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HP OmniGo 100

From Alfawiki
Hewlett-Packard
Company typePublic
IndustryInformation technology, Computer hardware
FoundedJanuary 1, 1939; 87 years ago (1939-01-01) in Palo Alto, California, United States
ProductsHP 200LX Palmtop PC and related models

The HP 200LX Palmtop PC (models F1060A, F1061A, F1216A), also referred to as project Felix, is a personal digital assistant introduced by Hewlett-Packard in August 1994. Promoted as a Palmtop PC, it gained recognition for offering near-complete DOS compatibility within a compact design, equipped with a monochrome graphical display, a QWERTY keyboard, a serial interface, and a PCMCIA expansion slot. The "LX" designation signifies "Lotus Expandable".

Description

Encased in a clamshell form factor approximately one-quarter the size of a conventional laptop, the HP 200LX incorporates a compact QWERTY keyboard alongside a numeric keypad. Its power source consists of two AA alkaline or Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries, providing 30 to 40 hours of operation, with the capability to recharge Ni-Cd and NiMH batteries through a 12 V DC power adapter.

The system is driven by an Intel 80186-compatible "Hornet" processor running at roughly 7.91 MHz, which can be upgraded or overclocked to 15.8 MHz. Memory configurations include options of 1, 2, or 4 MB—comprising 640 KB of RAM with the remainder allocated as expanded memory or storage. Third-party enhancements allow RAM expansion up to 64 MB, thereby freeing the PCMCIA slot for modem or Ethernet cards compatible with manufacturers such as Silicom, Accton, Netgear, and Sohoware. Operating MS-DOS 5.0 directly from ROM, the device supports most software intended for Intel 8086/8088/80186 processors and CGA graphics; some programs designed for the 80286 processor can also run provided they do not require protected mode.

Connectivity features include a 16-bit PCMCIA Type II slot operating at 5 V with a maximum current draw of 150 mA, an Infrared Data Association (SIR) infrared port, and a full serial port utilizing a proprietary mini connector.

Preloaded ROM applications encompass Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.4 spreadsheet software, calendar, phone book, terminal emulator, Lotus cc:Mail client, and scientific/business calculators. Utilizing large CompactFlash storage along with a serial mouse enables running Microsoft Windows 3.0 in Real Mode—permitting operation of Word 1.x and Excel 2.x for Windows despite hardware constraints.

The CGA-compatible LCD screen provides a resolution of 640×200 pixels with four gray levels but lacks built-in backlighting; however, third-party electroluminescent backlight kits have been available since 2004. The device supports user-selectable text mode ROM fonts for code pages 437 and 850 as well as software-definable RAM fonts that allow additional code page support, improving international character compatibility. Internally, Lotus 1-2-3 employs the Lotus International Character Set but converts to code page 850 for display and printing purposes.

HP 100LX

The HP 100LX Palmtop PC (models F1020A with 1 MB and F1022A with 2 MB), known under the codename Cougar, served as the direct predecessor to the HP 200LX. Released in 1993, it was offered in multiple language editions including International English, U.S. English, French, German, and Spanish—with localized keyboards and interface messages. It features the Hornet CPU and runs MS-DOS 5.0, albeit with earlier versions of built-in applications.

HP Palmtop FX

Introduced in 1993 as well, the HP Palmtop FX is a variant of the HP 100LX that supports up to 2 MB of flash memory which can be rewritten via specialized utilities capable of creating FAT flash disk images. This model was reportedly developed specifically for use by a Korean insurance firm and focused on specialized enterprise applications.

HP 200LX AIA

The HP 200LX AIA represents a 2 MB, double-speed edition of the HP 200LX, specifically produced for the insurance firm American International Assurance (AIA). This model exemplifies HP’s approach of delivering customized solutions tailored to corporate clientele.

