Handhelds in use #6

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re delighted to present the sixth pre-holiday edition of ‘Handheld in Use.’
Happy New Year to all our readers and fellow handheld enthusiasts!

This year-end showcase features ten devices spanning thee decades of handheld computing innovation:

  • Planet Computers Cosmo Communicator
  • Hewlett-Packard Jornada 710
  • GPD Win Mini 2024
  • GPD Pocket 3
  • One-Netbook A1
  • One-Netbook OneGx1 Pro
  • Handspring Visor Deluxe
  • M5Stack Cardputer
  • Next Thing Co. Pocket C.H.I.P.
  • Nintendo Switch Lite

The previous posts from this series:

A unified gallery with photos from all posts is available via the shared link by tag: Media by tag ‘in use’

Nine years of UMPC evolution: a performance comparison of 12 devices

Our UMPC second-epoch performance benchmarking suite has undergone substantial expansion:

**Three New Devices Added to Comparison:

  1. GPD Pocket 3 with Intel Core™ i3-1125G4 processor
  2. Noname P8 with Intel N150 processor
  3. GPD Win Mini 2025 with AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor

The comparison now encompasses 12 devices across 9 years of UMPC evolution.

Benchmarking Methodology Update:

The Passmark memory test has become obsolete and no longer reflects real-world memory performance.
We have integrated AIDA 64-based memory benchmarking, comprehensively testing all 12 comparison devices.

Key Findings:

  1. Absolute Performance Leader: The GPD Win Mini 2025 demonstrates clear superiority across CPU performance, memory bandwidth, and GPU performance.

  2. Noname P8 N150 Improvement: The N150 variant delivers significantly higher performance than its N100 predecessor. Performance gains are evident not merely in synthetic benchmarks, but in practical daily usage. Critical recommendation: Replace the factory-supplied SSD with an aftermarket NVMe drive — this single upgrade can yield approximately 10x storage performance improvement.

  3. GPD Pocket 3 Significant Advance: The GPD Pocket 3 represents genuine progress in the swivel-hinge UMPC segment. Compared to the One-Netbook A1, CPU, memory, and GPU performance have improved 3–4x across all metrics — a generational leap in capability.

Full results: Benchmarking UMPCs of the second epoch.

GPD Win Mini – the clamshell king of 2025

As 2025 concludes, the Win Mini 2025 deserves particular attention: it represents the third generation of GPD’s clamshell design and, thanks to its AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, stands as the most powerful clamshell-format handheld computer available. This year’s refresh represents not merely a cosmetic update, but a thoughtfully engineered evolution addressing the practical limitations of its predecessor.

Despite visual similarities to the 2024 model, the engineering differences run considerably deeper than initial appearances suggest:

  • Enhanced Processing Power: The new AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU delivers significant improvements in performance, featuring 12 cores, 24 threads, and a boost clock of 5.1 GHz.
  • Comprehensive Thermal Redesign: The cooling system has been completely overhauled to accommodate the new APU’s thermal demands (28–35W TDP).
  • Standardized Storage Format: The 2025 model adopts standard M.2 2280 SSDs (replacing the 2230 form factor), dramatically expanding available upgrade options.
  • Ergonomic Material Refinement: The rear chassis now features a matte plastic finish that is more pleasant to the touch and reduces glare and fingerprinting compared to glossy surfaces.
  • Improved Input Ergonomics: The joystick mode toggle switch has been repositioned for more convenient access.

Notably, relatively few internal components are carried over from the previous generation, underscoring the depth of this redesign rather than a typical point revision.

Technical Specifications

Specification Value
Processor Options AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
CPU Cores / Threads 12 / 24 (HX 370)
Base / Max Boost Clock 2.0 GHz / 5.1 GHz
Manufacturing Process TSMC 4nm (Strix Point architecture)
Cache 36.75 MB
Memory 64GB LPDDR5x-7500 MT/s (configurable to 8000 MT/s)
AI Performance (NPU) 50 TOPS
Total Computing Power 80 TOPS (CPU + GPU + NPU)
TDP (Configurable) 28–35W

The USB4 port enables connection to external GPU docks (such as the GPD G1), effectively converting the Win Mini into a desktop machine when docked.

The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 represents a significant architectural advancement. Unlike previous-generation processors that treated the NPU as an ancillary accelerator, Zen 5’s XDNA 2 NPU is fully integrated into the compute fabric, enabling on-device inference of quantized models like GPT OSS 20B without cloud dependencies.

The 64GB configuration, with LPDDR5x memory at 7500 MT/s (configurable to 8000 MT/s), enables practical local inference of mid-tier language models like Qwen 3 Next 80B and PrimeIntellect-3 106B with acceptable latencies.

Detailed performance test results for the GPD Win Mini 2025, including comparative analysis against the previous generation and contemporary handheld devices, are available in the comprehensive benchmarking study linked below:
Benchmarking UMPCs of the second epoch.

Conclusion

Handheld computing enthusiasts rightfully prioritize portability — it’s the defining characteristic that distinguishes these devices from traditional computers. Any form factor expansion carries inherent risk.

