An Independent Publication for Users of HP Palmtop Computers u.s. $7.95 Publisher's Message .:...... 2 - Letters to the Editor ...... 3 Q) 'UHE ::::l CJ) CJ) NEW: HP OmniGo 100, Personal
CJ) Organizer with PC Card Slot ...... 4 ::::l HP's new Palmtop-sized personal organizer comes c:: o with built-in PIM applications and a user-friendly interface co that lets you access your applications and data using - pen or keyboard. ~ HP Palmtop Q) All Known PC Card Products E ::::l of Interest to HP Palmtop Users ...... 50 o This section lists PC card related hardware, software, > Paper books and services of interest to HP Palmtop users.
PCMCIA and the PC Card Standard ...... 6 Leam about the organization that sets standards for PC Cards. Fax/Modem, Flash Memory Combination Cards Revisited ...... 11 EXP and Apex Data (formerly Smart Modular) offer PC Cards with fax/modem and Rash memory built in. The Motorola Personal Messenger Wireless Modem Card ...... 16 This PC Card slips into your HP fOOl200LX and lets you send and receive E-mailon the go. Using a Cellular Phone and a FaxIModem PC Card ...... 20 Insert the A T& T Keep-In- Touch PC Card into your Palmtop, connect Il to a cel/ular phone, and check your E-mail or surf the Net wherever you are. HP StarLink: A One-Stop Solution to Wireless Messaging ...... 23 HP's StarLink integrates a Motorola wireless receiv- er, communications software and messaging options. PC Card Ethernet Adapter ...... 26 Slip this PC Card into your HP fOOI200LX and carry your LAN terminal in your pocket, wherever you go. PC Cards That Don't Exist ... Yetl ...... 29 What can you expect to see in the near future? According to this reviewer, the sky's the limit!
Using PC Cards in the HP Palmtop PC ..... 32 Adding a PC Card Drive •••••••••••••••••••••• to Your Desktop PC ...... 39 Using PC Cards and Drives with Windows 95 ...... 42 15 PC Card Recommendations ...... 44 REVIEW 1995 Consider these points before purchasing a PC Card, •••••••••••••••••••••• andyour! be more satisfied with the outcome. Maximize File Storage with File Compression ...... 48 09) PC Card Glossary ...... 62 Product Index ...... 63 Advertiser's Index ...... 64 o 7447083112 9 FreewarelShareware Index ...... 64 The Only HP Palmtop Upgrade That Has It All. To get the most from your HP 1001200LX palmtop, you need 3 advanced upgrades on 1 convenient PCMCIA card. First, you need to send and receive both faxes and data at an exceptional 14, 400 bps speed. Second, you need faxlmodem software that operates easily with the same HP function keys and commands you already use ... without the hassle of downloading software and without consuming precious hard disk space. Third, you need Flash memory for fast, easy access to all your software applications and for efficiently storing data. Plus you need to fax from and receive faxes into your Flash memory for extra convenience. And, most of all, you need the flexibility to use all your upgrade features together or independently, without inserting and removing separate fax/modem and memory cards. Now you can have it all with ThinFax 1414LXM. AlL THE ADVANCED UPGRADE FEATURES YOU NEED ... ON 1 CONVENIENT PCMCIA CARD. EXP's award-winning MiniFax™ software. High-speed fax/modem. 2 or 4 MB Flash memory. They're all built into the ThinFax 1414LXM card. That's why ThinFax 1414LXM is the ~ upgrade that's a must for your HP palmtop. So call the toll-free number today for complete ThinFax 1414LXM specifications and the name of an EXP dealer near you.
ClIll: 714-453-1020 or Fllx: 714-453-1319 Ez.=' MOBILE COMPUTING EXPERTISE IS BUILT INTO OUR NAME. Leather Cas e s for Palmto p s and Subnotebooks ,.
Futura 10 $ 34.95 Futura 20 $ 43.95 Futura 30 $ 39.95 Futura 50 $ 44.95 Protect your palmtop with this zippered case, Carry your cellulor phone in style When your hands need to be free .. Futura 55 $ 47.95 use this case on your belt or and carry it in your suit pocket on your belt or shoulder strap -Dimensions: 6.5" X 3.75" X 1.25" (16.5 X 9.5 X 3.2 ems) This practical and small case ·Dimenslons: 6.7" x 2.75" x 1.15" shoulder strop is Ideal for your palmtop. (11 x 1 x 4.4 ems) -Dimensions: 7.5" x 3.7" x 1.4" Futuro 50-Dimensions: 6.88" X 4.25" X (19 x 9.4 x 3.5 ems ) 1.50' (17.5 X 10.8 X 3.8 em.) The FUTURA 55 is 1'( 2.54 em. )Iongo, than the Futuro 50 and Is Ideal for earring the wireless paging receiver.
