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PADDs were used by such [[space]]-faring organizations as [[Starfleet]], the [[Andorian Imperial Guard]], [[Bajoran Militia]], [[Cardassian Union]], [[Klingon Empire]], [[Romulan Star Empire]], and [[Vulcan High Command]]. They were common to cultures even as distant as the [[Delta Quadrant]].
 
PADDs were used by such [[space]]-faring organizations as [[Starfleet]], the [[Andorian Imperial Guard]], [[Bajoran Militia]], [[Cardassian Union]], [[Klingon Empire]], [[Romulan Star Empire]], and [[Vulcan High Command]]. They were common to cultures even as distant as the [[Delta Quadrant]].
   
==General Specifications==
+
== General Specifications ==
 
[[File:Insidepadd.jpg|thumb|Inside a Starfleet PADD]]
 
[[File:Insidepadd.jpg|thumb|Inside a Starfleet PADD]]
Consisting of a large touchscreen display and minimalistic manual interface or control panel (generally only one or two buttons), the typical PADD is used for a variety of functions including logging manifests, compiling duty rosters or diagnostic reports, entering personal data, and/or accessing library computer systems.
+
Consisting of a large touchscreen display and minimalistic manual interface or control panel (generally only one or two buttons), the typical PADD is used for a variety of functions including logging manifests, compiling duty rosters or diagnostic reports, entering personal data, and/or accessing library computer systems using the [[LCARS]] Interface.
   
Varying in size, shape and specification, PADDs are often distinguished by the species of their manufacturer or user. [[Earth]] and [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]] Starfleet PADDs were generally flat and rectangular in shape, while [[Klingon]] and [[Cardassian]] PADDs were often more angular.
+
Varying in size, shape and specification, PADDs are often distinguished by the species of their manufacturer or user. [[United Earth]] and [[Federation]] Starfleet PADDs were generally flat and rectangular in shape, while [[Klingon]] and [[Cardassian]] PADDs were often more angular.
   
 
{{bginfo|The internal circuitry of the Starfleet issue PADD circa [[2360s]] was revealed only once, in the [[TNG]] episode {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}. While the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual]]'' indicated [[isolinear]] internal components, the aforementioned episode portrayed a PADD utilizing printed circuit boards just like present-day computers, and only partially made of isolinear circuits.|
 
{{bginfo|The internal circuitry of the Starfleet issue PADD circa [[2360s]] was revealed only once, in the [[TNG]] episode {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}. While the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual]]'' indicated [[isolinear]] internal components, the aforementioned episode portrayed a PADD utilizing printed circuit boards just like present-day computers, and only partially made of isolinear circuits.|
The ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'' states that Starfleet PADDs are powered by [[krellide power cell|sarium krellide power cells]], and have an outer casing of [[boronite]] whisker epoxy, which would allow the PADD to sustain a 35-meter drop without damage.}}
+
''The ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'' states that Starfleet PADDs are powered by [[krellide power cell|sarium krellide power cells]], and have an outer casing of [[boronite]] whisker epoxy, which would allow the PADD to sustain a 35-meter drop without damage.''}}
   
==Starfleet==
+
== Starfleet ==
 
[[File:PADD 2150s.jpg|thumb|A typical PADD, [[2151]]]]
 
[[File:PADD 2150s.jpg|thumb|A typical PADD, [[2151]]]]
 
Standard issue during the [[22nd century]], PADDs utilized by Starfleet were rectangular in shape, dominated by a large display screen taking up much of the surface area of the device. Small buttons were located just below the screen, most often grouped in two, at the lower right-hand side of the interface. Varying control button arrangements were also in use. ({{ENT|Vox Sola|Dead Stop}})
 
Standard issue during the [[22nd century]], PADDs utilized by Starfleet were rectangular in shape, dominated by a large display screen taking up much of the surface area of the device. Small buttons were located just below the screen, most often grouped in two, at the lower right-hand side of the interface. Varying control button arrangements were also in use. ({{ENT|Vox Sola|Dead Stop}})
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At some point between [[2144]] and [[2154]], [[Arik Soong]] was able to open all the locks in the [[San Francisco]] prison he was being held at using just a PADD. After this incident, he was only allowed to use paper when sketching and writing his ideas. ({{ENT|Borderland}})
 
At some point between [[2144]] and [[2154]], [[Arik Soong]] was able to open all the locks in the [[San Francisco]] prison he was being held at using just a PADD. After this incident, he was only allowed to use paper when sketching and writing his ideas. ({{ENT|Borderland}})
   
