IBM WorkPad

{{Infobox information appliance

| name = IBM WorkPad

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| cpu = Motorola 68328 (16-33 MHz)

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| memory = 2-8 MB

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| image = IBM Workpad c3.jpg

| caption = WorkPad c3

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| type = PDA

| Introduced = {{Start date and age|1997|07}}

| os = Palm OS 2.0 - 4.1 (PDA)
Windows CE (WorkPad Z50)

| releasedate = {{Start date and age|1997|06}}

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| discontinued = {{End date and age|2002}}

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IBM WorkPad was a line of portable devices, produced by Palm Inc. and branded by IBM.{{Cite web|title=IBM puts WorkPad out of work|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ibm-puts-workpad-out-of-work/|access-date=2021-06-29|website=CNET|language=en}} This line contained personal digital assistants (PDAs) and one subnotebook model (WorkPad Z50).

Overview

This line was released in 1997{{Cite web|title=IBM launches new handheld PC|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ibm-launches-new-handheld-pc/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=CNET|language=en}} and discontinued in 2002.{{Cite web|title=Personal Systems Reference IBM WorkPad 1997 to 2002 - withdrawn|url=https://psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/withdrawnbook/wwbook.pdf|website=psref.lenovo.com|language=en}} After discontinuation of its self-branded line, IBM still offers the main Palm line on its site.{{Cite web|title=IBM Begins Offering c500 and c505|url=http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=1935|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.palminfocenter.com}}

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).{{Cite web|date=2001-01-10|title=The Business Utility of Handheld Devices|url=https://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/guides/the-business-utility-of-handheld-devices/|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Enterprise Networking Planet|language=en-US}}

= Reception =

Early WorkPad PDAs were received positively, similar to parallel Palm models;{{Cite web|title=NEW IBM WORKPAD PC COMPANIONS EMPOWER ENTERPRISES WITH MOBILE E-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS|url=https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/2527/new-ibm-workpad-pc-companions-empower-enterprises-with-mobile-e-business/|access-date=2021-06-29|website=ResponseSource Press Release Wire}}{{Cite web|title=IBM Workpad Personal Organizer : chromewalker|url=https://chromewalker.com/?p=25|access-date=2021-06-29|website=chromewalker.com|archive-date=2021-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629150528/https://chromewalker.com/?p=25|url-status=dead}} but later this conservative business-oriented line lacked notability,{{Cite web|title=IBM to Discontinue Palm Clones|url=http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=2996|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.palminfocenter.com}} and multimedia options of latest models were described as relatively poor.{{Cite web|title=Palm Handhelds, Eigenschaften und Alternativen · Palms, PDAs und Organizer · a waste of words|url=https://awasteofwords.com/article/palm-handhelds-eigenschaften-und-alternativen|access-date=2021-06-29|website=awasteofwords.com|language=de}}

Models

WorkPad Z50 - 1999, subnotebook/thin client, powered by Windows CE, equipped with an NEC MIPS processor and with an 8.2" screen.{{Cite web|last=UK|first=ZDNet|title=IBM announces Win CE-based WorkPad|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/ibm-announces-win-ce-based-workpad/|access-date=2021-06-29|website=ZDNet|language=en}}

=PDAs=

File:IBM WorkPad 8602 30X open.jpg

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.{{Cite web|title=日本IBM、Palm IIIx日本語版「WorkPad」|url=https://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/article/990223/workpad.htm|access-date=2021-06-29|website=pc.watch.impress.co.jp|language=ja}}{{Cite web|title=ThinkPad 10th Anniversary Special 12|url=https://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2002/1101/tp12.htm|access-date=2021-06-29|website=pc.watch.impress.co.jp|language=ja}}

WorkPad - 1997, rebadged PalmPilot

WorkPad 20X - 1998, rebadged Palm III

WorkPad 30X - 1999, rebadged Palm IIIx

WorkPad 30J - 1999,{{Cite web|title=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|url=https://www.gcd.org/blog/2010/07/606/|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.gcd.org|language=ja}} Japanese version of 30X{{Cite web|title=PDA Nr. 188 (Palm Nr. 103): IBM Workpad 2 Japan (30J) {{!}} Olivers virtuelles PDA-Museum|url=http://blog.compuseum.de/pda-nr-188-palm-nr-103-ibm-workpad-2-japan-30j/|access-date=2021-06-29}}

WorkPad 31J - 2000, same as 30J, but with PHS broadband module.

WorkPad 31A - 2000, version of 31J with locked phone operator.

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

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;{{Cite web|title=Ultrabay Plus WorkPad c500 Cradle - ThinkWiki|url=http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Ultrabay_Plus_WorkPad_c500_Cradle|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.thinkwiki.org}} This would be the Palm V, m500, m505, and the WorkPad c500 and c505 models.

References

Category:Palm OS devices

WorkPad

Category:Computer-related introductions in 1997