Dell skips Windows Mobile 6, launches Axim X101v PDA running Vista
The V in Dell's Axim X50v and X51v PDAs has always stood for VGA. But the Dell Axim X101v will be the first machine to completely blur the lines between a PDA and a full fledged computer.Sure, the OQO and Sony's UX series cram a full computer into a small form factor. But Dell has managed to fit a fully operational Vista system into the same form factor as its successful line of Windows Mobile devices.
"We considered releasing a Smartphone like everybody else," said Michael Dell, "but that market is already saturated. Next we looked at the current state of UMPCs. They have short battery life, cost too much, and don't fit in your pocket. Working with HTC, we've created the first instant-on, instant-off Vista machine that runs for 28 hours on a single 1100mAh battery."
The Axim X101v should set you back about $399. It's set to ship on June 11th. In order to give Apple's iPhone a run for its money, Dell is bundling Skype with the X101v. You'll still need a wireless connection to make SkypeOut calls, but Dell is expected to announce partnerships with wireless carriers for discount data plans soon.
Asked whether the company planned to issue a Windows Mobile 6 update for existing Axim owners, Dell replied "no."












Comments
9
Subscribe to commentsDaveApr 1st 2007 9:33AM
yeah right :P :D
MarkApr 1st 2007 10:42AM
I can't beleive I fell for it!!!!!
That is the dumbest unrealistic thing I have ever read, and I actually thought, WOW and clicked the Read link.
-____-
Brad LinderApr 1st 2007 10:45AM
Mark: I credit my incredibly unrealistic photoshop job. If you look closely you'll notice I didn't even bother to take the X50 off of the image. :)
MattApr 1st 2007 6:57PM
Dog gone it, I had my credit card out!
You got me
Matt
MysteriusApr 1st 2007 6:57PM
Lol, you got me with this one. :D
I blame the recent spate of uber-smartphones and UMPCs. :p
Stephen YuanApr 1st 2007 11:11PM
wow...................gg, i actually fell for it and thought how come this is not on engadget..........good job!
JamesApr 3rd 2007 7:55AM
I would have said "meh, funny I guess" until I got to the last line -- priceless. I have an X3i, and it came out just like a month before MS released Windows Mobile 2003 SE. I looked around to see how I could get the "SE" version on my system, and found that Dell had to release a device-specific version of it. There was a forum thread with like THOUSANDS of Axim users asking for it, and eventually they sent in a toady who pretty much just said "No" and left. That was my rough introduction to the walled gardens of modern PDAs.
So kudos, DS, for that pointed bit of kidding-on-the-square.
jimmy870Apr 5th 2007 9:24PM
Hey brad, you should have added a counter and sent the results to dell.
Take care.
MikeApr 20th 2007 7:26AM
Talk about wild timing. April 1, jokes about WM6 and Vista on Axim. April 19th no jokes about pulling Axim line entirely? Talk about whiplash!
(Got me too! good one.)