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HP F1222A

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article HP F1222A, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 8 August 2025
Hewlett-Packard
IndustryComputer hardware
FoundedJanuary 1, 1939; 87 years ago (1939-01-01)
Headquarters
Palo Alto, California
,
United States
ProductsPersonal digital assistants, computers

The HP 200LX Palmtop PC (models F1060A, F1061A, F1216A), originally codenamed project Felix, is a personal digital assistant launched by Hewlett-Packard in August 1994. Positioned as a Palmtop PC, this compact device was predominantly DOS-compatible, equipped with a monochrome graphic screen, a QWERTY keyboard, a serial interface, and a PCMCIA expansion slot. The "LX" in its name represented "Lotus Expandable".

Description

The unit features a compact QWERTY keyboard including a numeric keypad within a clamshell design approximately one-fourth the size of a conventional laptop. It operates on two AA alkaline or Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries, providing around 30 to 40 hours of use, and supports recharging through a 12 V DC power adapter.

At its core lies an Intel 80186-compatible "Hornet" processor running near 7.91 MHz, which can be upgraded to roughly 15.8 MHz. Memory options include 1, 2, or 4 MB—of which 640 KB is conventional RAM, with the remaining memory usable as expanded memory (EMS) or storage space. Third-party enhancements allow RAM expansion up to 64 MB, enabling the PCMCIA slot to accommodate modem or Ethernet cards compatible with brands such as Silicom, Accton, Netgear FA411, and Sohoware ND5120. Operating MS-DOS 5.0 from ROM and providing IBM PC/XT compatibility, it supports most software designed for Intel 8086/8088/80186 processors featuring CGA graphics, along with some Intel 80286 applications that do not require protected mode. Expansion capabilities include a PCMCIA Type II slot (5 V at maximum 150 mA), an Infrared Data Association (IrDA)-compliant infrared port, and a full serial port utilizing a proprietary mini connector.

The integrated ROM-based software package contains Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.4 spreadsheet, calendar, phone book, terminal emulator, Lotus cc:Mail, and scientific/business calculator applications. With adequate CompactFlash storage and the addition of a serial mouse, Microsoft Windows 3.0 can operate in Real Mode—permitting the use of Word 1.x and Excel 2.x for Windows to create MS Office-compatible documents despite hardware constraints. The CGA-compatible LCD presents four gray shades at a resolution of 640×200 pixels without backlighting; although third-party electroluminescent backlight kits exist, effective use requires sharp vision or zoom functionality.

While authentic CGA displays lack support for redefinable fonts and utilize hardware code page code page 437, the earlier HP 95LX model supported code page 850. Starting with the HP 100LX, the LX series introduced user-selectable text mode ROM fonts for code pages 437 and 850 alongside software-definable RAM fonts—including code pages code page 437G, code page 437T, 852, and code page 866 via KEYBEZ. Lotus 1-2-3 employs the Lotus International Character Set (LICS), which converts characters into code page 850 for display and printing purposes.

HP 100LX

The HP 100LX Palmtop PC (available as F1020A with 1 MB or F1022A with 2 MB), also known by its project name Cougar, was introduced before the 200LX in 1993. It came in versions tailored for International English, U.S. English, French, German, and Spanish markets with localized keyboards and language support. This model shares the Hornet CPU and runs MS-DOS 5.0, but includes earlier editions of built-in applications.

HP Palmtop FX

Released in 1993, the HP Palmtop FX is a modified edition of the HP 100LX, equipped with up to 2 MB of flash memory that can be reprogrammed. Users could create FAT flash disk images and write them to the F: drive using a dedicated software tool. This model was reportedly developed specifically for a Korean insurance firm.

HP 200LX AIA

The HP 200LX AIA represents a 2 MB, double-speed variant of the HP 200LX, produced exclusively for American International Assurance (AIA).

HP 1000CX

Known also as project Puma, the HP 1000CX Palmtop PC (F1203A with 1 MB launched in March 1995, F1222A with 2 MB released in February 1997) serves as a cost-effective alternative to the 200LX. Unlike the 200LX, it does not include pre-installed software aside from MS-DOS 5.0 embedded in ROM. This model found extensive use in industries such as Coca-Cola’s warehouse management, where custom logistics applications were deployed. Its black clamshell design distinguishes it from the dark green casing of the 200LX.