Futura 60 $ 54.95 Futura 75 $ 49.95 Futura 90 $ 86.99 Futura 100 Protect your palmtop with this Designed to carry your palmtop Ideal as a traveling companion or Ideal for traveling and meetings. Also fits small and beautiful case with a pager or connectivity pack hand bag. Has a pull·out strap and electronic organizers and calculators. • Dimensions: 6.5" X 3.75" X 1.75" -Dimensions: 9.7S· X 4.5" X 1.75" detachable shoulder strap. Holds : -Dimensions: 8" x 6" x 2" ( 20.3 x 15.2 x 5.1 cms) ( 16.5 X 9.5 X 4.4 em. ) (24.7 X 11.4 X 4.4 em. ) Palmtop.omnl ,cellular phones. one • Regular $ 60.00 -Regular $ 55.00 pen and many things more. -Dimensions: 7" x 4.5 · x 2 • (17.7xl1.5x5cms)
Futuro 160 $114.50 117.00 Futuro 165 $125.50 $ Slim and Elegant! Ideal to carry your Carry your HP Omnlbook, or your palmtop and a portable !!:?:?! Omnibook 600 (Futura 160) or your or any other laptops In this exclusive printer, or a cellular phone, or bidirectional modem. case.!~t!!:~~?~ Also carry your"' tiles and other Omnlbook 4000 (Futura 165) to meetings 91 ~Dlmenslon s : 11.75" x 7.25" x 2.5"( 29.8 x 18.4 x 6.4 cms) Important documents with you. External ~Regular $ 130 or business trips. Designed to iii around the ~Please specify HP Omnlbook or HP Palmtop so that we Omnlbook like a Glove. Protect your power supply bag Is also included. See can add the correct (free) tray Investment and when you need to work, plctu,es. The preferred choice by many simply open the case and start ! travelling executives! . External pocket for documents and pens
If you are not completely USA: 1·800·896·CASE (2273) satisfied, simply return It unused Int'l: 916·344·5047 for a full refund of your iTt.U ·'9 Fax : 916·782·9306 purchase price ,-=- , ALL PRICES PLUS SHIPPING AND HANDLING. FOR CALIFORNIA ORDERS ADD TAX 7.25 % Available Publisher's Message The HP Palmtop Paper
We hope you find our second annual PC Card Review issue a PAUvlTOP'S Po valuable resource. Basically, we tried to jam all we know about Volume four / Bonus Issue #2 PC (PCMCIA) Cards and the Executive EditorlPublisher Palmtops into this issue. Hal Goldstein Managing Editor As many of you are aware, Ricfiard Hall there are two classes of PC cards Associate Editor important to HP Palmtop owners: Paul Merrill storage cards and I/O (input/ Department Editors Mark Scardina output) cards. With Flash or Contributing Writers SRAM storage cards, profession Stephen Harper Harry Konstas als can always have the data they Arild Mellembakken need available, including large David Shier contact lists, price lists, custom Administrative Assistant Colleen Rodibaugh databases and more. In addition, Advertising/Marketing thousands of useful programs are Brian 1."eitzman available that work on the DOS MargaretMartUn Hal Goldstein Diane Wimett based HP Palmtop and can be Tiffany Lisk stored using PC Cards. You'll Circulation Sharon Ash find all you want to know about these storage cards in the "How to Sharon Dilmore Use" section of this issue. Read further and you'll find out about PC Tom Gibson Card drives for your Pc. Once you get one of these drives installed, Executive Advisor Rita Goldstein you can throw the file transfer part of the connectivity pack away. The HP Palmtop Paper (ISSN 10656189) is Just shuffle your storage card between your desktop PC and your HP published by Thaddeus Computing Inc., at 57 Palmtop to transfer files. East Broadway Avenue, Fairfield, IA 52556. Second-class postage paid at Fairfield, Iowa. I/O cards, the second class of PC Cards, are discussed in detail in Subscription rates payable in U.s. dollars, the "Reviews" section. These PC cards function within your Palmtop checks drawn on a U.S. bank, or by credit card - one year: $39; two years: $69. Postage: U.S. as a fax machine, modem, LAN connector, or wireless transmitter and and U.S. possessions free; Canada, Mexico receiver. Check out the "Reviews" section for a discussion of the add $6 per year; other countries add $18 per year. Published bi-monthly plus two bonus many I/O card options for the HP Palmtop. This category has really issues, one in April and one in November. Please allow four to six weeks for receipt of grown since last year. At the end of the "Reviews" section you'll find first issue. Executive, Editorial, Circulation, some fun future possibilities for PC Cards. Marketing and Advertising Offices: P.O. Box 869, Fairfield, IA 52556. Telephone: (515) 472- For those who want to understand the foundation and future of 6330, FAX: (515) 472-1879. Copyright 1995, PCMCIA cards read the PCMCIA introduction by the president of the Thaddeus Computing, Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced PCMCIA committee. Also, check out the glossary page at the end of without written permission. Reasonable the issue. efforts are made to provide accurate and use ful information, but the reader must make his For a complete up-to-date listing of the many PC Cards that work or her own investigations and decisions; the with the HP Palmtop check out the PC Card Products section. Publisher and Editorial Staff cannot assume any responsibility or liability for the use of Finally, on October 16 HP announced the HP OmniGo 100. We information contained herein. POSTMASTER: Please send any address plan to devote a good portion of the next issue reviewing this new changes to The HP Palmtop Paper, Attn: HP offering. In the meantime we thought we'd give you an introduc Thaddeus Computing, Inc., P.O. Box 869, tion to HP's new organizer and examine some of the issues concern Fairfield, IA 52556. ing the HP OmniGo and PC Cards.
