IBM WorkPad Z50 explained

The IBM WorkPad z50 is a handheld PC that was marketed by IBM as part of the IBM WorkPad series. It runs on Windows CE. Unlike the rest of the devices in the IBM WorkPad series it is a subnotebook and not a PDA.

History

It was released in 1999 for a price of $999.

Specifications

z50 is a subnotebook, weighing 1206 g, with up-to 8 hours battery life from its Li-ion battery. It uses MIPS 4100 CPU (NEC VR4121) at 131 MHz, and features 16 MiB RAM (expandable up to 48 MiB with the official expansion pack) and ROM. It has a 640x480 display.^{[1] [2] [3]} WIRED noted that it bears similarity to the ThinkPad series.^[4]

It has been delivered with Windows CE. NetBSD is also compatible with the z50.^[5]

Reception

PC Mag noted the great keyboard and large amount of RAM.^[6]

External links

• Review
• mars.dti.ne.jp
• Z50 Impressions

Notes and References

1. Web site: October 2017. Avram Piltch-Online Editorial Director 05. 25 Years of ThinkPad: The Best and Most Innovative. 2021-06-02. LaptopMag. 5 October 2017 . en.
2. Web site: UK. ZDNet. IBM announces Win CE-based WorkPad. 2021-06-02. ZDNet. en.
3. Web site: IBM WorkPad PC Z50 - handheld - Windows CE 3.0 - 8.2" Specs. 2021-06-02. CNET. en.
4. Web site: 2020-08-08. IBM's Microdrive: Power to Go WIRED. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20200808191356/https://www.wired.com/1999/05/ibms-microdrive-power-to-go/. 8 August 2020. 2021-06-02.
5. Web site: NetBSD/hpcmips Frequently Asked Questions. 2021-06-02. NetBSD.
6. Book: Inc, Ziff Davis. PC Mag. 1999-06-08. Ziff Davis, Inc.. en.