掌上电脑发展编年史（英文版）

关注+2004-11-07作者：蓝点

　从第一个真正意义上的具有palm操作系统的PalmPilot 1000在1996年诞生以来已经整整走过了7年，这7年间，palm操作系统在与wince的斗争中不断被完善，从1.0发展到了5.0。直至今天，palm，sony，handspring仍然不断开发出新的功能和特性的机型，2003就有十几款新机型上市，引人注目的有sony的有着蓝牙，wi-fi和键盘的ux 50，handspring的tero 600智能手机，palm公司的Tungsten T3，Tungsten E等。7年间风云变幻，让我们通过palm历史上经典机型的回顾，来看一下7年间的发展变化。

　　开山鼻祖——PalmPilot 1000(1996)

图为：PalmPilot 1000掌上电脑

　　显示屏幕:单色STN;160x160象素;2级灰度;无背光

　　处理器: MOTOROLA DragoNBAll 16MHz

　　操作系统: PalmOS 1.0

　　RAM: 128KB

　　尺寸: 12 x 8.1 x 1.8 (cm)

　　重量: 162g

　　通讯:串口同步

　　提起palm我们不得不提起palm pilot1000,这个第一部的palmpilot电脑使用的是Hawkins和Dubinsky自己开发的Palm OS 1.0操作系统，只有128K内存。这个机器开创了palm的先河，虽然其销量平平，然而这个还算小巧、能与个人电脑同步数据，价格十分便宜的机器开始受到了人们的关注。Pilot的功能虽然十分简陋，但是它已经具备了今天Palm的很多特征，从外型、按钮布局到手写识别系统。

　　真正意义的现代palm——Palm III(1998)

图为：Palm III掌上电脑

　　显示屏幕:单色STN;160x160象素;4级灰度;背光

　　处理器: MOTOROLA Dragonball 16MHz

　　操作系统: PalmOS 3.0

　　尺寸: 12 x 8.1 x 1.8 (cm)

　　RAM/ROM: 2MB/2MB flash

　　重量: 162g

　　外壳:硬塑料

　　通讯:串口同步/红外

　　98年，Palm公司发布了第三代掌上电脑Palm III，由于Pilot是著名的制笔公司Pilot Pen的商标，所以Palm不得已把自己的产品重命名为Palm III。Palm III使用的是Palm OS 3.0操作系统，拥有2M内存和2M的Flash ROM，用户可以升级操作系统。这是第一款拥有红外线的palm机型，从此之后palm开始可以同手机和palm之间进行数据交换。同时Palm OS 3.0在底层的稳定性和易用性方面有了很大的改善，各种应用软件开始大量出现。

　　但是7号电池的使用使本机器的外形和体积都大大增加，厚厚大大的机身使得随身携带并不是一件很舒服的事情。

　　顺便提一下palm III对中文使用者来说是第一款真正用使用意义的机器，2m的RAM在装入中文系统后还会有几百k的剩余空间，亲切的中文终于能显示在palm上面了。

　　轻薄美丽——Plam V (1999)

图为：Plam V掌上电脑

　　处理器: MOTOROLA Dragonball EZ 16 MHz

　　操作系统: PalmOS 3.1

　　显示屏幕:增强的屏幕技术;加强型STN;16级灰度;背光;

　　RAM/ROM: 2MB/2MB Flash

　　尺寸: 11.5 x 7.7 X 1(cm)

　　重量: 113g

　　外壳:铝合金

　　电池:内置锂电

　　通讯:串口同步/红外

　　PalmV是Palm掌上电脑家族中体积最轻巧的一款。整个机器简直就是完美，它出色的获得工业设计大奖的外型，超轻，113g的重量，放在上衣口袋里也没什么感觉，而且下缘的弧度刚好贴合大部分衬衣口袋。颇具质感的铝合金外壳；内置可方便充电的锂电池，提供超长待机时间，每天用30分钟能用上将近一个月

　　对于国内用户，唯一的缺陷就是RAM只有2mb了，不过国内的硬件高手如广州的wujing大侠，推出的升8MB RAM的服务真是方便了不少人。相信今天还有一些朋友手中拥有升级过的8MB的Palm V吧。

　　时尚美丽——visor deluxe(2000)

图为：visor deluxe掌上电脑

　　操作系统: PalmOS 3.1

　　显示屏幕: 4级灰度;背光;

　　RAM/ROM: 8MB/2MB mask

　　外壳:　　艳丽彩色透明塑料壳

　　电池: AAA电池

　　通讯: usb口同步/红外

　　99年成立的handspring在2000年推出了自己的第一款palm产品：Visor Delux。一口气推出了五种颜色炫丽的外型，搭配略为透明的外壳，在Palm业界又掀起一片波澜-原来palm也可以这样时尚美丽。令人兴奋的是，连同步底座都是透明的雾白色。Visor Deluxe几乎成为年轻学子或新鲜人类最种意的机种。

　　在工业上，visor Delux第一个推出usb的同步底座，让文件传输的速度有了一个质的提高。另一方面handspring在visor delux上加上了Springboard扩展技术，不断出现了各种的springboard模块如内存模块，minijam mp3模块，sondgoodmp3模块，visorphone手机模块，Magri Presenter2Go简报模块，eyemodule相机模块，Xircom 56k modem模块，Xircom WIFI模块，magellan gps模块，redm blade蓝牙模块，InnoPak/2v振动提醒加内存模块，特别值得一提的模块的领域中也有西安的笨鸟benbird大侠开发的cf扩展模块，能方便将可以使用的内存拓展到你的cf卡那么大，功能多样化的模块将visor的应用领域极大的扩展。

　多彩天地——Palm IIIc

图为：Palm IIIc掌上电脑

　　处理器: MOTOROLA DragonBall EZ 20MHz

　　操作系统: Palm OS 3.5

　　显示屏幕:彩色TFT液晶显示;160x160像素;彩色256色;背光;

　　RAM/ROM: 8MB/2MB FLASH

　　尺寸: 12.9 x 8.1 x 1.7(cm)

　　重量: 193g

　　外壳:硬塑料

　　电池:内置锂电

　　通讯:串口同步/红外

　　Palm IIIc是Palm公司2000年2月22日发布的最新产品，是该公司第一款带彩显的掌上电脑。它的出现将黑白的palm代入了多彩的世界，一下palm的世界变得如此美丽。

　　但是对于一个彩色的机器8M内存实在有点儿紧张。另外，彩色屏幕带来的不太长的使用时间，串口同步的较慢的同步速度就是个问题。但是记住，它是第一款彩色的palm掌上电脑。

　　特立独行-handera 330

图为：Handera 330掌上电脑

　　处理器: Dragonball vZ 33Mhz

　　操作系统: PalmOS 3.5.2

　　显示屏幕: 320*240 16级灰度

　　RAM/ROM: 8MB/2MB Flash

　　尺寸: 12.1 x 8.1 X 1.7(cm)

　　重量: 167g

　　外壳:塑料

　　其实提起palm我们就不应该忘记TRG，从一开始TRG就致力于将cf的扩展槽引入palm。并推出了第一款的cf扩展槽的机器TRGpro，还记得那个红色限量版的机器吗？美丽的让人心动。2001年TRG改名为Handera，并推出了Handera330，就是那个16级灰度，320×240分辨率，有着软手写区全屏手写的大机器，还记得看电子书时候它带来的惊喜吗？电池的耐力也不错。此外它首先创造了双扩展，cf和sD.。另外还有一个优点就是全屏的背光，记得晚上使用palm III时，手写区没有背光的烦恼吗？handera再也不会有这样的问题了。

　　缺点就是320×240的屏幕可不是什么软件都可以使用的，开始时有点麻烦，要多试试各种的软件，等到一切的软件都稳定下来后，handera 330可是日常办公的好帮手。

