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HP OmniGo 120

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article HP OmniGo 120, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 8 August 2025
Hewlett-Packard
Company typePublic
IndustryInformation technology, Computer hardware
FoundedJanuary 1, 1939; 87 years ago (1939-01-01) in Palo Alto, California, United States
ProductsPersonal digital assistants, computers, printers, software
Websitewww.hp.com

The HP 200LX Palmtop PC (models F1060A, F1061A, F1216A), internally referred to as project Felix, is a personal digital assistant launched by Hewlett-Packard in August 1994. Marketed under the Palmtop PC category, this device was a compact DOS-compatible machine equipped with a monochrome graphical display, a QWERTY keyboard, a serial interface, and a PCMCIA expansion slot. The designation "LX" represented "Lotus Expandable".

Description

User input was facilitated through a compact QWERTY keyboard combined with a numeric keypad, housed within a clamshell design approximately one-quarter the size of a conventional laptop. It operated on two AA batteries—either alkaline or Ni-Cd rechargeable—providing around 30 to 40 hours of usage. Additionally, it supported charging Ni-Cd and NiMH batteries via a 12 V DC power adapter.

The system was driven by an Intel 80186-compatible "Hornet" processor running at roughly 7.91 MHz, with an option to upgrade to about 15.8 MHz. Memory configurations included 1, 2, or 4 MB of RAM; with 640 KB allocated for standard use and the remainder available as expanded memory or storage space. Third-party enhancements allowed memory expansion up to 64 MB, thus freeing the PCMCIA slot for modem or Ethernet cards compatible with brands such as Silicom, Accton, Netgear FA411, and Sohoware ND5120. Operating on MS-DOS 5.0 embedded in ROM and maintaining IBM PC/XT compatibility, it supported most software designed for Intel 8086/8088/80186 processors and CGA graphics standards. Software requiring protected mode was not supported.

Connectivity options included a 16-bit PCMCIA Type II slot delivering up to 5 V at 150 mA, an infrared port compliant with Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standards, and a full serial port utilizing a proprietary mini connector.

Preloaded ROM software comprised Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.4 spreadsheet, calendar, phone book, terminal emulator, Lotus cc:Mail, and scientific/business calculator tools. With extensive CompactFlash storage and an attached serial mouse, Microsoft Windows 3.0 could be operated in Real Mode—albeit limited by hardware constraints—with Word 1.x and Excel 2.x enabling the creation of MS Office-compatible documents. The CGA-compatible LCD presented four grayscale levels at a resolution of 640×200 pixels without backlighting; electroluminescent backlight accessories were offered by third parties starting in 2004.

In contrast to authentic CGA displays which were restricted to code page 437 fonts, the HP 95LX supported code page 850. From the HP 100LX model onwards, the LX series allowed users to switch between text mode ROM fonts for code pages 437 and 850 as well as software-defined RAM fonts covering code pages including 437G, 437T, 852, and 866. Internally, Lotus employed the Lotus International Character Set (LICS), translating characters into code page 850 for both display and printing purposes.

HP 100LX

The HP 100LX Palmtop PC (model numbers F1020A for the 1 MB version and F1022A for the 2 MB variant), known internally as project Cougar, was released prior to the 200LX in 1993. It was offered in multiple language editions including International English, U.S. English, French, German, and Spanish, each featuring localized keyboards and user interface messages. This model incorporated the Hornet CPU and MS-DOS 5.0 but came with earlier versions of built-in applications.

HP Palmtop FX

Introduced in 1993, the HP Palmtop FX is a variation of the HP 100LX that offers up to 2 MB of flash memory, which can be rewritten using a dedicated utility. Designed reportedly for a Korean insurance firm, this model provided enhanced storage options tailored to specific business applications.

HP 200LX AIA

The HP 200LX AIA represents a 2 MB, double-speed variant of the HP 200LX, custom-built to support the operational demands of American International Assurance (AIA).

