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`Pilot 1000 Retrospective
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`Palm Pilot 1000 Retrospective
`By: Ryan Kairer - Palminfocenter
`March 27, 2006
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`The worlds first successful PDA and the first Palm OS handheld, the
`Pilot 1000, has become a mobile technology icon. This was the device
`that rejuvenated the PDA industry and made the term 'Palm Pilot' a
`household name. Originally released in March 1996, the Pilot 1000
`debuted with 128k of memory and a monochrome black on green glass
`touch-screen display.
`
`The Pilot was the first device of its kind to sync out the box with either a Windows 95, 3.1 or Macintosh desktop
`computer. The original 'Pilot organizer' applications included: Date Book, Address Book, To Do List, Memo Pad,
`Calculator, Security and HotSync. It was marketed as "The one touch organizer" and ran for a few weeks on two AAA
`batteries.
`
`The Pilot 1000 handheld debuted with a retail price of $299 USD. It could store 750 addresses, one year of
`appointments, 100 to-do items and 100 memos, or any combination thereof. It also had a removable slot on the back
`that revealed a memory expansion slot that plugged into the main-board. The Pilot 5000 supported five times as much
`data and sold for $369. Palm later offered a 1MB memory upgrade card for $149.
`
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`
`PALM PILOT 1000 SPECIFICATIONS
`Operating System:
`Palm OS v1.0
`Size & Weight:
`4.7 x 3.2 x .7 inches (120x80x18 mm); 5.7 oz (160g)
`Processor:
`Motorola dragonball 68328 16 MHz
`Memory:
`128k memory
`Expansion:
`custom motherboard memory clip slot
`Screen:
`160x160 pixel; 4-shade monochrome (no backlight)
`Audio:
`internal piezo speaker
`Power:
`2 AAA battery cells
`Connectivity:
`Serial Hotsync Port, desktop cradle
`
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`10/14/2020
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`Pilot 1000 Retrospective
`
`pilot
`
`4nOu.naibid
`
`pilot
`
`•
`
`y RE: Like Deja Vu -
`PacManFoo
`Like Deja Vu -T W
`RE: Don't we have this
`already? -richf
`
`The Original Pilot 1000 retail box.
`
`rra
`
`Inside the box and Pilot handbook and Pilot Desktop manuals for Windows and Macintosh.
`
`prof
`Graffiti Reference Card
`re
`
`pro'
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`:1'1=77TM
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`I • I Haw de Winos nifirtia pit
`
`Datebook, Address View and original graffiti reference card.
`
`Click on any image above for a larger version
`
`Original Pilot 1000 Press Release
`
`U.S. Robotics Launches Breakthrough Pocket-Size Connected Organizer for PC Users; New Pilot connected
`organizer includes comprehensive PIM software with built-in, one- touch PC connectivity, and instant
`response for $299
`
`Business Wire, Jan 29, 1996
`
`DEMO '96 - The Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ:USRX) today announced Pilot, a line of
`handheld electronic connected organizers designed to work as companion products to a desktop or laptop computer.
`
`I
`
`Created by U.S. Robotics to be the first connected organizer, the Pilot family of products is designed to meet the
`needs of PC users who want to manage their activities both remotely and on their desktops.
`
`Unlike other palmtops, PDAs and organizers available today, Pilot automatically synchronizes its information with a
`personal computer or PC LAN at the touch of a button. Pilot also features shirt-pocket size, instant response, and an
`elegant graphical user interface. A comprehensive suite of personal information management (PIM) software --
`including date book, address book, to-do list, calculator, and note-taking applications -- along with a companion
`desktop PIM, connectivity software and an innovative desktop cradle, are all included with Pilot for a breakthrough
`price of $299.
`
`Pilot is based on the Palm Operating System (Palm OS), which was also announced today at Demo '96. The Palm OS
`is a handheld computer operating system platform that enables low- cost, low power, small form-factor devices to
`integrate seamlessly with desktop personal computers. It is partitioned into two parts: highly efficient operating system
`software for the handheld; and Windows- or Macintosh-based software that manages synchronization of the handheld
`and the PC.
`
`While Pilot will ship with a complete suite of PIM applications, the Palm OS also offers broad compatibility with existing
`PIM software to accommodate users' existing PIM applications and data. Many popular applications will be supported,
`including Ascend, from Franklin Quest Co.; DataSync, from IntelliLink Corp.; Lotus Organizer; Managing Your Money,
`
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`Pilot 1000 Retrospective
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`from Meca Software; Microsoft Schedule+; Now Up-to-Date, from Now Software, Inc.; OnTime, from Campbell
`Services, Inc.; SideKick, from Starfish Software; and others.