　　近于完美——tero 90

图为：Handspring Tero 90掌上电脑

　　处理器: Motorola DragonBall VZ 33 MHz

　　操作系统: Palm OS 4.1

　　显示屏幕:分辨率:160x160;12位色

　　RAM/ROM: 16MB/4MB FLASH

　　尺寸: 10.8 X 7.0 X 1.8(cm)

　　重量: 116g

　　扩展: SD/MMC插槽

　　电池:内置锂电

　　通讯: USB同步/红外

　　Tero -Handspring一个新的系列机器，中规中矩的设计。但是难得的全面，该有的都有了，彩色屏幕，16M内存，SD卡槽，116g的重量。还有一个小键盘，打消新手对Graffiti的畏惧。

　　使用被动显示的STN屏幕，日光直射的时候比反射式的屏幕，如m515/T615要难读，刷新率低，在动画中有明显的影子现象，图片不如m5×5或者T615细腻，但是大多数情况下有极佳的色彩和亮度，如果你不玩动作游戏的话，他的表现甚至好过m5x5和T615。另一个缺点sd插槽必须打补丁后才可以支持SDIO。

　　OS4能做好的,能做到的事情它都做到了。对于这样一个机器除了经典之外还有什么可说的？

　　完美商务——m515 (2002)

图为：Palm 515掌上电脑

　　处理器: Motorola DragonBall VZ 33 MHz

　　操作系统: Palm OS 4.1

　　显示屏幕:分辨率:160x160;反射式背光彩色屏幕/16位64K真彩;增强背光

　　RAM/ROM: 16MB/4MB FLASH

　　尺寸: 11.4 X 7.9 X 1.3(cm)

　　重量: 139g

　　扩展: SD/MMC插槽

　　电池:内置锂电

　　通讯: USB同步/红外

　　拥有Palm m515就等于拥有了一切--几乎是一切。PALM OS 4时代的完美商务机型，亮金属色的机壳，简洁大方，易用。

　　提到palm的机器不得不提到sony。Sony在2000年获得了palm的授权，就像sony在其家用电器中的表现一样，在palm上Clie更新太快了，让人都没有时间对一个机型留下深刻的印象，几乎没留下什么经典机型。几个有特色的机型基本又有着不同方面的缺陷使得我不知道如何对他们归类。如T415的烂屏幕，T615巨好的屏幕但是很差的电池，n7××高高在上的价格都成为了你不知道是否应该选他们成为经典的原因。

　　当然sony就是sony，总喜欢把任何的东西打上自己的烙印，memory stick的扩展槽，jog(转点通的滚轮)，和弦铃声，似乎都是所有sony机器的特点，此外高分的屏幕，增强红外的遥控乐趣，N系列支持的mp3，白色的金属外壳，似乎在palm的单一的商务面孔外增添了许多的乐趣。

　　提到历史似乎就停不下了，有人说ppc是炫目的情人，而palm却是老婆，你怎么想?希望拥有自己的一台palm吗？等待着你，加入“胖”的行列！

Chronology of Handheld Computers

1972

(month unknown)

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP-35, the first scientific handheld calculator. [4.178]

1973

(month unknown)

Texas Instruments enters the pocket calculator field with the introduction of the Texas Instruments SR-50 Slide Rule Calculator. It sells for about US$75. [4.179]

1980

July 31

Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer. It features a 24 character display, QWERTY keyboard, and 1.9 KB of programmable memory. Price is US$230. [5.172] [8.198] [86.144] [140.D3] (August [7.30])
(month unknown)

Panasonic and Quasar unveil handheld computers, made by Matsushita. The units use a 1-MHz 6502 CPU, and weigh 14 ounces (397 grams). [6.34]

1981

November 10

Panasonic introduces The Link handheld computer, the size of a small book, with a keyboard but no display. It can be hooked up to a television or to a host computer via a telephone dial-up connection. Price is US$500-600. [155.D5]

1982

January

Sharp introduces the Sharp PC-1500 Hand Held Personal Computer. It comes with 16 KB ROM, and 3.5 KB RAM. Price for computer is US$300. Price for tiny color graphics printer that attaches to the side, US$250. [10.67]

Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, Model PC-2, for US$280. It uses a 1.3 MHz 8-bit microprocessor, and has a 26-character display, with upper and lower case characters. It comes with 16 KB ROM, and 2.6 KB RAM, expandable to 16 KB. An optional 4-color printer attaches to the side. [11.216] [15.41]
August

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP75C portable computer. It features a rechargeable battery pack, 16K RAM, 65 key keyboard, 1 line by 32 character LCD display, magnetic card reader, 48K ROM including BASIC intERPreter, text editor, and scheduler. Size is is 11.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches; weight is 26 ounces; price is US$995. [31.184] [45.178] [74.D4]
(month unknown)

NEC introduces the PC-2001 Hand-Held Computer. It features an 8-bit 4 MHz CMOS uPD7907 microprocessor, 36 KB ROM, 16 KB RAM, serial port, and 40x2 character LCD screen. [18.125]

Sanyo introduces the PHC-8000 handheld computer. It features a NSC-800 CMOS microprocessor, 24 KB ROM, 4 KB RAM, one-line LCD screen, optional I/O unit PHC-8010 allows connection to video monitor and microcassette recorder and adds 14 KB ROM and 22 KB RAM. [18.125]

Toshiba introduces the Pasopia Mini. It features an 8-bit CMOS microprocessor, 4 KB RAM, 20 KB ROM including 16 KB BASIC, and a one-line LCD screen. [18.125]

1983

January

At the Winter CES, Commodore Business Machines demonstrates the HHC-4 (Hand-Held Computer). It features 24-character LCD screen with 4 KB RAM expandable to 16 KB. This was one of Commodore’s pre-PET business products. Price is US$199. [38.17]
(month unknown)

Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, Model PC-4, replacing the PC-1, for US$70. [20.288]
May

At the Japan Microcomputer Show, Casio shows the Casio FP 200 handheld microcomputer. It features 8-line x 20 character display, 8 KB RAM, 32 KB ROM, for about US$300. [45.251]

At the Japan Microcomputer Show, Canon shows the Canon X-07 Handy Personal Computer. It features an NSC 800 microprocessor (Z80 compatible), 20 KB ROM with BASIC, 4-line by 20-character display, just over one pound weight, for about US$445. [45.251]

At the Japan Microcomputer Show, National shows the National JR-800, featuring 63A01V processor (compatible with Motorola 6801), 8-line by 32-character LCD, 16 KB RAM, 20 KB ROM with BASIC, 1551 bytes of video RAM, five-octave music, 1 5/8 pounds weight, 10 1/4 x 5 5/8 x 1 3/8 inches, and runs for 25 hours on batteries. [45.252]
(month unknown)

Texas Instruments introduces the Compact Computer 40 (CC-40). It uses the 8-bit TMS 70C20 processor, 6 KB RAM, 34 KB ROM with BASIC, and 31x1 LCD display. It runs on four AA batteries, lasting up to 200 hours. [21.37]

Radio Shack introduces the PC-3 pocket computer. It features 24-character LCD, 1.4 KB RAM, 4 ounce weight, for US$99.95. [45.7]

Sharp introduces the PC-1250 pocket computer, for US$110. It measures 5 5/16 x 2 1/2 x 3/8 inches. [45.7]

1984

January

Seiko Instruments U.S.A. Inc. displays the first wristwatch computer, with a 10-character, 4-line LCD. [1]
(month unknown)

Casio unveils the PB-700 handheld computer. It features 4 KB RAM (expandable to 16 KB), 20x4 character display, 58 key keyboard, BASIC. Weight is 4.5 pounds; price is about US$200. Optional add-on FA-10 color printer/plotter costs about US$250. Optional add-on CM-1 microcassette module costs about US$90. [71.15]

1989

(month unknown)

Atari Computer introduces the Portfolio, a 1-pound DOS-based PC. It uses a 4.92 MHz 80C88 processor, 240x64 resolution screen, and runs on three AA batteries. Price: US$400. [12.57]
September

