Dell Axim Revival

Dell is set to reinvigorate its now-dead Axim line in force with a new smart device, according to sources in Taiwan. Local firm Quanta is reportedly being tapped to produce a new handset, nicknamed "Fly," that would bring in both a QWERTY keyboard as well as an HSDPA modem for connecting to the Internet at 3G speeds. Windows Mobile 6 Professional would also be preloaded and give Office Mobile software out of the box. Other specifications weren't yet ready but should be determined soon.

The return of the Axim is seen by Dell as a new key to success, sources said. The sudden renewed interest in cellphones is likely due to the arrival of Ron Garriques, who used to head Motorola's mobile division. The move could intensify competition between Dell and Apple, both of whom will be computer makers branching into the cellphone business.

Dell last introduced an Axim model in 2005 with the X51v, which was a PDA-only device using Windows Mobile 5. Sales of PDAs have slowed dramatically in recent years as smartphones ultimately took over the industry, likely prompting Dell's end to the current Axim range.

By Electronista Staff