Some tiny clamshells from different ages
Posted by Edu_Robsy@reddit | retrobattlestations | View on Reddit | 24 comments
I love the clamshell form factor. Here is a selection of the smallest ones, from palmtops to subnotebooks.
Can you spot and identify the intruder? One of them is not a general purpose computer.
Starryguy76@reddit
Nice display table for the floating effect.
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
I didn't think about that, but you're right!
rickonami@reddit
Easy Money.....
ChuckMarty732@reddit
I actually have that one on the center right. The Casio Cassiopeia. I made a little review video of it https://youtu.be/0mYnQuaHThs
Really cool little machines!
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
Nice video! Mine is the A20, that doubles the RAM and increases the CPU clock, but it's essentially the very same machine. Too bad that there's little Windows CE 2 software preserved.
ChuckMarty732@reddit
Wow you have the upgrade, I was lookIng to see if I could find any of those upgrade packages still availble but could not track any down, ended up also buying a Compaq handheld with CE 2.0 on it. There is a version of Doom for CE 2.0 that I wanted to get working, but I didn't have much success on that. I made a video of that experiment too if you want to check it out. https://youtu.be/90X-aAwzFfg I love the little handheld PCs, I always thought they were so cool.
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
I use it basically as a writerdeck with the built in Microsoft Word CE: writing without distractions. Save as plain text, move it to the PC using the CF card. Word for CE 2.0 doesn't have a wordcounter, so I use a stand alone program for that.
I tested the Gameboy emulator and it runs at a decent speed, but I only have the demo version, so I can't really play any games.
ChuckMarty732@reddit
I'll have to try the Gameboy emulator. Thanks!
FAMICOMASTER@reddit
Wow an Atari portfolio very cool
Fli_fo@reddit
IIRC the sony was also a available in really nice colors. They made really bold design choices then
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
The first batch of the first generation was white and other colors followed: dark red, onyx black, greenish. Then, the second generation came, with a more rounded design and these pop colors. Love them all!
DramaticProtogen@reddit
Never seen the top right
smithincanton@reddit
Jon Bringus did a video on it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR7QoZvGcQY
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
It's a bit suspicious, isn't it?
KrocCamen@reddit
A somewhat modern Japanese note taking / translation / dictionary thing, I assume?
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
You're totally right. It's the Pomera DM100, produced by the Japanese stationary company King Jim between 2011 and 2016. It's a note taking device that includes, as you mentioned, dictionaries. It has a limited spreadsheet function without formulas. It supports English language both for the interface (menus) and the keyboard layout (JAP ISO, more or less).
The Pomera devices are in vogue also in the western world because they are perfect distraction-free writing devices. It suits the definition of a "writerdeck". The Astrohaus' Freewrite Traveler is heavily inspired in this one, with an eInk display instead of the LCD screen.
The current DM250 model has a US version, but the DM100 has a big advantage: it uses 2xAA batteries that let it run for about 25-30 hours. No declining internal battery issues.
KrocCamen@reddit
I had no idea there were relatively new AA-powered devices like this! I'm using a Psion 5mx at the moment to write a book!
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
AFAIK, the Pomera DM100 is the latest device of its kind that doesn't use an internal battery. All the new devices for distraction-free writing run on internal, non replaceable batteries (you can, of course, if you disassemble them). But if you're interested about these niche products, I'd suggest you to join the r/writerDeck sub. There you'll find all the commercially available models, plus many others that are crowdfunded (zerowriter, BYOK, etc.) or custom made/DIY (micro journal, etc.).
If you don't need the clamshell design, the Alphasmart Neo/Neo2 are still hard to beat and run for +700 hours with just 3xAA batteries.
herseyhawkins33@reddit
I was kinda obsessed with these despite never owning one. Loved the psion designs specifically. Great collection!
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
I'm missing the Psions... collector prices mainly nowadays.
herseyhawkins33@reddit
Ah not surprising. The closest I got was a handspring visor deluxe with a separate collapsible keyboard. It was actually an awesome note taking device since the keyboard was fullsize.
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
Cool!
seamonkey420@reddit
nice collection!! man, i loved my Vaio P even though it was super slow. i bought one just to use on a cruise w/my mom and it worked great for basic web stuff and the design was so nice! i def should have kept that one!
Edu_Robsy@reddit (OP)
They were pricey then and, because of nostalgia and collectionism, they are still pricey for what they are. Very weak CPU but the best compact design ever. Most netbooks were hideous, but the Vaio P was pure elegance and beauty.