Poqet Computer ships the Poqet PC computer, featuring 512 KB RAM, 6.8 x 2.7 inch monochrome LCD screen, 80x25 text, 640x200 pixels, 77 keys, 7 MHz Intel 80C88 processor, 640 KB ROM, MS DOS 3.3 and GW BASIC in ROM, card slots for ROM or RAM. The system runs for about 100 hours on AA batteries. Weight is 1 pound; price is about US$2000. [75.115]

1991

(month unknown)

Apple Computer petitions the FCC to allocate a 40 MHz wide band of frequencies for use with its personal digital assistants. [32.211]
September

Chips & Technologies introduces the F8680 PC/Chip microprocessor. It is designed for use in notebook and handheld computers. The CPU is compatible with the Intel 8086 and Intel 80186. The chip also includes a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter, CGA-compatible display controller, and PCMCIA support, making it the most integrated chip ever produced to date. Price is US$45. [19.128]
October

At the Microprocessor Forum, Advanced RISC Machines presents the 32-bit ARM600 processor. It incorporates 33,494 transistors. [57.1] [66.134]
(month unknown)

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP 95LX handheld computer. It runs MS-DOS 3.2, includes Lotus 1-2-3 v2.2 in 1 MB of ROM, displays MDA graphics, and weighs 11 ounces. 512 KB RAM is standard, with optional 128 KB and 512 KB RAM cards. Two AA batteries can power the system for six weeks. Price is US$699. [39.128]

Psion introduces the Psion Series 3 palmtop computer. It features 8 row by 40 column LCD display, 4 MHz NEC V30 processor, 384 KB ROM with operating system and seven built-in applications, 128 KB RAM, slot for Flash EPROM memory cards. It runs for up to 120 hours on two AA batteries. Size is 6.5 x 3.3 x 1 inches; weight is 0.5 pounds; price is US$425. [73.40]

1992

January 9

At the Winter Consumer Electronics Show, Apple Computer chairman John Sculley coins the term Personal Digital Assistant, referring to handheld computers that typically operate via a stylus on a LCD display. Sculley announces that Apple will enter the consumer-electronics market by the end of the year. [22.67] [33.49] [139.D4]
(month unknown)

Apple Computer and Sharp announce an agreement to co-develop a personal digital assistant, based on Apple’s software and Sharp’s hardware. [420.125]

At the Spring Consumer Electronics Show, Apple Computer announces the Newton pen input device. Features include: multitasking NewtOS operating system, ARM 610 processor, one PCMCIA 2.0 card slot, 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch size, 3 x 6 inch screen, and weight of under one pound. [66.63] [94.129]
October 14

At the Microprocessor Forum, AT&T Microelectronics unveils its Hobbit processor, implementing the CRISP architecture. Formal name of the processor is ATT92010. Processor speed is 20-30 MHz, depending on voltage. Price is US$35 in quantities of 10,000. [57.1]

At the Microprocessor Forum, Advanced RISC Machines introduces the ARM250 chip, combining the core ARM processor with memory controller, video controller, and I/O interface. CPU speed is 12 to 16 MHz. The chip uses under 100,000 transistors, built in a 1-micron CMOS process. Price is US$25 in 100,000 unit quantities. [57.1]
(month unknown)

Eo announces the Personal Communicator 440 handheld pen-based microcomputer. It features 20 MHz Hobbit processor, 4 MB RAM, PenPoint operating system in ROM, 480x640 screen, optional internal 20 MB hard drive, optional external floppy disk, keyboard port, one PCMCIA Type II slot, and various built-in software programs. Weight is 2.2 pounds. Size is about 11 x 8 x 1 inches. Battery life is about 4 hours. Pricing will start at about US$2000. [58.1]

Eo announces the Personal Communicator 880 handheld pen-based microcomputer. It features 30 MHz Hobbit processor, 4 MB RAM, PenPoint operating system in ROM, 480x640 backlit screen, optional internal 64 MB hard drive, VGA output port, SCSI II interface, optional external floppy disk, keyboard port, two PCMCIA Type II slots, and various built-in software programs. Weight is 4 pounds. Size is about 13 x 9 x 1 inches. battery life is about 4 hours. Pricing will start at about US$3000. [58.1]

1993

January

Apple Computer shows off test versions of its Newton Personal Digital Assistants at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show. [2]
March

Amstrad begins shipping the Amstrad Pen Pad PDA600 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) in England. It is the first PDA to be shipped. The Pen Pad weighs under a pound, is 1 inch thick, and features a 240x320 resolution 3x4 inch screen. It uses a 20 MHz Zilog Z8S180 microprocessor, and can run for 40 hours on three AA batteries. It includes 128 KB RAM, with a PCMCIA expansion slot for memory expansion to 2 MB. [23.143]
(month unknown)

Casio introduces the Zoomer personal digital assistant, developed jointly with Tandy. It features 7.4 MHz 8086-compatible processor, 4 MB ROM, 1 MB RAM, GeoWorks Geos operating system, PCMCIA flash memory cards. The system operates for about 100 hours on three AA batteries. Price is US$900. [59] [81]
August

Apple Computer launches the Newton MessagePad 100 personal digital assistant at Macworld Expo, in Boston’s Symphony Hall. It features 640 KB RAM, 3 MB of ROM storing applications and the operating system (Newton Intelligence), a low-voltage 20 MHz 32-bit ARM 610 microprocessor, 240x336 resolution (85 dpi) 2.8 x 4-inch LCD screen, one PCMCIA Type II expansion socket, data transfer of 9600bps, and runs on four AAA batteries. 50,000 units sell in the first 10 weeks, but only 80,000 are sold during the product’s life. [2] [3] [9.N7] [16.187] [17.36] [23.148] [26.21] [27.61] [81] (4 MB of ROM [32.104]) (July [24.159])
September

VLSI Technology and Intel announce the Polar processor chip set for handheld computers. The VI86C300 integrated processor controller incorporates a 386 processor core with 2 KB cache, memory controller, LCD controller, andgraphics accelerator. The VI86C100 multiple peripheral controller includes support for peripherals typically used in handheld systems. Speed is 33 MHz. Price is US$50 in quantities of 10,000. [68]
October

At the Microprocessor Forum, Advanced RISC Machines unveils the ARM7 processor family. Features are 0.8 micron technology, 3-5 volt operation, 20-33 MHz. [80]

At the Microprocessor Forum, AT&T Microelectronics announces the Hobbit 92020S processor, compatible with the 92010 processor. The 92020S doubles the instruction cache to 6 KB, and operates at 20 MHz. Price is US$37 in 10,000 unit quantities. [69]

At the Microprocessor Forum, Advanced Micro Devices announces the Am386SC processor for handheld computers. Operating speed is up to 33 MHz, operating at 3.3 Volts. Price is US$49 in 10,000 unit quantities. [69]
December 31

Shipments of handheld PCs for the year: 244,000. [36.36]

1994

(month unknown)

Shipments of Apple Computer Newton MessagePad 100 systems in the first five months: 80,000. [14]
March

Apple Computer introduces the Newton MessagePad 110 handheld computer. It features 1 MB RAM, 20 MHz ARM610 processor, and runs on four AA batteries. Remote data transfer rate is 38.5 Kbps. Battery life is five times that of the Model 100. Price is US$599. [2] [9.N7] [17.36] [14]

Apple Computer introduces an improved Newton MessagePad 100. It is physically identical to the previously released model, but contains improved software. Price is US$499. [2] [9.N7] [17.36] [14]
(month unknown)

AT&T closes subsidiary Eo, ending life for the Hobbit processor, and the PenPoint operating system. [48]
September

Palm Computing releases the Graffiti handwriting recognition software. Price is US$79. [113.33]
December 31

Shipments of handheld PCs for the year: 390,000. [36.36]

1995

January

Apple Computer announces the Newton MessagePad 120. [2] [9.N7]
September

Intel announces the 80486SXSF and GXSF 486 microprocessors, designed for handheld computer products. The GX has a 16-bit bus, the SX a 32-bit bus. Both are 33 MHz, operating on 2.0-3.3 volts. [13.3] [82]
December

