palmtop

palmtop or hand-held personal computer, lightweight, small, battery-powered, general-purpose programmable computer . It typically has a miniaturized full-function, typewriterlike keyboard for input and a small, full color, liquid-crystal display for output. In addition to an operating system that is compatible with that of a desktop computer, a palmtop will typically contain a word processor, a spreadsheet program, and a calendar and phone book. A variety of other programs can be loaded and executed, and data can usually be transferred to and from a desktop computer. Although some palmtops are like personal digital assistants in that they accept handwritten or touch screen input, they generally differ in that the palmtop has more memory, a keyboard, and a greater variety of available programs.

palmtop computer A very small computer that can be hand-held and carried in the pocket. Palmtops feature a small LCD screen and a compressed keyboard. Most models offer personal organizer, diary, address list, and calculator. Some models are programmable and can support file transfer to larger host computers. A palmtop is smaller than a subnotebook.