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List of Palmtop, Pen and Small Computers

A table of older palmtop computers, mostly pre 1997.

Summary of palmtop, pen and similar small computers. There are links to reviews of ones I've used.

3Com Palm Pilot
(formerly US Robotics)
Weight:
162 grams (5.7 ounces)
Size:
12 8.1 x 1.8 cm (4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches)
CPU:
Motorola 68328 Dragonball
Display:
160 x 160 (2.3 x 2.3 inches)
Keyboard:
Uses Grafitti hand writing recognition. No keyboard.
Batteries:
2 x AAA
Memory:
512kb, 128k and 512k ram models, upgrade to 1 MB ram. Palm III has 2MB (more recent models 8MB and 16MB).
Software:
Small, fast operating systems supports a PIM with data book, address list, memo pad (4k max), to-do list. Very good within strict limits. Can "find" information in any application (like Newton). Comes with MS Windows version of Pilot applications, designed to "hot synch" data.
I/O:
Custom RS232 serial connector (included, with MS Windows support)
PC Card:
None
Price:
US$300 approx
Optional Extras:
Cradle for connecting to PC.
Comments
Various models, with more memory, backlight. Palm Pro, Palm III If you really want to know what a device lacks, check the most popular programs for that model. Actioneer helps decide if input should be a memo, appointment or to-do. Avantgo is an off line web browser. Backupbuddy backs up third party applications not handled by the standard HotSync. Expenzpro does expenses. Flashbuilder taps into flash memory on upgraded memory Palm systems. Intellisync connects to a wider variety of PIMs than standard. Jot replaces the Graffiti character recognition. Jfile does custom databases. MemoPlus lets you add drawings to memos. Communicator supports POP3 email (the Palm email applet can't dial an ISP). QED handles memos larger than the 4k limit. Includes inport export for CSV, tab delimited and text. The Palm V had a non-replaceable rechargeable battery.

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Acorn Pocket Book II
Rebadged Psion 3a, with password, for schools.
Address:
Acorn Computers Australia PL, Unit 7, 190 George St, Parramatta, NSW 2150

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Amstrad PDA-600 Pen Pad(1993)
Address:
Amstrad P/L, The Lakes Business Park, 11-13 Lord Street, Botany, NSW 2019
Weight:
400 grams (14 ounces, 0.87 pound)
Size:
115mm x 160mm x 27mm (6.3" x 4.3" x 1.0")
CPU:
Three Zilog Z8S180 @ 14.3 Mz.
Display:
Kyocera 240 x 320 pixels 70mm x 93mm (3.5" x 2.75") reflective LCD.
Keyboard:
Border and pressure sensitive screen pen input, three pens. Letter based printed handwriting recognition.
Batteries:
3 x AA 40 hour life stated, 2 year lithium backup
Memory:
128Kb static expandable to 2 MB plus 32Kb display + 32Kb recogniser
Software:
Address list, telephone list, diary, time manager, todo list, note-taker, world time, multiple alarms, calculator, calendar, OS by the Eden Group.
I/O:
Mini serial RS232, Speaker, RTC
PC Card:
Type 1 PCMCIA card slot
Price:
US$500, list US$399 (1995), sale 1996 for $99 at Direct Mobile.
Optional Extras:
PC-Organiser for Windows, Forms Software, memory. Probably the first PDA on the market.

