https://obsoletesony.substack.com/p/complete-visual-guide-to-sony-clie [https] Obsolete Sony's Newsletter SubscribeSign in Share this post [https] Complete Visual Guide to Sony CLIE (2000-2004) obsoletesony.substack.com Copy link Facebook Email Note Other Complete Visual Guide to Sony CLIE (2000-2004) The Pocket Computers That Time Forgot [https] ObsoleteSony Aug 25, 2024 16 Share this post [https] Complete Visual Guide to Sony CLIE (2000-2004) obsoletesony.substack.com Copy link Facebook Email Note Other 3 Share Smartphones have become essential, but before them, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were the go-to pocket computers from 1992 until the release of the iPhone. Sony's CLIE series, launched in the early 2000s, marked a significant leap in PDA technology, blending innovation with stylish design. Over just a few years, Sony released numerous CLIE models, each introducing new features and enhancements. Let's take a closer look at these iconic devices and what was new with each release. 2000: The Dawn of Clie - Sony CLIE S300/E [https] Sony's CLIE S300, introduced in 2000, marked the beginning of a new era in PDAs with its PalmOS 3.5.2. This monochrome model featured a 160x160 pixel display and 8MB of RAM, powered by a 20MHz Motorola Dragon Ball Super VZ processor. 2000: A Colorful Upgrade - Sony CLIE S500C [https] Later in 2000, the S500C emerged with a 256-color display, a significant upgrade from the monochrome S300. Despite retaining the same 8MB RAM and 20MHz processor, the color screen enhanced visual appeal and user experience. 2001: Enhanced Performance - Sony CLIE S320 [https] In 2001, the S320 upgraded to Palm OS 4.0 and a faster 33 MHz processor, while maintaining the monochrome display. This model focused on improved performance over its predecessor without changing RAM or display resolution. 2001: A Vibrant Display - Sony CLIE N610C [https] The same year saw the release of the Sony N610C, which introduced a vibrant 65,536-color display and a 320x320 pixel resolution. While it shared the 33 MHz processor and 8MB RAM with the N710 and N760 models, the enhanced display was a notable advancement. 2001: Multimedia Functionality - Sony CLIE N710C [https] The N710C brought multimedia capabilities to the CLIE series with a built-in MP3 player and headphone jack. Despite its similarities to the N610C, these new features distinguished it in the market. 2001: Software Update - Sony CLIE N770C [https] The N770C, released later in 2001, introduced Palm OS 4.1. It retained the same hardware as the N710C but offered the latest software updates for improved functionality. 2001: High-Resolution Monochrome - Sony CLIE T425 [https] The T425, introduced in the fourth quarter of 2001, featured a high-resolution monochrome display with 320x320 pixels and 16 grayscale levels, doubling the resolution of the S320. It also came with Palm OS 4.1, marking a significant improvement in display quality. 2002: Memory Boost - Sony CLIE S360 [https] In early 2002, the Clie S360 doubled the RAM to 16MB, enhancing its performance while maintaining the monochrome display and 33 MHz processor of its predecessors. It continued with Palm OS 4.0, focusing on increased memory capacity. 2002: Enhanced Color Display - Sony CLIE T625C (T615C) [https] The T625C introduced a vibrant 320x320 pixel color display with 65,536 colors. Along with 16MB RAM and Palm OS 4.1, it featured improved sound reproduction, making it a compelling choice for multimedia enthusiasts. 2002: Performance Upgrade - Sony CLIE T675C (T665C) [https] Building on the T625C, the T675C upgraded to a faster 66 MHz processor, offering better performance while retaining the high-resolution color display and 16MB RAM. This model also included MP3 playback capabilities. 2002: Multimedia Advancements - Sony CLIE NR70/NR70V [https] The NR70 and NR70V, released in mid-2002, were major advancements with a 320x480 pixel color display and a unique folding design. The NR70V added a 320x240 pixel digital camera, while both models offered MP3 playback and a jog dial for enhanced multimedia functionality. 2002: Entry-Level Convenience - Sony CLIE SL10 [https] Positioned as an entry-level PDA, the SL10 featured a 320x320 pixel monochrome display with 16 shades of grayscale and Palm OS 4.1. Its compact design made it suitable for basic tasks and reading. 2002: Enhanced Memory Entry-Level - Sony CLIE SJ20 [https] The SJ20 improved on the SL10 by offering 16MB of RAM while maintaining similar features and specifications. This model provided better memory for users seeking a more capable entry-level device. 2002: Compact Color - Sony CLIE SJ30 [https] The SJ30 introduced a 320x320 pixel color display with 65,536 colors, offering a vibrant visual experience in a compact form factor. It lacked a docking station but provided a balance of portability and functionality. 2002: New Operating System - Sony CLIE NX60 [https] The NX60, released in late 2002, was a major leap with the introduction of Palm OS 5.0. It did not include a camera but offered advanced features and a high-resolution display. 