HP F1022A
| Industry | Information technology, Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1939 |
| Founder | Bill Hewlett, Dave Packard |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California , United States |
| Products | HP 200LX Palmtop PC, calculators, printers, computers |
| Website | www |
The HP 200LX Palmtop PC (models F1060A, F1061A, F1216A), originally codenamed project Felix, is a personal digital assistant introduced by Hewlett-Packard in August 1994. Positioned as a Palmtop PC, this compact device runs DOS-compatible software and includes a monochrome graphical display, a QWERTY keyboard, a serial interface, and a PCMCIA expansion slot. The "LX" in its name signifies "Lotus Expandable".
Description
Designed with a clamshell form factor, the HP 200LX incorporates a compact QWERTY keyboard alongside a numeric keypad, measuring roughly one-quarter the size of a typical laptop. It achieves battery life of around 30 to 40 hours when powered by two AA alkaline or Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries, and it can recharge Ni-Cd and NiMH cells through a 12 V DC power adapter.
The system is driven by an Intel 80186-compatible "Hornet" processor running at approximately 7.91 MHz, with the possibility to upgrade to nearly 15.8 MHz. Memory options include 1, 2, or 4 MB RAM; out of this, 640 KB functions as conventional memory while the balance serves as expanded memory or storage space. Users can enhance memory capacity up to 64 MB via third-party upgrades, which also frees the PCMCIA slot for additional peripherals such as modem or Ethernet cards from manufacturers like Silicom, Accton, Netgear FA411, and Sohoware ND5120. The HP 200LX operates MS-DOS 5.0 directly from ROM and supports most programs designed for Intel 8086/8088/80186 processors and CGA graphics. It can also run certain Intel 80286 software that does not rely on protected mode.
In terms of connectivity, the device offers a Type II PCMCIA expansion slot delivering up to 5 V at 150 mA maximum, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) SIR-compatible infrared port, and a full serial port equipped with a proprietary mini connector.
Preloaded ROM-based applications include Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.4 spreadsheet, calendar, phone book, terminal emulator, Lotus cc:Mail client, and both scientific and business calculators. When combined with adequate CompactFlash storage and a serial mouse, Microsoft Windows 3.0 can be operated in Real Mode—though limited by hardware capabilities—allowing the use of Word 1.x and Excel 2.x for creating MS Office-compatible documents.
The monochrome LCD screen is CGA-compatible with a resolution of 640×200 pixels and displays four shades of gray but does not feature built-in backlighting; however, electroluminescent backlight kits from third-party suppliers have been available since 2004.
Unlike standard CGA displays that only support hardware code page 437 fonts without modification, starting with the HP 100LX series—including the HP 200LX—users can switch between text mode ROM fonts supporting code pages 437 and 850. Additionally, software-definable RAM fonts allow for extra code pages such as 437G, 437T, 852, and 866. Internally, Lotus 1-2-3 utilizes the Lotus International Character Set but converts characters to code page 850 for display and printing purposes.
HP 100LX
The HP 100LX Palmtop PC (available as F1020A with 1 MB RAM and F1022A with 2 MB RAM), also known by its codename Cougar, was released in 1993 prior to the introduction of the HP 200LX. It came in several localized versions including International English, U.S. English, French, German, and Spanish—each featuring region-specific keyboards and language settings. This model also employed the Hornet CPU and ran MS-DOS 5.0, albeit with earlier editions of the built-in applications.
HP Palmtop FX
Released in 1993, the HP Palmtop FX represents a variation of the HP 100LX, featuring up to 2 MB of flashable memory. Users could create FAT flash disk images and write them to the F: drive using a dedicated utility. This model was reportedly developed specifically for a Korean insurance firm.
HP 200LX AIA
The HP 200LX AIA is a special edition of the HP 200LX with 2 MB of memory and enhanced speed, manufactured for the insurance company American International Assurance (AIA).
