Emulation

Testing a Palm OS device is straightforward through an emulator, which is available for free at https://palmdb.net/app/palm-emulator. To initiate the emulator, a ROM file is required, and that’s all you need to get started.

After choosing the ROM image and configuring the settings, we’re set for our testing:

User Interface

Upon booting for the first time, a setup screen presents itself. Palm OS utilized a stylus and a resistive touchscreen that required calibration:

After calibration, users are greeted with a fully functional UI that showcases its 160x160 resolution and black-and-white screen with 16 shades of gray:

Remarkably, even today, the display remains relatively clear, with readable fonts and icons. While it lacks AMOLED vibrancy, the TFT technology allows for decent visibility in bright sunlight.

Another unique aspect is the “graffiti” input system. Instead of a conventional on-screen keyboard, characters could be drawn on a designated section of the screen. Given the limitations of the 16 MHz processor, a simplified character recognition system was developed:

Though it may seem like a waste of space by today's standards, the technology of the mid-90s likely could not accommodate a fully responsive touchscreen that recognized handwritten text. As a result, the display was split into two sections: a standard touchscreen and a dedicated area for handwriting. Compared to a device like the Nokia 2110, this was indeed a significant advancement.

Applications

Originally conceived as a PDA, the Palm OS came equipped with essential productivity applications, including contacts and to-do lists:

Interestingly, the address book featured a “Pager” field, a relic of a bygone era. The calendar and appointment functionalities were also quite robust:

Surprisingly, the 160x160 resolution allowed for note-taking with a stylus and a graphical user interface:

Interestingly, nearly two decades later, stylus input has made a comeback in devices like the Galaxy Note.

Users could also install third-party applications. The Palm OS device could operate for 1-2 weeks on just two AA batteries, a feature that is largely absent in modern technology, and it served well as an e-reader. While early Palm models lacked SD card support, their 2-8 MB internal memory was sufficient for storing numerous eBooks in a compressed format:

Many other applications were available, including a sky chart:

A text editor was also included:

Moreover, an external keyboard could be connected:

This foldable keyboard was portable, making it convenient for travel. Surprisingly, it remains available on Amazon today, suggesting it has retained its utility.

Connectivity

Connectivity options were quite commendable for the late 1990s. Palm OS devices featured both serial and infrared ports, allowing for data synchronization with local PCs or even remote computers via modem. Though internet access was not supported, a serial port facilitated remote connections using an external modem.

The specifics of “Earthlink” and its connectivity features remain unclear. If anyone has insights, please share in the comments.

Synchronization with a local PC was automated; users merely needed to place their device in the cradle and press a button:

Wireless synchronization was also possible via the infrared port, provided the PC was equipped with one. The infrared functionality was well integrated, allowing users to send documents or notes to other devices easily:

It's worth noting that the infrared port does not function in the emulator.

Games

While the 16 MHz processor and black-and-white 160x160 display are not ideal for gaming, several games were developed for the platform. This platformer utilizes hardware buttons for movement and jumping; however, I could not press two buttons simultaneously in the emulator:

The Sokoban game fails to operate on the emulator entirely:

The display is adequate for games like Minesweeper:

The chess game performs well, although it can take up to eight minutes for the Palm to make a move at the hardest difficulty. I’m not a chess player, so I leave it to readers to assess its skill level.

Programming

For those interested in app development, Palm OS programming is feasible. The SDK is available for download on GitHub, along with a tutorial on building Palm apps using Ubuntu.

Conclusion

Testing Palm OS has been an enjoyable experience, rekindling memories of its functionality. These devices were compact, affordable (I owned one during my student years), featured a multitude of applications, and were highly customizable, with numerous utilities and hacks available. Their battery life was exceptional. The first Palm device launched in 1996, with the last one produced in 2007—a lengthy span in the rapidly evolving tech world. Although interest in Palm OS dwindled with the emergence of more powerful Pocket PCs and Android devices, its contribution to tech history remains significant.

This article focuses on Palm OS 3.5, but over the decade, various manufacturers (such as Palm, Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, etc.) produced a wide range of devices. In the pre-Android era, Palm OS created a kind of expansive ecosystem. Noteworthy models included the Palm Tungsten T3, released in 2003, which boasted a slider form factor, a large 3.7" screen, 64 MB of RAM, and a 400 MHz processor:

Surprisingly, the legacy of Palm hasn’t entirely faded. The “Palm Phone” is still available, though I doubt it retains any of the original Palm DNA (it appears to be based on Android). It seems unlikely to achieve the commercial success of its predecessors. While you cannot step into the same river twice, I wish the Palm team all the best.

Thank you for reading.

For those intrigued by computing history, feel free to explore other stories: 1. Altair (1975) 2. CP/M OS (1979) 3. Apple II (1979) 4. Apple Macintosh (1984) 5. Windows 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 (1985–1993) 6. Windows 95 (1995) 7. Android (2008)