Psion Series 5 – 1997–2002

Long before smartphones and cloud syncs, this clamshell device with its iconic sliding keyboard was a revelation. You could draft documents, manage spreadsheets, and schedule meetings—all from a device that fit in your coat pocket. It ran EPOC, a robust operating system that laid the foundation for Symbian OS, which would later power early Nokia smartphones.

But it wasn’t just the tech specs—touchscreen, instant-on resume, or infrared syncing—that made it special. It was how it felt in your hand: solid, dependable, purposeful. For many professionals, the Psion Series 5 wasn’t just a gadget—it was a lifeline between meetings, flights, and thoughts.

In a world of always-connected devices and endless apps, the Psion reminds us that focus, form factor, and thoughtful design never go out of style.

If you ever tapped out a report on a Psion keyboard at 30,000 feet, you know what I mean.