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GRiD Pad

The GRiD Pad was a tablet computer that was developed by Jeff Hawkins at GRiD Systems in 1989. It is regarded as the first tablet computer directed towards consumers. Hawkins went on to use the GRiD Pad as a predecessor for his best known-invention, the Palm Pilot.

Specifications

The GRiD Pad measured only 9 x 12 x1.4 inches and weighed 4.5 pounds. The main distinguishing aspect was its stylus interface which was able to use hand writing recognition. The GRiD Pad also included:

10MHz 80C86 processors
MS-DOS operating system
CGA (640x400) DISPLAY
256 OR 512KB battery-backed RAM cards
1 or 2 MB of system memory
One serial port, two ATA-FLASH slots, and an expansion buss connector

Because of its use for inventory, the United States Army specified more durable versions made out of magnesium that were not sold to civilians.

Reception

Because of its text recognition interface, the GRiD Pad was especially used by business and organizations for housekeeping. The GRiD Pad was “designed to streamline the chores of workers such as route delivery drivers and claims adjusters, who typically record date on paper forms.” Some of the agencies that used the GRiD Pad include, Chrysler, San Jose Police Department, and even the United States Army.

Legacy

Not only did the GRiD Pad start paving the way for tablet computers, it also help propel Jeff Hawkins career. Hawkins used the same stylus technology to develop his most commercially successful product, the Palm Pilot, making the GRiD Pad its predecessor.