HP 1000CX

Known internally as project Puma, the HP 1000CX Palmtop PC (models F1203A with 1 MB launched in March 1995 and F1222A with 2 MB released in February 1997) serves as a budget-friendly alternative to the 200LX. It comes without pre-installed software aside from MS-DOS 5.0 embedded in ROM. Its distinctive black clamshell design sets it apart from the dark green hue of the 200LX. This model found extensive use in corporate environments such as Coca-Cola, which deployed custom logistics software on it.

HP OmniGo 700LX

Developed by HP’s calculator division in Singapore, the HP OmniGo 700LX Communicator Plus (F1206A), codenamed Columbia, combined a modified HP 200LX with a Nokia 2110 GSM phone to enable wireless communication. This device featured a specially altered motherboard that supported an additional PCMCIA slot for a Nokia Data Card. Released at the end of 1995 with shipments commencing in March 1996, its sizable pebble-shaped case housed the integrated phone module. Production ended as newer mobile phones superseded the Nokia 2110. This product foreshadowed the smartphone era later exemplified by devices like Nokia's Communicator 9000.

HP 95LX

Debuting in April 1991 under project name Jaguar, the HP 95LX Palmtop PC (F1000A with 512 KB and F1010A with 1 MB) laid down the foundational design for subsequent models. Powered by a NEC V20 CPU running at 5.37 MHz, its quarter-CGA LCD and MDA-compatible graphics chip limited performance when running PC applications. It operated on MS-DOS 3.22 and included Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.2 preloaded. The device also featured a CR2032 battery to preserve memory contents during AA battery replacement.

HP OmniGo 100

The HP OmniGo 100 Organizer Plus (models F1305A and F1310A) succeeded the LX series by integrating functions of the HP-12C calculator. It utilized a graphical user interface controlled via pen input or keyboard; however, it did not support running standard DOS applications unaltered. Its main operating environment was DOS-based PEN/GEOS version 2.1, featuring Graffiti handwriting recognition atop Datalight ROM-DOS 6.22. Equipped with a 16 MHz NEC V30HL CPU compatible with Intel's 80186 architecture and containing 1 MB of RAM, it failed to gain widespread acceptance as a calculator replacement. Eventually, Palm and Pocket PCs dominated this segment of personal digital assistants.

Current usage

Although discontinued to clear the path for HP’s Windows CE devices such as the HP 300LX, the HP 200LX has maintained popularity due to its MS-DOS operating system compatibility, which allows it to run compact and efficient desktop software like Lotus 1-2-3 and Quicken. DOS-based programs offered benefits over Windows CE alternatives, including utilities like Software Carousel that enabled multitasking across several applications.

Ongoing support from third-party providers offers upgrades, repairs, and refurbishments that prolong these devices’ operational lifespan.

The HP 200LX enjoyed particular success in Japan, inspiring an open-source project initiated by to create an AMD Élan SC400-based successor around 2001. However, only one prototype was completed before financial difficulties led to bankruptcy in 2003 amid disputes over lost deposits and shortages of components attributed to high demand from the mobile phone industry.

Frequent Issues

  • Cracks commonly appear near the right hinge on the injected-molded case top, often caused by inadequate molding flow. These can be repaired by reinforcing the area with industrial-grade super glue or epoxy resin along with a small metal support bracket.
  • The case latch may malfunction but can be restored by placing a thin piece of rubber or sponge to act as a spring mechanism.
  • To avoid battery leakage that harms the LCD flat cable, only premium-quality AA rechargeable batteries should be used.
  • Loss of display pixels is frequently due to loose pins on surface-mount device (SMD) chips and can be corrected through reflow soldering techniques.
  • Intensive usage might cause detachment of the spacebar or enter keys, which usually requires replacing the keyboard.
  • The flexible ribbon cable connecting the screen to the motherboard is prone to tearing from friction and generally needs replacement when damaged.
  • Keys that become unresponsive are often caused by degraded graphite-to-gold pad contacts on the keyboard ribbon. Applying conductive silver paint or copper tape can restore these connections. Corroded pads on the motherboard may be cleaned and polished using fine steel wool. Such repairs demand careful disassembly and proficiency in electronics.

