Complete Visual Guide to Sony CLIÉ (2000-2004)

The Pocket Computers That Time Forgot

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 CLIÉ 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 CLIÉ 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 CLIÉ S300/E

Sony's CLIÉ 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 CLIÉ S500C

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 CLIÉ S320

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 CLIÉ N610C

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 CLIÉ N710C

The N710C brought multimedia capabilities to the CLIÉ 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 CLIÉ N770C

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 CLIÉ T425

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 CLIÉ S360

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 CLIÉ T625C (T615C)

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 CLIÉ T675C (T665C)

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 CLIÉ NR70/NR70V

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 CLIÉ SL10

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 CLIÉ SJ20

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 CLIÉ SJ30

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 CLIÉ NX60

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 CLIÉ NX70V

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 CLIÉ SJ22

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 CLIÉ SJ33

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 CLIÉ NZ90

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 CLIÉ TG50

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 CLIÉ NX73V

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 CLIÉ NX80V

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 CLIÉ UX40

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 CLIÉ UX50

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 CLIÉ TJ25

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 CLIÉ TJ35

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 CLIÉ TJ27

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 CLIÉ TJ37

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 CLIÉ TH55

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 CLIÉ VZ90

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 CLIÉ line.

The Sony CLIÉ 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 CLIÉ 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 CLIÉ series? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!