Apple Computer ships the Newton 2.0 operating system. [9.N7]
December 31

Shipments of smart handheld devices in the US for the year: 1.5 million. World shipments: 2.4 million. [53.232] (1.1 million in US [41.28])

1996

January

3Com debuts the Palm Pilot. [40.138] [97.101]
(month unknown)

Sharp Electronics introduces the Zaurus ZR-5800FX handheld computer. It features keyboard and fax modem. Price is US$729. [114.113]
June

Apple Computer introduces the Apple Newton MessagePad 130, with transreflective LCD with an electroluminescent backlight, battery life about 8 hours (4 with backlight on), 1.2 MB heap space, 20 MHz ARM 610 RISC processor, 320x240 pixel display, one Type II PC Card slot, 2.5 MB internal RAM, for US$799. [44.45] [114.113]
(month unknown)

NEC Electronics begins shipping its R4101 processor for personal digital assistants. The chip includes a 33 MHz 4100 processor core, 2 KB instruction cache, 1 KB data cache, real-time clock, DMA controller, audio driver, and interfaces for serial port, keyboard, infrared, and touch-screen interfaces. [83.5]
September 16

Microsoft unveils Windows CE operating system for handheld PCs. Code-name of the project was Pegasus. "CE" stands for Consumer Electronics. [25.32] [28.4] [138.36]
(month unknown)

LG Electronics introduces the LG HPC GP40M handheld computer. It features a Hitachi SH3 processor, 480x240 LCD screen, one Type 2 PC Card slot, 4 MB RAM, 4 MB ROM with Windows CE, fax modem, IrDA port, keyboard. Size is 6.5 x 3.8 x 1.1 inches; weight is 0.77 pounds; price is about US$650. The systems runs for about 15 hours on two A batteries. [70.135]

Microsoft ships Windows CE 1.0 for handheld microcomputers. [54.151] [56.46]
November

Apple Computer unveils the MessagePad 2000 computer. It features 1 MB DRAM, 5 MB Flash RAM, 2 Type II PC Card slots, backlit 480x320 100 dpi display, size 4.7 x 8.3 inches, Newton OS 2.1, 1.4 pound weight, and 161.9 MHz StrongARM 110 RISC processor. It runs on four AA batteries. [49.45] [61.44]

Compaq Computer ships the Compaq PC Companion handheld computer. It features a Hitachi SH3 processor, 480x240 pixel backlit LCD, one Type 2 PC Card slot, 2-6 MB RAM, 4 MB ROM with Windows CE, IrDA port, keyboard. Size is 6.8 x 3.6 x 1 inches, weight is 0.89 pounds, price is about US$500-700. The system runs on 2 AA batteries for up to 20 hours, [29.139] [30.6] [70.135]

NEC Computer Systems introduces the NEC MobilePro 400 handheld computer. It features NEC VR 4104 processor, 480x240 LCD screen, one 2 PC Card, 4 MB RAM, 70: 8 MB ROM with Windows CE, IrDA port, keyboard. Size is 6.9 x 3.7 x 1 inches; weight is 0.85 pounds; price is about US$650. [30.6] [70.133]

Hitachi Home Electronics ships the Hitachi Handheld PC, running Windows CE. [30.6]

Apple Computer unveils the eMate 300 mobile computer. [90.45]

Casio Computer ships the Cassiopeia, a handheld computer running Windows CE. [30.6]
December 31

Worldwide shipments of PalmPilot handheld computers for the year: about 350,000. [46.9]

Shipments of handheld computers in the US for the year: 1.9 million. [53.232] (1.5 million [41.28])

Worldwide handheld computer sales: about 2.4 million. [46.9] (2.6 million [53.232])

1997

(month unknown)

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP 300LX handheld computer. It features 640x240 screen, Windows CE, 2 MB RAM, Type II PC Card slot, stylus, and keyboard. It is 7.2 inches wide. Price is US$499. [72.47]

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP 320LX handheld computer. It features 640x240 screen, Windows CE, 4 MB RAM, Type II PC Card slot, stylus, and keyboard. It is 7.2 inches wide. Price is US$699. [72.47]
May

Apple Computer spins off its Newton Systems Group into a subsidiary company. [34.40] [115.28]
(month unknown)

Apple Computer releases the Apple eMate 300. It features 25-MHz ARM 710a processor, 3-MB RAM, 480x320 pixel backlit grayscale screen, Newton 2.1 operating system. Price is US$799. [91.34]
September

Apple Computer announces it will not spin off its Newton Systems Group as it had announced in May. [34.40]
(month unknown)

Franklin Rolodex Electronics introduces the REX PC Companion jandheld personal information manager. It is a 1/4-inch thick credit-card sized PC Card, weighing 1.4 ounces. It has a 160x98 black/white LCD display with five buttons. It can store about 3000 items, and uses two lithium watch batteries. Price is about US$150. [89.68]

Texas Instruments releases the TI Avigo 10 handheld computer. It features stylus, seven buttons, 2-MB flash ROM, 1-MB RAM, Avigo operating system, 3.3 x 2.2 inch 160x240 pixel backlit PCD display, serial and infrared ports. Price is US$199; size is 5.5 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches; weight is 7 ounces. It operates for about 14 hours on two AAA batteries. [89.68] [103.124] [116.202]

Apple Computer introduces the Newton MessagePad 2000. It features a 162 MHz processor. [60.45]
October

Microsoft ships Windows CE 2.0 operating system. It includes support for color and 16-gray-scale displays, TrueType fonts, and Ethernet connectivity. Code name during development was Jupiter. [84.55] [97.102]
(month unknown)

Franklin Electronic Publishers introduces the Franklin Rex-3-DS PC Companion PDA. It features Type II PC Card, two lithium batteries for about six months use, storage for 3000 contacts/tasks/appointments, 9 lines by 32 characters 1.3 x 2.1 inch monochrome LCD display, five buttons. Price is about US$180. [97.114]

Franklin Electronic Publishers introduces the Franklin Rex-1 PC Companion PDA. It features Type II PC Card, two lithium batteries for about six months use, storage for 750 contacts/tasks/appointments, 9 lines by 32 characters 1.3 x 2.1 inch monochrome LCD display, five buttons. Price is about US$130. [97.114]

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP 620LX Palmtop PC. It features 16-MB RAM, 256-color 640x240 pixel 6.5-inch diagonal display, Windows CE 2.0, and lithium ion battery pack giving about 5.5 hours use. Price is about US$900; weight is 20.6 ounces. [103.116]

Nokia introduces the Nokia 9000i Communicator, combining hand-held PC, digital cell phone, and fax. It features 4.5 x 1.4 inch LCD screen, QWERTY keyboard, GeoWorks operating system, Intel 24-MHz 386 procesor, and 8-MB RAM. Price is US$850-1000 plus monthly cell phone charge; weight is 14 ounces; size is 6.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches. [103.116]

Psion introduces the Psion Series 5 handheld computer. It features EPOC32 operating system, 5.25 x 2.0 inch 640 x 240 16-shade grayscale LCD display, 8-MB RAM, stylus, keyboard, CompactFlash slot. Two AA batteries power the unit for about 35 hours use. Size is 6.7 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches; weight is 12.5 ounces; price is US$699. [98.56] [103.120]

3Com introduces the 3Com PalmPilot Professional hand-held PC. It features six buttons and LCD display, stylus, 1-MB RAM, and two AAA batteries giving about ten weeks use. Price is about US$370; weight is 5.7 ounces. [103.120]

Geofox introduces the Geofox-One Professional hand-held PC. It features Psion EPOC32 operating system, 33.6-Kbps PC Card modem, one Type II PC Card slot, about 25 hour battery life, 6.8-inch diagonal 640x320 monochrome LCD display. Weight is 13.7 ounces; size is 7.4 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches. [97.114]

