The history of handheld computing is a fascinating journey that takes us back to the earliest days of personal computers. One of the most iconic names in this journey is Commodore, a company that was at the forefront of the home computer revolution in the 1980s. In this blog post, we will explore the legacy of Commodore's handheld computers, their impact on the industry, and how they continue to inspire modern devices.

The Beginning: Commodore and the PET

Commodore International was founded in 1954 by Jack Tramiel, a Holocaust survivor who had a vision of creating affordable computers for the masses. The company's first major breakthrough came in 1977 with the launch of the PET (Personal Electronic Transactor), a desktop computer that was one of the first to be marketed towards consumers.

The PET was a success, and it laid the groundwork for Commodore's future endeavors in the world of personal computing. Over the next decade, the company would release a series of groundbreaking computers, including the VIC-20, the Commodore 64, and the Amiga.

The Commodore LCD: A Handheld Computer Ahead of Its Time

In the early 1980s, the idea of a handheld computer was still relatively novel. However, Commodore was not one to shy away from innovation, and in 1985 they unveiled the Commodore LCD at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The Commodore LCD was a handheld computer that featured a 480x128 pixel LCD screen, 32KB of RAM, and a built-in suite of productivity software, including a word processor, spreadsheet, and database program. It was powered by a rechargeable battery and had a fold-out keyboard for easy typing.

Unfortunately, the Commodore LCD never made it to market, as the company decided to focus on their more successful desktop computers. However, the device was a precursor to the handheld computers that would become popular in the 1990s and beyond.

The Rise of PDAs and the Influence of Commodore

The 1990s saw the emergence of personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices that combined computing, communication, and productivity tools into a single portable package. While Commodore was no longer directly involved in the handheld computing market, their influence could still be felt in the design and functionality of these new devices.

One example of this is the Apple Newton, a PDA released in 1993 that featured a touch screen, handwriting recognition, and a suite of built-in applications. Many of the features and design elements of the Newton can be traced back to the Commodore LCD, including the emphasis on productivity software and the use of a rechargeable battery.

Another example is the Palm Pilot, which debuted in 1996 and quickly became the dominant PDA on the market. The Palm Pilot's simple, intuitive interface and focus on core productivity tasks were reminiscent of the Commodore LCD's design philosophy.

Handheld Gaming and the Commodore Connection

In addition to influencing the development of PDAs, Commodore's legacy can also be seen in the world of handheld gaming. The Nintendo Game Boy, released in 1989, was a direct competitor to the Atari Lynx, a handheld gaming device developed by former Commodore engineers.

The Game Boy's success can be attributed in part to its use of a monochrome screen, which allowed for longer battery life and lower production costs. This design decision was likely influenced by the Commodore LCD, which also utilized a monochrome display to maximize battery life.

The Modern Era: Smartphones and the Commodore Spirit

Today, handheld computing is dominated by smartphones, devices that combine the functionality of a computer, phone, and PDA into a single, sleek package. While the specific hardware and software have evolved, the core principles that guided the development of the Commodore LCD are still present in modern smartphones.

The emphasis on productivity tools, the use of rechargeable batteries, and the focus on portability and ease of use can all be traced back to Commodore's early experiments with handheld computing.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what handheld devices can do, it's important to remember the pioneering spirit of companies like Commodore. Their willingness to innovate and take risks laid the groundwork for the devices we rely on today, and their legacy will continue to inspire the handheld computers of the future.