Various Axim Issues

[Sam]

Hello All,

OK I didn't join this forum to complain, so please know that I only wish to post my personal issues with my new Axim 400 and that I really like this thing but...

Likes:

-great style
-great screen
-good size & form factor
-robust USB connectivity
-terrific bang for the buck
-terrific battery life

Dislikes:

-Poor D-pad (manual states 5-way, I assume the 5th way is push-to-select which doesn't work) and general "squishy" not-always-responsive feel.

-Poor sound recorder in notes (low volume/crackly audio on playback) I tried various microphone and sampling settings but can't get rid of the cracklies.

-Poor audio playback using WMP - basically low volume.

-Dell's backup program - takes over 1 hour to perform a backup that takes only a few minutes when using CF. (File size ~11 mb) PS - I found that if I backup to CF, I can then copy the backup file to Built-In Storage with very acceptable time results.

-When the unit is set to turn-on via one of the program buttons, the unit awakes in the last used app - NOT the app assigned to the button you pressed!! :angry:

I guess each PPC has it's issues, given the bang for the buck (and the terrific screen) I may just opt to keep this thing.


BTW - Great Board - I hope you get tons of posts...

[Computer Ninja]

The poor d-pad might actually be a design issue. Some people at an UNMENTIONED PocketPC forum have claimed they've been sent replacements and have had no problems ever since.

Thanks for giving us your feedback on your Axim. That's what this site needs. Peoples' testimonials!

I noticed that backing up the Axim using ActiveSync TOOK FOREVER! So you suggest doing a backup to external memory, then moving it to the built-in storage is a good idea?

[Sam]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. The Dell Backup Utility using Built-In Storage took over 1 hour to complete. I didn't try using Activesync as I would expect that would take awhile from earlier experiences.

I think you can't beat having a backup available on Built-In Storage. The way I descibed seems to be the best way to do it at the moment...

Wonder if anyone else noticed this issue...

[2_hotty]

Since I don't own an Axim, I can only address one of your gripes. The audio playback. I'm on my second PPC, my first was the Casiopeia E-125, and my current is the Toshiba e740. And I can tell you that the audio playback of MP3's or WMA's is always low, using the mono speaker. But through the stereo headphone jack, the audio is really pretty good.

This is a PPC trait, not just for the Axim.

[Sam]

Thanks for the suggestion on the audio, however, I beg to differ. The audio on my HP Jornada 568 is clearer, louder and has no static.

[2_hotty]

Originally posted by Sam@Jan 5 2003, 09:40 PM
-Poor audio playback using WMP - basically low volume.

You said "low sound and crackly noise" on recorded notes. I was not aware that you are having the same problem with WMP. On both of my PPC's WMP plays back clear as day, it's just not loud. (which is what I interpreted the above statement as saying silly me)

[DanTheMan]

Hey Sam, I found a fix for your d-pad 5th button prob.go here D/L and run. It fixed mine
http://ftp.dell.com/Handheld. Hope this helps.

[Duckman]

I have heard a number of complaints about the problem with the speakers in the Axim being sub-standard. I haven't downloaded any music on to mine yet.....I should try it out.

Dantheman pointed you in the right direction about your D-pad problem. Dell has a fix for it. You can also go to support.dell.com, log in and go to downloads. Make sure that your Service Tag for the Axim is on showing on the left.

There is also a download of a fix for the Dell Axim keyboard.

[jchtrumpet]

On my Axim, the screen is not a uniform color at the very bottom of the screen. iT has like 5 different shades on colors. Has anyone noticed this on their Axim?

[Computer Ninja]

Maybe at the VERY VERY bottom, the screen seems to darken up a bit, but only about 2-3 rows worth.