In the year 2000, the world was on the cusp of a technological revolution. The internet was gaining popularity, mobile phones were becoming more advanced, and handheld computers were beginning to make their mark on society. This blog post will take you on a journey through the early days of handheld computing, exploring the devices that paved the way for the smartphones and tablets we know today. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of 2000 handheld computers and reminisce about the innovations that changed our lives forever.

The Early Pioneers: Palm and Psion

Before we delve into the specific devices that dominated the handheld computer market in 2000, it's important to acknowledge the pioneers who laid the groundwork for these innovations. Two companies, in particular, stand out: Palm and Psion.

Palm was founded in 1992 and quickly became a leader in the personal digital assistant (PDA) market. Their first device, the PalmPilot 1000, was released in 1996 and became an instant hit. Psion, on the other hand, was a British company that had been producing handheld computers since the 1980s. By the late 1990s, their Series 5 and Series 7 devices were popular among professionals for their robust functionality and sleek design.

The Palm V: A Sleek and Stylish PDA

In 2000, Palm was at the height of its popularity, and one of their flagship devices was the Palm V. This sleek and stylish PDA featured a monochrome display, a 16 MHz processor, and 2 MB of RAM. The Palm V ran on the Palm OS 3.3 and supported a wide range of applications, from productivity tools to games. Its most notable feature, however, was its slim design and brushed aluminum casing, which set it apart from the bulkier devices on the market.

Psion Series 7: A Powerful Handheld Computer

While the Palm V was making waves in the PDA market, Psion was pushing the boundaries of handheld computing with its Series 7 device. The Psion Series 7 featured a full-color touchscreen display, a 32-bit ARM processor, and 16 MB of RAM. It ran on the EPOC operating system, which would later evolve into the Symbian OS used by Nokia and other mobile phone manufacturers.

The Series 7 was a powerful and versatile device, with a built-in keyboard and support for a wide range of applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and even web browsing. It was a popular choice for professionals who needed a portable computing solution that could handle more than just basic PDA functions.

The Compaq iPAQ: A Windows-Powered Contender

Not to be outdone by Palm and Psion, Compaq entered the handheld computer market in 2000 with its iPAQ line of devices. The Compaq iPAQ H3600 series, in particular, was a strong contender in the market, running on the Windows CE 3.0 operating system and featuring a 206 MHz StrongARM processor and 32 MB of RAM.

The iPAQ H3600 series was notable for its expansion capabilities, allowing users to add additional functionality through CompactFlash and PC Card expansion slots. This made the iPAQ a popular choice for those who needed a versatile and customizable handheld computing solution.

The Handspring Visor: A Palm OS Alternative

In the midst of the Palm, Psion, and Compaq-dominated market, a new player emerged in 2000: Handspring. Founded by former Palm employees, Handspring released its Visor line of PDAs, which ran on the Palm OS and were compatible with most Palm applications.

The Handspring Visor was unique in that it featured a Springboard expansion slot, which allowed users to add a wide range of hardware and software modules to their device. This made the Visor an attractive option for those who wanted the familiarity and compatibility of the Palm OS but with the added flexibility of a modular design.

The Birth of the Smartphone: Nokia Communicator and BlackBerry

While the aforementioned devices were dominating the handheld computer market, two companies were laying the groundwork for what would become the smartphone revolution. Nokia released its first Communicator device in 1996, which combined a mobile phone with a PDA-like interface and functionality. By 2000, the Nokia 9110 Communicator was a popular choice for those who wanted a single device that could handle both communication and computing tasks.

Similarly, BlackBerry, then known as Research in Motion (RIM), released its first device in 1999: the BlackBerry 850. This early BlackBerry device was primarily focused on email communication but laid the foundation for the smartphone revolution that would soon follow.

Reflecting on the 2000 Handheld Computer Market

As we look back at the handheld computers of 2000, it's clear that these devices were the precursors to the smartphones and tablets we use today. The innovations made by Palm, Psion, Compaq, Handspring, Nokia, and BlackBerry paved the way for the powerful and versatile devices we now rely on daily.

While the specific devices mentioned in this blog post may now be considered relics of a bygone era, their impact on the world of technology is undeniable. They were the trailblazers that ushered in a new era of portable computing and communication, forever changing the way we live, work, and connect with one another.