Nokia 9000 Communicator: The precursor to the smartphone era

The Nokia 9000 Communicator, released on August 15, 1996, is recognized as a precursor to the modern smartphone era. Weighing nearly 400 grams and measuring almost four centimeters thick, the device featured a computer-like keyboard and a black-and-white display.

Designed primarily for managers and executives as a status symbol, the device aimed to realize the dream of a mobile office. While it lacked modern features like cameras, GPS, or headphone jacks, it allowed users to send and receive faxes and emails, and included an address book and calendar.

The device was relatively expensive, costing 2,700 Mark. It featured 8 MB of internal memory and a 640 x 200 pixel resolution. During a trade fair in Las Vegas, the device reportedly caught the attention of Bill Gates and Microsoft after a team from the company specifically requested to see the Communicator.