Pip-Boy

The Pip-Boy is a series of wearable computers manufactured by RobCo Industries. "Pip" is an acronym (Personal Information Processor), though in-game models of the device use "Pip-Boy," not "PIP-Boy," as its capitalization.The Pip-Boy 2000, Pip-Boy 2000 Mark VI, Pip-Boy 3000, and Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV all use "Pip-Boy" on their nameplates.
==Background==
Pip-Boys were standard equipment issued to all Vault-Tec Corporation Vaults meant for use by all dwellers,Vault-Tec Workshop loading screens: "In the years before the war, RobCo and Vault-Tec forged a powerful corporate alliance. Residents of Vault-Tec's Vaults would each be provided with a RobCo Pip-Boy personal computer, a device which made extensive use of the popular "Vault Boy" mascot." licensed to Vault-Tec by Bud Askins for use in their general admissions systems. To register for such a device, residents would take part in an orientation seminar given by the Vault's Overseer to explain the functions and daily life enhancements provided by the Pip-Boy, along with filling out personal information in the Personal Information Processor Responsibility Form regarding such things as hand dominance, personal preferences, arm circumference, and vault jumpsuit measurements.Pip-Boy Operational InstructionsFallout: The Roleplaying Game Rulebook p. 183: "A Personal Information Processor manufactured by RobCo Industries. Under partnership with Vault-Tec, they were issued to many vault residents, though due to production constraints and ongoing development, different vaults received shipments of different versions of the Pip-Boy. The versions most encountered are variants of the Pip-Boy 2000 and Pip-Boy 3000, which are designed to be secured upon the wearer’s wrist. Many models were designed with biometric locks, preventing them from being removed while the wearer still lives." Some Vaults received newer models of the device, while others were issued older versions. In addition, certain Pip-Boy models could support additions and equipment that other models could not.Stark: "The Chosen One: "What is it?"Stark: "It's a Vault-Tec Motion sensor. We were going to strip it for parts, since it's too old for our Pip Boys, but it looks like it's compatible with your model."(Stark's dialogue)
Usage of the Pip-Boy was not exclusive to Vault-Tec however. Members of the Free StatesElla Ames' bunker terminal entries#Scorchbeast Lures were known to use them too, and the RobCo Auto-Caches were meant to require such devices too.Events of The Elusive Crane.
==Characteristics==
Using ultra-modern, super-deluxe resolution graphics in conjunction with its capability to store and transfer large amounts of information makes it the obvious choice for the wandering explorer, whether it be the out-on-his-own newbie or the all-around survivalist expert. Versions released outside of Vault circulation were an incredibly handy tool, so useful they even earned a reputation among specific circles as a crutch to lean on that no true expert in travel or survival would ever use.The Courier: "What do you mean?"Elijah: "That thing on your wrist - it's a convenience. It tells you where to go, what to do, dulls your brain. It may have helped you find the Sierra Madre broadcast, but it's just as much a crutch today as it was in the Old World."(Elijah's dialogue) The Pip-Boy is powered by an internal Fission battery, and is also hardy enough to withstand any situation.Fallout: The Roleplaying Game Rulebook p. 183: "A Pip-Boy is powered by an internal fission battery, providing a working lifespan for the device far greater than the expected life of its wearer (and, indeed, many Pip-Boys have been handed down within communities or families as heirlooms), and the device itself is sturdy enough to withstand basically anything." Pip-Boys also run on a proprietary OS created solely for their function called Pip-OS.
Some Pip-Boy models, such as Pip-Boy 2000, feature an image of the Pip-Boy corporate mascot on the case.
==Variants==
===Pip-Boy 1.0===
The Pip-Boy 1.0 featured a small display screen, a 16-button keyboard, a toggle switch, multiple indicator lights, and a dial with at least three settings. The components that made up the device were attached to a rudimentary metallic frame that surrounded a forearm-length cuff. Protruding cords and the overall bulkiness of the device may have precluded the addition of a protective outer casing as is found on newer Pip-Boy models. An archived photo of technical engineers working on the Pip-Boy 1.0 in the RobCo development laboratory sheds light on the prototype stages.Pip-Boy Operational Instructions pp. 4-5: "Archive photo of technical engineers hard at work on an early Pip-Boy prototype in the RobCo development laboratory."
===Pip-Boy 2000===
The Pip-Boy 2000 displays information on a black, 5" x 3", monochrome screen. It can record sound and video footage for later playback. Using a simple but elegant form of sonar and satellite tracking (where available), this model can map out areas where its user travels. Though input is slow, a user can also hand-enter and edit text messages on their Pip-Boy 2000s. The Pip-Boy 2000 was worn on the user's wrist. 
Vault Dweller's Survival Guide p.4–20—4–21: "ROBCO PIPBOY 2000To help Vault Dwellers record information (and information is extremely valuable, in fact, it might be the most valuable weapon we have against the end of civilization, so pay attention!), Vault-Tec has selected the RobCo Industries RobCo PIPBoy 2000 as the Personal Information Processor of choice for its Vault Dwellers.The RobCo PIPBoy 2000 (hereafter called the PIPBoy), is a handy device that you wear on your wrist. It’s small, especially by today’s standards, and it will store a goodly amount of information for you. And using modern super-deluxe resolution graphics to boot!" These models were, among others, owned by the Vault Dweller and Chosen One. A modified model stamped with B.E. was used by the Warrior.