HP 1000CX
Known also by its project name Puma, the HP 1000CX Palmtop PC (model F1203A with 1 MB released in March 1995, and F1222A with 2 MB in February 1997) serves as a cost-effective alternative to the 200LX. It comes without pre-installed software except for MS-DOS 5.0 embedded in ROM. Widely adopted by enterprises such as Coca-Cola warehouse supervisors, it enabled deployment of tailored logistics applications. The device is housed in a black clamshell casing, distinguishing it from the dark green case of the 200LX.
HP OmniGo 700LX
The HP OmniGo 700LX Communicator Plus (F1206A), codenamed Columbia, was engineered by HP’s Singapore calculator division. This unit is a modified HP 200LX equipped with 2 MB of memory and designed to connect with a Nokia 2110 GSM mobile phone via an additional PCMCIA slot compatible with a Nokia Data Card. Launched at the end of 1995 with shipments commencing in March 1996, its distinctive pebble-shaped housing accommodated the phone integration. Production ended as the Nokia 2110 became outdated. This device foreshadowed early smartphone concepts similar to the Nokia 9000 Communicator.
HP 95LX
Introduced in April 1991 under project name Jaguar, the HP 95LX Palmtop PC (F1000A for 512 KB and F1010A for 1 MB) established the foundational design for subsequent models. Powered by a NEC V20 CPU running at 5.37 MHz, it was limited by a quarter-CGA resolution LCD and an MDA-compatible graphics adapter, restricting compatibility with many PC applications. Operating on MS-DOS 3.22, it included built-in Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.2 and featured a CR2032 battery to preserve memory when AA batteries were exhausted.
HP OmniGo 100
Developed as an advanced successor to the LX series, the HP OmniGo 100 Organizer Plus (F1305A/F1310A) incorporated functionalities from the HP-12C calculator. It operated on a graphical user interface controlled via pen input or keyboard but was unable to run unmodified DOS software. Its primary environment was DOS-based PEN/GEOS 2.1 featuring Graffiti handwriting recognition running on Datalight ROM-DOS 6.22. Equipped with 1 MB RAM and powered by a 16 MHz NEC V30HL CPU compatible with the Intel 80186, it utilized the Vadem VG230/V5H system controller. Despite these specifications, it did not succeed as a calculator alternative, as Palm devices and Pocket PCs dominated the PDA market.
Current usage
Phased out in favor of HP's Windows CE lineup beginning with the HP 300LX, the HP OmniGo 100 maintained interest due to its MS-DOS operating system, which provided access to extensive PC software such as Lotus 1-2-3 and Quicken. DOS applications delivered compact and efficient performance relative to Windows CE counterparts, while utilities like Software Carousel enabled multitasking capabilities.
Third-party services continue offering upgrades, repairs, and refurbishments to prolong device usability.
In Japan, where compactness was highly valued, the HP 200LX inspired an open-source project initiated in 2001 aiming to create a successor based on the AMD Élan SC400 platform. However, only one prototype emerged before the company declared bankruptcy in 2003 amid accusations of fraud related to unfulfilled deposits. Project leaders attributed delays to component shortages caused by high demand from the mobile phone industry.
Frequent issues
- Cracks commonly appear near the right hinge on the injected-molded case top, usually caused by inadequate molding flow. Solutions involve using industrial-grade super glue or reinforcing the area with metal and epoxy.
- The latch on the case often malfunctions but can be repaired by adding rubber or silicone inserts to serve as springs.
- It is crucial to use only premium AA rechargeable batteries, as battery leaks may damage the LCD’s flat video cable.
- Older units might experience loss of display pixel columns due to detachment of SMD chip pins, which can often be resolved by reflowing the solder connections.
- Intensive usage can cause the space bar or enter key to become detached, necessitating replacement of the keyboard.
- The flex cable connecting the screen to the motherboard is prone to tearing from internal friction within the housing and generally requires replacement.
- Keys that fail to respond are frequently caused by deteriorated contacts between graphite and gold pads on the keyboard ribbon. Restoring these connections is possible with conductive silver paint or copper tape, though disassembly must be done carefully. Corroded motherboard pads can be improved by cleaning with fine steel wool.
Limitations in full IBM PC compatibility
- The HP 100LX/200LX’s digital-to-analog converter does not support audio tone playback; instead, it functions for battery monitoring and charging status.
