It was either a PC-XT you can fit in your hand, or a "PDA" that also happened to run countless DOS programs.
The PIM software was very powerful and comprehensive, included the usual address Book, Appointments, and Notepad / Memo capabilities, as well as a Database program. Plus, Pocket Quicken, Lotus 123, and cc:Mail. Also has a
"Filer" program for file management, LapLink to connect with a desktop
system for file transfer, and a Data Comm program for connecting to
online services, and more!
Because it ran MS DOS 5.0 and had the architecture of a PC-XT with a CGA graphics adaptor, it was able to run almost any DOS software which would run on a similar desktop system.
Using a PCMCIA flash-memory card in lieu of a hard-drive allowed limitless storage space. System Memory was divided between normal RAM and a RAM-disk which became your C:\ drive. The 2MB model gave you 640 KB system Ram and about 1400 KB of C: drive.
The keyboard was a little small for touch-typing, but it could be done.
Keys had a slight tactile click to them. The IR port was not IRDA,
being an older HP IR format instead. The Serial port was standard
RS-232 signals but was a small non-standard 10-pin design. The pins 1-9
had the same assignments as a 9-pin serial port, the 10th being shell
ground.
The 200LX was third in a series, the HP-95LX was first but had much
more limited features, the HP-100LX was second and was almost
identical, except was lacking some of the more-advanced PIM software.
There was also the HP-1000CX which was identical to the 200LX except it
had no PIM software at all, it was strictly a DOS 5.0 palmtop.
Thanks to Stephanie Maks for information and pictures.
I still use the HP200LX for my business contacts and the calendar and task management. Also I use the windows version of calendar on my main PC in the office. Also I use many other programs for my daily work in the laboratory. The PIM software is the bst one I have ever seen and together with database engine of HP it is unbeatable! Also the calculator with solver is a big thing, beside LOTUS.
The HP200LX is a marvellous machine and the best ever built PDA for professional use, although in these these days there are limitations. But the robustness of the machine and the reliability is so good! I still have 2 "backup HP200LX" in my wardrobe so I think to have this little real PC in the pocket forever :-) recommendable websites for support is palmtoppaper.com and the hplx.net
Greetings from Germany HPtom
Friday 25th February 2011
HPtom (Germany)
I do testing and tagging of electrical appliances. I use the Lotus 123 program as my client and asset database. The macros also prompt me for my test results. A Zebra TLP2844 prints my tags, directly from the Lotus 123 automatically based on the test results. I also have a spare HP200LX but cannot find my spare interface cable at present. If you have any unwanted HP200LX and/or accessories you wish to donate, email me at j-frost@xtra.co.nz
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