HP F1000A
| Industry | Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1939 |
| Products | HP 95LX Palmtop PC |
The HP 95LX Palmtop PC (models F1000A, F1010A), internally known as project Jaguar, represents Hewlett Packard's inaugural DOS-based handheld computer or personal digital assistant. Released in April 1991 through a collaboration with Lotus Development Corporation, the "LX" designation signifies "Lotus Expandable". This device followed earlier, larger portable computers such as the HP 110 and HP 110 Plus.
Hardware
Equipped with a NEC V20 processor, essentially an Intel 8088 clone operating at 5.37 MHz integrated into an Intel system on a chip (SoC), the HP 95LX delivers computing power in a compact form. Its LCD panel supports quarter-CGA (MDA) resolution, which imposes limitations on full compatibility with standard PC displays.
The unit is powered by two AA batteries and includes a CR2032 coin cell to preserve memory when main power is off. For data storage, it provides a single PCMCIA slot that accommodates static RAM cards, each powered by their own CR2025 coin cell. Connectivity options feature an RS-232-compatible serial interface and an infrared port designed for printing with specific Hewlett Packard printer models.
Display
The screen operates in character mode, presenting 16 lines of 40 characters without any backlighting. Unlike most IBM-compatible systems that utilize code page 437, this device’s text mode font is permanently set to code page 850. While Lotus 1-2-3 employs the Lotus International Character Set (LICS) internally, characters are rendered and printed using code page 850 mappings.
Software
Running on MS-DOS 3.22, the HP 95LX comes preloaded with a tailored version of Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.2. Additional built-in ROM applications include a calculator, an appointment scheduler, telecommunications software, and a simple text editor.
Successors
Following the HP 95LX, Hewlett Packard introduced several subsequent models such as the HP 100LX, HP Palmtop FX, HP 200LX, HP 1000CX, and the HP OmniGo 700LX.
See also
- DIP Pocket PC
- Atari Portfolio
- Poqet PC
- Poqet PC Prime
- Poqet PC Plus
- Sharp PC-3000
- ZEOS Pocket PC
- Yukyung Viliv N5
- Sub-notebook
- Netbook
- Palmtop PC
- Ultra-mobile PC
Further reading
- The Evolution of the HP Palmtops – An HP engineer’s account of the design process behind the HP 95LX and HP 100LX. Hewlett-Packard Company, November–December 1993, The HP Palmtop Paper
- The First Real Palmtop by Chris Lott, Hackaday, December 2020