Fascinating Look Back at the HTC Universal, a 2005 Pocket Computer That Unfolded Into Laptop Territory

HTC released the Universal in the third quarter of 2005, and it immediately set a new standard for what a handheld device could accomplish. It launched during a time when phones were rather simple, as they made calls and sent the occasional text, while other devices handled all of the organizational tasks, such as calendars, notes, etc. Instead, the Universal’s owners received a single, all-in-one device that was essentially a productivity powerhouse.

In terms of design, it was the small details that made the most difference in everyday use. The clamshell body would open to reveal a full-on 62-key QWERTY keyboard and a screen that rotated a full 180 degrees, allowing you to easily switch between portrait mode for quick phone stuff and landscape orientation for typing out longer emails or browsing the web, and that swivel hinge simply transformed the device into a tiny little workstation that didn’t require any extra accessories.

Performance-wise, the hardware inside was about as good as it got for the time, with an Intel processor chugging along at 520 megahertz, 128 megabytes of memory so you could have lots of apps open at once, and a 3.7-inch screen that displayed 640 by 480 pixels in nice, clear detail even in direct sunlight. You have 128 megabytes of built-in flash and an SD card slot for extra storage, a 1.3 megapixel camera on the rear with an LED flash, and even a tiny front camera for making those early 3G video chats.

This device shined brightest when it came to connectivity. It has UMTS for fast data on suitable networks, Wi-Fi for connecting to hotspots, Bluetooth for pairing wireless headsets or transferring files, and, of course, infrared for the occasional exchange with older devices. The battery life started at 1620mAh, but many users upgraded to larger packs to extend their usage time when they were really multitasking.

However, the software is what truly makes the Universal tick. It came equipped with Windows Mobile 5.0 and all of Microsoft’s Office programs, allowing you to edit documents and spreadsheets on the move. The OS would even detect when you rotated the screen and adjust the layout to keep everything looking neat, and third-party apps were where the real magic happened, including GPS software, remote desktop control, PDF viewing, and even actual games that felt substantial on the big screen.

Then there was the price, as you’d expect something this advanced to be expensive, and boy did it ever, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,200 ($1,700 – $2,100 today), firmly placing it in the premium category at the time. Yes, there were branded versions available from several carriers, such as the O2 xda Exec and T-Mobile MDA Pro, but it was all the same Universal hardware underneath.