In an age before smartphones dominated our th55, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were the cutting edge of mobile productivity. Among them, the Sony Clie PEG-TH55, released in 2004, stood out not just for its specs, but for its foresight. Often overlooked in retrospectives of mobile tech, the TH55 was a quietly revolutionary device — and arguably one of Sony’s most refined attempts at redefining mobile computing.
Design That Dared to Be Different
The TH55 broke the mold. It sported a portrait 320×480 pixel display, a rare move at a time when most competitors stuck with square or landscape screens. The high-resolution display was crisp and bright, ideal for both note-taking and media consumption. Its sleek metallic body and sliding cover weren’t just stylish — they were practical, protecting the screen while keeping the form factor compact.
But perhaps its most distinct physical feature was the built-in camera. While VGA resolution seems laughable today, in 2004 it was a notable inclusion, particularly for a PDA.
Palm OS With a Sony Twist
Running on Palm OS 5.2.1, the TH55 featured Sony’s custom enhancements like the Clie Organizer, which offered a rich calendar, to-do list, and multimedia integration far beyond the standard Palm software. Sony’s overlay made the device feel more modern and versatile — a glimpse into what mobile operating systems would soon become.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi (802.11b) was groundbreaking for its time. Users could surf the web, check email, or even stream media — provided they had a compatible app. In an era when mobile data was not yet widespread, this Wi-Fi capability put the TH55 ahead of its time.
Battery Life and Multimedia Power
Unlike many devices today, the TH55 boasted extraordinary battery life. A single charge could last several days of moderate use — thanks to the efficient architecture and low-power components. Sony also packed the TH55 with a dedicated audio processor, making it a capable MP3 player, complete with a headphone jack and remote control support.
The Memory Stick slot allowed for expanded storage — essential for carrying music, photos, and documents. And unlike many Palm devices, the TH55 could handle multimedia with surprising grace.
Why It Mattered — And Why It Was Forgotten
Despite its innovations, the TH55 marked the end of an era. Sony exited the PDA market not long after its release, as smartphones began their rise. The device was never widely adopted outside of tech-savvy circles, and the Memory Stick format limited its appeal to those already invested in Sony’s ecosystem.
Yet in retrospect, the TH55 was a visionary device. It anticipated the convergence of media, productivity, and connectivity — all in a pocket-sized form. If it had been released just a few years later with cellular connectivity, it might be remembered as a true smartphone pioneer.
Conclusion
The Sony Clie PEG-TH55 is a relic of a transitional tech era — one foot in the PDA world, the other stepping toward the smartphone age. With its thoughtful design, powerful features, and innovative interface, the TH55 wasn’t just a great PDA — it was a preview of the mobile future. In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, it’s worth remembering the devices that dared to be different, and the TH55 certainly fits that bill.