# History of the Nokia 9000 Communicator

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/history-of-the-nokia-9000-communicator
> Updated: 2026-08-15T03:03:13.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

The Nokia 9000 Communicator, released on August 15, 1996, is identified as a precursor to the modern smartphone era. Produced by the Finnish company Nokia, the device was designed to serve as a ‘mobile office’ for managers and executives.

Though it lacked contemporary features such as GPS, cameras, or headphone jacks, the device enabled users to send and receive faxes and emails, and included a calendar and address book. The hardware was characterized by a computer-like keyboard and a black-and-white display with a 640 x 200 pixel resolution. 

The device was a high-end status symbol costing 2,700 Mark, weighing nearly 400 grams and measuring approximately four centimeters in thickness. It featured 8 MB of internal memory. During a trade fair in Las Vegas, the device reportedly drew interest from Bill Gates and Microsoft after a team from the company requested a demonstration.

On its 30th anniversary, the device is noted for its original unveiling at the CeBIT technology fair in Hannover, Germany, in March 1996. Marketed with the slogan ‘the office in your back pocket,’ the 9000 series eventually evolved to incorporate color screens, increased processing power, and the Symbian operating system.

## Claims

- The Nokia 9000 Communicator was a combination of a computer and a mobile phone. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Nokia 9000 Communicator was released on August 15, 1996. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The device weighed nearly 400 grams and was approximately four centimeters thick. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The device featured a black-and-white display and a computer-like keyboard. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The device could send and receive faxes and emails. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The device cost 2,700 Mark. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The device lacked a camera, headphone jack, and GPS. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The device had an internal memory of 8 MB. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Nokia 9000 Communicator marks 30 years as smartphone precursor

The Nokia 9000 Communicator, a revolutionary device considered a precursor to the smartphone, celebrates its 30th anniversary since its 1996 release.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nokia-9000-communicator-the-1996-precursor-to-the-smartphone-era

### 2026-08-10: Nokia 9000 Communicator: The precursor to the smartphone era

The Nokia 9000 Communicator, released in 1996, served as an early precursor to the modern smartphone, offering mobile email and fax capabilities for business executives.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nokia-9000-communicator-the-precursor-to-the-smartphone-era

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Cite as: History of the Nokia 9000 Communicator. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/history-of-the-nokia-9000-communicator