palmtop

IPA/ˈpɑːmtɒp/
IPA/ˈpɑːmtɑːp/

palmtop — noun

  • palmtopsingular
  • palmtopsplural

1. a very small computer meant to be carried and operated in one hand

1.nounC1
Definition

a very small computer meant to be carried and operated in one hand

Example

In 1998, the sales manager kept client contacts on a palmtop during trips.

keep contacts on a palmtop

The engineer pulled a palmtop from his bag to check the train schedule.

pull out a palmtop to check information

Common collocations
  • carry a palmtop
  • use a palmtop
  • palmtop screen
  • palmtop keyboard
Synonyms
  • handheld computer

    a broad term for a computer small enough to use in the hand

  • PDA

    often stresses organizer functions such as contacts, notes, and calendars

  • pocket computer

    an older label that emphasizes small size and portability

  • smartphone

    a newer device that now handles many everyday tasks once done on a palmtop

Antonyms
  • desktop computer

    a much larger computer designed to stay on a desk

  • laptop

    portable but larger and usually used with a full keyboard

Grammar Patterns

a/the palmtop

use a palmtop

carry a palmtop

Usage Note

Usually refers to older handheld computers from the 1990s or early 2000s. In modern contexts, people more often say smartphone, tablet, or PDA, depending on the device's function.

Common Mistakes

I left my palmtop charger in the car,' said Nina about her iPhone.
I left my phone charger in the car,' said Nina.
'palmtop' usually refers to an older handheld computer, not a modern smartphone.
The files are in my palmtop.
The files are on my palmtop.
information is usually stored on a device, not in it.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Palmtop, PDA, handheld computer, smartphone, and tablet all refer to portable digital devices, but they point to different generations and uses. Palmtop is an older label for a very small computer that fits in one hand. PDA often highlights personal organization tasks such as calendars, contacts, and notes. Handheld computer is the broad technical term and can include palmtops and similar compact devices. Smartphone is the modern everyday device that replaced many palmtop functions, while tablet usually suggests a larger touch-screen device used with two hands or set on a surface. If someone checks an address on a palmtop, the device sounds dated; on a smartphone, it sounds current and multifunctional.

PDA ↗handheld computersmartphone ↗tablet ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • palmtop screen
  • palmtop keyboard
  • palmtop organizer

Phrases

  • carry a palmtop
  • use a palmtop

Prepositions

  • on a palmtop
  • with a palmtop

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

Palmtop is a modern English compound built from palm, meaning the inside of the hand, and top. The name became useful when manufacturers began selling computers small enough to rest in a user's palm. It was especially common in the 1990s for compact handheld devices, before smartphones and tablets took over many of the same everyday tasks.