IBM WorkPad

IBM WorkPad
WorkPad c3
TypePDA
Release dateJune 1997; 27 years ago (1997-06)
Discontinued2002; 22 years ago (2002)
Operating systemPalm OS 2.0 - 4.1 (PDA)
Windows CE (WorkPad Z50)
CPUMotorola 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).

Overview

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

PDAs

[edit]
IBM WorkPad 30X
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to IBM WorkPad.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "IBM puts WorkPad out of work". CNET. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  2. ^ "IBM launches new handheld PC". CNET. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  3. ^ "Personal Systems Reference IBM WorkPad 1997 to 2002 - withdrawn" (PDF). psref.lenovo.com.
  4. ^ "IBM Begins Offering c500 and c505". www.palminfocenter.com. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  5. ^ "The Business Utility of Handheld Devices". Enterprise Networking Planet. 2001-01-10. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  6. ^ "NEW IBM WORKPAD PC COMPANIONS EMPOWER ENTERPRISES WITH MOBILE E-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS". ResponseSource Press Release Wire. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  7. ^ "IBM Workpad Personal Organizer : chromewalker". chromewalker.com. Archived from the original on 2021-06-29. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  8. ^ "IBM to Discontinue Palm Clones". www.palminfocenter.com. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  9. ^ "Palm Handhelds, Eigenschaften und Alternativen · Palms, PDAs und Organizer · a waste of words". awasteofwords.com (in German). Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  10. ^ UK, ZDNet. "IBM announces Win CE-based WorkPad". ZDNet. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  11. ^ "日本IBM、Palm IIIx日本語版「WorkPad」". pc.watch.impress.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  12. ^ a b c "ThinkPad 10th Anniversary Special 12". pc.watch.impress.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  13. ^ "仙石浩明の日記: Google カレンダーの過去の予定を自動的に削除する方法". www.gcd.org (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  14. ^ "PDA Nr. 188 (Palm Nr. 103): IBM Workpad 2 Japan (30J) | Olivers virtuelles PDA-Museum". Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  15. ^ "Ultrabay Plus WorkPad c500 Cradle - ThinkWiki". www.thinkwiki.org. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IBM_WorkPad&oldid=1242790122"