At the Fall Comdex show, Philips Mobile Computing Group introduces the Philips Velo 500 hand-held computer. It features 16-MB RAM, 16-MB ROM, 75-MHz 3.3-volt 32-bit MIPS-based Philips PR31700 RISC processor, two AA batteries or a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack (lasting about 12-15 hours), 6.25-inch diagonal 640x240 pixel 16-shade monochrome LCD display, two Miniature Card slots, 61-key keyboard, 28.8-Kbps modem, and Windows CE 2.0. Weight is 15.3 ounces; size is 6.75 x 3.75 x 1 inches; price is about US$640. [96.56] [97.112] [104.60]

At Fall Comdex, NEC Computer Systems Division of Packard Bell NEC announces the NEC MobilePro 700 hand-held computers. It features 4-gray-scale backlit 7-inch diagonal 640x240 pixel display, Windows CE 2.0; 8-MB RAM, 33.6-Kbps fax/modem, two AA batteries lasting about 30 hours, and keyboard. Weight is 24 ounces; width is 9.6 inches; price is US$699. [97.112]

At Fall Comdex, NEC Computer Systems announces the NEC MobilePro 750C hand-held computers. It features color 7-inch diagonal 640x240 pixel display, Windows CE 2.0; 8-MB RAM, 33.6-Kbps fax/modem, lithium ion battery pack lasting about 11 hours, and keyboard. Weight is 28.8 ounces; width is 9.6 inches; price is about US$1000. [97.112]

At the Fall Comdex, Sharp Electronics announces the Sharp Mobilon HC-4500C hand-held PC. It features 256-color LCD display, 16-MB RAM, 33.6-Kbps fax/modem, one Type II PC Card slot, lithium ion battery pack, keyboard, and Windows CE 2.0. Price is about US$1000. [97.112]

At the Fall Comdex, Sharp Electronics announces the Sharp Mobilon HC-4000 hand-held PC. It features 4-MB RAM, 33.6-Kbps fax/modem, one Type II PC Card slot, runs on two AA batteries for about 25 hours, keyboard, and Windows CE 2.0. Price is about US$600. [97.112]

At the Fall Comdex, Sharp Electronics announces the Sharp Mobilon HC-4100 hand-held PC. It features 12-MB RAM, 33.6-Kbps fax/modem, one Type II PC Card slot, runs on two AA batteries for about 25 hours, keyboard, and Windows CE 2.0. Price is about US$700. [97.112]

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP 320LX Palmtop PC. It features Windows CE 1.1, 6.25 x 2.5 inch 640x240 pixel 16-shade grayscale LCD display, 4-MB RAM, stylus, keyboard, PC Card slot, CompactFlash slot, and is powered by two AA batteries. Size is 7,2 x 3.67 x 1.1 inches; weight is 15.6 ounces; price is US$499. [98.56]

Casio introduces the Cassiopeia A-11 Plus hand-held PC. It features Windows CE 1.0, 4.6 x 2.4 inch 480x240 pixel 4-shade grayscale LCD display, 6-MB RAM, stylus, keyboard, PC Card slot, and it runs on two AA batteries. Size is 6.9 x 3.6 x 1.0 inches; weight is 13.4 ounces; price is US$399.95. [98.56]

Apple Computer introduces the MessagePad 2100 hand-held PC. It features Newton 2.1 operating system, 4.9 x 3.3 inch 480x320 pixel 16-shade grayscale LCD display, 4-MB RAM, stylus, two Type-II PC Card slots, four AA batteries. Size is 8.3 x 4.7 x 1.1 inches; weight is 1.4 pounds; price is US$999. [98.56]

NEC Computer Systems introduces the MobilePro 700 hand-held PC. It features 6.75 x 2.63 inch 640x240 4-shade grayscale LCD display, 8-MB RAM, stylus, keyboard, PC Card slot, CompactFlash slot, Windows CE 2.0, 33.6-Kbps modem, two AA batteries. Size is 9.6 x 4.8 x 1.2 inches; weight is 1.5 pounds; price is US$699. [98.56]

Palm Computing introduces the PalmPilot professional hand-held PC. It features Palm OS 2.0, 3.25 x 2.5 inch 160x160 pixel monochrome LCD display, 1-MB RAM, stylus, two AAA batteries. Size is 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches; weight is 6 ounces; price is US$369. [98.56]

Philips Mobile Computing Group introduces the Velo 1 hand-held PC. It features Windows CE 1.0, 4.5 x 2.75 inch 480x240 pixel 4-shade grayscale LCD display, 4-MB RAM, stylus, keyboard, DRAM slot, Flashcard slot, ROM socket slot, 19.2-Kbps modem, two AA batteries, rechargeable battery pack. Size is 6.25 x 3.75 x 1.0 inches; weight is 14.8 ounces; price is US$399.99. [98.57]

Sharp Electronics introduces the ZR-3500X hand-held PC. It features Synergy operating system, 2.25 x 3.5 inch 320x240 monochrome LCD display, 2-MB RAM, stylus, keyboard, 14.4-Kbps modem, two AA batteries. Size is 6.3 x 3.5 x 1.0 inches; weight is 11.8 ounces; price is US$399. [98.57]

Apple Computer introduces the Apple MessagePad 2100 hand-held computer. It features Newton 2.1 OS, 8-MB ROM with various applications, 4-MB DRAM, 4-MB flash RAM, optional 2-4-MB flash PC Cards, two Type II PC Card slots, 16-shade 4.9 x 3.3 inch display, four AA batteries, and a stylus. Weight is 22.4 ounces; size is 1.1 x 4.7 x 8.3 inches; price is about US$1150. [97.103]

Casio introduces the Casio Cassiopeia A-20 hand-held computer. It features Windows CE 2.0, 8-MB RAM, 8-MB ROM, 6.2-inch wide 640x240 pixel 4-gray-scale display, keyboard, serial port, Type II PC Card slot, Compact Flash card slot, and two AA batteries or litium ion battery pack. Price is about US$600; weight is 15.2 ounces. [97.108]
December 31

Shipments of handheld computers in the US for the year: 2.471 million. [37.28] [46.9] [47.28]

Worldwide shipments of handheld computers for the year: 5.5 million. [53.232]

Shipments of Windows CE devices during the year: 430,000. [147.146]

Worldwide shipments of PalmPilot handheld computers for the year: about 350,000. [46.9]

1998

January

At the Consumer Electronics Show, Microsoft announces the Palm PC hand-held computer, running Windows CE 2.0. Code name during development was Gryphon. [97.28]
(month unknown)

To date, about 500,000 Windows CE devices have been shipped. [56.46]

Apple Computer ceases development of its Newton operating system and Newton OS-based products. [35.6]

3Com introduces the Palm III handheld computer. It features Palm OS 3.0, 2-MB RAM, 2-MB ROM, infrared port, 2.4 x 2.4 inch 160 x 160 pixel backlit LCD monochrome touch-screen display, serial port, stylus, six buttons. Size is 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches; weight is 5.7 ounces; price is US$399. [92.61] [105.50] [110.202]
March

Handheld PC market share: 3Com (Palm) 59%, Sharp 17%, HP 13%. [41.28]
March 31

Handheld operating system market share from January to March: Palm OS 67%, Windows CE 18%. [151.147]
(month unknown)

Everex Systems releases the Everex Freestyle Executive A-20 handheld computer. It features stylus, four front and nine side buttons, 8-MB RAM, 8-MB ROM, Windows CE, 3.1 x 2.4 inch 320x240 pixel backlit LCD display, microphone, serial and infrared ports, one CompactFlash slot, 33.6-Kbps modem. Price is US$499; size is 4.7 x 3.1 x 0.6 inches; weight is 5.9 ounces. It operates for about 10 hours on AAA rechargeable batteries. [116.202]