While under the effects of [[trellium-D]] in [[2154]], [[T'Pol]] shattered a PADD on [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer|Archer's]] desk. ({{ENT|Damage}})
+
While under the effects of [[trellium-D]] in [[2154]], [[T'Pol]] shattered a PADD on [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer|Archer]]'s desk. ({{ENT|Damage}})
   
{{bginfo| The prop used throughout the run of ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' was created from a Cabin Light Box (Cabin Pocket-Vue CL-5000P Pocket Light Box), a device used to view transparencies or undeveloped film, augmented with 3M Rubber "Bumpons" for buttons, and a rubber "bumper" for what has been presumed to be a camera. A tutorial for a homemade version can be found online.'' [http://www.mattmunson.com/props/star_trek/enterprise_padd_tutorial/index.html]|One of these PADDs was at the ''[[Star Trek: The Experience]]'' museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, while another traveled with the ''[[Star Trek: The Adventure]]'' exhibit.}}
+
{{bginfo|The prop used throughout the run of ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' was created from a Cabin Light Box (Cabin Pocket-Vue CL-5000P Pocket Light Box), a device used to view transparencies or undeveloped film, augmented with 3M Rubber "Bumpons" for buttons, and a rubber "bumper" for what has been presumed to be a camera. A tutorial for a homemade version can be found online.'' [http://www.mattmunson.com/props/star_trek/enterprise_padd_tutorial/index.html]|One of these PADDs was at the ''[[Star Trek: The Experience]]'' museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, while another traveled with the ''[[Star Trek: The Adventure]]'' exhibit.}}
   
 
[[File:TOS PADD 1.jpg|thumb|A Starfleet electronic clipboard, [[2260s]]]]
 
[[File:TOS PADD 1.jpg|thumb|A Starfleet electronic clipboard, [[2260s]]]]
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One of the most often used devices employed by personnel serving in Starfleet, PADDs were common aboard Federation [[starship]]s, [[space station]]s, and [[planet]]ary facilities during the [[23rd century|23rd]] and [[24th century|24th centuries]].
 
One of the most often used devices employed by personnel serving in Starfleet, PADDs were common aboard Federation [[starship]]s, [[space station]]s, and [[planet]]ary facilities during the [[23rd century|23rd]] and [[24th century|24th centuries]].
   
First appearing as late as [[2266]] aboard such starship types as the {{ShipClass|Constitution}} vessel, PADDs of the [[2260s]] were large, wedge-shaped devices, operated almost exclusively through the use of a stylus. These data PADDs were often carried by [[yeoman|yeomen]] aboard starships, but appeared in other locations including Starfleet's [[Starbase 11]]. ({{TOS|The Man Trap|The Menagerie, Part I|The Menagerie, Part II}}; {{DS9|Trials and Tribble-ations}})
+
First appearing as late as [[2266]] aboard such starship types as the {{class|Constitution}} vessel, PADDs of the [[2260s]] were large, wedge-shaped devices, operated almost exclusively through the use of a stylus. These data PADDs were often carried by [[yeoman|yeomen]] aboard starships, but appeared in other locations including Starfleet's [[Starbase 11]]. ({{TOS|The Man Trap|The Menagerie, Part I|The Menagerie, Part II}}; {{DS9|Trials and Tribble-ations}})
   
 
{{bginfo|While it has never been explicitly referred to as a PADD in any of the ''[[Star Trek]]'' series or [[Star Trek films|films]], the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' uses this device, as well as the clear, PADD-like device carried by [[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]] in {{film|6}} to illustrate its small section on PADDs. Before the first appearance of the [[TOS]] PADD in the first aired episode, a clipboard was used for the same task in {{e|The Cage}}. Several [[Star Trek: The Original Series (Pocket)|TOS novels]] use the term "data slate".}}
 
