PalmPilot

The PalmPilot is a line of personal digital assistants (PDAs) developed by Palm, Inc. and introduced in 1996. The devices ran the Palm OS and used a stylus-based Graffiti handwriting recognition system. They were designed to manage personal information such as calendars, contacts, tasks, and notes, with optional capabilities for email and basic Web access on later models. Data was synchronized with desktop computers using a cradle and the HotSync software.

Hardware and input: PalmPilots featured a small touchscreen and stylus, a monochrome or later color display on some models, and built-in applications for scheduling, address book, to-do lists, and memo pad. Early models had modest memory and relied on removable expansion options in certain generations. Power was provided by compact batteries designed for long stand-by life.

Models and evolution: The original Pilot was followed by family lines such as Palm III and Palm V, which introduced faster processors, more memory, and improved build quality. Some models added expansion slots, infrared ports for wireless communication, and later, options for wireless data through the Internet.

Software and ecosystem: Palm OS provided a unified software platform with built-in PIM apps and thousands of third-party applications. Graffiti handwriting recognition allowed text input; HotSync enabled data exchange with desktop systems across Windows and macOS. The openness of the platform encouraged a large developer community.

Legacy: During the late 1990s and early 2000s, PalmPilot PDAs helped popularize mobile information management and spurred the development of later smartphones. The rise of Windows Mobile and iOS/Android devices gradually displaced PDAs, with Palm's product lines eventually folding into new mobile platforms after corporate reorganizations and acquisitions.