`
`Jonathan Zakin, executive vice president of strategy and corporate development for U.S. Robotics, stated, 'We are
`looking to Palm to help us extend the wide area network more directly to the individual. Palm's operating system and
`hardware platform will form the basis for a series of pocket-sized products addressing the needs of mobile
`professionals." Kimball Brown, vice president of Mobile Computing for Dataquest stated, "The Pilot finally shows the
`industry the form factor needed to drive user demand, and it has addressed synchronization better than any
`competitor's product with high performance at a reasonable price. We expect this product to expand the whole market
`for handhelds."
`
`Pilot Features and Benefits:
`
`-- Shirt-Pocket Size. At just 5.5 ounces, Pilot is small and light enough to fit in a shirt pocket or small purse. Users can
`carry their important personal information with them anywhere.
`
`-- A Complete Set of Personal Information Management (PIM) Software. Pilot ships with a suite of application
`software, for both the organizer and a desktop PC, which provides a complete, easy-to-use set of scheduling, address
`book, to-do lists, memo pad and calculator functions. Users may enter or update information in either system and then
`instantly synchronize the data between systems at any time by pressing a single button.
`
`-- One-Touch PC Connectivity. With U.S. Robotics' HotSync technology, Pilot serves as an extension of a personal
`computer or LAN that the user can carry at all times. To synchronize Pilot with the PC, the user places Pilot in its small
`docking cradle, connected via a serial cable or wireline modem to the PC, and touches the HotSync button on the
`cradle. The HotSync software then compares the information on Pilot with the version on the PC, and updates both
`instantaneously to reflect the new information. Because the software runs in the background, this process requires
`virtually no user interaction.
`
`Pilot's desktop component enables users to enter text on their PC's full-size keyboard and view the applications on
`their large monitor. When ready to go, users simply "HotSync" their data and take it with them. The software also can
`support several Pilot users with a single PC, so one person can handle scheduling and updating for several others.
`
`-- Speed and Simplicity. Pilot's intuitive, compact user interface and hardware design are optimized for instant data
`access. Using a few physical buttons and a touch screen display users can access most of their information with a
`single touch. The Palm OS and Pilot applications have near-instantaneous response. This is the first product that is
`easier and faster to use than pen and paper.
`
`-- Easy Access to Data. To accommodate a user's existing information, Pilot imports and exports data in standard file
`formats. The product also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications. U.S. Robotics is working with PIM
`and group scheduling developers to provide seamless one-button links to existing desktop applications.
`
`-- Extendible Architecture. Pilot contains a small, pluggable memory module that is user- replaceable for adding
`memory or upgrading software. In addition, users will be able to attach communications add-on products, such as
`modems and pagers, as they become available for Pilot.
`
`-- Graffiti Text Entry Software. Pilot features an enhanced version of U.S. Robotics' award- winning Graffiti power
`writing software. Graffiti's ease of use and functionality have made it a de facto standard in the handheld computing
`market. Enabling users to enter data at up to 30 words per minute with 100% accuracy, Graffiti is the most robust,
`complete way to enter text into handheld devices. It is supported by the majority of leading industry platform vendors.
`
`-- Windows and Macintosh Compatibility. Full support for Windows 3.1, Windows 95, and Macintosh OS System 7.0
`and above ensures that users can work with most standard personal computers and can share information with other
`application programs on their PCs.
`
`-- Great Value. A $299 price point for Pilot positions the product at a much lower price level than competing PDAs and
`palmtop computers. Pilot is also priced competitively with electronic organizers. None of these products offer Pilot's
`critical benefit of built-in seamless PC connectivity. Separate connectivity software options for organizers typically cost
`about $100.
`
`An Ideal Platform for Software Developers and OEMs
`
`The Palm Operating System is an open, flexible architecture designed specifically for small form-factor handheld
`devices that need to synchronize with a PC or network. Developer tools for the Palm OS enable developers to create
`new Pilot applications and "conduits." Conduits are links between Pilot application databases and desktop
`applications. Applications for the handheld device are developed on the Macintosh using Macintosh Programmers
`Workshop (MPW) and MetroWerks' CodeWarrior. Conduit development is done on the target desktop platform
`(Windows or Macintosh) using standard tools, including Visual C++ and MFC under Windows.
`
`Distribution, Pricing and Availability
`
`Pilot will be distributed through leading consumer electronics and computer stores. The Pilot 1000 unit carries an
`average street price of $299 and supports 750 addresses, one year of appointments, 100 to-do items and 100
`memos, or any combination thereof. The Pilot 5000 supports five times as much data for an average street price of
`$369. A memory upgrade option that supports up to 10,000 records will also be available for $149. Pilot 1000 and Pilot
`5000 will be available for PCs running Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 in March, 1996. Both versions will be available
`for Macintosh computers running System 7.0 and above in May, 1996. For further product information, customers can
`contact the Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics at 800-881-7256 or visit the Palm web site at
`http://www.usr.com/palm.