{{bginfo|While it has never been explicitly referred to as a PADD in any of the ''[[Star Trek]]'' series or [[Star Trek films|films]], the ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' uses this device, as well as the clear, PADD-like device carried by [[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]] in {{film|6}} to illustrate its small section on PADDs. Before the first appearance of the [[TOS]] PADD in the first aired episode, a clipboard was used for the same task in {{e|The Cage}}. Several [[Star Trek: The Original Series (Pocket)|TOS novels]] use the term "data slate".}}
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While the common function of these Federation PADDs was most often straight forward data entry or data retrieval, some PADDs were capable of more artistic tasks. Some PADDs, often larger in size than most of their counterparts, were used to draw up schematics or to create composite images or artwork. PADDs were also capable of predictive text functions, allowing users to enter a small amount of data to achieve full words or even sentences. In addition, a stylus could be used for text entry. PADDs could also order a [[site-to-site transport]]. ({{DS9|Babel|The House of Quark|The Muse|Image in the Sand}}, {{VOY|Renaissance Man}})
 
While the common function of these Federation PADDs was most often straight forward data entry or data retrieval, some PADDs were capable of more artistic tasks. Some PADDs, often larger in size than most of their counterparts, were used to draw up schematics or to create composite images or artwork. PADDs were also capable of predictive text functions, allowing users to enter a small amount of data to achieve full words or even sentences. In addition, a stylus could be used for text entry. PADDs could also order a [[site-to-site transport]]. ({{DS9|Babel|The House of Quark|The Muse|Image in the Sand}}, {{VOY|Renaissance Man}})
   
  +
{{bginfo|The ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual]]'' theorized that given their ability to network with a starship's main computer, with the right user interface, a PADD could be used to control primary ship functions like navigation and the helm. PADDs as they were seen in the spin-off series were designed during the pre-production stage of ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', at least in part by [[Rick Sternbach]]. An early drawing (bearing a strong resemblance to the prop used well into ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'') can be seen in the book, ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission]]'', dated {{d|17|March|1987}}.|Such 24th century PADDs first appeared in the episode {{e|Lonely Among Us}}, where they are still called ''P.A.D.D.'' in the script. The device was also called P.A.D.D. in the script of {{e|Too Short a Season}}. Beginning with {{e|Loud As A Whisper}}, they were called PADDs or padds in the scripts. They were first mentioned by name in the episode {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}.|Several Federation PADDs were sold off on the [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]] on eBay. {{stala|9482}} {{stala|9484}}}}
===Background information===
 
PADDs as they were seen in the spin-off series were designed during the pre-production stage of ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', at least in part by [[Rick Sternbach]]. An early drawing (bearing a strong resemblance to the prop used well into ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'') can be seen in the book, ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission]]'', dated {{d|17|March|1987}}.
 
   
 
<gallery>
Such 24th century PADDs first appeared in the episode {{e|Lonely Among Us}}, where they are still called ''P.A.D.D.'' in the script. The device was also called P.A.D.D. in the script of {{e|Too Short a Season}}. Beginning with {{e|Loud As A Whisper}}, they were called PADDs or padds in the scripts. They were first mentioned by name in the episode {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}.
 
 
Not long after their debut in [[TNG]], PADDs became a real-life technology with the introduction of the {{w|Apple Newton}}; {{w|Palm (PDA)|Palm Pilots}} being a similar device common in the world of the present. Recently, devices with touch-sensitive displays and user input systems which reconfigure themselves depending on the task at hand, such as the {{w|iPod Touch}}, {{w|iPhone}}, and most recently, the {{w|iPad}} have been developed which bear an even stronger resemblance to PADDs and the [[LCARS]] system.
 
 
Unlike their real world counterparts, most PADDs on [[TNG]], [[DS9]] and ''Voyager'' were nonfunctional, rarely even incorporating lighted display screens, but rather printed "[[okudagram]]s". Lighted PADDs did eventually make their way to screens for {{film|9}}, with custom and store-bought devices like the Cabin Light Box, being used through {{film|8}} and into ''Enterprise''.
 
 
According to frequent background performer [[Guy Vardaman]], [[TNG]] extras often referred to the PADD props they carried down [[corridor]]s as "hall passes".
 
 
Several Federation PADDs were sold off on the [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]] on eBay. {{stala|9482}} {{stala|9484}}
 
 
<gallery perrow=3>
 
 
File:TOS PADD 2.jpg|A PADD and stylus of the 2260s
 
File:TOS PADD 2.jpg|A PADD and stylus of the 2260s
 
File:PADD.jpg|PADD displaying predictive text
 
File:PADD.jpg|PADD displaying predictive text
File:Sarah Sisko reconstruction.jpg|Red PADD showing image reconstruction
+
File:Facsimile construction program 047.jpg|Red PADD showing image reconstruction
 
