Amstrad PenPad
The first Pen-Based PDA?
The Amstrad PenPad is one of the first handheld PDA's to use
a pen-based interface and handwriting recognition. Similar in
function to the extremely popular Palm Pilot, it is slightly larger.
It's pocketbook size is further emphasized by the book-like cover that
protects the screen. The case is somewhat rubberized, and has a nice
shape and feel to it. The pen is stored in a slot in the rear.
The top edge hold the "Mini-Serial" connector, complete with sliding
cover. The bottom edge is where you'll find the single Type I PCMCIA
slot.
When I got mine, it refused to work -- upon turning it on, the screen
displayed the PenPad logo faintly, and refused to recognize any pen
input. Luckily, however, a kind reader wrote with the fix: remove
all the batteries and let it sit overnight. I did that and it came
back to life! It's a pretty cool machine after all.
All text and images are copyright © 1998-2002 Roger Sinasohn
Unauthorized use or duplication is strictly prohibited.
With the cover closed
With the cover open
A Rear view, with Pen
Detail of the dummy PC-Card
Detail of the PCMCIA slot
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Mfr: |
Amstrad
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Location: |
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Model: |
PDA600
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Processor: |
3 x Zilog Z8S180
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Speed: |
14.3mhz
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Op. Sys: |
Proprietary
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Bits: |
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Internal: |
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Data: |
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RAM: |
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Min: |
128K
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Max: |
2MB
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ROM: |
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Input: |
Pen input via screen
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Display: |
240x320 pixel reflective LCD
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Storage: |
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Cassette: |
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Floppy Disk: |
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Hard Disk: |
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Ports: |
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Serial: |
"Mini-Serial" RS-232C
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Parallel: |
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Keyboard: |
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Joystick: |
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Other: |
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Expansion: |
1 Type I PCMCIA slot
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Introduced: |
1993
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Discontinued: |
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Cost: |
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Physical: |
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Size: |
6.3"x4.3"x1.0" (115x160x27mm)
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Weight: |
14oz (.4kg)
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Power: |
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Voltage: |
4.5v (3 AA batteries)
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Connector: |
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Polarity: |
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Peripherals: |
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Notes: |
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Also had an additional 32K RAM for the display and 32K RAM for handwriting recognition.
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