Handheld PC

An NEC Handheld PC running Windows CE 1.0

Sharp Mobilon PRO PV5000A, Handheld PC running Windows CE 2.11 released in 1998

A handheld PC is the term for miniature computers typically built around a clamshell form factor and is significantly smaller than any standard laptop computer, but based on the same principles. It is sometimes referred to as a palmtop computer, not to be confused with Palmtop PC which was a name used mainly by Hewlett-Packard.

Most handheld PCs use an operating system specifically designed for mobile use. Ultra-compact laptops capable of running common x86-compatible desktop operating systems are typically classified as subnotebooks. The first hand-held device compatible with desktop IBM personal computers of the time was the Atari Portfolio of 1989. Other early models were the Poqet PC of 1989 and the Hewlett Packard HP 95LX of 1991 which run the MS-DOS operating system. Other DOS-compatible hand-held computers also existed. After 2000 the handheld PC segment practically halted, replaced by other forms, although later communicators such as Nokia E90 can be considered to be of the same class.

The name Handheld PC was used by Microsoft as a category of small sized computers with keyboards running Windows CE operating system from 1996 until the early 2000s.

Microsoft's Handheld PC standard

The Handheld PC (with capital "H") or H/PC for short was the official name of a hardware design for personal digital assistant (PDA) devices running Windows CE. It provides the appointment calendar functions usual for any PDA. The intent of Windows CE was to provide an environment for applications compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system, on processors better suited to low-power operation in a portable device.

Microsoft was wary of using the term "PDA" for Handheld PCs. Instead it marketed it as a "PC companion".

To be classed as a Windows CE Handheld PC, the device must:

• Run Microsoft's Windows CE
• Be bundled with an application suite only found through an OEM Platform Release and not in Windows CE itself
• Use ROM
• Have a screen supporting a resolution of at least 480×240
• Include a keyboard
• Include a PC card slot
• Include an infrared (IrDA) port
• Provide wired serial and/or Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity

Over time, these standards were routinely breached by manufacturers. For instance, HP's first displays' widths were more than a third larger than that of Microsoft's specification. Soon, all of their competition followed. Examples of Handheld PC devices are the NEC MobilePro 900c, HP 320LX, HP Jornada 720, IBM WorkPad Z50, Fujitsu PenCentra 130 (a tablet), and Vadem Clio.

In 1998 Microsoft released the Palm-size PC, which have smaller screen sizes and lack keyboards compared to Handheld PC. Palm-size PC became Pocket PC in 2000.

In September 2000, the updated Handheld PC 2000 was announced which is based on version 3.0 of Windows CE

Interest in the form factor overall quickly evaporated, and by early 2002 Microsoft were no longer working on Handheld PC, with its distinct functionality removed from version 4.0 of Windows CE. HP and Sharp both discontinued their Windows CE H/PCs in 2002, while NEC was last to leave the market in 2005. However, some manufacturers abandoned the format even before Microsoft did, such as Philips and Casio.

See also

• Palmtop PC
• Pocket PC
• ActiveSync
• Handheld PC Explorer
• Netbook
• Psion Teklogix
• Smartbook
• Philips Velo
• Sony CLIÉ UX Series