HP OmniGo 700LX

The HP OmniGo 700LX Communicator Plus (F1206A), internally named Columbia, was engineered by HP’s calculator division in Singapore. This 2 MB device is an adapted version of the HP 200LX, designed to interface with a Nokia 2110 GSM mobile phone for wireless communication. Modifications to the motherboard allowed installation of a second PCMCIA slot for the Nokia Data Card. Due to the phone’s dimensions, the unit features a distinctive pebble-shaped enclosure that merges handheld computing with mobile phone functionality. Announced toward the end of 1995 as part of a collaboration between HP and Nokia, it began shipping in March 1996. Production ended when the Nokia 2110 became outdated. The OmniGo 700LX is recognized as an early predecessor to smartphones like Nokia’s Communicator 9000.

HP 95LX

Introduced in April 1991 under project Jaguar, the HP 95LX Palmtop PC (F1000A with 512 KB and F1010A with 1 MB) established foundational design elements for later models. Powered by a NEC V20 CPU running at 5.37 MHz, its capability to run standard PC applications was limited by a quarter-CGA resolution LCD and an MDA-compatible graphics chipset. It operated on MS-DOS 3.22 and came preloaded with Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.2. A CR2032 battery maintained memory backup when main AA batteries were exhausted.

HP OmniGo 100

The HP OmniGo 100 Organizer Plus (models F1305A/F1310A) was developed as an enhanced successor to the LX series, incorporating HP-12C calculator capabilities. It featured a graphical user interface navigated via pen or keyboard input but lacked support for running unmodified DOS applications. Operating primarily on DOS-based PEN/GEOS 2.1 with Graffiti handwriting recognition atop Datalight ROM-DOS 6.22, it failed to gain significant traction as a calculator replacement amid competition from Palm and Pocket PCs dominating the PDA market. The device contained 1 MB RAM and was built around the Vadem VG230/V5H system controller paired with a 16 MHz NEC V30HL CPU compatible with Intel 80186 instructions.

Current usage

Although production ceased to prioritize HP’s shift toward Windows CE devices beginning with the HP 300LX, the HP OmniGo 100 remains notable as HP’s final palmtop running MS-DOS, allowing it to support a broad range of desktop PC software including bundled applications like Lotus 1-2-3 and Quicken. DOS-based programs provided compact and efficient performance compared to Windows CE alternatives, while utilities such as Software Carousel enabled multitasking across several applications simultaneously.

Third-party services continue offering repairs, upgrades, and refurbishments to prolong device usability.

The HP 200LX’s compact form factor made it particularly popular in Japan, inspiring an open-source project initiated in 2001 aimed at creating an AMD Élan SC400-based replacement device. Unfortunately, only one prototype was completed before the project's bankruptcy in 2003 left many investors unpaid. Project leaders attributed failure largely to component shortages caused by high demand within the mobile phone industry.

Frequent issues

  • Cracks frequently appear on the right hinge of the injected-molded case top due to inadequate molding flow. Common repairs involve using industrial-strength super glue or reinforcing the area with a slender metal strip combined with epoxy adhesive.
  • The latch responsible for opening the case may malfunction but can be remedied easily by placing a thin piece of rubber or sponge to act as a spring substitute.
  • It is essential to use only premium AA rechargeable batteries; otherwise, battery leakage can harm the LCD flat video cable.
  • Older units might experience loss of pixel columns caused by pins detaching from surface-mounted display chips; this problem is often fixable by carefully performing reflow soldering.
  • Excessive usage can cause the space bar or enter key to become detached, necessitating replacement of the keyboard.
  • The flexible strip linking the screen to the motherboard is vulnerable to wear and tear from friction, often requiring replacement if damaged.
  • Keys that fail to respond typically suffer from weakened contact between graphite and gold pads on the ribbon connector. Restoring connectivity can be achieved by applying conductive silver paint or copper tape. Corroded motherboard pads may be cleaned using fine steel wool. These repairs demand precise electronics handling and disassembly expertise.

Non-absolute IBM PC compatibility

  • The HP 100LX/200LX's digital-to-analog converter does not generate audio tones; its function is limited to monitoring battery status and charging.
  • This device does not include the BIOS interrupt service (INT 13h) for hard disk access. Nonetheless, certain drivers have been created to allow booting MINIX 2.0.

