Cybiko facts for kids
A Cybiko Classic with its antenna extended, running the main desktop.
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| Developer | Cybiko Inc. |
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| Type | Handheld game console / PDA |
| Generation | Sixth generation |
| Release date | April 2000 |
| Successor | Cybiko Xtreme |
The Cybiko was a cool handheld computer made in Russia. It came out in the United States in April 2000. It was designed to be popular with teenagers.
One of its best features was that it could send text messages wirelessly. You could chat with other Cybiko users up to 300 meters (about 0.19 miles) away! It even let you create wireless chatrooms.
The Cybiko had a small keyboard, like a phone, and you used a special pen called a stylus to tap on the screen. Over 430 free games and apps were made for it. You could also get add-ons, like an MP3 player to listen to music. By the end of 2000, more than 500,000 Cybiko Classics were sold.
Contents
Different Cybiko Models
Cybiko Classic: The Original
There were two slightly different versions of the Cybiko Classic. The main difference you could see was how you turned it on and off. The first version had a power switch on the side. The later version used the "escape" key for power.
Inside, the Cybiko Classic had a main "brain" called a CPU. It also had a special "helper chip" to handle its wireless messages. It came with 512KB of permanent storage (called ROM) and 256KB of temporary memory (called RAM).
The Cybiko Classic came in five colors: blue, purple, neon green, white, and black. The black one was unique because it had a yellow keyboard instead of white.
It also had a special slot on the back where you could plug in extra accessories.
Classic Specifications
- Weight: 122 grams (about 4.3 ounces)
- Size (Length x Width x Height): 7.1 cm x 2.2 cm x 14.5 cm (about 2.8 in x 0.9 in x 5.7 in)
- Screen: 160x100 dots, 59x40 mm, with 4 shades of gray
Cybiko Xtreme: The Upgrade
The Cybiko Xtreme was the second version of the Cybiko. It was an improved model with many upgrades. It had a faster "brain" (CPU) and more memory. It also had a new look, a different keyboard, and a new operating system (the main software that runs the device).
The Xtreme could send messages even farther than the Classic. It also had a microphone and better sound. It was a bit smaller too!
Just like the Classic, it had a special slot for add-ons. However, the only add-on made for the Xtreme was an MP3 player.
There were two main types of Cybiko Xtreme. One was for the US and the other for Europe. They used slightly different radio frequencies for their wireless features.
Cool Add-ons
MP3 Players
You could get an MP3 player for both Cybiko models to listen to your favorite music!
- Classic MP3 Player: This one plugged into the bottom of the Cybiko Classic. It used SmartMedia cards to store music, up to 64 MB. It even had its own buttons to control your music.
- Xtreme MP3 Player: This MP3 player plugged into the back of the Cybiko Xtreme. It used MMC memory cards. You had to control this MP3 player using the Cybiko itself. You could also use it to store other files and programs.
1MB Expansion Memory
This was an add-on card that gave your Cybiko more memory. It added 1 megabyte of temporary memory (RAM) and 1 megabyte of permanent storage (flash storage). This extra memory allowed you to run bigger programs and store more games on your Cybiko. Some Cybiko programs even needed this expansion to work!