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Atari Portfolio
Size:
7.8" x 4" x 0.6" (200mm x 105mm x 29mm)
CPU:
8088 variation
Display:
40 character by 8 line non-backlit LCD, do a virtual 80 x 24. 1.8" x 4.5" area.
Keyboard:
Qwerty, embedded numerics. 63 keys.
Batteries:
3 x AA, plus backup battery, up to 40 hours.
Memory:
128K RAM, expandable to 512K, 256K ROM.
Software:
DIP (UK) O/S (similar to MS-DOS), hotkeys to applications. Address book, calculator, scheduler, spreadsheet (subset 123 reads writes WKS files)
I/O:
Optional extra serial and parallel cables. PC card drive, memory expander, 64k and 128k RAM drives. Speaker for autodialling and alarms.
PC Card:
Non standard cards in 32k, 64k, 128k
Price:
US$300
Optional Extras:
Third party 20MB hard drive. AC adaptor. Carry Bag. File Manager. Financial Calculator. DOS Utilities.
Comments
Seen in the movie Terminator Two.
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Apple Newton MessagePad 120 Pen Computer
Address:
Apple Computer, 1 Infinity Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 (408)996-1010 Fax (408)974-6412
CPU:
20 MHz ARM610 RISC CPU
Display:
LCD display is 320 by 240 pixels (the original was 336 by 240).
Display quality has changed. 100 had a Sharp display, 110 an Epson. I don't know the maker of the 120 display.
Keyboard:
Pen handwriter recognition
Batteries:
Four AA batteries (originally 4 AAA).
Memory:
4 MB ROM with Newton OS1.3 including a 13,000 word dictionary (up from 10,000 originally). Version 2 of the OS appeared in November 1995, and is much improved. I understand it can be retrofitted to 120 models.
Software:
Name and Date, Notions 1.1, a PIM and (naturally) handwriting recognition. The handwriting recognition now supports deferred recognition. Pocket Quicken is included.
I/O:
Speaker, Infra Red, 8 pin DIN RS422 230k bps Appletalk.
PC Card:
One Type 2 PC Card slot able to provide 335 mA (110 mA originally) to improve compatibility with high drain I/O cards. Support seems to cover static ram memory, but not flash memory. Reports are that 20 MB Epsom flash card, and a SunDisk 1.8 MB flash card failed to work. PC Card modems require additional software, such as the ModemEnabler package.
Price:
US$699 package including an external 2400/9600 fax modem.
Optional Extras:
PCMCIA 1 MB SRAM, 2 MB Flash cards, AC adaptor, rechargeable battery pack, recharger, connection kit (cable and software) for Mac or Windows, Pro connection kit includes conversion software, carry cases.
Comments
Apple's Newton technology is one of the very few PDA systems to have been through a process of continual updating. Battery life has improved, memory increased considerably, and the writing surface of the display improved. Longer article on the earlier Newton Message Pad 110 is available at this site.

Several other Newton technology products exist. The Sharp Newton Expert Pad appears similar to the original Apple Newton Message Pad 100. The Motorola Marco Communicator has 5MB ROM (up 1 MB), and a different size (7.5" x 5.8" x 1.4", 1.8 pound weight), and uses the VLSI version of the ARM RISC CPU. Price is US$900 - $1400.

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Bicom B260i (1992)
Address:
ABC Computer, 2531 237th Street, Suite 122, Torrence, CA 90505 USA 1-800-336-2280 Fax 310-325-6369 (Byte advert)
Weight:
2.2 pound
Size:
8.78" x 6.36" x 1.22"
CPU:
AMD 80286LX 16MHz
Display:
640 x 400 double scan
Keyboard:
64 key
Batteries:
5 AA NiMH, 4 hour operation (actually, far less)
Memory:
2 MB RAM, 60 MB hard drive
Software:
DR-Dos 6.0, file transfer software and cable, PIM, power management
I/O:
Serial, parallel, FDD port
PC Card:
PCMCIA 2.0
Price:
US$1250
Optional Extras:
includes file transfer cable, AC adaptor, optional floppy drive
Comments
I had a loan of one for a few weeks. The external FDD never did work. The battery life could be measured almost in minutes. It was worse than many laptops.

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Casio Z-7000, Tandy Z-PDA Zoomer
Weight:
16 ounces.
Size:
6.8" x 4.2" x 1"
CPU:
x86 7.5MHz.
Display:
Casio 320 x 256 pixel, 3.13" x 4".
Keyboard:
Palm Computing recogniser.
Batteries:
3 AA alkaline, up to 90 hours claimed, 2 CR2032 backups.
Memory:
4 MB ROM, 1MB RAM (384 for user).
Software:
Geos Geoworks OS, games, diary, clock, world clock, alarm, address book, INK scratchpad, graphics, to-d0, calculator, conversions, spelling checker, 26 language translator, Pocket Quicken.
I/O:
RS232 serial, 9600 baud Casio Infra Red Tx/Rx, DAC, headphone jack.
PC Card:
Price:
US$400
Optional Extras:
External fax/modem,
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Cassiopeia Palm PC E-10
Weight:
0.3 pound
Size:
palmtop pen 4.9" x 3.8" x 0.8"
CPU:
Display:
240 x 320 LCD
Keyboard:
none
Batteries:
Memory:
4 MB
Software:
Windows CE
I/O:
Voice recorder
PC Card:
Price:
US$299 Oct 1998
Optional Extras:

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Compaq PC Companion 2015C
CPU:
75MH RISC
Display:
640 x 240 LCD colour
Memory:
16MB
Software:
Windows CE 2.0, Microsoft Pocket versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer
I/O:
33.6K modem
PC Card:
Price:
Oct 1998 US$599
Optional Extras:

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Companion PC
(Phoenix, Lotus, Microsoft, Chips and Technology) 1992
Weight:
Less than 2 pound
Size:
less than 10" x 6"
CPU:
Chips and Technology
Display:
CGA LCD
Keyboard:
Batteries:
AA
Memory:
at least 1 MB RAM
Software:
Lotus Works, embedded PIM
Price:
about US$600 aimed at
Optional Extras:
Bugs:
Was probably never sold.

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EO Personal Communicator EO880
Weight:
EO440 1 kg 2.2 pound, EO880 1.8 kg 4 pound
Size:
EO440 11" x 7" x 1", EO880 13" x 9" x 1"
CPU:
ATT Hobbitt RISC chip, EO440 claims 13MIPs, EO880 claims 20MIPs
Display:
640 x 480 110dpi 5.9" x 4.3" (EO440) 85dpi 7.6" x 5.7" (EO880)
Keyboard:
Batteries:
6v NiCd 4 to 7 hours, cellular only on standby 30 hours, 90 minute recharge
Memory:
4MB or 8MB
Software:
GO Penpoint OS, fax, mail, MiniNote, Pensoft Personal Perspective (address book, calendar, to-do, notetaker), Sitka PenTops PenCentral file transfer and network software, EO Phone, EO Sound, EO Calc, and EO Lock (security software)
I/O:
Serial port with cable, parallel port, PS/2 keyboard port, VGA and SCSI-II ports on EO880, 20MB and 64MB hard drives optional, cellular phone (OKI910 innards), floppy drive, seven hour battery pack. Datacom port for cellular phones can wake up the EO. Built in microphone and tiny speaker for voice annotation (not connected to phone circuitry)
PC Card:
Type 2 PCMCIA (1 on EO440, 2 in EO880
Price:
US$3300 (1992)
Optional Extras:

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Everex A-10 handheld PC
Weight:
0.3 pound
Size:
handheld pen 4.8" x 3.2" x 0.7"
CPU:
NEC VR4102 oe 4111 54MHz or 66MHz
Display:
240 x 320 LCD backlite
Keyboard:
none
Batteries:
Memory:
4 MB (A-15 8 MB, A-20 8 MB)
Software:
Windows CE
I/O:
IrDA, voice recorder
Price:
Oct 1998 US$299, A-15 US$399 (8MB with cradle), A-20 US$499 (add modem)
Optional Extras:

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Franklin REX Credit card sized organiser viewer
Address:
Franklin Electronic Publisher Burlington NJ (800) 266 5626 www.franklin.com
Weight:
1.4 ounces
Size:
2.1 x 3.5 x 0.25 inches
CPU:
Display:
monochrome 160 x 98 picel LCD
Keyboard:
5 touch pads
Batteries:
2 @ CR-2025 lithium ion
Memory:
64k-256k
Software:
Modified Starfisk Sidekick 97 PIM
I/O:
Type II PCMCIA interface
PC Card:
Type II PCMCIA (the Rex is built into the card)
Price:
US$130-$180
Optional Extras:
Starfish TrueSync data transfer utility

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Fujitsu Poqet PC
(Fujitsu bought The Poqet PC Corp)
Weight:
19 ounces
Size:
8.8" x 4.3" x 1"
CPU:
80C88 @ 7 MHz, Landmark2 speed 3Mhz
Display:
640 x 200 LCD
Keyboard:
77 key qwerty
Batteries:
2 AA alkalines, claims 100 hours. No backup listed.
Memory:
512k static RAM, 640kROM
Software:
MSDos 3.31, PoqetLink file transfer via custom cable and connector.
I/O:
Serial included
PC Card:
Non standard 64k to 1MB cards. ROM card based software available.
Price:
US$1450 (sales at US$189)
Optional Extras:
Serial modem cable, parallel printer cable, external floppy disk drive.
Comments
As far as I know, this was the first palmtop style computer to appear. It is probably responsible for the appearance of the Sharp PC3000 and the Olivetti Quaderno.

