IBM WorkPad

Last updated
IBM WorkPad
IBM Workpad c3.jpg
WorkPad c3
Type PDA
Release dateJune 1997;26 years ago (1997-06)
Discontinued2002;21 years ago (2002)
Operating system Palm OS 2.0 - 4.1 (PDA)
Windows CE (WorkPad Z50)
CPU Motorola 68328 (16-33 MHz)
Memory2-8 MB

IBM WorkPad was a line of portable devices, produced by Palm Inc. and branded by IBM. [1] This line contained personal digital assistants (PDAs) and one subnotebook model (WorkPad Z50).

Contents

Overview

This line was released in 1997 [2] and discontinued in 2002. [3] [1] After discontinuation of its self-branded line, IBM still offers the main Palm line on its site. [4]

This IBM-branded line of PDAs were rebranded PalmPilots, with only a few software improvements (easy sync for Lotus Notes, DB2 EveryPlace, and IBM Mobile Connect). [5]

Reception

Early WorkPad PDAs were received positively, similar to parallel Palm models; [6] [7] but later this conservative business-oriented line lacked notability, [8] and multimedia options of latest models were described as relatively poor. [9]

Models

WorkPad Z50 - 1999, subnotebook/thin client, powered by Windows CE, equipped with an NEC MIPS processor and with an 8.2" screen. [10]

PDAs

WorkPad 30X IBM WorkPad 8602 30X open.jpg
WorkPad 30X

All WorkPad PDAs have a similar gray-scale screen (with better resolution and contrast for C series, but with same physical size and similar layout); only the c505 model has a color screen. The WorkPad 30X can be upgraded to a Japanese version, using the Open Extension slot. [11] [12]

WorkPad - 1997, rebadged PalmPilot

WorkPad 20X - 1998, rebadged Palm III

WorkPad 30X - 1999, rebadged Palm IIIx

WorkPad 30J - 1999, [13] Japanese version of 30X [14]

WorkPad 31J - 2000, same as 30J, but with PHS broadband module. [12]

WorkPad 31A - 2000, version of 31J with locked phone operator. [12]

C series with new thin, sleek metal case:

WorkPad c3 -1999/2000, rebadged Palm V/Vx; also known as WorkPad 40J and WorkPad 50J.

WorkPad c500 -2001, rebadged Palm m500; also known as WorkPad 60U.

WorkPad c505 -2001, rebadged Palm m505; also known as WorkPad 70J.

Accessories

Most WorkPad PDAs can use the same peripherals as the PalmPilot; for example, the external keyboard available for some models, and most WorkPads can be attached to a cradle for charging or connection to a PC; the WorkPad can be attached to a Palm cradle, and vice versa.

Some WorkPads (and sibling Palm models) can be attached to some ThinkPad laptops, using an Ultrabay cradle; [15] This would be the Palm V, m500, m505, and the WorkPad c500 and c505 models.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal digital assistant</span> Multi-purpose mobile device

A personal digital assistant (PDA), also known as a handheld PC, is a variety mobile device which functions as a personal information manager. PDAs have been mostly displaced by the widespread adoption of highly capable smartphones, in particular those based on iOS and Android, seeing a rapid decline in use after 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PalmPilot</span> Personal Digital Assistant device

The PalmPilot Personal and PalmPilot Professional are the second generation of Palm PDA devices produced by Palm Inc. These devices were launched on March 10, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palm OS</span> Mobile operating system

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">ThinkPad</span> Business computers and tablets series by Lenovo

ThinkPad is a line of business-oriented laptop computers and tablets, the early models of which were designed, developed and marketed by IBM, starting in 1992. In 2005 IBM sold its PC business, including laptops to Lenovo. The Chinese manufacturer further developed the line, and is still selling new models in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IBM ThinkPad 701</span> Subnotebook computer with foldout keyboard