===Pip-Boy 2000 Mark VI===
The Pip-Boy 2000 Mark VI is an advanced variant of RobCo's flagship personal computing product. Each Vault Dweller leaving Vault 76 was issued a Mark VI to assist in their goal of rebuilding Appalachia 25 years after the Great War. 
It is capable of tracking the wearer's status and any active or completed quests and also organizes the wearer's inventory. An overlay of the data is also available. In addition, the device features a radio upgrade module, Geiger counter, an advanced compass that displays discovered locations and nearby persons and creatures, and lighting functionality.Pip-Boy 2000 Mk VI FM Radio Module, Bethesda gear store A holotape player is mounted beneath the display.
===Pip-Boy 3000===
The 3000 model, like the 2000 model, displays its information on a black, monochrome screen. Like the 2000 model, it is capable of keeping tabs on the user's health condition, mapping out areas, and taking and storing notes. Unlike its predecessor though, it also comes with added features, such as a built-in radio, Geiger counter and Pip-Boy light, used to illuminate dark areas.Fallout 4 loading screens: "Press and hold the Pip-Boy button to turn on its light and illuminate dark areas." There are several models of Pip-Boy 3000 that are designated by letter, i.e. Pip-Boy 3000A.The Lone Wanderer: "Wally said my Pip-Boy was a piece of junk!"Stanley Armstrong: " Solid as a vault, they are. And I fixed her up myself. Shouldn't need to open her up again for a decade or two."The Lone Wanderer: "It's all right. Seems kind of old, though."Stanley Armstrong: " That one I've been saving just for you, though. The A series is a bit heavier than some of the fancier models, but it won't let you down. "(Stanley Armstrong's dialogue) which keep a similar appearance but contain different hardware. The major difference from the 2000 model is its need to be worn as a gauntlet, which seals with a biometric lockThe Lone Wanderer: "I hate it. How do I get it off?"Stanley Armstrong: " "(Stanley Armstrong's dialogue) the 3000A is locked with bolts and can be removed wholesale, replaced, or temporarily displaced to allow for clothing to pass under it.The Art of Fallout 3 p. 14: "Pip-Boy:The device clamps on the user's arm, fastened via bolts (which implies that it doesn't come off very often)." In Fallout: New Vegas, the Courier is provided a Pip-Boy 3000 by Doc Mitchell, a former vault dweller.
===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 to play each time it is equipped.
===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 Mark IV, unlike their predecessors, are able to manually unlock the main vault door entrances.
The Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV was distributed to vaults near Boston, including Vault 75, Vault 81, Vault 95, Vault 111 and Vault 114. Vault-Tec staff did not grant Pip-Boys to the residents of Vault 111 due to their placement in cryogenic stasis; the Sole Survivor of the vault was able to claim a Pip-Boy from the corpse of a long-dead Vault-Tec scientist.
===Lil' Pip 3000===
The 'Lil' Pip 3000 was to be the main Pip Boy variant in the canceled Van Buren project. It was modeled and concept art was produced for it before the project was scrapped. Although not found in the game's design documents, Joshua Sawyer described its history and functionality in his unofficial RPG.
===Super Pip-Boy===
The Super Pip-Boy would have been a unique Pip-Boy model worn by Victor Presper in Van Buren. It had a built-in health monitor, motion sensor, and program creation and editing tool.B.O.M.B.-001 design document part 2: "Equipment: Super PIP Boy monitors his health, acts as a motion sensor, and has a programming attachment built in that allows him to instantly create and download his own programs."
==Notes==
* Every NPC in Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas who wears a Pip-Boy 3000 has it set on the Stats/Status/CND screen.
* In the classic Macintosh version of Fallout, the Pip-Boy 2000's menu uses PlainTalk to say "Welcome to the RobCo Pip-Boy 2000" upon opening it, as well as reciting the menus you've opened.
* Vault Boy, the company mascot who shows in images which illustrate all of the characteristics of the SPECIAL character system is referred to as "Pipboy" in Fallout Tactics.
* In Fallout Shelter, dwellers exploring the wasteland are equipped with a Pip-Boy.
==Appearances==
Pip-Boys appear in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Fallout Tactics, Fallout: The Board Game, the Fallout TV series and the canceled Van Buren.
==Behind the scenes==
* The Pip-Boy is included as a promotional item for the Engineer in Team Fortress 2. 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.
* 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.
==Gallery==
Art of Fo4 Pip-Boy concept art.jpg|Fallout 4 Pip-Boy concept art
Fallout Magic Inventory Management PipBoy.png|Magic: The Gathering card
==External links==
* Pip-Boy on Wikipedia
==References==
Non-game
Non-canon
Category:Miscellaneous items
Category:Armor and clothing
Category:RobCo Industries technology
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