Hobbies page
This linked page will be reserved for an
expose on my various Hobbies/Interests.
My hobbies range from Jack Russell
Terriers to Playing Music ( including
Southern Gospel ) from growing Bonsai
trees to Working Out.
Hopefully I can provide some tidbits of
interest for anyone who cares to check it
out.
One of my newest hobbies has come about because of the Christmas present I got from my
family this year. It is the new Dell AXIM X5 pocket pc. Since I am spending so much of my
time right now goofing around with this new 'toy' of mine, then I will probably have lots of stuff
here on this page regarding it and what I am doing with my Axim.
Here is a picture of the Dell AXIM X5 and its' really cool cradle :
My newest Hobby . . .
POCKET PCs - a.k.a. Handhelds or previously as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The
creators of PDA technology and probably the best known handhelds are from PALM ( you've
heard of Palm Pilots before, right ?! ).
The newest trend these days with handhelds is the move from limited-duty PDAs using the Palm
operating system (OS) and the Microsoft CE OS used by HP, Compaq and Toshiba, over to
Microsoft's new Pocket PC 2000 OS running on a much faster Intel-based X-Scale processor -
(300 or 400 mHz ARM) on pocket-size PCs with lots of new functionality ( including wireless
internet connections and e-mail service, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, games, MP3
music files, e-Books and lots more ).
One of America's largest, premier PC manufacturers recently entered the handheld peripherals
market with a B-A-N-G -- Dell Computer Corp. introduced its new Pocket PC line called the
AXIM X5 on Monday, November 18, 2002. Dell's new line has been somewhat dreaded by the
other companies already heavily entrenched in this growing market, especially since the AXIM X5
is under-cutting everyone else's price with a handheld unit packed with desireable features.
Comparable units from other manufacturers are two to three times as expensive - Dell AXIMs are
$199 to $299 right now because of a $50 manufacturer's rebate, while comparable units from
Toshiba, HP, Compaq and others run $499 to $749, and usually don't have all the features and
functionality of the AXIM X5 without purchasing additional add-ons.
Dell's impact on the market has been sudden and HUGE, and only time will tell if the other
companies respond with competitive prices and features to give Dell a run for future market-share.
PREMIUM AXIM X-5 is $349 minus $50 rebate = $299
Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Premium operating system
Intel X-Scale Processor at 400 mHz
64 MB SDRAM memory
48 MB Intel StrataFlash ROM memory
Integrated CompactFlash Type II and Secure Digital / Multi Media Card slots for expansion and
further storage capabilities
Removable and Rechargeable Battery
1 year Advanced Exchange Service
HIGHLIGHTS
Brilliant 3.5" QVGA TFT color, 16-bit, touch-sensitive Transreflective Display
Integrated CF Type II ( can also use CF Type I ) and SD / MMC card slots provide flexible
expansion for optional wireless enablement, peripherals or memory
Great performance with Intel X-Scale ARM processor at 400 mHz, 64 MB SDRAM and 48 MB
Intel StrataFlash ROM memory
Removable / Rechargeable Primary Battery
USB Cradle including spare battery charging slot
Comes with MicroSoft Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, e-Book Reader,
and ActiveSync to synchronize your desktop or laptop PC with the AXIM X5 device
Built-in Speaker and microphone for recording/playback of short messages & for playing MP3
music files
Plus much more . . .
