IBM Workpad Z50

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(06/21/99)
At first glance, IBM's WorkPad z50 looks like a dead ringer for one of the company's ThinkPad models. A second glance reveals not a notebook but a large handheld computer powered by Windows CE. Like all CE handhelds, the z50 won't replace your notebook but will complement it.

Half Handheld, Half Notebook
The larger, 2.7-pound z50 looks like an ultralight laptop, but closer examination reveals some typical handheld features. The WorkPad's comfortable keyboard is thankfully large, measuring (IBM estimates) 95 percent of the ThinkPad's size. And the device's notebooklike, nubby red pointing stick is the first of its kind on a CE handheld; most handhelds offer a stylus and a touch screen. But the 8.2-inch, passive-matrix screen is smaller and dimmer than a standard ultralight screen--though it's still a bit sharper than the closest handheld competition, the HP Jornada 820. And the z50's built-in 33.6-kbps modem is slower than the 56-kbps speed of most notebook modems (although external factors such as faulty phone lines generally prevent modems from living up to their claimed speeds anyway).

The z50's usability may be a bit like a notebook's, but its port and expansion options place it firmly in handheld territory. The device houses all the standard handheld ports: VGA-out enables the WorkPad to drive Windows CE Pocket PowerPoint presentations on an external monitor or projector; and the proprietary serial or infrared port can be used to synchronize the WorkPad with a desktop computer. Two slots--one PC Card, one CompactFlash--offer expansion options such as Ethernet or memory. You can also double the WorkPad's decent 16MB of memory with an optional module that pops in a hidden compartment on the unit's underside.

Long Battery Life, Slow Speed
The WorkPad made an impressive showing on our battery drain tests, lasting more than eight hours. Also of note is an optional battery holder that takes standard AAs, which means the device can be used on extended field trips where wall outlet plug-ins are out of the question. However, the z50's performance wasn't as impressive as its battery options: the system and its NEC VR4121 processor finished almost last among the handhelds we've tested. IBM fortunately includes some useful software to help lift your spirits, including bSquare's bFax Pro and bPrint for faxing and printing, and bUseful Backup, which makes it easy to back up personal data and any additional programs that have been installed. IBM also tosses in a CD for loading a CE version of its Global Network dialer for those who subscribe to the service, as well as Mobile Connect, for linking with enterprise network servers running Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes.

The US$999 WorkPad z50 is a nicely designed handheld that you may fall for based simply on its unique pointing device. Just make sure you won't need it for any high-performance tasks.