HP 1000CX

The HP 1000CX Palmtop PC (available as F1203A with 1 MB in March 1995 and F1222A with 2 MB in February 1997), internally known as project Puma, serves as a cost-effective alternative to the 200LX, lacking built-in software apart from MS-DOS 5.0 stored in ROM. It found favor among enterprises such as Coca-Cola, whose warehouse supervisors utilized bespoke logistics programs. Distinctively, it features a black clamshell design, differing from the dark green shell of the 200LX.

HP OmniGo 700LX

The HP OmniGo 700LX Communicator Plus (F1206A), codenamed Columbia, was engineered by HP’s Singapore-based calculator division. This device merges a modified HP 200LX with a Nokia 2110 GSM cellular phone through an additional PCMCIA slot, enabling wireless communication. Launched in March 1996 as part of an HP-Nokia partnership, its bulky pebble-shaped casing housed the phone component. Production ended as mobile technology advanced, but it marked an early step toward smartphones such as the Nokia 9000 Communicator.

HP 95LX

Introduced in April 1991 under project Jaguar, the HP 95LX Palmtop PC (F1000A with 512 KB and F1010A with 1 MB) laid the groundwork for subsequent designs. It operated on a NEC V20 CPU clocked at 5.37 MHz, ran MS-DOS 3.22, and included built-in Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.2. The quarter-CGA resolution LCD and MDA-compatible graphics restricted compatibility with many PC applications but provided essential business functions, while memory retention was ensured by a CR2032 battery.

HP OmniGo 100

The HP OmniGo 100 Organizer Plus (models F1305A/F1310A) was introduced as a more sophisticated follow-up to the LX series, incorporating the functionality of the HP-12C calculator. It featured a graphical user interface navigable via pen or keyboard input but lacked support for unaltered DOS software. Its operating system was based on DOS-derived PEN/GEOS 2.1 with Graffiti handwriting recognition running on Datalight ROM-DOS 6.22. Despite its advanced features, it failed to establish itself as a calculator substitute amid the rise of Palm and Pocket PC devices. The unit contained 1 MB of RAM and was built on the Vadem VG230/V5H platform, powered by a 16 MHz NEC V30HL CPU compatible with the Intel 80186 instruction set.

Current usage

Although HP discontinued this series to concentrate on their Windows CE product line (starting with the HP 300LX), demand remained due to its MS-DOS operating system that supported extensive desktop PC software including bundled applications like Lotus 1-2-3 and Quicken. Compared to Windows CE platforms, DOS applications were generally smaller and more efficient, with utilities such as Software Carousel enabling multiple programs to run concurrently.

Various third-party providers continue to offer upgrades, repairs, and refurbishments to prolong these devices' operational lifespan.

The HP 200LX achieved notable popularity in Japan, inspiring an open-source project spearheaded by aimed at creating an AMD Élan SC400-based successor in 2001. Unfortunately, only a prototype was completed before the project went bankrupt in 2003, leading to financial losses for customers who had pre-ordered units. Project leaders attributed this failure to component shortages caused by high demand from the mobile phone industry.

Frequent Issues

  • Cracks frequently appear near the right hinge on the injected-molded case top due to inadequate molding flow. Common repairs involve using industrial-grade super glue or epoxy combined with metal reinforcements.
  • The latch responsible for opening the case may malfunction but can be easily remedied by placing a thin piece of rubber or sponge to act as a spring.
  • It is essential to use only premium AA rechargeable batteries to prevent leakage that could harm the LCD flat video cable.
  • Older units might experience loss of pixel columns caused by detachment of display chip pins; reflowing the solder joints often restores proper operation.
  • Intensive usage can cause the spacebar or enter keys to become detached, necessitating keyboard replacement.
  • The flex cable linking the screen to the motherboard is prone to tearing from friction and generally requires replacement.
  • Unresponsive keys typically result from degraded graphite pads on the keyboard ribbon. Restoring contact can be achieved by applying conductive silver paint or copper tape. Corroded motherboard pads may be cleaned with fine steel wool for repair. These procedures demand careful handling and expertise in electronics.