File:DS9 arboretum plan.jpg|A PADD displaying [[arboretum]] plans
 
File:DS9 arboretum plan.jpg|A PADD displaying [[arboretum]] plans
File:PADD stylus interface.jpg|A stylus being used on a PADD
+
File:PADD stylus interface.jpg|A stylus being used on a PADD to edit a story
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
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Capable of the same general function as their alien counterparts, Bajoran PADDs could be used to download information from primary computer sources, including text documents as large as [[novel]]s. They were also able to display information in Bajoran as well as other languages. ({{DS9|Emissary|The Jem'Hadar|Shadows and Symbols}})
 
Capable of the same general function as their alien counterparts, Bajoran PADDs could be used to download information from primary computer sources, including text documents as large as [[novel]]s. They were also able to display information in Bajoran as well as other languages. ({{DS9|Emissary|The Jem'Hadar|Shadows and Symbols}})
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  +
 
==Cardassian Union==
 
==Cardassian Union==
 
[[File:Cardassian PADD.jpg|thumb|A Cardassian PADD, [[2369]]]]
 
[[File:Cardassian PADD.jpg|thumb|A Cardassian PADD, [[2369]]]]
Used by both civilians and military personnel, the typical PADD used throughout the [[Cardassian Union]] could be found aboard {{ShipClass|Galor}} warships and on [[Cardassia Prime]] itself.
+
Used by both civilians and military personnel, the typical PADD used throughout the [[Cardassian Union]] could be found aboard {{class|Galor}} warships and on [[Cardassia Prime]] itself.
   
 
Consisting of a brown and gold-colored unit, the Cardassian PADD was angular and irregularly shaped, featuring an oval-shaped display screen and a number of trapezoidal and irregularly shaped buttons.
 
Consisting of a brown and gold-colored unit, the Cardassian PADD was angular and irregularly shaped, featuring an oval-shaped display screen and a number of trapezoidal and irregularly shaped buttons.
Line 121: Line 111:
 
{{bginfo|The Vulcan PADD featured most prominently in {{e|Stigma}} was in fact a repaint of the Bajoran PADD seen throughout ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. This was the only episode in which Vulcan PADDs were featured.}}
 
{{bginfo|The Vulcan PADD featured most prominently in {{e|Stigma}} was in fact a repaint of the Bajoran PADD seen throughout ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. This was the only episode in which Vulcan PADDs were featured.}}
   
==References==
+
== Appendices ==
  +
=== References ===
 
<div class="appear">
 
<div class="appear">
 
* {{TNG}}
 
* {{TNG}}
Line 135: Line 126:
 
</div>
 
</div>
   
 
=== Background information ===
==External links==
 
  +
The PADDs seen from [[TNG]] onwards were conceived and designed by [[Rick Sternbach]], who has submitted the first version of the design in January 1987. He has also designed the vast majority of the variations following his first version. ({{STTM|1|3}}, pp. 68-71)
* {{exastris|page=/gallery/alien-tricorders1.htm|title=Galleries: Alien Communicators and Computers}}
 
  +
 
Not long after their debut in TNG, PADD-like devices became a real-life technology with the introduction of the PDA's made by Palm and {{w|Apple Newton}}. Since then devices with touch-sensitive displays and user input systems which reconfigure themselves depending on the task at hand have become common, the most notable one being {{w|Apple Inc.|Apple}}'s {{w|iPad}}, sharing a similar sounding device name.
  +
 
Unlike their real world counterparts, most PADDs on [[TNG]], [[DS9]] and [[VOY]] were nonfunctional, rarely even incorporating lighted display screens, but rather printed "[[okudagram]]s". Lighted PADDs did eventually make their way to screens for {{film|9}}, with custom and store-bought devices like the Cabin Light Box, being used through {{film|8}} and into ''Enterprise''.
  +
 
According to frequent background performer [[Guy Vardaman]], [[TNG]] extras often referred to the PADD props they carried down [[corridor]]s as "hall passes".
  +
 
=== External links ===
  +
* {{NCwiki}}
 
* {{eas|gallery/alien-tricorders1.htm|Galleries: Alien Communicators and Computers|external}}
 
* [http://synthesize.us/LCARS_PADD?title=LCARS_PADD LCARS PADD: A Nokia 770 look for the 24th century] at [http://synthesize.us Synthesize.us]
 
* [http://synthesize.us/LCARS_PADD?title=LCARS_PADD LCARS PADD: A Nokia 770 look for the 24th century] at [http://synthesize.us Synthesize.us]
  +
* [http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-trek-padd/id446277240?mt=8 The ''Star Trek'' PADD app] at the [[ITunes Store]]
  +
 
