A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away … article traces the birth of the PDA

Think you're a PDA pioneer because you picked up an original Palm Pilot in 1996? Think again. Evan Koblentz, the editor of the Computer Collector Newsletter, has put together a fairly comprehensive history of the PDA that ends in 1995 (and, yes, it includes a debunking of what Koblentz calls the "Myth of the Newton," which should settle once and for all any claims that John Sculley was some kind of visionary). It covers the development of the PDA from concept to commercial product in the two decades prior to the Pilot's introduction. Even if you're familiar with — or owned — some of the gear featured in the article (like the Atari Portfolio, pictured, or early Zauri), you'll find a lot of good info — as well as tons of links and pics — here. (Oh, and in case you were wondering, Koblentz carries a Treo 650.)

[Via Slashdot]

[Joel E @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

A great link, thanks! I have an old Atari Portfolio lying around here somewhere, still fully functional.

[arkowi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

the atari thing pictured looks like the thing John Connor uses in Terminator 2 to rob the ATM.

[Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

EASY MONEY!

Yeah, you're definitely right.

[AlanJC @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Yes, it is of Terminator 2, it was also known as the DIP Pocket PC (DIP developed it, Atari rebranded, and marketed it). Atari made a 128k and 256k version I believe, and DIP went upto 512k!

I had one of these when they came out in the UK, and I loved it! It replaced my trusty Psion I'd had for a few years. I replaced the Portfolio eventually with a Psion 3.

[Rick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I still got my portfolio... Sitting at home with a little leather case... it was so cool back then. Atari paid for that product placement in Terminator.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

The author of the article shows some definite bias. He evidently never used a Newton. Not worth the read.

[Gordy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Here's one for you...the Casio Digital Diary...my first PDA.

[tom @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

my dad being a tech guy had some pretty good pre-PDA devices. Remember the Wizard? It made my SHARP. It had little removable cards with different functions. He also did buy a First Gen Newton, pretty cool...

[ChillyWilly @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

#3... deja vu.. I used a Portfolio for some time before replacing it with a Psion 3. I've long since sold off or gave away all of my older PDAs.

Actually did a lot of writing on PDAs back in the early 90's. I produced a newsletter called TAKE IT WITH YOU that covered the Portfolio, the Casio B.O.S.S., the Newton, Poqet PC, Sharp Wizard models and others. It was a lot of fun to use these different PDAs and write helpful articles on them.

As for this article from Eric, he does a good job at recording the history of the PDA and his lack of Newton coverage is a bit premature, regardless of his stopping at 1995. The Newton made it's appearance a least two years previously. By 1995, the MessagePad 120 was out and the next model, the MP 2000 was in process and on it's way to being release the following year.

Still, it's a good read for those who want to remember the early gadgets we all used.

[Jeff Lewis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

"The author of the article shows some definite bias. He evidently never used a Newton. Not worth the read."

Actually, he shows anti-bias. His point isn't that the Newton wasn't important or a significant contributer - but that it wasn't the first or necessarily the best.

He's also criticising something that's nearly inarguable - Apple fans are nearly incapable of admitting Apple's mistakes, will defend Apple to the point of silliness and often apply double standards to comparisons.

Oh, and before you say it, I've been a Mac developer for about 17 years, worked with Apple on several projects and have 3 Macs at home.

[Glyn @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

wow... I've got one of those Ataris. Are they worth anything?

[Evan Koblentz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Hello Engadget! Thanks for including my PDA research on your site (of which I'm a big fan).

Regarding the comments:

- Yes, the Portfolio was the device used in T2. I mentioned that in the article. Its value today, depending on condition and completeness (accessories, manuals, etc.) is in my opinion up to $50. Best to check out sites like http://www.vintagecomputermarketplace.com and http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum -- I don't think eBay is a good indicator.

- RE: #10/Jeff Lewis -- you get it -- thanks. :) To the earlier replier -- I *DO* own an original Newton and certainly admire how slick it is. And I'm not anti-Apple by any means; I was raised on a IIe and cherish those memories. Just trying to set the history straight on who invented what.

[Alex French @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

If I had wireless at home I'd type this on my Newt, but alas, I do not. I have a newton MP2000, and my friend has an older NEC MobilePro. I must say, PDAs rock! Nothin' like MUXing on a 1997 handheld computer during math class.

I agree about Apple's screwup with the OMP. They sucked. The MP2x00s are so much better, but the failure of the OMP doomed the line. Dammit, I want a NewtPod!