The Win Mini 2025’s slight increase in size is offset by substantive engineering gains. The new Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 delivers strong multi-core improvements, while the thermal redesign maintains safe temperatures and reasonable acoustics. Standard M.2 2280 storage now enables practical upgradeability with hundreds of available options. These improvements address real limitations of the previous generation—genuine friction points that affected daily usability.

New Guide: Gentoo Linux on GPD Pocket 3

We’re pleased to present the sixth article in our "Gentoo installations" series, dedicated to configuring Gentoo Linux on a modern second-generation UMPC – the GPD Pocket 3 with Intel i3-1125G4 processor.

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of installing and configuring Gentoo on this unique portable computer: from compiling an optimized kernel to setting up automatic screen rotation with touchscreen and stylus support. Special attention is given to the specific features of Tiger Lake architecture and portrait display orientation.

Key topics covered:

  • Optimized kernel 6.15.4 configuration with full hardware support
  • X11 setup with hardware acceleration
  • Full touchscreen, digitizer, and Surface Pen support
  • Automatic screen orientation management
  • Power management and suspend/hibernate functionality
  • ACPI events and multimedia key handling

The new article is available at Gentoo on a GPD Pocket 3.

Previous publications with Gentoo installation instructions for various handheld computers are available in the Gentoo installations section.

U.S. Robotics Pilot 5000: The Birth of a Mass-Market Handheld Computer

The U.S. Robotics Pilot 5000 first appeared on the market in March 1996 and became one of the key devices in the history of personal digital assistants (PDAs). Developed by Palm Computing — a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics — this personal digital assistant combined compactness and convenience with a powerful processor for its time and a unique input system.

Development History

Interestingly, the design of the Pilot 5000 was partly based on a wooden mockup that the creator Jeff Hawkins carried in his pocket to determine the optimal size and shape of the device for comfortable use and portability. This practical approach helped create an ergonomic and compact body that remains an example of successful industrial design.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Motorola 68328 ("DragonBall") running at 16 MHz
• RAM: 512 KB EDO DRAM
• ROM: 512 KB with Palm OS 1.0
• Display: 3.3 inches, monochrome, 160×160 pixels, resistive touchscreen
• Case: plastic, dimensions 120x80x18 mm, weight 160 g
• Buttons: four application buttons, two scroll buttons, power button
• Power supply: two AAA batteries
• Interfaces: RS-232 serial port, synchronization with PC via cradle
• Built-in applications: address book, calendar, to-do list, memo pad, calculator

Significance for Collectors

The Pilot 5000 became the progenitor of the entire Palm device lineup, which lasted about 15 years. After the Pilot 5000 came improved models such as the PalmPilot, Palm III, Palm V, and other classic PDAs that dominated the market in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The lineup expanded to include multimedia devices with cameras and color screens. In the mid-2000s, Palm transitioned to creating Treo smartphones, which combined PDA and mobile phone functionality.

The significance of the U.S. Robotics Pilot 5000 is that it became a truly mass-market PDA thanks to its successful combination of compact and convenient design, capable hardware platform, and an intuitive operating system with an easy input method. This optimal balance between size, functionality, and user experience made the Pilot 5000 a pioneer that opened the era of accessible and efficient personal digital assistants.

MyOrigo MyDevice – a true innovation

MyOrigo MyDevice is one of the early examples of a smartphone without a stylus employing finger-based interaction, introduced in 2002. The device was developed by the Finnish startup MyOrigo, with key project figures including Johannes Väänänen and Jukka-Pekka Metsävainio, who later became holders of several related patents for the device’s innovations.

Development History

MyOrigo MyDevice was conceptualized at a time when most portable devices were stylus-controlled and smartphones typically featured hardware keyboards with basic touchscreen support. The project was led by former Nokia executives, and the ecosystem was implemented on the Java-based Tao Intent OS, designed to overcome the limitations of contemporary chipsets and allow for more advanced user experiences. The main feature was “mirroring”: content on the screen would move as the user physically tilted the device, and the interface also supported automatic screen rotation (portrait or landscape) depending on device orientation. This functionality was a significant technical achievement at the time.

Technical Specifications

  • Display: 176×320 TFT LCD (16-bit, 65K colors) made by Philips
  • Processor: Intel StrongARM SA-1100, 133/190 MHz, 32-bit ARM RISC
  • Memory: 64 MB (approx. 37 MB user-available), SD/MMC card support
  • Camera: Built-in VGA (0.3 MP)
  • Operating System: Tao Intent (Java-based)
  • Weight: 168g
  • Dimensions: 124 x 59 x 22.5 mm
  • Other functions: Vibrotactile feedback, software QWERTY keyboard, SD slot, USB, IrDA, headphone port

The MyDevice interface was developed for finger operation, not stylus use—unusual for that era. The motion-sensing allowed for scrolling, navigation, and automatic screen rotation. Key controls included two side power buttons that needed simultaneous press to prevent accidental activation.