`
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`The Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics is a leading developer of handheld computing systems. Headquartered
`in Los Altos, Calif., it designs, develops and markets handheld computing products that include the Palm Operating
`System, the Pilot family of connected organizers, personal information management applications, desktop to handheld
`computer connectivity software and Graffiti power writing technology.
`
`U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The
`company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communications systems,
`desktop/mobile client products, modems and telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over
`analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and
`voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies and a wide
`range of other large corporations, businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's 1995 sales were $889.3
`million
`
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`Article Comments (13 comment
`The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. Palminfocenter is not responsible for them in any way.
`Please Login or register here to add your comments.
`
`eMM (US ah113
`
`let the good of times role
`SaxonMan @ 3/27/2006 6:04:581'
`ah... the good ol' times...
`wouldnt it be a nice time for palm to announce the new treos?
`
`regards,
`Rainer/SaxonMan
`
`Muwasupszawommi
`
`Review
`Iegodude522 @ 3/27/2006 6:36:24 AM # -
`Where is the link to the PIC review?
`
`jk
`
`I'm actually getting a Pilot on Wednesday.
`
`Palm m125 > Palm Zire 71 > Tapwave Zodiac 1 > Palm Zire 72 > Sharp Zaurus SL-C1000
`So long Palm OS.
`
`0:DVZ0lumga
`
`The good old days
`Tamog
`
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`
`Hi,
`makes me nostalgic. But I don't understand the moves that followed:
`
`IIIc without memory expansion
`m505 with fuxated screen
`m515 without bt or anything
`Discontinuation of Palm.net
`No Blackberry-Killer(altough the 1705 could have been with its "push" email)
`
`Best regards
`Tam Hanna€
`
`Find out more about the Palm OS in my blog:
`At tp://t
`rispalm tamoggemon.com
`
`uwas
`
`gzu
`
`womm
`
`Great memories!
`jbarr
`I originally owned a Casio "Zoomer" PDA, which faded to the background, overshadowed by the Apple Newton of
`the time. The Zoomer was looked at by Jeff Hawkins, and Graffiti was even released for it. Of course, when the
`USR Pilot 1000 was announced, I just and to have one, so I purchased one the week after its release. I have
`owned some form of PalmOS device ever since. (I'm currently contemplating a TX.)
`
`Palm's simple design concept is what really made it shine. It wasn't bloated or loaded down, it was fast, and it did
`what it was meant to do. Oh, and battery life was measured in weeks back then, not hours. And in my opinion, the
`Palm VNx models, were the absolute best PDA design ever marketed.
`
`-Jim
`http://JimsTips.com
`
`Muome.nqzuuom
`
`m515 was the paradigm of PDAP design
`hkklife l
` 3/27/2006 11:53:49 Alv
`Why?
`It perfectly updated the classic Palm V IDEO formfactor design and brought the feature set closer to modern PDA
`levels. The m500 was actually more comfortable to hold in the hand due to a less "sharp" bottom flare than the V.
`It also weighed less as well.
`
`m515 pros:
`
`Metal body
`Slim & stylish
`Charge LED
`Vibrating alarm
`Graffiti 1
`Fairly long life li-ion battery
`Bright color screen
`Good, solid metal stylus
`Thin rail on left side for attaching cases
`OS 4.1 (vs. 4.0 of the m500/505)
`No SUDS
`Cradle included
`SDIO slot
`
`m515 cons:
`
`-It lacked the 66mhz Dragonball CPU that some of the comparable Clies at the time used
`-No backlit Graffiti area like the m505.
`-The usual drawbacks of OS 4.x on Palm Inc. devices--no d-pad, no 320*320, no audio etc.
`
`Had Palm released something like an m555 running 0S5 with stereo sound & a 320*320 screen, it'd have been
`nearly perfect. Heck, even something released today with specs in the neighborhood of the TX or TIE2 in the
`same formfactor would be worth getting excited about.
`
`Palm totally missed the boat styling wise a few years ago and has yet to recover. Anyone remember the nude
`woman + Palm V ads? The Treo design in comnparison resembles a chunky torse with three amputated limbs
`(the ungainly antenna protruding out of the top being the remaining tree stump leg).
