DOS Palmtop: Poqet Pad Plus Details and specs

Poqet Pad Plus PQ3010 (Fujitsu PQ 3010 PoqetPad Plus)

About this machine:

The Poqet Pad Plus is simply a "keyboardless" version of the Poqet PC Plus. Instead of a keyboard it features a touchscreen display. Otherwise it obviously also differs in size and shape - the classic hinge style design was dropped in favor of a slate style - which would later become popular for tablet PCs. Actually the Poqet Pad Plus is Fujitsus second tablet PC and the first Fujitsu made with a backlit screen. If you have read the article about the Poqet PC Plus you already know most about it. The PoqetPad Plus was Fujitsus last "poqet" product. The PoetPad Plus and Poqet PC Plus both shipped in may 1993.

Specs:

CPU: NEC V30 @ 16 MHz
Graphics: Monochrome CGA, 80 x 25 character MDA text mode, CGA 2 color monochrome graphics mode
Display: Backlit Touchscreen 640 x 200 transreflective LCD , 4 grey scales, 7.25 inch
Memory (RAM): 2 MB
ROM (Software): 1 MB
I/O ports: 2 x PCMCIA 2.0 Type II slots, 2 x TTL serial (Both proprietary connector)
Sound: PC Speaker - Piezo
Operating System: MS-DOS 5.0
Software: EMS driver, RAM Disk driver, Flash utility, barcode reader, PenConnect serial communications software, PCMCIA driver
Size: Length 13cm, Width 23cm, Height 3.6cm (5.12 inches x 9.05 inches x 1.42 inch)
Powered by: Rechargable battery pack or AC adaptor (optional accessory), CR2032 Lithium button cell as memory backup
Weight: 700 gram (1.83 lb) including 2 standard AA and CR2032 batteries
Special features: RAM can be configured as additional RAMDISK space for saving user files. Backlit display!
Released: May 1993
Originally retailed for:: 1495 USD
Clone of: Not a clone. Successor of the PoqetPad.
Similar models: Poqet PC, Poqet PC Prime, PoqetPad

Pros:
- Fully CGA compliant, so most CGA based DOS appz and games work
- Touchscreen
- Fast Processor
- Backlit Display
- PCMCIA Type II slot, so many PCMCIA devices can be used.

Cons:
- Proprietary battery
- Short battery life
- Not much useful software on ROM

Collector Value:
6 of 10

Usage Value:
4 of 10

Verdict:
Although a nice collectors piece this is not really rare, actually as of 2011 there is still a shop in California selling used ones at reasonable prices. Still it's not one you see too often around and with the fancy backlit display it sure is something to show off. The proprietary battery should definitely be regarded as a drawback - even a brand new one could hold less charge than todays standard AA batteries and it's obviously hard to find a replacement one (that still works?). And as with the PoqetPad - depending what you do the touchscreen can be a drawback, especially for keyboard-heavy applications. If tablet PCs are your favorites then you can give it a chance.

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