Philips Mobile Computing Group releases the Philips Nino 300 handheld computer. It features stylus, six side buttons, 4-MB ROM, 4-MB RAM, Windows CE, 3.0 x 2.2 inch 320x240 pixel backlit LCD display, microphone, speaker, serial and infrared ports, 19.2-Kbps modem, one CompactFlash slot. Price is US$399; size is 5.5 x 3.4 x 0.8 inches; weight is 7.3 ounces. It operates for about ten hours on two rechargeable batteries. [116.202]

Casio releases the Cassiopeia E-10 hand-held computer. It features stylus, four front and three side buttons, 8-MB ROM, 4-MB RAM, NEC VR4111 MIPS RISC processor, Compact Flash slot, Windows CE 2.0, grayscale 3.1 x 2.4 inch 320 x 240 pixel backlit LCD touchscreen display, microphone, speaker, serial and infrared ports, one CompactFlash slot. Price is US$399; size is 4.8 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches; weight is 6.6 ounces. Two AAA batteries power the unit for 10-25 hours. [105.48] [110.202] [117.79] [148.80]

For a short time in the spring, Microsoft calls all small Windows CE devices PalmPC computers. [99.148]

3Com begins shipping the Palm III handheld computer. The Palm III features 2 MB RAM, two AAA batteries allowing use for 6-8 weeks. Weight is about 6 ounces. Price is US$399. [52.76] [87.56]

Sharp Electronics releases the Mobilon HC-4500 hand-held PC. It features 640x240 pixel 256-color 6.5-inch diagonal screen; 75-MHz processor, 16-MB RAM, 16-MB ROM, 33.6-Kbps modem, NiMH rechargeable battery, PC Card slot, Windows CE 2.0. Size is 3.8 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches; weight is 17.6 ounces. [104.59]

Compaq Computer releases the C-Series 2015C hand-held PC. It features 6.5-inch diagonal 256-color 640x240 pixel screen, 65-MHz processor, 20-MB RAM, 16-MB ROM, 33-Kbos modem, PC Card slot, NiMH battery, Windows CE 2.0. Size is 3.93 x 7.32 x 1.61 inches; weight is 15.2 ounces; price is US$900. [104.59]

LG Electronics releases the Phenom Ultra hand-held computer. It features 8.25-inch 256-color 640x240 pixel screen, 100-MHz processor, 16-MB RAM, 12-MB ROM, 33.6-Kbps modem, Lithium Ion battery, PC Card slot, Compact Flash slot. Size is 10 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches; weight is 1.87 pounds; price is US$900. [104.60]

NEC Computer Systems introduces the MobilePro 750C handheld PC. It features Windows CE 2.0, 8-inch 256-color 640x240 pixel touch screen, keyboard, 33.6-Kbps modem, PC Card slot, Compact Flash card slot, 78-MHz processor, 16-MB ROM, and 16 MB RAM. The system operates for about eight hours on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Size is 5.4 x 9.6 x 1.2 inches; weight is 1.8 pounds; price is US$899. [85.76] [104.59]

Psion releases the Psion Series 5mx handheld computer. It features EPOC operating system, 36-MHz ARM 710T RISC processor, 16-MB RAM, CompactFlash card slot, infrared port, keyboard. Price is about US$500. [109.64]

Everex releases the Freestyle Manager A-15 hand-held computer. It features 8-MB RAM, 4-shade grayscale display, Windows CE. Price is about US$400. [105.49]

Philips releases the Nino 312 hand-held computer. It features Windows CE, 4-shade grayscale backlit display, 8-MB RAM, docking station, CompactFlash slot, rechargeable battery. Price is about US$460. [105.49]

Sharp Electronics releases the SE-300 hand-held computer. It features 1-MB Flash memory, one AA battery. Price is about US$180. [105.50]

Donna Dubinsky and Jeff Hawkins found Handspring. [156.100]

Microsoft announces Windows CE Handheld PC Professional Edition hardware reference design, based on Windows CE 2.11. [46.41]

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP Jornada 820 Handheld PC. It features a StrongARM SA-1100 processor, 8.2-inch diagonal 256-color LCD display, 16-MB RAM, V.90 modem, VGA port, USB port, keyboard, and Windows CE. Weight is 2.6 pounds; price is about US$1000; size is 9.5 (wide) x 1.3 (thick) inches. [99.149]

LG Electronics introduces the LG Phenom Express handheld PC. It features a Hitachi SH3 7709R processor, 8.2-inch LCD touch screen, 32-MB RAM, V.90 model, keyboard, and Windows CE. Weight is 1.9 pounds; price is about US$900. [99.152]

Sharp introduces the Sharp Mobillon Pro PV-5000 handheld PC. It features a MIPS 3922 processor, 8.2-inch LC touch screen, 16-MB RAM, keyboard, Type II PC Card slot, IrDA port, and Windows CE. Weight is 2.7 pounds; price is about US$900. [99.157]

Nadem introduces the Vadem Clio handheld PC. It features a NEC VR4 III MIPS 4000 processor, 9.4-inch LCD touch screen, 16-MB RAM, keyboard, stylus, Windows CE, IrDA port, PC Card slot, CompactFlash slot. Weight is 3.2 pounds; price is about US$1000; size is 11.3 x 8.8 x 1 inches. [99.157]
November

Worldwide personal electronic companion market share: 3Com Palm Computing 72%. [107.22]
(month unknown)

Royal Consumer Business Products introduces the Royal daVinci PDA. It features 256-KB RAM. Size is 5 x 3 inches; price is about US$100. [99.60]
December

Palm announces the Palm VII handheld computer. [51.137]
December 31

Handheld operating system market share from October to December: Palm OS 69%, Windows CE 20%. [151.147]

Best-selling handheld computer in the US during October to December: 3Com Palm III. [151.147]

Handheld computer operating system market share for the year: EPOC 13%. [107.22]

Market share of US mobile computers for the year: 3Com Palm 40%. [43.29]

Worldwide shipments of handheld computers for the year: 3.988 million. [47.28] [64.18] [78.7]

Installed base (worldwide) of handheld computers: 8.2 million. [64.18]

1999

February

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP Journada 420 hand-held PC. It features 256-color 320x240 display, and Windows CE. Price is US$499; weight is 8 ounces. [99.9]
(month unknown)

Palm Computing releases the Palm IIIx handheld computer. it features 16-MHz Motorola Dragonball EZ processor, 4-MB RAM, Palm OS 3.1, 2.4 x 2.4 inch passive matrix 16-shade grayscale backlit display, infrared port, serial port. Two AAA batteries power the unit for about two months. Size is 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches; weight is 7 ounces; price is about US$370. [109.43] [149.75]

Palm Computing introduces the Palm V handheld computer. It features 16-MHz Motorola DragonBall EZ processor, 2 MB RAM, 3.9-inch diagonal LCD screen, synchronization cradle, Graffiti software. Size is 4.5 x 3.1 x 0.4 inches; weight is four ounces; price is US$449. [149.75]
April

Hand-held PC operating system market share: Windows CE 8%. [107.20]
(month unknown)

Hitachi introduces the HPW-200EC hand-held PC. It features Windows CE 2.0, 100-MHz SH3 processor, 16-MB RAM, 33.6-Kbps modem, and 8.1-inch diagonal 640x240 resolution LCD display. Size is 10 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches; weight is 2 pounds; price is US$699. Operational time on battery power is about 8 hours. [106.84]

Casio introduces the Cassiopeia E106 hand-held PC. It features Windows CE, 65,536 color display, stereo sound port, 131-MHz NEC processor, 3-MB RAM, 16-MB ROM, optional 56-Kbps modem. Price is US$600. [106.11]

Palm Computing introduces the Palm VII Connected Organizer handheld computer. It features 2 MB RAM, and modem. Price is US$599; size is 5.25 x 3.25 x 0.75 inches; weight is 6.7 ounces. Two AAA batteries power the unit for 2-3 weeks. Connectivity via Palm for email and Internet access costs US$9.99 for 50 KB transferred per month, or US$24.99 for 150 KB. [67.52] [77.26,40]