There was a Poqet web site at http://www.best.com/~bmason/PoqetPC/ and this includes parts of the Poqet Technical Developers manual.

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Fujitsu Stylistic 500
Weight:
2.6 pounds
Size:
CPU:
Intel 486DX2 50MHz
Display:
8" backlit LCD
Keyboard:
Batteries:
"Standard" Lithium Ion (whatever that means)
Software:
Runs MS-Dos and Pen for Windows.

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Gateway 2000
Size:
5.9" x 9.8" x 1.4"
CPU:
Chips and Technology PC/Chip
Display:
Backlit double scan CGA LCD 640 x 200
Keyboard:
78 key
Batteries:
4 hours claimed
Memory:
3 MB RAM, 40 MB hard drive
Software:
MS-DOS
I/O:
Optional external floppy drive
Price:
US$1295 (no longer sold)
Optional Extras:

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Hewlett Packard 660LX
Windows CE 2.0
Weight:
20 ounces
Size:
7.8" x 4.1" x 1.4"
CPU:
75MHz RISC
Display:
640 x 240 LCD 256 colour
Keyboard:
Batteries:
Custom rechargeable Lithium ion
Memory:
32MB
Software:
Windows CE 2.0, Microsoft Pocket versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, task list, calendar, contact manager, bFax, voice recorder.
PC Card:
Type II
Price:
Oct 1998 US$769, 620LX US$699, 360LX US$499, 320LX US$299
Optional Extras:
External 56Kbps fax modem

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Hewlett Packard Jornada HPC
Microsoft Windows CE system
Weight:
2.5 pounds
Size:
small notebook, not palmtop
CPU:
190 MHz RISC StrongArm
Display:
8.2 inch VGA CSTN
Keyboard:
almost full size
Batteries:
Memory:
16 MB
Software:
Windows CE v2 H/PC, MS Pocket versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
I/O:
Inbuilt 56k modem
Price:
US999 (Oct 1998)

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Hewlett Packard LX200
MS-DOS handheld
Weight:
312g including batteries
Size:
160 x 86.4 x 25.4mm
CPU:
80C186 7.91MHz
Display:
CGA FTN LCD 640 x 200 pixels with zoom option
Keyboard:
Qwerty with numeric keypad, 10 function keys, 8 application keys
Batteries:
2 AA alkaline or rechargeable, 1 CR2032 backup
Memory:
3MB ROM, 2 MB RAM (1MB, 4 MB models also available)
Software
MS-DOS, PIM addressbook, financial calculator, Lotus 123
Comments
Derived from the 1991 HP95LX, and later HP100LX.

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Hewlett Packard OmniGo 100
Size:
153mm x 94mm x 23mm
CPU:
80C86 equivalent 15 MHz
Display:
240 by 240 passive LCD, pen sensitive.
Keyboard:
68 keys, 5 function keys, 12 pressure sensitive around display.
Batteries:
2 AA alkalines, 1 Lithium backup
Memory:
1 MB RAM, 3 MB ROM
Software:
Geos
I/O:
10 pin Dual 2mm serial port
PC Card:
PCMCIA card (SRAM)
Price:
A$484 (on special 1995)
Optional Extras:
Connectivity kit (cable, software A$180)
Review of OmniGo 100

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Hewlett Packard Omnigo 700
Totally misnamed. It is a 200LX, with a heavily modified case, with a moulding to accept a Nokia 2110 GSM (Europe) cellular phone. Unlikely to be sold in the USA. Seems otherwise standard, except for fax software and maybe modifications to cc:Mail for mobile use, and maybe autodial on the GSM phone from the phone book application.