`
`Palm USED to have the V/m500 series, Handspring USED to have the Visor Edge. Sony HAD a couple of pretty
`stlish Clies. Now Apple has their iPods, Motorola has the PEBL, RAZR etc. There are any number of stylish LCD
`& Plasma televisions. B&O has always had stylish gear. Where's Palm current efforts that give even a second
`though to aesthetics? Remember, folks, style can always succeed over feature set if the price is kinda right and
`
`www.palminfocentercom/news/8493/pilot-1000-retrospective
`
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`Pilot 1000 Retrospective
`
`no major compromises are made (battery life, screen etc). The iPod Shuffle is the best testament to this
`philosophy...though the lack of an LCD on it can be considered an enormous drawback.
`
`Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000—>PalmPilot Pro—>Ille—>Vx-->m505-->TIT—>TIT2—>TIC-->TIT3—>TIT5-->TX
`
`4 RE: m515 was the paradigm of PDAP design
`Altema @ 3/27/2006 3:21:06 Pm
`Yeah, the M515 hit the nail on the head. Similar but improved form factor, plus expansion slot and extra
`memory. To top it off, if you did not use the backlight (like you would use the V) it got similar battery life. Even
`with the backlight on, it did pretty good. I do think they came pretty close to their peak with the T3. With the
`exception of the battery life, the T3 is still one of my favorites because it is smaller than the V and still packs
`a lot of power and a big screen.
`
`RE: m515 was the paradigm of PDAP design
`Tuckermaclain
`Imagine a m515 with 0S5, 320x480 w/ virtual grafitti, 32MB NVFS! What an elegant, minimalistic approach!
`
`RE: m515 was the paradigm of PDAP design
`Purfekshunist @ 3/27/2006 6:21:47 PM #
`That's the one I'm waiting for...
`
`11 RE: m515 was the paradigm of PDAP design
`Simony. @ 3/27/200F
`-9 PM #
`> Heck, even something released today with specs in the neighborhood of the TX or TIE2 in the same
`formfactor would be worth getting excited about.
`
`I couldn't agree more. Since the 'Tungsten' brand has now been ditched, it's time that Palm takes a look at its
`designs again. I think that the m500 form factor would make a good starting point to work from. A new design
`would normally mean a reconfiguration of production lines (which would increase costs), but there may be
`good upside potential. The success of other lines of gizmos (eg, RAZR, iPod, etc) shows that there is a
`reasonable market for elegant design. The big question is: how much would a redesign add to the cost of a
`mid-range unit? A thin and light unit, with the specs of a TX or TE2, at an affordable price could be a
`knockout combination.
`
`(No, 'Back to the Future' is not may favorite movie!).
`
`Mums way womm
`
`My first entry, June 6, 1996
`cgreenberg @ 3/27/2006 1:07:31 PI
`I bought a 1000, later upgraded to a whole 1 meg memory! Then a IIlx, Vx, now a Treo 600 for about 2 years. (I
`think I left one out, though.)
`A few weeks ago my now-Outlook sync auto-archived and of course it archived my old calendar appointments.
`Fortunately I also sync with my home desktop using the Palm Desk softwre so it restored all those old
`appointments.
`This was the first real PDA in my company, although my boss at the time had a connection and later got a clear
`case for his--that was extra cool.
`After almost 10 years with a PDA, I can't imagine doing without it. The 700p is in my sights next.
`
`My first Palm
`-tnnne ..A.••,4 PM #
`alien goodman
`I think my first was a Palm Pilot. I remember 2 mb of RAM. My wife bought it for me for Christmas. I had been
`using a Sharp Wizard. Then I had a Palm IIIC. I believe there were a couple of Clies in there also. I now have a
`T3 for a couple of years. I have never had to reenter any data. I have only had 1 hard crash in 7 years. And that
`was years ago. One day I forgot it at home and I was lost. I didn't know what to do. The only real problem is that
`with all the good games the battery does not last long enough. I have thought about a Treo but I do not want to be
`without a phone because I was playing Sudoku too long.
`Long live Palm and the Palm Os.
`
`a,g;i2gutivouwasoio
`
`Any info
`Southern Belle @ 6/6/2006 2:48:27 AM #
`heyal,
`
`friend of mine has this palm pilot 1000 and it's with me for now, lol am trying to see if there is a way to change the
`language..it's currently in french.
`
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`
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`Pilot 1000 Retrospective
`
`is there any place to get the old software and connectors?
`
`any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
`sb
`
`thank you,
`Southern Belle
`
`Mums eveze womaD
`
`im sorry i made a mistake
`Southern Belle
`'9006 4:45:32 Al
`heyal,
`
`i posted previously about the one im trying to things for but its not the 1000 its palm pilot personal.
`
`but still need to know if languge can change.
`
`thanks,
`sb
`
`thank you,
`Southern Belle
`
`Moms rs sa wEuoio
`
`OCC170 ®tom
`
`S
`
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