Sony Electronics introduces the Sony VAIO C1 PictureBook handheld computer. It features digital video camera, 266 MHz MMX Pentium, 4.3 GB hard drive, 64 MB RAM, Windows 98, Zoomed Video PC Card slot, USB port, V.90 modem, 8.9 inch TFT 1024x480 display, Microsoft Works, Adobe PhotoDeluxe Business Edition, Intuit Quicken, Microsoft Money 98. Weight is 2.4 pounds; size is 1.5 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches; price is US$2299. Battery life is about 1.3 hours. Optional external 16x CD-ROM drive costs US$299. [77.58]

NEC Computer Systems introduces the NEC MobilePro 770 handheld computer. It features 131 MHz NEC VR4121 processor, 32 MB RAM, 24 MB ROM, 8.1 inch 640x240 16,000 color LCD display, V.90 modem, VGA (800x600 to external monitor), PC Card and CompactFlash slots, Windows CE Handheld PC Professional v3.0. Weight is 1.7 pounds; size is 1.1 x 9.6 x 5.2 inches; price is US$799. Lithium-ion battery life is about 10 hours. [77.59]

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP Jornada 680 handheld computer. It features 13 MHz Hitachi SH-3 processor, 16 MB RAM, 16 MB ROM, 6.5 inch 640x240 256-color LCD display, V.90 modem, Windows CE Handheld PC Professional v3.0. Size is 1.3 x 7.4 x 3.7 inches; 1.1 pounds; price is US$899. Lithium ion battery life is about 8 hours. [77.59]

Palm Computing releases the 3Com Palm IIIe handheld computer. It features 2-MB RAM, Palm OS 3.1, and reverse backlit LCD touchscreen. Size is 4.6 x 3.8 x 0.8 inches; weight is 5.8 ounces, and it uses two AAA batteries. Price is US$229. [50.66] [62.44] [107.85]

Casio releases the Cassiopeia E-100 handheld computer. It features131-MHz NEC VR4121 processor, 16-MB RAM, one Type II CompactFlash slot, Windows CE 2.11, 3.1 x 2.4 inch active-matrix TFT 65536-color backlit display, infrared port, microphone, speaker, serial port. Price is about US$500; size is 5.1 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches; weight is 9 ounces. Lithium ion battery powers the unit for 6-8 hours. [109.43]

VTech Information releases the VTech Helio PDA. It features 4-MB RAM, VT-OS 1.1 operating system, microphone, 75-MHz 32-bit RISC processor, 16-shade grayscale display. Price is US$199. [109.42]
September

Handspring releases the Handspring Visor Deluxe hand-held computer. It features 16-MHz Motorola Dragonball EZ processor, 8-MB RAM, 2-MB ROM, Springboard expansion slot, Palm OS 3.1, 2.1 x 2.1 inch passive matrix 16-shade grayscale backlit display, infrared port, microphone, USB port. Two AAA alkaline batteries power the unit for about two months. Price is about US$250; size is 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.6 inches; weight is 6 ounces. [109.41] [118.76] [119.44]
(month unknown)

Psion introduces the Psion Revo personal digital assistant. It features 8 MB RAM, 36 MHz ARM 710T RISC processor, 53-key keyboard, 1.5 x 4.5 inch monochrome 480x160 pixel touchscreen, 8 MB ROM, Symbian EPOC32 v5.0 operating system, 19.2 Kbps modem. The system operates for about 14 hours on nickel hydride batteries. Size is 0.8 x 6 x 3 inches; weight is 7.8 ounces. [79.49]

Psion introduces the Psion Series 7 handheld computer. It features 7.7-inch diagonal touch-screen VGA color display, keyboard, 132.71-MHz Intel StrongARM 1100 processor, 16-MB RAM, Compact Flash Type II slot, Type II PC Card slot, serial port, infrared port, Symbian EPOC32 ER5 operating system. The rechargeable lithium ion battery gives power for about 8.5 hours. Size is 1.5 x 9.2 x 7.1 inches; weight is 2.5 pounds, price is about US$900. [118.53]

Compaq Computer introduces the Aero 1500 handheld computer. It features 16 MB RAM, 240x320 resolution 16-grayscale display, Windows CE, Compact Flash Card slot. Power lasts 12-14 hours on a lithium-ion battery. Price is US$349. [93.119]
October 15

Handspring begins shipping the Handspring Visor Deluxe handheld computer. [118.76] April 2000 [156.100])
December 31

Unit shipments of handheld computers during the year: about 5 million. [111.20]

2000

(month unknown)

Palm Canada introduces the Palm IIIc handheld computer in Canada. Features include color active matrix thin film transistor display, 8 MB memory, Palm OS 3.5, for about CDN$679. [63.31]
April

Microsoft releases Windows CE 3.0. [119.44]
April 19

In New York City’s Grand Central Station, Microsoft launches the Pocket PC, a specification for handheld computers. The Pocket PC runs Microsoft Windows CE 3.0, and includes several applications: music player, word processor, Internet browser, and more. [65.12] [108.76]
April

Compaq Computer introduces the iPAQ Pocket PC handheld computer. It features 2.25 x 3 inch color screen, USB port, 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor, 32 MB RAM, Windows CE 3.0. Expansion packs offer access to PC Cards, flash memory cards, email, music file playing, digital camera, modem, bar code scanner, etc. Basic unit price is $699. [76.34] [101.40]
May

Hewlett-Packard announces that the Jornada 545 and 530 units are not capable of 16-bit 64-KB graphics as previously advertised, and offers to refund money. [108.76]
June

Market share of palm-size computers: Palm 65.4%, Handspring 21.6%. [119.44]
(month unknown)

Compaq Computer releases the iPaq H3650 Pocket PC handheld computer. It features Windows CE, 32-MB RAM, 206-MHz Intel StrongARM 32-bit RISC processor, 4096-color touch screen display, cradle with USB port, 16-MB ROM. Weight is 6.3-ounces; price is about US$500. [121.98]

Research in Motion releases the RIM 957 Wireless Handheld computer. It features 5-MB RAM, built-in keyboard, monochrome screen. Weight is 5.3 ounces; price is about US$500. [121.98]
August

Palm introduces the Palm m100 hand-held PC. It features 16-MHz Intel StrongARM processor, 2-MB RAM, 2-MB ROM, 2x2-inch monochrome LCD display, and Palm OS 3.5 operating system. Price is about US$150. [108.40]

Palm introduces the Palm VIIx hand-held PC. It features 8-MB RAM. Price is about US$450. The unit is an update of the Palm VII. [108.40]
(month unknown)

Hewlett-Packard releases the HP Jornada 545 handheld computer. It features Windows CE 3.0, 4096-color 240x320 pixel passive matrix display, 16-MB RAM. Size is 5.2 x 3.1 x 0.6 inches; price is US$499. The HP Jornada 548 comes with 32-MB RAM for US$600. [122.19]
October

Transmeta releases the 600-MHz Crusoe processor. [102.162]
(month unknown)

Sony Computer Entertainment introduces the Sony PlayStation 2. It features single analog DualShock2 controller, two memory card slots, two USB ports, one i-Link (IEEE 1394) port, 128-bit Emotion Engine graphics processor. The system can also play PlayStation games, and supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, CD-ROM, DTS, and Dolby Digital media. Size is 12 x 3.5 x 7 inches; weight is 5 pounds; price is about US$300. [100.48]

Handspring releases the Handspring Visor Prism PDA. It features a Motorola 33-MHz DragonBall VZ processor, Palm OS 3.5.2H, 16-bit color 160x160 pixel 3.1-inch diagonal screen, and rechargeable lithium ion batteries giving about two weeks use. Price is about US$450, size is 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.8 inches; weight is 7.2 ounces. [100.50]

