Modern Open Handhelds: Reclaiming Personal Computing from Closed Ecosystems

The quest for a modern handheld device that combines the portability and simplicity of a classic Palm Pilot with the freedom to run open-source software and custom applications is a challenging but increasingly relevant pursuit. Many are looking for alternatives to closed mobile ecosystems, seeking a companion device for personal computing and hobby projects that complements a 'dumb phone' for basic communication. While a direct, polished commercial successor is scarce, several promising avenues and devices exist.

Dedicated Open Hardware and Software

Some projects are specifically designed with open-source principles and customizability in mind:

BeTrusted Precursor: This device is a strong contender for those prioritizing open hardware and security. It's a highly hackable platform designed for experimentation and building custom secure applications. Its development focus aligns well with the desire to run self-built software.
Mudita Kompakt: Offering a 4.3" monochrome e-Ink display, this device aims for a minimalist experience. It runs a de-Googled Android, lacks a web browser or email client, and supports app loading via APKs from a computer, making it conducive to a curated, privacy-focused application set. It also features a hardware switch to disable radios, appealing to the privacy-conscious.
Furi FLX1: Described as a device that avoids the 'duopoly' if its Android container isn't utilized. It functions as a phone, handles documents, contacts, and calendars, and supports Bluetooth peripherals and USB-C docks. This offers a path to a more controlled computing environment.

E-Ink Devices with Open Potential

E-ink tablets, primarily known for reading and note-taking, often run standard Linux under the hood, opening doors for advanced users:

Remarkable devices: These tablets run a standard Linux distribution and provide root access out of the box. While excellent for PDF reading and note-taking with a stylus, users should be aware that straying too far from these core uses might lead to dissatisfaction. However, with a keyboard, it can serve as a word processor or a Linux terminal, allowing for SSH access to other machines or running tools like Emacs.
Boox Palma and Minimal Phone: These are smaller e-ink devices that offer similar capabilities to other e-ink tablets but in a more compact form factor, potentially aligning better with the 4"-5" screen size desired.
Kobo: Mentioned as another e-ink tablet with potential for customization, similar to Remarkable.

Resources like reviewer Chalid Raqami on YouTube specialize in e-ink devices and can provide deeper insights into their capabilities and limitations.

DIY and Repurposed Solutions

For those keen on a hands-on approach, building or repurposing devices offers maximum control:

Raspberry Pi Projects: Enthusiasts have built custom handhelds using Raspberry Pi Zero units combined with small screens and keyboards (e.g., Blackberry keyboards), demonstrating the viability of DIY solutions.
PostmarketOS: This Linux distribution aims to run on a wide array of existing smartphone and tablet hardware, effectively turning them into fully open Linux devices. This can breathe new life into older devices that might otherwise be discarded.
Old Android Devices: Using an older Android device without a SIM card can provide a platform for custom applications, especially if sideloading is an option and internet connectivity is not a primary requirement for the 'personal computing' aspect.
Vintage Palm Devices: While nostalgic, acquiring and syncing old Palm or Handspring devices can be a project in itself. Running Palm ROMs on modern smartphones is an option, but often the novelty wears off quickly, and it doesn't align with the goal of a truly open, custom device.

The Open Source Challenge and Shifting Paradigms

The fundamental requirement for open-source software on these devices presents a commercial viability challenge. Dedicated, fully open platforms are often niche and expensive, lacking the economies of scale of mainstream consumer electronics.

Furthermore, there's an ongoing debate about the ideal location for personal computing: entirely on-device or leveraging web-based applications. While older devices necessitated on-device execution, modern connectivity changes the landscape.

Arguments for on-device applications emphasize:

Privacy: Reduced risk of cloud breaches, tech access, or government demands.
Reliability & Predictability: Independence from internet connectivity, consistent performance, and avoiding app deprecation due to OS updates.
Avoiding Accounts: Less need for platform-specific developer or user accounts.

Arguments for server-hosted web applications (especially self-hosted) highlight:

Privacy: When self-hosted with VPN/HTTPS, control over data remains with the user, mitigating device-specific security bugs.
Reliability & Predictability: All data is in one place with robust backup options, and apps are fully under the user's control, deployable on demand.
Development Hurdles: Significantly reduced, as developers can use any tools, avoid gatekeepers, and deploy updates flexibly. This makes building custom apps much simpler.
Cost & Space: Server space is often cheaper and more scalable than on-device storage.

Ultimately, while the market for direct Palm Pilot successors with full open-source customization is limited, creative solutions—from dedicated new hardware to e-ink tablets and DIY projects—offer viable paths for those determined to reclaim personal computing from closed ecosystems.