The PalmPilot Personal and PalmPilot Professional are the second generation of Palm PDA devices produced by Palm Inc (then a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics, later 3Com). These devices were launched on March 10, 1996.
![]() PalmPilot with stylus | |
Manufacturer | Palm Inc (then a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics) |
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Type | Bar PDA |
Release date | March 10, 1996 |
Operating system | Palm OS 2.0 |
CPU | Motorola 68328 processor at 16 MHz |
Memory | 512 KB (Personal) or 1024 KB (Professional) built in |
Display | 160x160 pixel monochrome touchscreen LCD |
Sound | Mono loudspeakers |
Input | Graffiti input zone |
Camera | None |
Connectivity | Palm Desktop software through RS-232 |
Power | 2x AAA Batteries |
Dimensions | 4.7 x 3.1 x .7 inches |
Mass | 5.6 oz (160 g) |
Related | Palm (PDA) |
Accessories and pricing
Palm also sold the 10201U modem at 14.4 kbit/s, introduced at a price of $129 (this modem is also compatible with the Palm III and Palm IIIx devices). An upgrade kit was also available, which allowed users of the earlier Pilot 1000/5000 devices to upgrade the OS, ROM, and RAM to match the PalmPilot Professional. Initially suggested retail prices upon launch were $399 for the PalmPilot Professional (1 MB), $299 for the PalmPilot Personal (512 KB), and $199 for the Upgrade Kit. Upgrade kits were also available to existing registered Pilot users for $99 for a limited time after the launch. These kits included IR capability, a new plastic memory door to accommodate the IR diodes, a memory card with 1 MB, the new ROM for Palm OS 2.0, and a CD-ROM with updated desktop software.
Reception
The PalmPilot became a large success and helped Palm further establish itself as the leader in the growing PDA/handheld PC market.[1] PalmPilot had reportedly sold over 1 million units by 1998.[2]
It was succeeded by Palm III in 1998.
Notable uses
IMAX used the PalmPilot for its Quick Turn Reel Units, which are used to screen feature films in 70mm.[3] This usage of the PalmPilot has now been replaced by a PalmPilot emulator.