There used to be a picture at www.cis.ohio-state.edu/~jbearden/geos/omnigo7.html

Weight:
exceeds 312g including batteries
Size:
larger than 160 x 86.4 x 25.4mm
CPU:
80C186 7.91MHz
Display:
CGA FTN LCD 640 x 200 pixels with zoom option
Keyboard:
Qwerty with numeric keypad, 10 function keys, 8 application keys
Batteries:
2 AA alkaline or recharageable, 1 CR2032 backup
Memory:
3MB ROM, 2 MB RAM (1MB model also available)
Software:
MS-Dos 5, Pocket Quicken, Lotus 123 2.4 spreadsheet, Laplink Remote, cc:Mail Remote, data communications, appointment book, phone book, HP financial calculator, memo editor with outliner, notetaker, database, filer, world time and stopwatch, application manager. system macros, setup, Printer support for HP Laser Jet, Epson EX-80, IBM ProPrinter
I/O:
9 wire serial interface, IR transmitter receiver up to 115k bps
PC Card:
1 PCMCIA v 2.0 slot
Price:
Optional Extras:
HP F1021B connectivity pack for serial file transfer, optional HP1011A universal AC adaptor. Optional NiCd AA cells.

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Lexbook MB15
Was this an IBM rebadge?
Size:
large palmtop
CPU:
Chips and Technology F8680 10MHz
Display:
640 x 480 8.4" LCD
Keyboard:
Yes
Batteries:
AA 10 hours
Software:
MS-DOS

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Lexicomp LC8620
(May 1995)
Address:
Abstract RandD Inc, 120 Village Square #37, Orinda, CA 94563 USA
(510)253-9588, fax (510)253-9511
Weight:
765g with batteries (1.69 pounds)
Size:
9.1" x 4.8" x 1.4"
CPU:
Chips and Technology F8680 7MHz/14MHz
Display:
640 x 200 pixel CGA LCD
Keyboard:
78 key Qwerty, standard function and cursor keys.
Batteries:
3 @ AA NiMH rechargeable, recharges in computer, 110v AC adaptor, backup by SuperCap, auto suspend and resume, up to 25 hours claimed (much less with hard drive).
Memory:
2 MB RAM, EMM support, 1 MB DIP VAR/OEM EPROM
Hewlett Packard 40 MB KittyHawk 1.3" IDE hard drive.
Software:
MS-Dos 5 kernel, Interlink, SuperStore, plus MS Works (some models).
I/O:
Standard 9 pin RS232 serial port (Interlnk cable included).
Standard 25 pin parallel printer port (Interlnk cable included)
Internal 9600/2400 fax/modem, with RJ11 port.
PC Card:
Type II PCMCIA card slot.
Price:
US$600
Optional Extras:
Nylon carry case, with strap US$9
Review of Lexicomp
Comments:
I've had good use from this 1995 model for a while now. Lexicomp LC8620 report on this site.

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LG Phenom
LG no longer make them
Address:
www.lgphenom.com
Weight:
2 pound
Size:
4.8" x 9.8" x 1.3"
CPU:
100MHz RISC SH3?
Display:
640 x 240 LCD 256 colours 8.1" diagonal 0.3mm dot pitch
Keyboard:
17mm key spacing, 8 launch keys, 2 user keys
Batteries:
rechargeable lithium ion
Memory:
16 MB or 32 MB
Software:
Windows CE 2.0, Microsoft Pocket versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint Viewer, Outlook, Finance, Internet Explorer, Voice Recorder
I/O:
56k modem, pen input,
PC Card:
Type II PC Cards, and Compact Flash
Price:
Oct 1998 US$799
Optional Extras:

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Microwriter Agenda
(1992)
Address:
Microwriter Ltd, 2 Wandle Way, Mitcham, Surrey CR49AR GB
081-6850300 fax 081-6408813
Weight:
275g including rechargeable battery
Size:
175 x 85 x 20mm
CPU:
Hitachi 6303 4.9MHz
Display:
20 character by 4 lines
Keyboard:
28 key alpha order plus numeric, plus 21 application keys.
The most interesting aspect of this underpowered design is the Microwriter keyboard. This is a 5 key (plus shift) chorded keyboard for one handed blind typing operation.
Batteries:
Custom NiCd, optional adaptor for disposable 9v battery available.
Memory:
32k ram expandable to 128k. Removeable custom ram storage cards with lithium backup.
Software:
AgendA database, organiser, word processor, communications. calculator, todo, alarm clock.
PC Card:
Uses custom cards.
Price:
E199
Optional Extras:
32k backup cards, parallel or serial cables, battery adaptor, spreadsheet card, finance and maths card, English to French, English to German translator. ABC programming language.

More material by me about the Agenda keyboard on Microwriter

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Mitac 1600AA
(1993)
Weight:
1 pound 4 ounces
Size:
9.2" x 4.6" x 1.1"
CPU:
Chips and Technology 8680 CPU @ 7MHz, Landmark 2 speed 10MHz
Display:
640 x 200 LCD 6.8" x 2.75"
Keyboard:
Qwerty 78 key.
Batteries:
4 AAA, 8 hour life quoted. Backup battery.
Memory:
2 MB ROM, 1 MB RAM
Software:
Organiser loads as a Dos Shell on startup, MS-Dos 5 in ROM, PCLink, MS-Works 2 in ROM.
I/O:
Non-standard serial and parallel, proprietary expansion port.
PC Card:
PCMCIA cards have to be installed upside down. I think this is a bug. 2 @ PCMCIA slots
Price:
E399
Optional Extras:
Parallel printer cable, serial printer cable.

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Olivetti Quaderno
Weight:
2 pound 5 ounces
Size:
8.2" x 5.8" x 1.2"
CPU:
NEC V30 @ 16MHz, Landmark 2 speed 11MHz.
Display:
640 x 400 LCD 5.4" x 4"
Keyboard:
Qwerty 93 key
Batteries:
6 x AA NiCd, claimed 2-4 hours life. Backup battery.
Memory:
640k RAM, 128k ROM, 20MB hard drive.
Software:
MS-Dos 5, Personal Assistant
I/O:
Non standard serial and parallel, plus proprietary expansion.
PC Card:
1 PCMCIA slot.
Price:
E600
Optional Extras:
Serial cable, parallel cable.
Comments:
Comparing palmtop computers with sf author at a Perth convention, the first thing he asked was whether my Sharp PC3100 cables would fit his Olivetti. Users know that these non standard connectors are a pain, and the only people to gain from them are the makers of custom cables.

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Panasonic hand held computer
1982 vintage, one of the earliest I know of.
Weight:
397g
Size:
227 x 95 x 30mm
CPU:
6502 @ 1 MHz
Display:
Small LCD
Keyboard:
Chicklet or worse
Batteries:
NiCd with backup.
Memory:
2k or 4k RAM, 16k ROM, up to 4 program capsules of 64k.
Software:
Calculator, file system, editor, etc.
Optional Extras:
Bus expander, thermal printer, cassette interface, colour tv interface.

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Philips HC-101 Handy PC
Computer Organiser (see also Zeos Pocket PC)
Address:
Philips, A/P Regional Sales Office Information Products, 69, Sec 3, Min Sheng E. Rd. Taipei, Taiwan, ROC 886-2-5005498 Fax 886-2-5005985
Weight:
600 gram (1.3 pound) including batteries.
Size:
245mm x 115mm x 25mm
CPU:
V30HL
Display:
640 x 200 pixel 16 grey level LCD emulates CGA on 183mm x 72mm
Keyboard:
81 key Qwerty
Batteries:
2 AA stated life 10 hours, 1 Lithium backup.
Memory:
1.5 MB ROM, 1 MB RAM
Software:
MS-DOS compatible palmtop computer includes MS-DOS 5 and Microsoft Works in 1.5MB ROM, plus a PIM utility with calendar, calculator, phone book, and planner.
I/O:Serial (RS232) port, parallel port (non-standard connectors,
requires special cables).
PC Card:
Two Type 1 PCMCIA card slots.
Price:
Said to be A$995
Optional extras:
DC 9v AC adaptor, Pocket modem, Radio modem, IC memory card, IC card drive (internal, for ISA computer), IC card drive (external)

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Philips Nino 320
Nice early Windows CE. Philips gave them up.
Size:
Handheld pen organiser
CPU:
75 MHz RISC Philips R3910
Display:
Keyboard:
None, pen input
Memory:
8 MB
Software:
Windows CE, calendar, contacts, email, tasks, MS Pocket Outlook
I/O:
IrDA, 19.2kbps software modem
Price:
US$499 Oct 1998
Optional Extras:

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Philips Velo 500
Windows CE 2.0
Weight:
15 oz
CPU:
75MHz MIPS 31700 RISC
Display:
640 x 240 LCD 16 grey scale backlite
Keyboard:
None
Batteries:
Memory:
16MB or 24MB
Software:
Windows CE 2.0, Microsoft Pocket versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer
Price:
Oct 1998 16MB US$499, 24MB US$559
Extras:
Velo Dock, NiMH battery pack, AC Adaptor and phone cable.

