Amstrad PenPad

The first Pen-Based PDA?

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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.
Amstrad PDA 600
With the cover closed

Amstrad PDA 600
With the cover open

Amstrad PDA 600
A Rear view, with Pen

Amstrad PDA 600
Detail of the dummy PC-Card

Amstrad PDA 600
Detail of the PCMCIA slot

Mfr: Amstrad
Location:
Model: PDA600
Processor: 3 x Zilog Z8S180
Speed: 14.3mhz
Op. Sys: Proprietary
Bits:
Internal:
Data:
RAM:
Min: 128K
Max: 2MB
ROM:
Input: Pen input via screen
Display: 240x320 pixel reflective LCD
Storage:
Cassette:
Floppy Disk:
Hard Disk:
Ports:
Serial: "Mini-Serial" RS-232C
Parallel:
Keyboard:
Joystick:
Other:
Expansion: 1 Type I PCMCIA slot
Introduced: 1993
Discontinued:
Cost:
Physical:
Size: 6.3"x4.3"x1.0" (115x160x27mm)
Weight: 14oz (.4kg)
Power:
Voltage: 4.5v (3 AA batteries)
Connector:
Polarity:
Peripherals:
Notes:
Also had an additional 32K RAM for the display and 32K RAM for handwriting recognition.

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