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Dell May Have Ceased Production of the Axim PDA, But the Continued Availability of Axim PDA Accessories Attests to Its Popularity

There may be hundreds of different PDAs out there, but without a doubt one of the best and most popular was the Dell Axim. Dell may have ceased production of the Axim in September 2007 to focus on smartphones, but the continued wide availability of Axim PDA accessories and software is a testament to its popularity.

Of course, that doesn't mean they'll be available forever. Eventually, the supply of Axim PDA accessories will dry up, so if you have an Axim you would be well served to stock up on whatever accessories you like or anticipate needing while you can. Fortunately, you can still shop for a wide variety of Axim PDA accessories online.

Axim PDA Accessories

One of the reasons for the Axim's popularity is its expandability. The CompactFlash and Secure Digital slots allow a huge variety of Axim PDA accessories to be used, even many that were not created specifically for it. Infrared and Bluetooth capabilities in some of the models allowed even more accessories to be used, even turning your Bluetooth-equipped cell phone into an internet connection for the Axim. Models that do not have built-in Bluetooth can even add it with CompactFlash and Secure Digital adapters.

Going Online With the Axim

It's easy to go online with an Axim. Depending on the connection options available in your model, some of the following may be options you can use:

• CompactFlash and Secure Digital modems such as the Ambicom EZJack allow your Axim to use a wired dial-up connection
• The Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF Card fits into the CompactFlash slot to let you connect to a wired network.
• Socket also makes WiFi cards for the CompactFlash and Secure Digital slots and connect you to a wireless network or WiFi hotspot.
• Infrared or Bluetooth connectivity to a cellular phone.
• CompactFlash GMS/GPRS card from Convergentech, Audiovox and others turn the Axim into a wireless phone with the SIM card from your cell phone.
• Gomadic and SupplyNet manufacture cables that, as a last resort, can connect the Axim to a cellular phone.

External Keyboards

External keyboard Axim PDA accessories come in two flavors: direct connect and wireless. The direct connect keyboards, such as the Belkin Thumb Keyboard have the disadvantage of only working with the model they were made for. Wireless keyboards, especially the increasingly popular Bluetooth keyboards, will work with any model of Axim which supports the wireless connection method.

Using Your Axim as a Camera

Another popular series of Axim PDA accessories are CompactFlash and Secure Digital cameras. Using the screen of the Axim of the viewfinder, you can take low-resolution pictures and video using cameras like the Veo Photo Traveler, the Pretec CompactCamera and the LifeView FlyCAM. The photos can then be sent to the printer over WiFi Bluetooth or infrared, or to your computer next time you sync it up.

There are a wide variety of other Axim PDA accessories available, such as GPS adapters, FM receivers, and even television receivers. These and other accessories will add years of life to the late, lamented Dell Axim.