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This is an overview article, listing content appearing in multiple games. |
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The RobCo Pip-Boy (Personal Information Processor) is an electronic device manufactured by RobCo Industries. It uses ultra-modern super-deluxe resolution graphics, which coupled with its capability to store large amounts of information and transfer data to and from holodisks and from data tubes make it the obvious choice for the wandering explorer, the out-on-his-own newbie or the all-around survivalist expert.
The Pip-Boys were standard equipment issued to all Vault-Tec Vaults. Some Vaults received newer models of the device, while others got older versions.
The character who shows in images which illustrate all of the characteristics of the SPECIAL character system (perks, traits, stats etc.) is often incorrectly called "Pipboy" (even in Fallout Tactics). His real name is Vault Boy.
Variants
Pip-Boy 1.0
A photo of the Pip-Boy 1.0
The Pip-Boy 1.0 was the very first model of the Pip-Boy personal information processors created by RobCo before the Great War. The device marked the first known attempt by any company to create a wearable portable computer. The only observed unit of the Pip-Boy 1.0 featured a highly cumbersome design with a small screen and no protective outer casing. It is unknown if the 1.0 model was produced for distribution.
Pip-Boy 2000
A Pip-Boy 2000
The Pip-Boy 2000 displays information in bright green on its black 5" x 3" screen, can record sound and video footage for later playback, and uses a simple yet elegant form of sonar and satellite tracking where satellite coverage is available to map out areas where its user travels. Though input is slow, a user can also hand-enter and edit text messages on the Pip-Boy 2000.
The original Pip-Boy 2000 was a hand-held device, though some very cumbersome models were made to be worn on the arm. These models were unofficially called Pip-Boy 2000 Plus, and were, among others, owned by the Vault Dweller and Chosen One. A modified model was used by the Brotherhood of Steel.
Pip-Boy 3000
A Pip-Boy 3000
The Pip-Boy 3000 abandoned the hand-held design of its predecessor completely, making arm-mounted designs standard. Several different versions of the 3000 were made, each incorporating minor ergonomic and technical changes but maintaining the same general appearance. The Pip-Boy 3000A features a built-in radio, Geiger counter, flashlight, and a biometric lock that can only be opened by either the user or a skilled technician.
The Pip-Boy 3000A was distributed to Vaults in the Washington, D.C. and Mojave Desert areas. Notable owners include the Lone Wanderer and the Courier.
Pimp-Boy 3 Billion
A "Pimp-Boy 3 Billion"
A hand-crafted modification of the standard Pip-Boy 3000A, the extravagant Pimp-Boy 3 Billion is solid gold and encrusted with diamonds. It can be obtained from Mick at Mick & Ralph's in Freeside as a reward for persuading the Omertas to return to Mick for their weapon needs. Mick will switch the user's Pip-Boy between the 3000A and the 3 Billion upon request. The "Wild Wasteland" trait causes disco music play whenever it is equipped (the first time and every time when swapping back from the original model).
Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV
A Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV
The Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV is the fourth iteration of the Pip-Boy 3000 line and includes a number of design enhancements. The control dials were moved from the left side of the device to the right to improve accessibility, and the biometric lock and glove were replaced by a simple latch, allowing for quick and easy removal. The Mark IV also utilized a revamped display interface with animated images and was capable of playing the latest video games, such as Atomic Command and Red Menace.
The Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV was distributed to Vaults near Boston. For an unknown reason, one was not issued and had to be discovered and claimed by the Sole Survivor of Vault 111.
PIP-Pad
A PIP-Pad
 | The following is based on Project V13 promotional material and is not canon. |
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The PIP-Pad is an experimental tablet-sized version of the Pip-Boy series, mainly for reading text and high-resolution graphics. A cache of these devices was discovered after the Great War in an old RobCo warehouse by the staff of The Armageddon Rag. There are some known bugs with the text processor, and users may occasionally see some strange characters.
| End of information based on Project V13 promotional material and is not canon |
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Lil' Pip 3000
A Lil' Pip 3000
 | The following is based on Van Buren design documents and is not canon. |
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The Lil' Pip 3000 provides all of the functionality of the Pip-Boy 2000 Plus, but boasts a greatly reduced size made possible by the use of integrated circuits. Despite its advantages, the Lil' Pip remained less popular than its more durable predecessor.
Super Pip-Boy
The Super Pip-Boy is a unique Pip-Boy model worn by Victor Presper. It has a built-in health monitor, motion sensor, and a program creation and editing tool.
| End of information based on Van Buren design documents |
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Notes
- Every NPC in Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas who wears a Pip-Boy has it set on the Stats/Status/CND screen.
- Despite Stanley saying in Fallout 3 that Pip-Boys cannot be removed, at the start of Fallout: New Vegas Doc Mitchell gives the Courier his old one (meaning he must have had it removed) and the Sole Survivor is seen handling one that appears to have a strap of some sort.
- Pip-Boy is included as a promotional item in Team Fortress 2.
Appearances
The main characters in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout Tactics, Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4 are all equipped with different versions of Pip-Boys, the type found in Fallout 4 is known as the Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV
Van Buren characters such as the Prisoner, Symm, other Tibbets prisoners and Dr. Presper's party (Coleridge, Briggs, Davidson and Pierce) were also planned to be equipped with Pip-Boys.
A Pip-Boy appears in Valve Software's multiplayer FPS Team Fortress 2 as a promotional miscellaneous cosmetic item for the Engineer class. When equipped, it will change the Engineer's construction PDA display to a green-and-black display, and adds an image of the Engineer in the style of the Vault Boy art.