- These devices lack BIOS service INT 13h for hard disk access. Some partial drivers exist that enable booting MINIX 2.0.
Additional information
- The HP 200LX was part of NASA’s Discovery OV103 Mission STS-95, which was Senator John Glenn’s final spaceflight. It was used in an Electronic Nose experiment developed by JPL and Caltech under Dan Karmon’s supervision at JPL.
- With software developed by Stefan Peichl, it can play video and audio files, albeit with limited quality, and supports sound recording similarly. While no PCMCIA sound cards are compatible, Yamaha MU10 MIDI sound modules operate through the serial port using programs like Voyetra or GSPlay. For gaming, Terrence Vergauwen combines a PCMCIA parallel port card with an OPL3LPT (Adlib-compatible) sound card.
- Both software and hardware solutions exist to connect the HP 200LX to the Internet.
- Serial numbers on HP 100LX, 200LX, 1000CX, and OmniGo 700LX models encode manufacturing details as follows:
- XXYWWNNNNN
- XX = manufacturing country code (e.g., SG for Singapore)
- Y = last digit of production year (for example, 6 indicates 1996)
- WW = week number within the year
- NNNNN = sequential unit number produced that week
Hidden features
The HP 200LX includes multiple embedded easter eggs:
Secret gallery
Within the preloaded game "Lair of Squid," entering "gallery" (localized as "gallerie" in French, "siegergalerie" in German, "galeria" in Spanish) during startup reveals a maze containing photos of key software developers:
- Andy Gryc
- Pat Megowan
- Everett Kaser
- Bill Johnson
- Lynn Winter
- Susan Wechsler
- Eric Evett
The final screen displays a gratitude message from the Felix Software team recognizing all contributors at HP and partner organizations.
Diagnostic poem 1
In the HP 200LX self-diagnostic mode, which is entered by powering off the device and selecting the display option, pressing 14 times unveils a limerick:
Self-test poem 2
A second concealed poem can be found within the HP 200LX self-test sequence by pressing , then holding while tapping 13 times. This enigmatic verse captures the difficulties encountered by the software development team:
Self-test poem 3
The third poem, accessible through pressing , then holding and pressing 13 times during self-test mode, symbolizes the progression of HP LX palmtops. The code names for HP 95LX, 100LX, and 200LX were 'Jaguar', 'Cougar', and 'Felix' respectively; notably, 'Felix' introduced integration with Quicken:
Hidden developer utility in 'More Applications'
Inside the HP 200LX's native System Manager, a developer utility is reachable by pressing the blue key to open 'More Applications', then holding while pressing four times followed by a single . While maintaining , users gain access to comprehensive information about System Manager-compatible (.EXM) applications and other technical details.
Undisclosed hexadecimal calculator
The HP 200LX includes an undocumented calculator named HEXCALC, created by Andrew Gryc. This tool supports arithmetic and logical operations in binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal numeral systems. To add HEXCALC to the application menu, use this entry:
- Name: He&x Calc
- Path: D:\BIN\HEXCALC.EXM
See also
- HP 110 / HP 110 Plus
- DIP Pocket PC / Atari PC Folio / Atari Portfolio
- Poqet PC
- Poqet PC Prime
- Poqet PC Plus
- ZEOS Pocket PC
- Ben NanoNote
- Sub-notebook (HP OmniBook)
- Netbook
- Palmtop PC
- Ultra-mobile PC
Further reading
- The Evolution of the HP Palmtops – An HP engineer recounts the development of the HP 95LX and HP 100LX. The HP Palmtop Paper, November–December 1993.
- The First Real Palmtop – A detailed look at the original palmtop innovation. Hackaday, December 21, 2020.
- The story of the 1991 HP DOS Palmtop – Tracing its transformation from an advanced calculator to a fully DOS-compatible computer. Bryan Lunduke, August 1, 2022.
- The HP 200LX: A Review by Rob Tillotson
- Sy's review of the HP 200LX
- Articles covering NASA STS-95 E-Nose experiment and related technologies from Palmtop Paper and NASA sources.
- HP 200LX profile at Old-Computers.com Museum