GridPad
Series of pen computing tablets
title: "GridPad" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["touchscreens", "tablet-computers", "grid-systems-laptops", "computer-related-introductions-in-1989"] description: "Series of pen computing tablets" topic_path: "general/touchscreens" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GridPad" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Series of pen computing tablets ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox computer"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | GridPad |
| image | GRiD 2260 134241 Padenrich Ave.jpg |
| caption | GRiDPad 2260 in tablet mode |
| developer | Grid Systems Corporation |
| type | Tablet computeror 2-in-1 PC |
| aka | GRiD PalmPad (235# models) GRiD Convertible (22#0 models) |
| release_date | |
| discontinued | 1994 |
| :: |
| name = GridPad | logo = | image = GRiD 2260 134241 Padenrich Ave.jpg | caption = GRiDPad 2260 in tablet mode | developer = Grid Systems Corporation | type = Tablet computeror 2-in-1 PC | aka = GRiD PalmPad (235# models) GRiD Convertible (22#0 models) | manufacturer = | cpu = | os = | release_date = | discontinued = 1994 | predecessor = | graphics = | marketing_target = | related = | website =
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/GRiD_2260_134252_Padenrich_Ave.jpg" caption="GridPad 2260 in "laptop" mode"] ::
The GridPad (stylized as GRiDPad) is a discontinued family of pen-enabled tablet computers and hybrid laptops built by Grid Systems Corporation.
The GRiDPad 1900, released in September 28, 1989, is regarded as the first commercially successful tablet computer and predecessor to modern 2-in-1 devices. Jeff Hawkins went on to use the GRiDPad as a predecessor for his best known-invention, the Palm Pilot.
Specifications
The GRiDPad 1900 measured 9 x and weighed 4.5 lb. The main distinguishing aspect was its touchscreen interface with a stylus, a pen-like tool to aid with precision in a touchscreen device. The stylus was able to use handwriting-recognition software. The GRiDPad also included these features:
- 10 MHz 80C86 processor
- MS-DOS operating system – the popular operating system used by IBM PC-compatible personal computers
- A monochromatic Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) display resolution of 640x400
- 256KB or 512KB battery-backed RAM cards
- 1MB or 2MB of system memory
- One serial port, two ATA-FLASH slots, and an expansion bus connector
Models
::data[format=table] | Device || Model No. || Processor || Memory || Storage || Display || Software || Weight & dimensions || Introduced || Notes | |---| | GridPad | | GridPad HD/RC | | PalmPad | | GridPad SL | | GridPad Convertible | | GridPad | ::
Because of its use for inventory management, the United States Army specified more durable versions of the tablet made out of magnesium that were not sold to the general public. The US Army specially ordered magnesium because it is a strong yet light metal, making it ideal for use in demanding environments.
According to a patent submitted in 1992 by an engineer at GRiD Systems, the touchscreen in the GRiDPad works by magnifying an internal Cartesian plane and calculating the displacement. Further patents by Jeff Hawkins describe flipping the screen orientation between landscape and portrait. url=http://users.erols.com/rwservices/pens/biblio93.html#HawkinsJC91a|publisher=United States Patent|accessdate=2013-07-15}}
Reception
Because of its text-recognition interface, the GRiDPad was marketed toward specialist consumers who would use the tablet for bookkeeping. The GRiDPad was "designed to streamline the chores of workers such as route delivery drivers and claims adjusters, who typically recorded data on paper forms." Some of the agencies that used the GRiDPad included Chrysler, San Jose Police Department, and even the US Government. The first commercial customer to use the GRiDPad and who contributed to the overall requirements was Best Foods Baking Group, a division of CPC International.
The average selling price for one unit was US$2,370 without software, and $3,000 with software.
Legacy
Although the GriDPad had the same operating system as personal computers, it was not designed to be a replacement for computers. Hawkins once said, "I never saw pen computers as a replacement for a full PC..." Although it did not replace computers, it did pave the way for other companies to invest more into tablet computers.
Not only did the GRiDPad start paving the way for tablet computers, it also helped propel Jeff Hawkins' career. Hawkins used the same stylus technology to develop his most commercially successful product, the Palm Pilot, making the GRiDPad its predecessor.
References
References
- Jerney, John. (1989-09-28). "GRiD Introduces PC-Compatible Computer that Recognizes Printed Handwriting".
- Barnett, Shawn. "Jeff Hawkin". Pen Computing Magazine.
- Unknown. "GRidPad 1910". Computing History.
- McCracken, Harry. "The Long Fail: A Brief History of Unsuccessful Tablet Computers". PCWorld.
- Liou, Kwang-Wan. "Optical Encoding Methods and Device". United States Patent.
- Daly, J. "Grid portable writes a new script". Computer World.
- Daly, J. "San Jose police first to use Gridpad". Computer World.
- Atkinson, P. (2008). "A bitter pill to swallow: the rise and fall of the tablet computer". Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive.
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