[[Category:Tools]]
 
[[Category:Computer technology]]
   
 
[[de:PADD]]
 
[[de:PADD]]
  +
[[fr:PADD]]
 
[[ja:PADD]]
 
[[ja:PADD]]
 
[[nl:PADD]]
 
[[nl:PADD]]
[[Category:Tools]]
 
[[Category:Computer technology]]
 

Revision as of 11:56, 31 July 2013

File:Harrens theorem.jpg

A 24th century Starfleet issue PADD

"PADD" is an acronym for Personal Access Display Device, a hand-held computer interface, used as early as the 22nd century and well into the 24th century.

PADDs were used by such space-faring organizations as Starfleet, the Andorian Imperial Guard, Bajoran Militia, Cardassian Union, Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, and Vulcan High Command. They were common to cultures even as distant as the Delta Quadrant.

General Specifications

File:Insidepadd.jpg

Inside a Starfleet PADD

Consisting of a large touchscreen display and minimalistic manual interface or control panel (generally only one or two buttons), the typical PADD is used for a variety of functions including logging manifests, compiling duty rosters or diagnostic reports, entering personal data, and/or accessing library computer systems using the LCARS Interface.

Varying in size, shape and specification, PADDs are often distinguished by the species of their manufacturer or user. United Earth and Federation Starfleet PADDs were generally flat and rectangular in shape, while Klingon and Cardassian PADDs were often more angular.

The internal circuitry of the Starfleet issue PADD circa 2360s was revealed only once, in the TNG episode "A Fistful of Datas". While the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual indicated isolinear internal components, the aforementioned episode portrayed a PADD utilizing printed circuit boards just like present-day computers, and only partially made of isolinear circuits.
The Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual states that Starfleet PADDs are powered by sarium krellide power cells, and have an outer casing of boronite whisker epoxy, which would allow the PADD to sustain a 35-meter drop without damage.

Starfleet

PADD 2150s

A typical PADD, 2151

Standard issue during the 22nd century, PADDs utilized by Starfleet were rectangular in shape, dominated by a large display screen taking up much of the surface area of the device. Small buttons were located just below the screen, most often grouped in two, at the lower right-hand side of the interface. Varying control button arrangements were also in use. (ENT: "Vox Sola", "Dead Stop")

These PADDs were often used to display schematics, or subspace transmissions and were capable of wireless computer networking as well as playing movies, recording logs and audio playback. (ENT: "Breaking the Ice", "Dawn", "Twilight")

At some point between 2144 and 2154, Arik Soong was able to open all the locks in the San Francisco prison he was being held at using just a PADD. After this incident, he was only allowed to use paper when sketching and writing his ideas. (ENT: "Borderland")

While under the effects of trellium-D in 2154, T'Pol shattered a PADD on Captain Archer's desk. (ENT: "Damage")

The prop used throughout the run of Star Trek: Enterprise was created from a Cabin Light Box (Cabin Pocket-Vue CL-5000P Pocket Light Box), a device used to view transparencies or undeveloped film, augmented with 3M Rubber "Bumpons" for buttons, and a rubber "bumper" for what has been presumed to be a camera. A tutorial for a homemade version can be found online. [1]
One of these PADDs was at the Star Trek: The Experience museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, while another traveled with the Star Trek: The Adventure exhibit.
File:TOS PADD 1.jpg

A Starfleet electronic clipboard, 2260s

PADD 2370s

A Federation PADD, 2373

Hansens final log

A horizontally held PADD

One of the most often used devices employed by personnel serving in Starfleet, PADDs were common aboard Federation starships, space stations, and planetary facilities during the 23rd and 24th centuries.

First appearing as late as 2266 aboard such starship types as the Constitution-class vessel, PADDs of the 2260s were large, wedge-shaped devices, operated almost exclusively through the use of a stylus. These data PADDs were often carried by yeomen aboard starships, but appeared in other locations including Starfleet's Starbase 11. (TOS: "The Man Trap", "The Menagerie, Part I", "The Menagerie, Part II"; DS9: "Trials and Tribble-ations")

While it has never been explicitly referred to as a PADD in any of the Star Trek series or films, the Star Trek Encyclopedia uses this device, as well as the clear, PADD-like device carried by Chekov in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country to illustrate its small section on PADDs. Before the first appearance of the TOS PADD in the first aired episode, a clipboard was used for the same task in "The Cage". Several TOS novels use the term "data slate".