2002: Camera Integration - Sony CLIE NX70V [https] The NX70V followed the NX60 with Palm OS 5.0 and added a 320x240 pixel digital camera. This model combined advanced PDA features with mobile photography capabilities. 2003: Budget-Friendly Color - Sony CLIE SJ22 [https] The SJ22, released in early 2003, was an affordable option with a 320x320 pixel color display and Palm OS 4.1. It offered many features of the SJ30 at a more accessible price point. 2003: Performance Upgrade - Sony CLIE SJ33 [https] The SJ33 improved upon the SJ30 with a faster processor and added MP3 playback. It also featured a transparent flip cover and a jog dial, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. 2003: Powerhouse PDA - Sony CLIE NZ90 [https] The NZ90 was a flagship model with a 2MP camera, 320x480 pixel display, and a 200 MHz Intel XScale processor. It supported multiple storage options and connectivity features, making it a versatile and powerful device. 2003: Compact Innovation - Sony CLIE TG50 [https] The TG50 featured a compact design with a 320x320 pixel display and a 200 MHz Intel XScale processor. It included a mini keyboard and advanced connectivity options, balancing portability and functionality. 2003: Versatile Design - Sony CLIE NX73V [https] The NX73V offered a rotating design with a 320x480 pixel display and a 200 MHz Intel XScale processor. It included a 0.3-megapixel digital camera and various connectivity options, making it a versatile choice. 2003: Enhanced Imaging - Sony CLIE NX80V [https] The NX80V built on the NX73V with an improved 1.3-megapixel camera and enhanced memory. It retained the versatile design and connectivity features of its predecessor while upgrading its imaging capabilities. 2003: Widescreen and Advanced Features - Sony CLIE UX40 [https] The UX40 introduced a widescreen 480x320 pixel display and advanced features like MPEG video playback. It was powered by a Sony ARM926 processor and included extensive memory and connectivity options. 2003: Cutting-Edge Connectivity - Sony CLIE UX50 [https] The UX50 was a flagship model with integrated Wi-Fi and bluetooth, a 480x320 pixel display, and advanced connectivity options. It also featured a 0.3-megapixel camera and a wide array of multimedia functions. 2003: Simplified Upgrade - Sony CLIE TJ25 [https] The TJ25 upgraded from the SJ22 with Palm OS 5.2.1 and a 200 MHz processor. It focused on affordability and simplicity, offering basic features with improved performance and a jog dial. 2003: Enhanced Performance - Sony CLIE TJ35 [https] The TJ35 provided a faster processor and 32 MB of RAM, adding MP3 playback and Decuma text input with predictive text capabilities. It built on the TJ25's features with enhanced performance and multimedia capabilities. 2004: Refined Entry-Level - Sony CLIE TJ27 [https] The TJ27 improved upon the TJ25 with additional memory and a 0.3-megapixel camera. It retained the core features of its predecessor while offering enhanced functionality. 2004: Advanced Multimedia - Sony CLIE TJ37 [https] The TJ37 added Wi-Fi support and a camera, distinguishing it from the TJ27. It maintained the 320x320 pixel display and offered advanced multimedia features for a more comprehensive PDA experience. 2004: High-Resolution and Connectivity - Sony CLIE TH55 [https] The TH55 featured a large 320x480 pixel display without the folding mechanism, offering a sleek design with Palm OS 5.2.1. It included integrated Wi-Fi and optional Bluetooth, making it a versatile and connected device. 2004: OLED Innovation - Sony CLIE VZ90 [https] The VZ90, launched exclusively in Japan in September 2004, was notable for its OLED display, offering vibrant visuals. It included extensive memory, connectivity options, and a variety of multimedia functions. It was the last of the CLIE line. The Sony CLIE series represents a golden era in PDA technology. These devices evolved from simple monochrome screens to advanced color displays and multimedia features, bridging the gap between early digital assistants and modern smartphones. Looking back, it's clear that the CLIE series had a lasting impact on portable technology. This is just an overview of the models, but stay tuned as we'll dive deeper into some of these iconic devices in future articles. Do you have any personal experiences with PDAs or memories of the CLIE series? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments! 16 Share this post [https] Complete Visual Guide to Sony CLIE (2000-2004) obsoletesony.substack.com Copy link Facebook Email Note Other 3 Share PreviousNext 3 Comments [https] [ ] Chris Stanton Stantonland Aug 26Liked by ObsoleteSony [https] I had the original, S300/E. Loved it. Expand full comment Reply Share RetroPC Aug 25Liked by ObsoleteSony [https] NR70 for me. So cool! Expand full comment Reply Share 1 more comment... Top Latest Discussions No posts Ready for more? [ ] Subscribe (c) 2024 ObsoleteSony LLC Privacy [?] Terms [?] Collection notice Start WritingGet the app Substack is the home for great culture Share Copy link Facebook Email Note Other This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts