In the world of handheld computers, Hewlett-Packard (HP) has been a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. This blog post will delve into the rich history of HP's handheld computers, tracing their evolution from humble beginnings to the powerful devices we use today. With a focus on the key milestones and breakthroughs, we will explore how HP has shaped the handheld computing landscape.

The Early Days: HP's First Handheld Computers

The journey began in the early 1970s, with the introduction of the HP-35, the world's first scientific pocket calculator. This groundbreaking device revolutionized the way scientists, engineers, and students performed complex calculations. Equipped with a rich set of functions, the HP-35 quickly became the go-to tool for professionals in various fields.

The success of the HP-35 paved the way for a series of advanced calculators, such as the HP-65, the first programmable pocket calculator, and the HP-41C, a highly expandable calculator that could be customized with additional modules. These devices played a crucial role in the development of handheld computers, as they demonstrated the potential of portable computing devices.

The Birth of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

The 1990s saw the emergence of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a new class of handheld computers designed to assist users in managing their personal and professional lives. HP was at the forefront of this revolution, launching the HP 95LX in 1991. This groundbreaking device was the first MS-DOS-compatible PDA, featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, a monochrome LCD screen, and built-in productivity software.

Over the years, HP continued to refine its PDA offerings, introducing models such as the HP 200LX, which boasted a faster processor and a larger screen, and the HP 1000CX, which offered a more compact form factor. These PDAs served as precursors to the modern smartphone, providing users with a powerful, portable computing platform.

The Advent of the Pocket PC

The turn of the millennium marked the arrival of the Pocket PC, a new generation of handheld computers running Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system. HP embraced this new platform, launching the HP Jornada 520 series in 2000. These devices featured a color touchscreen, a built-in microphone and speaker, and support for a wide range of third-party applications.

The HP Jornada 720, released in 2001, represented a major leap forward in the Pocket PC arena. With a larger screen, a more powerful processor, and a sleeker design, the Jornada 720 set a new standard for handheld computing. HP continued to innovate in this space, releasing the iPAQ series, which became synonymous with the Pocket PC platform.

The Smartphone Era

As the lines between PDAs and mobile phones began to blur, HP ventured into the smartphone market with the iPAQ hw6500 series in 2004. These devices combined the functionality of a Pocket PC with the convenience of a mobile phone, offering users the best of both worlds.

The iPAQ series continued to evolve, incorporating new technologies such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and high-resolution cameras. In 2009, HP acquired Palm, a pioneer in the smartphone industry, and launched the HP Pre3 and HP Veer, which ran on Palm's webOS platform. While these devices received praise for their innovative features, they struggled to gain traction in a market dominated by Apple and Android.

The Modern Era: Tablets and 2-in-1 Devices

With the rise of tablets and 2-in-1 devices, HP has shifted its focus towards these versatile computing platforms. The HP Elite x3, released in 2016, was a Windows 10 Mobile smartphone that could be transformed into a full-fledged PC when connected to an external display and keyboard. This device embodied the spirit of HP's handheld computing legacy, offering users a powerful, portable computing experience.

Today, HP offers a range of tablets and 2-in-1 devices, such as the HP Elite x2 and the HP Spectre x360, which cater to the needs of professionals, students, and casual users alike. These devices represent the culmination of decades of innovation in handheld computing, blending the power of a PC with the portability of a tablet.

As we reflect on the rich history of HP's handheld computers, it's clear that the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the portable computing landscape. From the humble HP-35 calculator to the powerful 2-in-1 devices of today, HP's commitment to innovation and excellence has remained unwavering. As we look forward to the future, we can only imagine what exciting new developments lie in store for the world of handheld computing.