Non-Standard IBM PC Compatibility

  • The HP 100LX/200LX models feature a digital-to-analog converter that does not produce audio tones; instead, it functions to monitor battery status and charging levels.
  • These devices do not support BIOS interrupt 13h services for hard disk access. However, partial device driver solutions exist that enable booting of MINIX 2.0.

Additional Information

  • The HP 200LX was deployed during NASA’s Discovery OV103 mission STS-95, which marked Senator John Glenn’s final flight, as part of an electronic nose (E-Nose) experiment developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech under Dan Karmon’s direction at JPL.
  • Software created by Stefan Peichl allows the HP 200LX to play video and audio files, although quality is limited. It can also record audio but lacks a compatible PCMCIA sound card. Nevertheless, Yamaha MU10 MIDI synthesizers operate via the serial port using Voyetra or GSPlay MIDI applications. Terrence Vergauwen employs a PCMCIA parallel port card combined with an OPL3LPT (Adlib-compatible) sound card for gaming purposes.
  • Both hardware and software tools enable Internet connectivity on the HP 200LX.
  • Serial number formats for HP models including 100LX, 200LX, 1000CX, and OmniGo 700LX follow this pattern:
XXYWWNNNNN
XX indicates manufacturing country (e.g., SG stands for Singapore)
Y represents the last digit of the production year (e.g., 6 corresponds to 1996)
WW denotes the week number within the year
NNNNN is the sequential unit number produced during that week

Easter Eggs

The HP 200LX contains several hidden features:

Concealed Gallery

Within the built-in game "Lair of Squid," entering "gallery" (or its localized equivalents) at startup opens 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 of gratitude.

Self-Test Limerick

Accessing self-test mode on the HP 200LX by powering off the device, pressing , and selecting the display option, then pressing fourteen times reveals a limerick poem:

Self-test poem 2

Within the HP 200LX self-test mode, pressing , then holding while tapping 13 times unveils a mysterious poem that metaphorically addresses the obstacles encountered by the software development team:


Self-test poem 3

Activating self-test mode and pressing , followed by holding and pressing 13 times, presents an allegorical verse concerning the evolution of the HP LX series. The internal project code names included 'Jaguar' for the HP 95LX, 'Cougar' for the HP 100LX, and 'Felix' assigned to the HP 200LX—the initial LX model incorporating Quicken:


Concealed development feature in 'More Applications'

Inside the HP 200LX's integrated System Manager, by holding and pressing four times, then pressing while within 'More Applications' (accessible through the blue key), users can access extensive information about System Manager-compatible (.EXM) applications along with other internal program specifics. This functionality was most likely intended as a development utility rather than a hidden easter egg.

Undocumented hexadecimal calculator

The HP 200LX includes a hidden calculator app named HEXCALC, created by Andrew Gryc. It supports arithmetic and logical calculations in binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal numeral systems. To add HEXCALC to the applications menu, use the following entry:

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

See also

Further reading

  • An HP engineer’s detailed account of the HP 95LX and HP 100LX development in "The Evolution of the HP Palmtops," published in The HP Palmtop Paper, November–December 1993.
  • Chris Lott’s article "The First Real Palmtop," Hackaday, December 21, 2020.
  • Bryan Lunduke’s narrative "The story of the 1991 HP DOS Palmtop – From enhanced calculator to full DOS-compatible PC in your pocket," August 1, 2022.
  • Rob Tillotson’s evaluation titled "The HP 200LX: A Review."
  • Sy’s comprehensive review of the HP 200LX.
  • Articles covering NASA STS-95 E-Nose experiment and related technologies featured in Palmtop Paper.
  • Documentation on results from the Space Shuttle STS-95 Electronic Nose Experiment.
  • Entry for the HP 200LX at Old-Computers.com Museum.

External links

Related profiles

HHP OmniGo 100HHP 100LXHHP 200LXHHP 1000CX
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