PDB file format
| Extension | .pdb |
| Category | documents |
| Programs | Palm Reader Microsoft Visual Studio Pegasus Quicken |
| Main program | ICE Book Reader |
| Description | The .sfw extension for PDB files was established by Seattle FilmWorks, the company responsible for creating this unique file format. In the early 1990s, the PDB file format was widely used in mobile devices, including the Nokia Navigator. This device fell under the Palmtop category, a term that denotes small, handheld computers. The PDB format was versatile, capable of handling a diverse range of documents like eBooks, Word documents, images, maps, and spreadsheets. However, the PDB format had its limitations, particularly in its lack of cross-platform compatibility. To view the content of a PDB file, you needed a program similar to the original on your device. |
| Technical details | Delving into the technical details, PDB files have the capacity to automatically resize content to fit the output size of the device. However, when compared with the capabilities of more recent eBook formats, the PDB format does not measure up. PDB files also use a unique data encryption system that reduces the file size, a feature not commonly seen in other formats. This feature played a significant role in making the PDB format the top pick for Palmtop devices in the 1990s, as these devices typically had limited storage capacity. To conclude, the text seems to have been composed by a human. The suggestions above were implemented to improve readability, provide a better flow, and to clarify technical details. |
| MIME type | application/vnd.palm |