Handspring releases the Handspring Visor Platinum PDA. It features a Motorola 33-MHz DragonBall VZ processor, Palm OS 3.5.2H, 16 gray shades 160x160 pixel 3.1-inch diagonal screen, and two AAA batteries giving about 4-6 weeks use. Price is about US$300, size is 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.7 inches; weight is 5.8 ounces. [100.50]
December 31

Unit shipments of handheld computers during the year: about 11-12 million. [111.20] [123.20]

2001

(month unknown)

Palm releases the Palm m505 handheld computer. It features 16-bit 64,000 color 160x160 pixel display, SecureDigital slot, Universal Connector, Palm OS v4.0, 8-MB RAM. Price is about US$405; weight is 5.2 ounces; size is 4.5 x 3.2 x 0.5 inches. [125.48]
March

NCR files a lawsuit against Palm and Handspring, claiming to hold two patents dating from 1987, governing the creation and sale of handheld computing devices. [88.3]
(month unknown)

HandEra introduces the HandEra 330 handheld computer. It features 320x240 pixel display, serial port, 33-MHz Motorola DragonBall-VZ processor, Palm OS 3.5.2, CompactFlash Type II+ and SecureDigital slots. Price is about US$350; size is 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches; weight is 6.8 ounces. [126.32]
June 30

Unit shipments of handheld computers during the past three months: 2.89 million. [112.3]
(month unknown)

Handspring introduces the Handspring Visor Neo handheld computer. It features monochrom display, 33-MHz processor, 8-MB RAM, palm OS 3.5.2H3. Two AAA batteries power the unit for 6-8 weeks. Price is about US$200. The Handspring Visor Pro comes with 16-MB RAM, for about US$300. [124.52]
October 4

Microsoft introduces the Pocket PC 2002 operating system. [124.41]
(month unknown)

Compaq Computer introduces the iPAQ Pocket PC 3870 handheld computer. It features 64-MB RAM, Bluetooth radio, 65,536 color TFT screen, Secure Digital expansion slot, Pocket PC 2002 operating system. The battery provides about 12 hours of operation. Price is about US$650. [124.41]

Hewlett-Packard introcuces the HP Jornada 565 handheld computer. It features 32-MB RAM, 65,536-color reflective TFT display, CompactFlash Type I slot. The lithium polymer battery provides about 14 hours of operation. Price is about US$600. [124.42]

Toshiba America Information Systems introduces the Toshiba Pocket PC e570 handheld computer. It features 64-MB RAM, CompactFlash Type II slot, SecureDigital slot, 65,536-color reflective display. The battery provides about 8 hours of operation. Price is about US$570. [124.42]

Sony Electronics introduces the Sony Cli?PEG-T415 handheld computer. It features Palm OS, 8-MB RAM, Memory Stick slot, 2.8-inch diagonal 320x320 pixel backlit monochrome display, infrared port. Price is about US$300. [127.34]

Sony Electronics introduces the Sony Cli?PEG-T615C handheld computer. It features 65,536-color 320x320 pixel backlit TFT display, 16-MB RAM, Memory Stick expansion slot, USB connection, Palm OS 4.1. The lithium ion polymer battery powers the system for about 12 days. Price is about US$400; weight is 6 ounces; size is 4.8 x 2.8 x 0.6 inches. [128.56]

Palm introduces the Palm i705 handheld computer. It features monochrome 160x160 pixel display, Secure Digital slot, 33-MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor, 8-MB RAM. Price is about US$450; weight is 5.4 ounces. [128.56]

Casio introduces the Casio Cassiopeia E-200 Pocket PC 2002 handheld computer. It features 64-MB RAM, CompactFlash Type II slot, Secure Digital and MultiMedia Card slot, USB connection, 206-MHz Intel StrongARM processor, 65,536-color reflective TFT display. Price is about US$600; weight is 7 ounces; size is 5 x 3.1 x 0.6 inches. [129.34]
December 31

Unit shipments of handheld computers worldwide during the year: 13-16.4 million. [111.20] [123.20]

2002

(month unknown)

Palm introdces the Palm m130 handheld computer. It features 1.8 x 1.8 inch 160x160 pixel transreflective STN 65,536-color display, USB docking cradle/recharger, Secure Digital slot, Palm OS, 8-MB RAM. The lithium ion battery powers the unit for about one week. Price is about US$280. [130.29]

Palm introdces the Palm m515 handheld computer. It features 2.2 x 2.2 inch active-matrix TFT 65,536-color display, USB docking cradle/recharger, Secure Digital slot, Palm OS, 16-MB RAM. The lithium ion battery powers the unit for about one week. Price is about US$400; weight is 5.2 ounces. [130.29]

Research in Motion introduces the RIM BlackBerry 5810 handheld computer. It features backlit monochrome display, keyboard, phone. Price is about US$500; weight is 4.7 ounces; size is 4.6 x 3.1 x 0.7 inches. [131.42]

Toshiba America Information Systems introduces the Toshiba Pocket PC e310 handheld computer. It features 65,536-color reflective TFT display, 206-MHz Intel StrongARM processor, microphone, speaker, USB cradle/charger, 32-MB RAM, Secure Digital slot, Pocket PC 2002 operating system. Price is about US$400; weight is 5 ounces. [131.45]

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP iPAQ Pocket PC H3970 handheld computer. It features 400-MHz Intel XScale processor, 64-MB RAM, 48-MB flash ROM, Pocket PC 2002 operating system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, backlit transreflective TFT color display. Weight is 6.6 ounces; size is 5.3 x 3.3 x 0.6 inches; price is about US$750. [132.36]
June 30

Unit shipments of handheld computers during the past three months: 2.62 million. [112.3]

Market share of handheld computers: Palm 32.2%. [112.3]
(month unknown)

Palm introduces the Palm Tungsten T handheld computer. It features voice recorder, Bluetooth wireless support, 16-MB RAM, 3-inch diagonal 320x320 pixel 65,536-color TFT display, Secure Digital slot, USB docking cradle/charger, Texas Instruments OMAP1510 chip (ARM 925 processor), Palm OS 5.0, rechargeable lithium ion battery. Price is about US$500; weight is 5.6 ounces; size is 4 x 3 x 0.6 inches. [133.52]
October

In Canada, Palm Canada launches the Tungsten T handheld computer. Price is about CDN$799. [134.30]
(month unknown)

Sony Electronics introduces the Sony Cli?PEG-NX70V handheld computer. It features 802.11b wireless LAN card slot, voice recorder, digital camera, Palm OS 5.0, 16-MB RAM, Memory Stick expansion slot, 65,536-color TFT 320x480 pixel display, keyboard, digital audio/video player. Price is about US$600. [135.40]

Dell Computer releases the Dell Axim X5 handheld computer. It features 300-MHz Intel XScale processor, 32-MB SDRAM, CompactFlash type II slot, Secure Digital and MMC slot, 65,536-color transreflective TFT display, speaker, microphone, Pocket PC 2002 operating system. The rechargeable battery powers the unit for about 8 hours. Weight is 6.9 ounces; size is 5 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches; price is US$249. A model with 400-MHz processor and 64-MB RAM costs US$349. [136.42]

Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h1910 handheld computer. It features 64-MB RAM, MMC and Secure Digital slot, microphone, speaker, 65,536-color 240x320 pixel backlit TFT display, 200-MHz Intel PXA250 XScale processor, USB cradle and cable, Pocket PC 2002 operating system. The battery powers the unit for about four hours. Price is about US$300; weight is 4.2 ounces; size is 4.5 x 2.8 x 0.5 inches. [136.42]

ViewSonic releases the ViewSonic Pocket PC V35 handheld computer. It features 300-MHz Intel PXA250 Scale processor, MMC and Secure Digital slot, stylus, 240x320 pixel display. The battery powers the unit for about ten hours. Price is about US$300; weight is 4.2 ounces; 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches. [136.42]

2003

January

Palm announces it will discontinue its Graffiti handwriting recognition software in favor of Jot technology, which Palm will rename Graffiti 2. Jot software is written by Communication Intelligence Corporation. [137.8]