Axim X50/v: Dell 2200mAh Li-ion Extended Battery Review
Dell Axim X50/v: Dell 2200mAh Li-ion Extended Battery Review
As our upcoming review will soon prove, Dell’s Axim X50 doesn’t particularly shine in autonomy. The original battery, in fact, seems unable to guarantee more than two and a half hours of use according to tests done using Spb Benchmark: it would appear that its capacity is most likely underpowered compared to the handheld’s powerful yet energy-consuming capabilities.
Fortunately, Dell offers users the option of a second type of battery, one of increased capacity, ideal for those power hungry professionals who use their PDAs intensively. Equipped with double the amperage of the standard battery, it assures, as we shall see, much longer operation – although it remains to be seen at what expense. Still, let’s take things step by step.
A close-up of the label testifies this battery’s amperage (highlighted in red): 2200 mAh, precisely double the capacity of the original battery that is supplied with the X50v (which, incidentally, is the same battery that comes with the QVGA base model, the X50)
The first obligatory step in our test involved subjecting the battery to two consecutive cycles of charge, running down the battery after each cycle. As is well-known, Lithium-Ion batteries tend to reach optimal performance only after a certain number of initial charge cycles. The second battery slot on the cradle came in very handy for this initial procedure.
Size comparison:
The second step of our test involved a general check of the dimensions along with a comparison of the original battery to the extended one. Due to the fact that both batteries have to fit the same slot on the Dell X50v it’s understandable that the two products are identical in width and height. We couldn’t find any official measurements on the Net so, without much ado, we pulled out our ruler and found out first hand: 5.1 cm (L) x 4.2 cm (H).
The Extended 2200 mAh is more than twice the thickness of the normal standard battery.
Just in case the photo isn’t sufficiently explicit in pointing out the obvious we’ve decided to include the empirical results of our field tests: 😉 the original battery has a thickness (depth) of 0.6 cm whereas the tested extended battery measures 1.3 cm. That makes it just over double the thickness of the original.
Battery Swap:
We were now ready to proceed in substituting the original battery with the extended 2200 mAh model. The process is very simple on the Dell X50v: the rear cover is removed by pushing to the left a small latch that is found just above the bottom edge of the handheld (this makes for a quite intuitive system that overcomes some of the ‘first-time’ difficulties usually caused by push or clip methods).
Battery cover comparison:
Staying on the subject of the rear cover, the above photo shows quite clearly how a modified and enlarged cover is needed in order to successfully cover the extra-capacity battery. Thankfully this specifically adapted rear cover is supplied along with the extended battery.
Extra-Large PDA.
Once the operation of swapping batteries has been completed the X50v takes on a new form and aspect: the added rear hump is visually quite obvious, as is the noticeable gain in weight (which can’t be fully evinced from the photos). However, in daily use the extended battery doesn’t seem to particularly compromise the pocketability and ergonomics of the device. This is probably because the extra bulk and rear projection only affects a small, limited area of the handheld’s rear side. Additionally, the replacement cover has smooth rounded edges and these help to maintain the overall sleek design that is so particular to the X50v. The handheld can still be held quite comfortably due to the fact that the raised surface comfortably fits the natural hollow of one’s palm.
Battery Life Test – Original Battery:
Up until now we have focused on the dimensions and hence some of the negative aspects that have to be considered when purchasing and using Dell’s Extended Battery. Now, however, we can proceed to analyse the battery’s performance. Firstly, we can show some benchmark results for the original 1100mAh battery (which, incidentally, have been ‘lifted’ from our upcoming Dell X50v review). The results we gained from Spb’s well-known software (used for this review) were not overly flattering: 2 hours and 38 minutes approximately. In its standard test mode Spb Benchmark subjects the pda to a repeated and simulated workload that tends to make most use of applications that reside in the main Rom, like Pocket Word and ‘Pictures’. Wireless Communications (Bluetooth, Wifi) are turned off while screen brightness is set to maximum. What this means is that in real world everyday use the battery may last longer, especially if the screen brightness were to be lowered slightly.
Battery Life Test – Dell’s 2200 mAh Extended Battery:
Things change quite a bit, as would be expected, with Dell’s Li-ion 2200mAh. Using the exact same method of analysis as before, our final results were a marked improvement: the battery life had more than doubled. 5 hours and 56 minutes to be precise.
To conclude, we feel that Dell’s 2200 mAh Li-ion battery strikes a fine balance between extended battery life and the inevitable increase in size and weight. All things considered, we would certainly recommend its purchase to those looking for greater freedom from power sockets and charger cables, particularly to those that use the Bluetooth and Wireless protocols assiduously. Those that consult their handhelds only occasionally during the day can probably make do without, hence making the most of comfort and portability.
Pros:
– Battery life is more than doubled
Cons:
– A perceptible increase in size and weight.
We’d like to thank Palmtop.it for kindly providing the review items.
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