Commercial Outcome and Impact

Although MyDevice garnered attention from major industry players (Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, Apple, Samsung, Siemens), none moved forward with acquiring the technology or putting the device into mass production. There is a documented case where MyOrigo’s team demonstrated the device to Apple and Steve Jobs, with the browsing feature particularly noted. Ultimately, the project did not continue to series production. The team later tried to license their technology through the company F-Origin, attracting some interest from Samsung, but no products reached the market.

After MyOrigo’s bankruptcy in 2005, its assets and patents were sold for €300,000. Only a few hundred devices remain in existence, making them among the rarest collectible pieces from the early days of mobile computing.

Significance for Collectors

MyOrigo MyDevice occupies a special place as a prototype of the modern touch-operated smartphone, with gesture-based navigation. Despite not achieving commercial success, many of its ideas laid groundwork for later mainstream products.

This item is not just a rarity, but an important milestone in the evolution of mobile user interfaces and the very concept of the “smartphone” as it would become known a few years later. The detailed story of MyOrigo’s development and the team’s journey can be found in Johannes Väänänen’s book "The Smart Device".

Benchmarking GPD Win Mini 2024

CPU, memory and GPU

Elaborating the subject of the most powerful clamshell handheld of 2024 it is interesting to compare the performance of the GPD Win Mini with other UMPCs of the second epoch.

Here is provided a comparison of CPU, GPU and memory performance: Benchmarking UMPCs of the second epoch. The results of GPD Win Mini are very impressive.

In addition to testing the Win Mini at the maximum TDP value of 28W, it is also interesting to measure the performance depending on the TDP. The corresponding test results are provided below.


What conclusions can be drawn from the charts? The performance of memory and one processor core has practically not increased since 10 watts. TDP value of 20W is almost a performance limit for multithreaded CPU mode and the GPU. In the case of portable use, it makes no sense to increase the TDP above 20W.

Default SSD

The comparison of SSD performance with other UMPCs has already been provided at the link above. In this comparison, the GPD Win Mini was used with the Patriot VP4000 Mini 1TB, instead of the standard SSD from the manufacturer (KIOXIA KBG50ZNS512G 512 GB). It is interesting to compare the speeds of these two drives in the Win Mini.

Test results of the default SSD (KIOXIA KBG50ZNS512G):
Default SSD test results

Test results of Patriot VP4000 Mini 1Tb:
VP4000 Mini test results

As you can see, in terms of operating speeds, the default SSD shows quite good results. It will be difficult to achieve significantly higher values on the Win Mini.

Handhelds in use #5

The fifth issue of the series ‘Handheld in use’ shows the following devices:

  • ClockworkPi uConsole
  • Palm Tungsten T3
  • Planet Computers Cosmo Communicator
  • Sharp PC-1600
  • Sharp Mobilon HC-4100
  • Hewlett-Packard 100lx
  • Hewlett-Packard 320lx
  • Hewlett-Packard 360lx
  • Hewlett-Packard Jornada 710
  • Nokia Lumia 1020
  • Nokia N900
  • Sony VAIO VGN-UX1XRN
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
  • Noname P8 (UMPC)

The previous posts from this series:

Public exhibition of handheld computers

The year 2024 has become very significant for my collection of handheld computers.
For over 5 years now, I have been exposing computers in private display cabinets at my home. But on October 12, 2024, a permanent public exhibition opened for the first time, featuring a part of my collection.

The exhibition includes many exhibits, from programmable calculators manufactured in 1976 and pocket versions of the IBM PC to modern smartphones. This allows us to trace how handheld computers, which 40 years ago seemed like a fantasy, have become everyday objects.

The Museum of Computing Engineering in the Gallery Krasnokholmskaya invites you to take a fascinating dive into the history of computer technology development. You can find the Gallery’s address, opening hours, and contact information on the website: https://kholmy.vzmoscow.ru/techmus.

If you are interested in a private tour of the collection, please contact me directly via the following email: Vitaly Minko.

The most powerful 7-inch clamshell UMPC of 2024

The GPD Win Mini 2024 is the most powerful 7-inch clamshell handheld as of 2024.

Let’s take a look at the specifications:

Screen: 7-inch, Native Landscape Orientation, 1080P, supports VRR
CPU: AMD R7-8840U
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
DDR: 32GB , LPDDR5
Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
Wireless Network: Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth: 5.2
USB4: × 1, 40Gbps

The second generation of the Win Mini differs from the first generation by having a USB A connector and a native landscape orientation of the screen (which ensures compatibility with many older games).

The device is capable to replace a modern mid-level desktop computer. And the performance of the integrated graphics is close to GTX1650. Surprisingly, the GPS With Mini is good enough for "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle", which does not run on the GTX 1080 due to the lack of hardware support for ray tracing.

In the following posts, we will conduct a series of tests and look at the device’s performance in more detail.

Despite the impressive performance, the Win Mini also has weaknesses. In terms of the quality of the case, the One-Netbook OneGX1 Pro is still my favorite UMPC.