By 2364, PADDs had taken on a smaller profile and, while some models would include one, the stylus was replaced by simple, touch-sensitive controls, generally located beneath a small, square-shaped display screen. Generally small and light-weight, the PADDs of the 2360s and 2370s were basically rectangular in shape, but varied in size, proportion, and even color – ranging from gray and muted blue colors, to red. Some PADDs, like the one used by Dr. Lewis Zimmerman aboard Jupiter Station in 2376, were translucent. (TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint"; DS9: "Emissary"; VOY: "Caretaker", "Life Line", et al.) When struck with enough force, the screen of a PADD could be shattered resulting in shards sharp enough to cut Human skin. (DS9: "Statistical Probabilities")

While the common function of these Federation PADDs was most often straight forward data entry or data retrieval, some PADDs were capable of more artistic tasks. Some PADDs, often larger in size than most of their counterparts, were used to draw up schematics or to create composite images or artwork. PADDs were also capable of predictive text functions, allowing users to enter a small amount of data to achieve full words or even sentences. In addition, a stylus could be used for text entry. PADDs could also order a site-to-site transport. (DS9: "Babel", "The House of Quark", "The Muse", "Image in the Sand", VOY: "Renaissance Man")

The Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual theorized that given their ability to network with a starship's main computer, with the right user interface, a PADD could be used to control primary ship functions like navigation and the helm. PADDs as they were seen in the spin-off series were designed during the pre-production stage of Star Trek: The Next Generation, at least in part by Rick Sternbach. An early drawing (bearing a strong resemblance to the prop used well into Star Trek: Voyager) can be seen in the book, Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission, dated 17 March 1987.
Such 24th century PADDs first appeared in the episode "Lonely Among Us", where they are still called P.A.D.D. in the script. The device was also called P.A.D.D. in the script of "Too Short a Season". Beginning with "Loud As A Whisper", they were called PADDs or padds in the scripts. They were first mentioned by name in the episode "A Fistful of Datas".
Several Federation PADDs were sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay. [2] [3]

Andorian Imperial Guard

Andorian PADD

An Andorian PADD, 2154

Roughly the same size as their Earth Starfleet counterparts, PADDs used by officers in the service of the Andorian Imperial Guard were rectangular in shape, highlighted by several square-shaped pieces at the sides and top which itself was rounded.

Unlike the Starfleet version, no obvious buttons or control panels were visible on the device, suggesting that the large, center-mounted display screen was touch-sensitive. (ENT: "United")

Likely a redress of an existing PADD from Enterprise, the Andorian PADD from "United" was a functional light box, likely of the same make as those used to construct the Starfleet versions.

Bajoran Militia

Bajoran PADD

A Bajoran PADD, 2375

In use during the 24th century aboard Bajoran spacecraft and stations (including New Bajor and starbase Deep Space 9), Bajoran PADDs were small, roughly oval-shaped devices, nearly the same size as (though slimmer than) the small Federation PADD variant.

Capable of the same general function as their alien counterparts, Bajoran PADDs could be used to download information from primary computer sources, including text documents as large as novels. They were also able to display information in Bajoran as well as other languages. (DS9: "Emissary", "The Jem'Hadar", "Shadows and Symbols")

Cardassian Union

Cardassian PADD

A Cardassian PADD, 2369

Used by both civilians and military personnel, the typical PADD used throughout the Cardassian Union could be found aboard Galor-class warships and on Cardassia Prime itself.

Consisting of a brown and gold-colored unit, the Cardassian PADD was angular and irregularly shaped, featuring an oval-shaped display screen and a number of trapezoidal and irregularly shaped buttons.

The Cardassian PADD was capable of a variety of functions, from displaying visual recordings to operating door mechanisms. (TNG: "Chain of Command, Part II"; DS9: "Emissary", "Second Skin")

According to an in-depth article on PADDs in Star Trek: The Magazine, several of the distinctly alien Cardassian PADDs were repainted Federation standard colors and used in the movie Star Trek: First Contact.
The Cardassian PADD was also fitted with a larger, lit display screen for use as scanners in Enterprise, as an Earth device in "Regeneration" and Klingon device in "Bounty".

Ferengi Alliance

Ferengi PADD

A common Ferengi PADD, 2374

Ferengi auction PADD

A PADD used at auction

A mainstay in business dealings involving Ferengi in and outside of the Ferengi Alliance, Ferengi PADDs were often elongated-hexagonally-shaped units. Muted gold in color, these PADDs featured a number of button controls and a hexagon-shaped viewscreen often displaying the familiar circular Ferengi interface layout.

Capable of cataloging inventory, inputting vouchers, or drawing up business plans, Ferengi PADDs were most often geared toward business and profit. Chief amongst their capabilities was currency transfer, allowing transactions to take place with simple thumb print verification. These PADDs were utilized by Ferengi Commerce Authority liquidators and could be found at the Tower of Commerce on Ferenginar, as well as aboard Ferengi vessels like Nunk's Marauder and at Quark's on Deep Space 9. (TNG: "Firstborn"; DS9: "The Wire", "Family Business", "The Begotten", "Profit and Lace"; VOY: "Inside Man")

Other Ferengi PADD variants included a flat, black and green device with an angular display screen. This PADD variant could be used to view auction catalogs. (DS9: "In the Cards")

The Ferengi PADD seen throughout DS9 was reused in the Enterprise episode "Acquisition" as a Ferengi scanner, revamped with a lighted display screen.

Klingon Empire

Klingon PADD small variant

A small Klingon PADD in 2373

Klingon PADD - record of battle

A larger Klingon PADD variant

At least two models of data PADDs were used by warriors in the service of the Klingon Defense Force during the 24th century.

Both harshly angular compared to their Federation counterparts, Klingon PADDs came in hand-held and larger, landscape-style varieties. Both displaying information in Klingonese, these PADDs could be found in the chambers of the Klingon High Council on Qo'noS as well as aboard Klingon vessels such as the IKS Rotarran.

The smaller model was dark green in color and featured several button controls running up the center of the device to a rectangular-shaped display screen capable of recorded-video playback. The larger model was brown and was held horizontally with a handle attached to the left of an angular, touch screen display. (DS9: "The House of Quark", "Blaze of Glory", "Soldiers of the Empire", "Tacking Into the Wind")

Detailed photographs of both Klingon PADDs have surfaced online, notably at one prop manufacturer's website. [4] [5]

Quarren

Quarren PADD

A Quarren PADD, 2377

An example of PADDs appearing as distant as the Delta Quadrant, similar devices were utilized by the slavers of the planet Quarra in 2377.

Golden-brown in color, these PADDs were roughly the same size as their Alpha/Beta Quadrant counterparts, but featured circular display screens with several button controls below. Among their functions, they were used to display missing persons reports. (VOY: "Workforce", "Workforce, Part II")

The Quarren PADD was later repainted and appeared on Enterprise as at least two alien PADDs: a Xindi model in "Zero Hour" and as an alien bargainer's PADD in "Borderland". It also appeared in the episode "Stigma" as the Denobulan neutron microscope controller.

Vulcan

Vulcan PADD 2152

A Vulcan PADD, 2152

In service as early as the 22nd century, Vulcan PADDs came in a variety of builds and sizes, from angular to oval-shaped devices.

These PADDs were used by Vulcans stationed on distant planets, including Vulcans serving in the Interspecies Medical Exchange on Dekendi III. (ENT: "Stigma")

The Vulcan PADD featured most prominently in "Stigma" was in fact a repaint of the Bajoran PADD seen throughout Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This was the only episode in which Vulcan PADDs were featured.

Appendices

References

Background information

The PADDs seen from TNG onwards were conceived and designed by Rick Sternbach, who has submitted the first version of the design in January 1987. He has also designed the vast majority of the variations following his first version. (Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3, pp. 68-71)

Not long after their debut in TNG, PADD-like devices became a real-life technology with the introduction of the PDA's made by Palm and Apple Newton. Since then devices with touch-sensitive displays and user input systems which reconfigure themselves depending on the task at hand have become common, the most notable one being Apple's iPad, sharing a similar sounding device name.

Unlike their real world counterparts, most PADDs on TNG, DS9 and VOY were nonfunctional, rarely even incorporating lighted display screens, but rather printed "okudagrams". Lighted PADDs did eventually make their way to screens for Star Trek: Insurrection, with custom and store-bought devices like the Cabin Light Box, being used through Star Trek: First Contact and into Enterprise.

According to frequent background performer Guy Vardaman, TNG extras often referred to the PADD props they carried down corridors as "hall passes".

External links