Dell Axim X5 and Xscale vs ARM questions

[Goosey]

Ok, first I will say I don't currently own a ppc, but I have become fascinated by them. Right now I am lobbying strongly to get what appears to be the best ppc value (dell axim x5) from my loving parents.

I am extreemly interested in ppc gaming, but I have been dissapointed by the fact that there is very little discussion/reviews dealing with gaming that talks about the Xscale processor (and none dealing with the axim x5).

First I ask if anyone has an Axim X5 and what their opinions are on it concerning gaming?

Second- What is the deal with an Xscale processor. I know that mhz is not the only measure of a processor's power, and that Xscale is a fancy name for intel's new StrongARM processor with power-saving features... But it seems to me that most people playing aroudn with the new 400mhz Xscale ppc's are getting WORSE performance then people with 206mhz strongARM processors?

I have been working hard for the last 2 weeks to plant the image of the dell Axim X5 in my parent's subconcious... And since game performance is my top priority.. If Arm processors really are better for this then I should start reprogramming them immediately :O

Im just very concerned with my PPC's power... So I wonder if mabey Xscale processors are just giving worse performance on some games (snails for example)? Or if it is just that no current programs are optimized for the Xscale? Intel put in a number of gaming procedures.. so perhaps future games may have a chance to take advantage of these and be the best performers yet!

And what about that ATI chip? I am sure no current games are optimized to use that, but it offers big windows for upcomming games, don't you think?

So is it correct to say this: Axim's (with Xscale/ATI chip) actually give worse performance for current, unoptomized games? But as new games which do optimize for these features come out, it will show it's true power? I meen by including a graphics chip and a processor with commands designed for games, it seems like Dell (and the new ipaq) are really setting the stage for a great gaming platform!

Is it worth suffering through lower framerates in curret games to reap benefits of future games?

PS- I know I posted this in developer's general forum.. and I apologize for the double posting. I actually meant for it to go here (accidently put it there..) Then I decided I would go ahead and keep it posted in both spots, because its a very critical issue for me :O And I assume it is also for anyone else considering a new Xscale PPC. So sorry ;o

[James S]

The AXIM does not have an ATI chip. The Toshiba e740 is the device that comes with the ATI Imageon1000 chip, which, with the latest ROM update, increases the speed of the device to almost second place in PocketQuake benchmarks.

On average, the XScale 400MHz processor is 10% faster than StrongARM. Some games run noticeably faster, such as Snails, Lemonade Inc., and Argentum. The OS runs faster, and so does PocketDivX which plays much higher quality videos and MP3s without slowdown.
But there's no point in worry about the StrongARM being faster because there aren't any StrongARM processors anymore. Plus the XScale, on average being faster anyway, provides 4 times the battery life of StrongARM with average usage.

If you want the absolutely BEST PocketPC then check out the Asus Razor Zayo. It runs EVERYTHING, ATLEAST 20% faster than 206MHz StrongARM. For comparison, the iPaq H3955 gets 7.9FPS on PocketQuake, the Zayo gets 10.3FPS, second to Toshiba e740 which gets 8.6FPS (with new ATI ROM update).

Go with the Dell, It's the best there is right now and at that price it's incredible.

PS- I know I posted this in developer's general forum.. and I apologize for the double posting. I actually meant for it to go here (accidently put it there..)

[(TSC)Bender]

The Axim has the ATI chip? If it has that Imageon chip, you can notice AMAZINGLY improved speed in PocketDivx and PocketTV (video players). Games aren't optimized for the chip and probably never will be for a long while, so you will have to endure slower framerates in games than any other ARM/Xscale ppc on the market (e740).

I hear the Dell doesn't have this chip and is actually one of the faster Xscales.

As for ARM vs Xscale, definitely get an Xscale. Some games (Snails, Argentum, etc.) are actually noticiably faster on Xscale processors. ARM may be faster in some apps, it is not very noticible (around 3 fps drops). Some Xscales even perform faster than ARM because of their increased RAM speed and specially designed motherboard (Razor Zayo forever! ) The Xscale also has improved battery life, which is VERY important for PDA's. Have fun with your Dell

[jaxdcam]

[James S]

[damian]

And by the way, the Dell isn't out yet so that's why you're not seeing any reviews.

Hmm... I wonder if it's worth it getting the 300 MHz version. What if it ends up being drastically slower than an ARM?

[eminefes]

[Annoying Snails Master]

[Goosey]

[(TSC)Bender]

[eminefes]

[damian]

[Loox who's here]

I hear that the axim crashes and it is made out of horrible pieces you just want them because you cant afford a good pocket pc i would also say that it takes a month for it to ship and it is as ugly as a sock. Why because my friend ordered one and still hasent gotten it.


Dell is cheap

[damian]

Of course he still hasn't gotten it... the Dell will officially ship December 17. Which, by the way, means that everything you just said about it is a rumor except how it looks.

It was displayed at Comdex; however, AFAIK those who saw it liked it.

Just because the Dell's inexpensive doesn't mean it'll suck. Remember, they're not doing this to make a profit on the PPC's themselves.

Time will tell whether the Dell will be good; however I can't find any reasons as to why it won't.

[kloan]