The advent of handheld computing devices revolutionized the way we interact with technology and access information in our daily lives. One of the pioneering companies in this field was Psion, a British technology firm that introduced groundbreaking products that changed the landscape of mobile computing. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of Psion, explore their innovative devices, and discuss the lasting impact they've had on the world of handheld computing.

The Birth of Psion: A Vision for Portable Computing

Founded in 1980 by David Potter, Psion was initially focused on developing software for Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81 computers. However, it wasn't long before the company shifted its focus to creating portable computing devices. Potter's vision was to develop handheld devices that were not only functional but also user-friendly and affordable.

The Psion Organiser: A Game Changer in Handheld Computing

In 1984, Psion launched the Psion Organiser, the world's first practical handheld computer. The device was small enough to fit in a pocket and featured a simple, easy-to-use interface. It was powered by a 9V battery and had a built-in database for storing phone numbers, addresses, and appointments.

The Psion Organiser II, released in 1986, expanded on the capabilities of its predecessor. It featured a larger screen, more memory, and additional applications, such as a calculator, diary, and notepad. The Organiser II was a commercial success, selling over half a million units worldwide.

The Psion Series: A New Era of Handheld Devices

Psion continued to push the boundaries of handheld computing with the release of the Psion Series 3 in 1991. This groundbreaking device featured a clamshell design, a QWERTY keyboard, and a 240x80 pixel monochrome screen. The Series 3 was powered by a 16-bit processor and ran on Psion's EPOC operating system.

The Psion Series 3 was a major success, selling over one million units and earning rave reviews from users and technology experts alike. The device's popularity led to several updated versions, including the Series 3a, 3c, and 3mx.

In 1997, Psion introduced the Psion Series 5, a powerful handheld computer with a 32-bit ARM processor, a touchscreen, and a new version of the EPOC operating system. The Series 5 was praised for its sleek design, impressive performance, and extensive software capabilities. It was followed by the Series 5mx and the Series 7, which boasted even more advanced features and functionality.

The Lasting Impact of Psion Devices on Handheld Computing

While Psion eventually exited the handheld computing market in the early 2000s, their innovative devices left a lasting impact on the industry. The company's focus on user-friendly design, portability, and powerful functionality set the stage for the development of future handheld devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

The EPOC operating system, which powered Psion's devices, evolved into the Symbian OS, which became the foundation for many early smartphones. In fact, the Symbian OS was the most widely used smartphone operating system until the rise of Android and iOS.

Psion's influence can also be seen in the design of modern handheld devices. The clamshell design of the Psion Series 3, for example, has been echoed in various smartphones and portable gaming consoles. Additionally, the QWERTY keyboard, which was a hallmark of Psion devices, is still a popular feature on certain smartphone models.

The Legacy of Psion: A Testament to Innovation and Vision

The story of Psion is a testament to the power of innovation and vision. The company's groundbreaking devices ushered in a new era of handheld computing, paving the way for the smartphones and tablets that have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. As we continue to push the boundaries of portable technology, we can look back on the trailblazing work of Psion as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the transformative potential of handheld computing.