PalmPilot

This article is about second-generation Palm PDAs. For other generations, see Palm (PDA).

Palm-Pilot

PalmPilot with stylus
Manufacturer	Palm Inc (then a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics)
Type	Bar PDA
Release date	March 10, 1996 (1996-03-10)
Operating system	Palm OS 2.0
CPU	Motorola 68328 processor at 16 MHz
Memory	512 KB (Personal) or 1024 KB (Professional) built in
Display	160x160 pixel monochrome touchscreen LCD
Sound	Mono loudspeakers
Input	Graffiti input zone
Camera	None
Connectivity	Palm Desktop software through RS-232
Power	2x AAA Batteries
Dimensions	4.7 x 3.1 x .7 inches
Mass	5.6 oz (160 g)
Related	Palm (PDA)

The PalmPilot Personal and PalmPilot Professional are the second generation of Palm PDA devices produced by Palm Inc (then a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics, later 3Com). These devices were launched on March 10, 1996.

Accessories and pricing

Palm also sold the 10201U modem at 14.4 kbit/s, introduced at a price of $129 (this modem is also compatible with the Palm III and Palm IIIx devices). An upgrade kit was also available, which allowed users of the earlier Pilot 1000/5000 devices to upgrade the OS, ROM, and RAM to match the PalmPilot Professional. Initially suggested retail prices upon launch were $399 for the PalmPilot Professional (1 MB), $299 for the PalmPilot Personal (512 KB), and $199 for the Upgrade Kit. Upgrade kits were also available to existing registered Pilot users for $99 for a limited time after the launch. These kits included IR capability, a new plastic memory door to accommodate the IR diodes, a memory card with 1 MB, the new ROM for Palm OS 2.0, and a CD-ROM with updated desktop software.

Reception

The PalmPilot became a large success and helped Palm further establish itself as the leader in the growing PDA/handheld PC market.^[1] PalmPilot had reportedly sold over 1 million units by 1998.^[2]

It was succeeded by Palm III in 1998.

Notable uses

IMAX used the PalmPilot for its Quick Turn Reel Units, which are used to screen feature films in 70mm.^[3] This usage of the PalmPilot has now been replaced by a PalmPilot emulator.

See also

• Apple Newton
• Tandy Zoomer
• iPAQ
• Jornada (PDA)

References

1. "Palmpilot's Reward For Success: Competition From Microsoft -- Fight For Hand-Held Computer Market Is About To Erupt". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
2. "12: 3Com Corp". PC Magazine. Vol. 17, no. 16. Ziff Davis. September 22, 1998. p. 106.
3. For ‘Oppenheimer’ 70mm Print, Imax Needed to Write Software to Emulate a 2002 PalmPilot Device to Control Massive Film Platters

External links

• U.S. Robotics Announces Two New Models of the Best Selling Pilot Connected Organizer - Press Release, March 10, 1997.