Partial IBM PC Compatibility Exceptions

  • The HP 100LX and HP 200LX lack audio tone playback capability because their digital-to-analog converter is designed solely for battery monitoring and charging functions.
  • These devices do not support the BIOS INT 13h service for hard disk access. However, some partial drivers have been created to enable this functionality, such as booting MINIX 2.0.

Additional Information

  • The HP 200LX was utilized during NASA’s Discovery OV103 Mission STS-95, which marked Senator John Glenn’s final spaceflight, as part of an Electronic Nose experiment developed by JPL and Caltech under Dan Karmon’s management. The experiment was successful.
  • Video and audio playback on the HP 200LX is possible through software developed by Stefan Peichl, albeit at low quality. It can also record audio with limited fidelity. No PCMCIA sound cards are compatible, but MIDI devices like the Yamaha MU10 operate via the serial port using Voyetra or GSPlay software. For gaming, Terrence Vergauwen employs a PCMCIA parallel port card alongside an Adlib-compatible OPL3LPT.
  • Various software and hardware options exist that allow the HP 200LX to connect to the Internet.
  • Serial numbers on HP models 100LX, 200LX, 1000CX, and OmniGo 700LX follow this pattern:
XXYWWNNNNN
XX denotes the manufacturing country (e.g., SG for Singapore)
Y indicates the last digit of the production year (e.g., 6 corresponds to 1996)
WW represents the production week within that year
NNNNN is the unit sequence number produced during that week

Hidden Features

The HP 200LX contains several embedded easter eggs:

Secret Gallery

Within the built-in game "Lair of Squid," entering "gallery" (translated into French, German, and Spanish) at startup unveils a maze segment showcasing photographs of principal software developers:

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

The concluding panel displays a gratitude message from the Felix Software team recognizing contributions from HP and its partners.

Self-test poem 1

Within the HP 200LX self-test sequence, which can be initiated by pressing while the device is powered off and selecting the display option, hitting 14 times unveils a limerick:

Self-test poem 2

Also accessible through self-test mode, pressing , then holding and pressing 13 times presents an enigmatic poem that reflects the obstacles encountered by the software development team:

Self-test poem 3

During self-test mode, pressing while holding and tapping 13 times reveals a metaphorical poem illustrating the progression of HP LX palmtops. The code names—'Jaguar' (HP 95LX), 'Cougar' (HP 100LX), and 'Felix' (HP 200LX)—underscore the product heritage and innovations, including Felix being the inaugural LX model featuring Quicken:

Hidden development tool in 'More Applications'

Inside the HP 200LX's integrated System Manager, a developer utility is accessible by pressing the blue key to open 'More Applications,' then holding while pressing four times followed by a single . This action reveals comprehensive information about System Manager-compatible (.EXM) applications and other system details beneficial for software oversight.

Undocumented hexadecimal calculator

The HP 200LX includes a concealed calculator program named HEXCALC, created by Andrew Gryc. This tool supports arithmetic and logical functions across binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal numeral systems. To add HEXCALC to the applications menu, use this configuration:

  • Name: He&x Calc
  • Path: D:\BIN\HEXCALC.EXM

See also

Further reading

  • The Evolution of the HP Palmtops – An HP engineer’s account of developing the HP 95LX and HP 100LX.
  • The First Real Palmtop – A summary of the groundbreaking portable computing device.
  • The story of the 1991 HP DOS Palmtop – Chronicles its transformation from an advanced calculator into a fully DOS-compatible personal computer.
  • The HP 200LX: A Review by Rob Tillotson.
  • Sy's evaluation of the HP 200LX.
  • Articles covering NASA’s STS-95 E-Nose experiment.
  • Application of "Off-the-Shelf" 200LX by a "Shade Tree Engineer."
  • The Electronic Nose and The Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Array.
  • Findings from The Space Shuttle STS-95 Electronic Nose Experiment.
  • HP 200LX profile at Old-Computers.com Museum.

External links

  • 200LX Software S.U.P.E.R. – A repository hosting over 1500 programs and more than 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 FAQs about HP 95LX).
  • Compatibility details for Sohoware ND5120 network card on HP palmtops.
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