The IBM ThinkPad 701 is a subnotebook in the ThinkPad line by IBM. The 701 is colloquially known as the Butterfly due to its sliding keyboard, which was designed by John Karidis. It was developed from 1993 and sold from March 1995 until later that year and priced between $1,499 and $3,299. The 701 was the most sold laptop in 1995 and has received 27 design awards. It was based on either the DX2 or the DX4 version of the Intel i486, combined with CT-65545 graphics chip from Chips and Technologies. The 701Cs version used a DSTN display, while the 701C used a TFT LCD. It was pre-installed with Windows 3.11 and for the DX4 models also with OS/2 Warp 3.0. The 701 was discontinued because the keyboard design was no longer a necessity after screen sizes increased. After its discontinuation there has been some speculation about a new notebook with a butterfly style keyboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palm Tungsten</span>

The Tungsten series was Palm, Inc.'s line of business-class Palm OS-based PDAs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GEOS (16-bit operating system)</span> Graphical operating system (16-bit)

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Handheld PC</span> Computer that is significantly smaller than a laptop

A handheld personal computer (PC) is a pocket-sized computer typically built around a clamshell form factor and is significantly smaller than any standard laptop computer, but based on the same principles. It is sometimes referred to as a palmtop computer, not to be confused with Palmtop PC which was a name used mainly by Hewlett-Packard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Subnotebook</span> Obsolete term for smaller laptops

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The Palm m500 series of handheld personal digital assistants consisted of three devices: the Palm m500, Palm m505, and Palm m515. The series was a follow-up to the popular Palm V series with a similar, though slightly shorter, footprint and form factor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palm m100 series</span>

The Palm m100 series consists of four Palm OS based personal digital assistants titled m100, m105, m125, and m130. These models were intended to be "entry-level" PDAs, and therefore their cases were built from cheaper materials. Most notably, the covers of the LCD screens and the digitizers were plastic rather than glass, and the screens were smaller than the more expensive Palm devices on sale at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IBM ThinkPad 770</span>

IBM ThinkPad 770 was a laptop designed and manufactured by IBM targeted for the business, enterprise and professional user. It was the last lineup in the ThinkPad 700-series, succeeding the 760 as the high-end laptop of the ThinkPad lineup. The line was produced from October 1997 to October 1999, and eventually replaced by the ThinkPad models 390X and 600X.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palmtop PC</span> 1990s small battery-powered computer

A Palmtop PC was an approximately pocket calculator-sized, battery-powered computer compatible with the IBM Personal Computer in a horizontal clamshell design with integrated keyboard and display. It could be used like a subnotebook, but was light enough to be comfortably used handheld as well. Most Palmtop PCs were small enough to be stored in a user's shirt or jacket pocket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palm Serial</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pocket PC 2000</span> Version of the Windows Mobile operating system

Pocket PC 2000 was the first member of the Windows Mobile family of mobile operating systems that was released on April 19, 2000, and was based on Windows CE 3.0. It is the successor to the operating system aboard Palm-size PCs. Backwards compatibility was retained with such Palm-size PC applications.

Pocket-sized computer describes the post-programmable calculator / pre-smartphone pocket-sized portable-office hardware devices that included the earlier DOS-based palmtops and subsequent Windows-CE handhelds, as well as a few other terms, primarily covering the 1980s through 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IBM Palm Top PC 110</span> Handheld personal computer by IBM

The Palm Top PC 110 is a handheld personal computer that was developed jointly by IBM's Japanese subsidiary and Ricoh. It was released exclusively in Japan in September 1995. It used the Intel 80486SX microprocessor and was available in three different configurations. It used a Japanese keyboard, could be used in a docking station, and had a modem connection. During the development phase, the size was decreased. After the release, it was received positively for the number of features, but negatively for the small keyboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IBM ThinkPad 220</span>

The IBM ThinkPad 220 is a subnotebook from the ThinkPad line by IBM. It was released in Japan only in 1993, and was jointly developed by IBM Japan Yamato Facility and IBM Japan and Ricoh joint project Rios System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IBM WorkPad Z50</span> Handheld PC that was marketed by IBM in 1999

The IBM WorkPad z50 is a handheld PC that was marketed by IBM as part of the IBM WorkPad series. It runs on Windows CE.

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