2 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARE REVIEW 1995 Letters
manuals have definite Flash card. However, if the What are the best instructions to power off Flash card uses the Stacker Palmtop batteries if when swapping cards file compression program, you use a Flash card? (page 1-6 in the 100LX the F4 search takes longer. manual, and page 1-7 in Stacker is actually a pro The San Disk Flash RAM the 200LX manual). The gram that compresses files cards and the IBM Micro risk is that you will cor whenever you save them Electronics DoubleFlash+ [A list of vendors of PC Cards rupt the card. and decompresses them cards are slightly different and related products can be Fred Kaufman whenever you open them in animals. The IBM card found in the Third Party TeamHP an application. Products section of this issue CompuServe ID: [72560,36} The process of compress draws more juice when you on pages 50-61.] ing and decompressing uses read from and write to it. [Though I could not find any a computer's CPU and takes According to feedback I've Are Flash cards thing in the HP 95LX User's some time. On fast comput gotten, some alkaline batter waterproof? Guide saying specifically not to ers, like a 100MHz 486 desk ies won't handle this current do a hot swap, I would err on top Pc, this process is so fast spike and dip below opera r am the proud owner of an the side of safety with the 95LX you may not notice it at all. tion thresholds. Most of the HP 200LX (with a 20MB as well - Paul.] However, the CPU on the feedback on problems Flash card) and am loath to HP Palmtop is much slower, relates to DuraCell batteries. go anywhere without it. Stacker on a Flash and so is Stacker. Rechargeable batteries han However, for the sake of card can slow up the The bottom line is that dle these peaking current family harmony, I leave it DataBase application writing or saving a file to a behind when going out with Flash card with Stacker is draws better than alkalines. my wife. When I do this, I You can store the data file slower than to one without Lithium batteries also han always backup important for the DataBase application the file compression pro dle these surges well. files on the Flash card and on the C drive or a PC mem gram. This slowdown is par I have never had any carry the card with me! ory card in the A drive. ticularly noticeable with the problem using alkalines and A few weeks ago, after a There are two basic types of database applications on the lithiums in my Palmtop fun, but long party, I got memory cards: Flash cards HP 100/200LX (Appointment with a San Disk card, and home, undressed and col and SRAM. (The differences Book, NoteTaker, PhoneBook, I've been using them for a lapsed into bed. When I between the two are DataBase and WorldTime). very long time. woke up the next morning, described beginning on page The reason for this slowdown r buy lithiums at Wal to my horror I found that 35 of this issue.) may be that the database my wife had already Writing to a Flash card applications write changes to, greens for US$ 4.00 per pair, washed and tumble dried (i.e., saving a file on it) is and access data from, their but I can get a 16 pack of my shirt - with the Flash slower than writing to an data files more frequently EveReady alkalines for $7.00 card still in the pocket! SRAM card - somewhere than other applications. at a local discount store. You Fortunately, not a single between only slightly slower Stan Dobrowski can't economically justify byte of data was lost in the to conSiderably slower. The CompuServe ID: [71031,2162] lithium batteries. But they episode. I guess this means difference depends on the are less hassle because you that Flash cards are water brand of Flash card and the Use your Palmtop's don't need to change them proof (either that or I was Flash technology used in the PC Card modem so often. In addition, lithi just very lucky). However, I card. Older Flash cards on your desktop PC ums have a long shelf life. wouldn't recommend that write slower than the new Many people use lithiums as anyone try and prove me ones. ComLink ij is a handy Free wrong. The write speed of the ware utility that lets a desk a backup pair in their travel Jeff Miller Flash cards can be slowed top without a PC Card slot, kits, and use another type Internet ID: down even further by hav access the modem card for normal use. [email protected] ing Stacker on the card. This inside your Palmtop. The Ron Vieceli popular file compression desktop uses the Palmtop's CompuServe ID: [72257,714] Don't "Hot Swap" Flash program can more than PC Card modem to establish cards on the double the capacity of a a remote connection and HP Palmtop card. you send/receive messages Pricing and A Flash card normally using your desktop. The contact information, "Hot swapping" or "Hot "reads" about as fast as an desktop and the Palmtop See Third Party Products, insertion" refers to inserting SRAM card. For example, are connected via a serial beginning on page 50 or removing a PC Card from searching for text using the cable. and Product Index, page 63 your Palmtop while the F4 (Find) takes about the Jesper E. Siig SharewarelFreeware Palmtop is still turned on. same amount of time if the CompuServe ID: index, page 64 Both the 100LX and 200LX data file is on a SRAM or [100660,3503]