Additional information

  • The HP 200LX was employed during NASA’s Discovery OV103 Mission STS-95 (John Glenn’s final flight) as part of an E-Nose experiment developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech, overseen by Dan Karmon of JPL.
  • With software developed by Stefan Peichl, the HP 200LX can play video and audio files, though playback quality is modest. It supports low-quality sound recording but lacks compatible PCMCIA sound cards. However, Yamaha MU10 MIDI synthesizers operate via serial port using Voyetra or GSPlay MIDI applications. For gaming purposes, Terrence Vergauwen employs a PCMCIA parallel port card combined with an OPL3LPT Adlib-compatible sound card connected through the parallel port.
  • Both software and hardware solutions exist that enable Internet connectivity on the HP 200LX.
  • The serial numbers on HP 100LX, 200LX, 1000CX, and OmniGo 700LX models follow this pattern:
XXYWWNNNNN
XX denotes country of manufacture (e.g., SG = Singapore)
Y represents the last digit of the production year (e.g., 6 = 1996)
WW indicates the week number of manufacture
NNNNN is the unit’s sequential number within that week

Hidden features

The HP 200LX includes multiple hidden easter eggs, such as:

Secret gallery

Within the integrated game "Lair of Squid," entering "gallery" ("gallerie" on French versions; "siegergalerie" in German; "galeria" for Spanish units) during startup unlocks a maze area showcasing photographs of key software developers:

  • Andy Gryc
  • Pat Megowan
  • Everett Kaser
  • Bill Johnson
  • Lynn Winter
  • Susan Wechsler
  • Eric Evett

The final screen displays a message expressing gratitude:

Self-test poem 1

Within the HP 200LX self-diagnostic mode, which can be entered by pressing while the device is powered off and selecting the display option, tapping fourteen times unveils a limerick:


Self-test poem 2

Also accessible in self-test mode, pressing followed by holding and then pressing thirteen times presents an enigmatic poem that captures the software team's business-related struggles:


Self-test poem 3

A further concealed poem emerges by pressing , then holding while pressing thirteen times. This piece metaphorically narrates the evolution and prospective path of HP LX palmtops, mentioning codenames such as Jaguar (HP 95LX), Cougar (HP 100LX), and Felix (HP 200LX—the inaugural LX model featuring Quicken):


Hidden development feature in 'More Applications'

Inside the HP 200LX's integrated System Manager, holding and pressing four times followed by , when within the 'More Applications' section (reachable through the blue key), exposes comprehensive information about System Manager-compatible (.EXM) applications and various technical details—presumably designed as a developer utility rather than a secret easter egg.

Undocumented hexadecimal calculator

The HP 200LX includes an unpublicized calculator tool named HEXCALC, created by Andrew Gryc. This utility handles arithmetic and logical functions across binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal numeral systems. HEXCALC is accessible from the applications menu under the following entry:

  • Title: He&x Calc
  • Location: D:\BIN\HEXCALC.EXM

See also

Further reading

  • The Evolution of the HP Palmtops – An HP engineer recounts the creation of the HP 95LX and HP 100LX. The HP Palmtop Paper, Nov–Dec 1993.
  • The First Real Palmtop – A review of pioneering palmtop technology. Hackaday, 2020.
  • The story of the 1991 HP DOS Palmtop – Transition from advanced calculator to full DOS-compatible machine. The Lunduke Journal of Technology, 2022.
  • The HP 200LX: A Review by Rob Tillotson.
  • Sy's evaluation of the HP 200LX.
  • Documentation on NASA STS-95 E-Nose experiment utilizing HP palmtops.
  • Use of "Off-the-Shelf" 200LX by "Shade Tree Engineer."
  • Details on Electronic Nose and Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Array.
  • Findings from NASA's Space Shuttle STS-95 Electronic Nose Experiment.
  • Profile of the HP 200LX at Old-Computers.com Museum.

External links

  • 200LX Software S.U.P.E.R.: Collection of over 1500 programs and 200 databases for the 200LX.
  • HP Palmtop Paper Online (Thaddeus Computing; Buy-Sell-Repair).
  • HP Palmtop Ring Homepage.
  • Skolob's Hewlett Packard 95LX Palmtop Page (Information and FAQ).
  • Compatibility details for Sohoware ND5120 network card on HP palmtops.

Related profiles

HHP OmniGo 100HHP 100LXHHP OmniGo 120HHP 200LX
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