I think the microdrive point doesn't count at all...
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Originally Posted by BobR
(Sharp's Zaurus doesn't count because they don't sell in the US, and it might be a bit of a stretch to call them a major pda maker.)
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While they don't sell in the US, nor make huge amounts of PDAs, it doesn't mean Palm can't copy the microdrive idea from them. Copying something from a smaller manufacturer doesn't make you innovative.
Actually, it seems to me that several of the features you've listed appeared in the Zaurus first, or around the same time. A mini keyboard? In Zaurui, starting at the 5000 (first model). Slide out panel? In the Zauri, starting at the 5000 again.
While the new ones are clamshell designs, all the traditional Zauri had the sliding panel, revealing a mini-keyboard. (While not implemented in the same way, the base concepts are the same.)
In fact, the Zaurus hardware is some of the best I've ever seen. The software (especially syncing...) is lacking, but the hardware is simply beautiful, and much more powerful than other devices of the same time.