R E L A T E D C O N T E N T

Dell sinks Bluetooth into PDA

Dell has updated its handheld range with wireless connectivity

Daniel Robinson, IT Week 04 Mar 2004

Hardware maker Dell has announced an update to its handheld range to support both Bluetooth and wireless LAN (WLAN) connectivity, launching a new device featuring both wireless standards in response to customer demand in Europe.

Dell's new Axim X3i, available now, adds Bluetooth capability to the X3 model that shipped last year. Dell said this allows mobile staff to use WLAN connectivity on company premises and switch to remote access via a Bluetooth-enabled phone handset while out on the road.

"We developed the [new] Axim X3i in response to our European customers' requests for a stylish, affordable and Bluetooth-enabled handheld device," commented Dell UK's software and peripherals business manager, Jon Lynch.

The new Axim X3i has the same 400MHz Intel XScale processor and 64MB memory as the standard X3 version, and comes with the same Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC software. The device differs only in the additional support for wireless communications.

Dell is not the first handheld maker to ship a model with dual wireless interfaces, as Toshiba and HP have offered such hardware for some time. The Axim X3i is cheaper than its competitors, however.

"Dell established the standard for price, performance and customer value in the handheld market over the past year," argued Lynch. "With the Axim X3i offering wireless LAN and Bluetooth connectivity, Dell will again lead the market."

The Axim X3i with Bluetooth and WLAN support costs £273 + VAT.

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