In today's fast-paced world, handheld computers have become an essential tool for both personal and professional use. One of the pioneers in this field is Psion, a company that has been developing innovative handheld computing devices for decades. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of Psion's range of handheld computers, exploring their features, capabilities, and the impact they have had on the world of mobile computing.

A Brief History of Psion

Psion was founded in 1980 by Dr. David Potter, with the goal of developing cutting-edge handheld computers. The company's first product, the Psion Organiser, was released in 1984 and quickly became a popular choice for professionals who needed a portable, easy-to-use computing device. Over the years, Psion has continued to innovate and expand its range of handheld computers, adapting to the ever-changing needs of consumers and businesses alike.

Psion's Range of Handheld Computers

Throughout its history, Psion has developed a wide variety of handheld computers, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable devices in Psion's range.

Psion Organiser Series

The Psion Organiser series was the company's first foray into the world of handheld computing. These devices featured a simple yet powerful operating system, a built-in database, and a range of applications such as a calculator, diary, and alarm clock. The Organiser II, released in 1986, added a larger display and more memory, making it an even more versatile tool for professionals on the go.

Psion Series 3

The Psion Series 3, launched in 1991, marked a significant leap forward in handheld computing technology. With a clamshell design, a full QWERTY keyboard, and a 240x80 pixel monochrome display, the Series 3 made it easy for users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and databases on the go. The device also featured a powerful 16-bit processor, allowing it to run more sophisticated applications than its predecessors.

Psion Series 5

In 1997, Psion released the Series 5, a device that further pushed the boundaries of handheld computing. The Series 5 boasted a high-resolution 640x240 pixel touchscreen display, a 32-bit ARM processor, and a sleek design that made it a popular choice for business users. With the ability to run full versions of popular software like Microsoft Word and Excel, the Series 5 was a game-changer in the world of mobile computing.

Psion Revo

The Psion Revo, released in 1999, was a compact and lightweight device that aimed to bring the power of the Series 5 to a more affordable price point. With a smaller 480x160 pixel display and a simplified keyboard, the Revo was designed for users who needed a portable computing solution without the bells and whistles of the more advanced Series 5.

Psion Netbook

In 1999, Psion also introduced the Netbook, a device that combined the portability of a handheld computer with the capabilities of a laptop. Featuring a 7.7-inch 640x480 pixel display, a full QWERTY keyboard, and a powerful 32-bit processor, the Netbook was a versatile device that could run a wide range of applications, making it an ideal choice for professionals who needed a powerful computing solution on the go.

The Impact of Psion's Handheld Computers

Psion's range of handheld computers has had a lasting impact on the world of mobile computing. These devices were among the first to offer powerful computing capabilities in a portable form factor, paving the way for the smartphones and tablets that dominate the market today.

The Psion Organiser series helped to popularize the concept of a handheld computer, proving that these devices could be both powerful and easy to use. The Series 3 and Series 5 devices demonstrated the potential of handheld computers as productivity tools, with their full QWERTY keyboards and advanced software capabilities.

The Psion Revo and Netbook further expanded the range of handheld computing devices available to consumers, offering a variety of form factors and price points to suit different needs. These devices helped to shape the future of mobile computing, influencing the development of devices like netbooks, ultrabooks, and tablets.

The Legacy of Psion

While Psion may no longer be producing handheld computers, the company's legacy lives on through its range of innovative devices. These handheld computers paved the way for the mobile computing revolution, demonstrating the potential of portable devices as powerful productivity tools.

Today, we can see the influence of Psion's range of handheld computers in the smartphones, tablets, and laptops that have become essential tools for both personal and professional use. As we continue to push the boundaries of mobile computing, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the pioneering work of companies like Psion, who helped to shape the world of technology as we know it.