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Psion 3 series
See my Epoc pages.
Address:
Weight:
275g
Size:
165 x 85 x 22mm (6.5" x 3.3" x 0.9")
CPU:
NEC V30H (80C86 compatible)
Display:
480 x 160 pixels (up to 80 x 25 text)
Keyboard:
58 key qwerty, plus 8 application buttons.
Batteries:
2 x AA, Lithium 1620 backup.
Memory:
1 mb ROM, 256k, 512k, 1mb, 2mb models
Software:
Excellent internal software, with on screen bold and underline fonts in multiple sizes. Spreadsheet with WK1 and WKS files, multiple graphs. Good outline editor with printer drivers, MS Word RTF compatible. Time and personal management, database up to 4k per record, 50 function calculator, world time and dialing information. OPL/w graphics programming language. Custom OS is multitasking (only palmtop to provide this).

Optional extra software: Berlitz language, Banker, Money, Finance, Spelling checker and thesaurus, chess, games, wine guide, baseball, 3D flight, diet, etc. Lots of software available, often pricy.

I/O:
DTMF dialer and speaker, non standard comms port, microphone.
PC Card:
2 slots for custom memory cards only.
Price:
US$390 (512k), A$899 (2mb) (1996)
Optional Extras:
solid state disks (not PCMCIA) 128k to 8MB, serial links (US$76), parallel printer link (US$38), serial printer link, modem adaptor, AC adaptor, fax modem. bar code reader, coloured shells, desk stand, books, radio fax modem adaptor, PsiWin connectivity.

Link to Psion 3a review on this site.

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Sharp PC-3100
MS-DOS and PIM in ROM
Address:
Sharp Corp, Osaka, Japan
Weight:
480g (approx 1 pound)
Size:
222 x 112 x 25.4mm (8.8" x 4.4" x 1.0")
CPU:
80C88A 10 Mhz (5 MHz selectable also)
Display:
640 x 200 pixel CGA LCD
Keyboard:
77 key Qwerty. Keyboard is excellent.
Batteries:
3 x AA, lithium backup,
Memory:
1 MB ROM, 2 MB Pseudo static RAM, 128kB video and special static RAM
Software:
PIM includes editor, address book, calulator, clock, scheduler, spreadsheet, to-do list, file manager, MS-DOS 3.3 in ROM
I/O:
Serial RS232C, parallel, expansion bus for 3.5" floppy disk drive. None with standard connectors.
PC Card:
2 PCMCIA 1.0
Price:
A$1399 (1992?)
Optional Extras:
Serial cable adaptor, parallel cable adaptor, floppy disk drive unit (nominally battery powered, but you'd want to own a battery factory), (expensive) AC adaptor.

Review of Sharp PC3100

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Sharp PT-9000
Weight:
13.6 ounces
Size:
6.7" x 3.9" x 1"
CPU:
16 bit custom
Display:
Sharp 320 x 240 pixel DFSTN LCD 4.0" x 2.6"
Keyboard:
Integrated into display
Batteries:
2 AA alkaline up to 60 hour life, CR2032 backup.
Memory:
1 MB (750k user)
Software:
Sharp Synergy OS, pen recognition.
I/O:
ASK and IrDA TxRx Infra Red, 15 pin custom PC Link.
PC Card:
1 5mm slot.
Price:
US$750, extra $100 with modem.

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Sharp Mobilon HC4600
Size:
palmtop
Display:
640 x 200 colour backlit
Memory:
16 MB
Software:
Windows CE
I/O:
33.6k Fax modem
Price:
Oct 1998 US$749, HC-4100 US$479, HC4500r US$499

