With the upgrade, Axim X50 users can take advantage of the new features of Windows Mobile 5.0. These include many productively (e.g. Mobile Office upgrade) and multimedia (e.g. Direct3D support) improvements. It also moves all applications and data to ROM for safer data storage. (For more on Windows Mobile 5.0, click here.)

The Dell Axim X50 platform upgrades aren't due until the third quarter. They'll be available on CD—Dell had problems with its downloadable updates the last time around—for an as-of-yet undisclosed price.

As we mentioned above, HP informed us it would support Windows Mobile 5.0 for current select iPAQ handhelds and plans include the platform in future offerings. Upgrades to Windows Mobile 5.0 for the iPAQ hx4700, hx2100, hx2400 and hx2700 should be available this summer. The computer and printing giant is currently evaluating how much to charge for the update.

Axim X50 Series
All Axim X50 (see top image) models integrate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless networking, as well as Secure Digital and CompactFlash Type II expansion slots. They were the first Pocket PCs to bundle Microsoft's Windows Media Player 10 for Mobile with Digital Rights Management (DRM) 10, so users can access audio (e.g. MusicMatch) and video (e.g. CinemaNow) subscription services.

These Axims measure the same 4.65 x 2.85 x .65 inches and similar basic form factors. They all bundle a cradle with a extra slot for a spare battery. The Pocket PCs regular battery is a 1100 mAH type, but there is an additional, more powerful, 2200 mAH battery available as an option.

Axim X50v is the number two Pocket PC vendor's latest top-of-the-line handheld. In addition to the features and form factor it shares with the other two models in the series, the Axim X50v has a VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution display, which lets you view whole Web pages and large portions of spreadsheets, for example. The screen measures a largish 3.7 inches.

A 624 MHz Intel PXA270 XScale processor powers the Axim X50v, while an Intel 2700G multimedia accelerator delivers DVD quality video playback. There is 62MB of RAM available with 91MB of ROM you can use like an SD memory card.

The two other models in the X50 series feature a lower resolution QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) screen that measures 3.5 inches. One has a 520 MHz XScale processor with 63MB of RAM and 94MB of ROM storage available to the user. The other has a 416 MHz XScale processor, 63MB of RAM (user available) and and only 30MB of ROM.

Click here to read our review of the Axim X50v