We got our paws on the Dell Axim X3i PDA to see what the fuss is about and if Dell have got what it takes to do well in an already crowded scene.

The Dell Axim X3i is the range topper within the X3 device range, it is the lightweight version of the Axim a bit like the 19XX and 22XX range of Ipaq's this beefier Axim is a direct competitor of the HP4150.

Based around the successful Intel Xscale 400mhz processor the Axim boasts a standard 64mb of strataflash ROM and a 64mb SDRam memory for your basic storage requirements, this is plenty to run Microsoft's latest windows mobile 2003 operating system (formerly known as pocket PC).

The PDA market if fickle at best and 2 primary categories sway buyers loyalty, Styling and performance. In terms of styling we were worried that the Dell Axim X3i would be a little utilitarian but having held it we have to admit to being wrong, its actually quite sleek tipping the scales at only 140 grams which is some 55 grams less than its bigger X5 brother. Perhaps the square design is a bit workman like compared to Hp's offerings but it sits well in the palm and combined with the 3.5" 65k TFT screen its comfortable to drive for prolonged periods.

Performance is where the Dell Axim X3i really makes its case, a PDA is nothing without great connectivity and the X3i has it all as standard with inbuilt 802.11b wireless connectivity which supports 128bit WEP encryption and then there is also Bluetooth for connection to mobile devices.

Dell are used to dealing with the masses of novice computer buyers and so they have made wireless connectivity simple to use too, and so the wireless LAN setup facility makes configuration easy and gives an easy to use Ping tool to check the status of your connection alongside the usual signal strength tools.

Battery life is a key component of the perfect PDA and maybe Dell are telling us something when the standard 950mAh battery is so easily removed and who knows replaced with the optional 1800mAh one? in our tests the wifi enabled X3i with the screen running on full brightness only managed about 2 hrs 20 mins before giving up, turn the wifi off however and we were able to playback MP3's for a bout 4 hours which still is disappointing and would drive us to spend on the extra battery.

Which handily enough dell have also catered for in the supplied cradle (guess our surprise) which can charge a second battery while the Dell Axim X3i sits in the main USB slot using active sync to download and upload data from your host PC, either by USB or by one of the wireless connections.

External memory is take care of by the SD / MMC slot which is very welcome on the device if not a bit fiddly to get cards in and out, if of course you are still using CF cards the X3i is not for you and big brother the X5 is your choice.

Software included is the now familiar windows mobile stuff, pocket outlook , word, excel, windows media player, internet explorer and MSN messenger, we managed to use MSN through the building on a wireless connection and pick up email through POP3 server connections so it does what it needs to in terms of basic office functionality.

We quite liked the Dell Axim X3i PDA, its a good solid choice from a big name, we would have to recommend the extra capacity battery at £38 and you'll be wanting some SD memory fairly quickly too but its cheaper to buy that elsewhere!

At £315 the Dell Axim X3i PDA is a full on competitor for the HP 4150 which has a list price of £350 but the HP is heavily discounted unlike the Dell which is only available from the dell site it certainly delivers what we wanted from a PDA but something just nagged us when comparing it to the HP range. LP summed it up by describing the Axim X3i as a curates egg of a gadget!

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