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Sony PIC-1000 Magic Link
Weight:
1.2 pound
Size:
7.75" x 5.5" x 1.5"
CPU:
Motorola Dragon 68349 16MHz
Display:
Touch sensitive 420 x 380 pixel LCD for finger or stylus. 4.5" x 3". From Seiko-Epson?
Keyboard:
Optional extra. Large "touch screen" keyboard on LCD. Uses Palm Graffiti.
Batteries:
Sony NP500 Lithium Ion US$69.95, alkaline and recharageable support. Came with 6 x AAA alkaline batteries, battery holder, universal AC adaptor, DL123A 3v Lithium backup battery. 5 hours on rechargeables, 12 alkalines.
Memory:
1 MB RAM
Software:
Magic Cap, ATT Personalink ready, America Online ready, Name card file, Datebook, Notebook, Graphics Animation, Voice Stamp, Pocket Quicken with Smart Wallet, PenCell spreadsheet, Spell Finder, Calculator, Remote Commander for Sony AV, Phone control, Klondike and Mindbender games.
I/O:
Internal 2400/9600 fax modem, phone link connector, speaker and microphone, IR beam communication, serial port 14 pin MagicBus.
PC Card:
1 PCMCIA type 2.0 slot.
Price:
US$899.95 at Frys late 1994
Optional Extras:
Keyboard (US$119), phone headset (US$69), but includes stylus, carry case and phone cable.
Comments:
Software and hardware appear identical to Motorola Envoy Communicator.

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Spectrum P2000 Palmtop
(1993) (See also Zeos Pocket PC)
Address:
Spectrum Communications, 1A Churchill Grove, Hawthorn Vic 3122 (03)8183282 Fax(03)8192073
Weight:
600 grams
Size:
245mm x 115mm x 25mm
CPU:
V30HL @ 7.15 MHz, Landmark 2 speed 5MHz.
Display:
640 x 200 pixels 16 grey levels CGA emulation 183mm x 72mm
Keyboard:
Qwerty 81 key
Batteries:
2 AA, Lithium backup
Memory:
1.5 MB ROM, 1 MB RANM
Software:
MSDOS 5, MS Works, PIM
I/O:
Serial RS232, Parallel, Two PCMCIA 2.0
PC Card:
2 PCMCIA slots
Price:
A$1145
Optional Extras:
Pocket fax/modem, serial and parallel cables (A$45), AC adaptor (A$30), ISA IC card reader, IC memory cards

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Underware Electronics 386SX
Similar systems have been sold by DAK and Sharper Image. (1993)
CPU:
80386SXLV @ 20MHz
Display:
CGA 640 x 200 LCD 16 gray scale.
Keyboard:
Qwerty 82 key.
Batteries:
4 AA, AC power adaptor.
Memory:
1 MB RAM (exp to 2 MB), 3 MB ROM, 1 MB flash disk.
Software:
MS-Dos 5, MS Works, PIM, Lotus CC:Mail in ROM.
I/O:
Send Fax/Modem, serial and parallel.
PC Card:
PCMCIA 1.0, 2.0
Price:
US$714
Optional Extras:

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Zeos Pocket PC
(Philips, Reeves PS-1000, Spectrum, and others are identical)
Weight:
600 gram (1.3 pound) including batteries.
Size:
245mm x 115mm x 25mm (9.6" x 4.5" x 1")
CPU:
V30HL, 7.15 MHz (hi speed), 4.77 MHz (low speed), Landmark 2 speed 5MHz.
Display:
640 x 200 pixel 16 grey level LCD emulates CGA on 183mm x 72mm
Keyboard:
81 key Qwerty
Batteries:
2 AA stated life 10 hours, 1 Lithium backup. NiCds last 2-3 hours
Memory:
1.5 MB ROM, 1 MB RAM
Software:
MS-DOS compatible palmtop computer includes MS-DOS 5 and Microsoft Works in 1.5MB ROM, plus a PIM utility with calendar, calculator, phone book, and planner.
I/O:Serial (RS232) port, parallel port (non-standard connectors,
requires special cables).
PC Card:
Two Type 1 (3.3mm) PCMCIA card slots.
Price:
US$599
Optional extras:
DC 9v AC adaptor Pocket modem, Radio modem, IC memory card, IC card drive (internal, for ISA computer), IC card drive (external)
Power consumption:
265mA hi speed, serial on, 150mA idle, 70mA serial off idle, 150mA serial off not idle, 65mA serial off idle, 1.5mA all off.
Bugs:
Snap on covers for battery and cable connectors
Comments
Probably made by Prolinear Corp, 150 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, Ca 91006 USA 800-759-0881 818-821-1881 email pic@ix.netcom.com

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