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As a member of the United States Army with 24 years of federal service I have a very real need to access large amounts of information in a device that is much smaller than a laptop PC. This need includes database management, reviewing MS Power Point presentations, managing large calendars, and a myriad of other tasks. I do not have a need for wireless capabilities since WAPs are very rare in the environments I find myself. After reviewing many different brands of PDAs I chose the Dell Axim X5 configured with the 400 Mhz processor. For the money I spent I received a PDA that meets every one of my needs and the 400 Mhz processor performs nicely. Still, the Axim is a standard consumer device that is not ruggedized for field (let alone military) use. To overcome this problem I opted for an Otterbox Armor 2600 for my Axim X5 PDA. When I combined the two I was pleasantly surprised at how durable the PDA is when encased in the Otterbox. During a recent exercise the weather turned very rainy and my PDA was protected completely. Because my information was on my person at all times I was able to access all of my mission critical information increasing my efficiency by at least 100%. I even recorded (in real-time) observations in procedure that could be improved on or sustained while in a rainy down pour. In military operations this kind of efficiency and funtionality is extremely welcomed. I admit with my Armor 2600 I had to expose my PDA to the open elements to recharge the device. Obviously, this was accomplished during ideal weather conditions. Nevertheless, my Dell Axim has performed every task I needed and has not failed me yet. This soldier has forever transformed the way he manages information, coordinates events, and performs his job because of this PDA.
Sincerely,
Nicholas J. Araiz
Sergeant Major
United States Army
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