarter, making it the fourth-largest handheld seller, after Palm, Hewlett-Packard and Sony, market researcher IDC said.
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