Amstrad PenPad PDA-600
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Specs:
CPU:
3 Zilog processors:
Z-180 main processor - app execution & pen input (14.3MHz)
Z-8 - power management
Z-8 - chracter recognition
MEM:
128Kb static, 32Kb display, 32Kb recogniser
OS:
OS developed by the Eden Group
Interfaces:
Mini RS232 serial
PCMCIA Type I
Screen:
240x320, black & white, non-backlit
Audio:
Batteries:
3 AA
Lithium backup battery
Size:
6.3" x 4.3" x 1.0", 0.87lbs
Coolness Scale Rating (1=foul, 10=insane fine):
Info Links:
Comments:
This appears to have been the very first PDA. I believe it was released in 1993. Some of
the features that standout on this unit, though, are it's decent trainable character-
based recognition, its' nifty stone-looking rubbery case, and the style of the unit as
a whole. This device beat the Newton MessagePad to market, but was close enough to the
Newton's product announcement to get in on the "PDA" name that Apple coined. I don't even
think this UK unit was ever sold in the US during its production life. I was given
this unit (early birthday present, actually) from Arnold Kim of Nemesis Productions who
got a couple of these units off the net for $40/ea., unused. Not bad. This is not a
device that you would want to carry around to get day to day work done with, but it is
a fine addition to a PDA collection.
Production Status:
