Pocket computers began their history in the seventies with the introduction of the engineering calculator. In the early nineties, pocket computers evolved into personal digital assistants such as the Apple Newton. User needs continued to evolve, so computers evolved. Smartphones are now available to shoppers that allow you to edit spreadsheets, word documents, read e-mail, and browse the web.
Early handheld computers
In 1973, Hewlett Packard released the HP-35. The HP-35 was a scientific calculator and could calculate trigonometric and exponential functions. At $ 395, the device cost the same as a desktop computer. Hewlett Packard has sold over 300 HP-35s in three years. The HP-35s were equipped with proprietary nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries and an AC adapter. The calculator used a single-bit Mostek processor for calculations.
Electronic Organizers
Consumers soon needed additional functionality for their handheld computers. Therefore, devices began to be produced that combine the functions of calculators and phone books. These computers were called electronic organizers. Typical features of the organizer were a small keyboard and LCD screen. Most of these devices had less than 64 kilobytes of memory, which was primarily used to store information.
PDA
The capabilities of handheld computers have been greatly enhanced with the introduction of Apple's Newton. He was the first representative of a new class of portable devices. These devices also included email and note access, along with traditional organizer apps. Although the Apple Newton was the first touchscreen PDA, such devices did not become popular until the Palm Pilot. The Palm Pilot had a simplified user interface and a significantly lower price tag than its predecessor.
Union
As people began to carry multiple handheld devices, companies began offering products that spanned multiple market niches. Manufacturers have combined cell phones, cameras, mp3 players and handheld computers in one device. These smartphones were also cell phones that could manage contacts and calendars, and view e-mail, and play music, and take photos. Some models could even shoot videos and play full-length films. This allowed consumers to have only one device that combined everything they needed for work and play.
Modern handheld computers
Modern PDAs have high resolution displays, touch screens and functionality on par with some desktop computers. Users can store a huge amount of video and audio files. PDAs are now also capable of simple photo and video editing. The multimedia features also allow users to send video, photo and audio files to each other. Modern PDAs can access databases, edit documents and spreadsheets. Most PDAs can now browse the web using the built-in browser.