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 3 NEW S NEW S NEW S NEW S
The HP OlllniGo 100 - HP's New Pen-Based Organizer with Keyboard and PC Card Slot
The new HP OmniGo 100 personal organizer comes with built-in appointment book, phone book, . I . d I' . h database and world time applications. Access Th 1S Pa mtop-s1ze persona organ1zer comes W1t applications and data using pen or keyboard. built-in appointment book, phone book, database and world time applications similar to the HP 200LX's Detailed, applications. The HP OmniGo 100 sports a user friendly hands-on Geoworks-based interface and Grafitti handwriting review of the recognition system that lets you access your applications HP OmniGo in and data using pen or keyboard. the next issue!
By Hal Goldstein
On October 16, 1995 HP announced program. The OmniGo does not Second, most of the OmniGo's the HP OmniGo 100, a Geoworks run DOS or 1-2-3. A version of built-in software, including the based pen and keyboard organizer Pocket Quicken will be given away database applications, must store with PC Card slot. HP considers free for early HP OmniGo pur its data file on, and access it from, the HP OmniGo the first product in chasers and will eventually become the built in memory. Backups of its organizer family, separate from available for separate purchase. these files can be kept on the its "PC Companion" line which The HP OmniGo 100's unique SRAM card, but the data files must includes the HP 200LX. The majori ly folding case makes it useful as be on the built-in memory before ty of HP 200LX users will probably both a pen and a keyboard they can be written to and read want to stay with their Palmtop machine. Fold the case one way from. Finally, the HP OmniGo has even though the HP OmniGo 100 and access the user friendly pen some problems reading SRAM has a number of unique and innov interface. You can add drawings to cards that have been used in other ative features. notes fields, and write in data PC Card devices, including some The HP OmniGo has an esti using the built-in Graffiti hand PC Card drives and the HP mated U.S. street price of $350 and writing recognition software. Fold Palmtops. will begin appearing in stores the case the other way and access a More information about the around November I, 1995. The HP QWERTY keyboard slightly bigger HP OmniGo is available on OmniGo comes with built-in PIM than the HP 200LX's. CompuServe (GO HPHAND) and applications (phone, database, in the U.S. by calling 800-443-1254. appointment book, and world Issues concerning PC Cards Please do not contact us for more time) and HP Calc. These applica information as we don't have the tions are similar to, but simpler Although the HP OmniGo has a PC staff to answer your questions. Our than their HP 100LXj200LX coun Card slot, we understand that it next issue, Vol 4, No 6, will contain terparts. The HP OmniGo 100 has has some important limitations. full coverage and hands-on reviews an HP 12C business calculator First, the HP OmniGo 100 can use of this new HP handheld offering. emulator and its own spreadsheet only SRAM cards, not Flash cards. Thaddeus Computing will be pro-
4 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 dueing a separate magazine, HP OmniGo World, dedicated to the ARD NEWS Geoworks-based OmniGo family of pee organizers. The first issue will be ------published beginning the first quar ter, 1996. SkyTel and HP offer two-way Palmtop messaging Tra:V"el F10ppy According to the October 2, 1995 issue of PC Week, SkyTel Corporation and HP have agreed to jointly develop and market two-way paging and wireless messag PCMCIA Floppy Drive ing solutions for HP Palmtop users. The two companies will jointly market the No less indispensable than your HP 1001200LX SkyTel Palmtop Messenger kit. This kit will enable Palmtop users to send and receive messages on their Palmtops. The kit will consist of hardware and software needed to allow 100/200LX users to connect to the SkyTel two-way network. SkyTel Corporation is based in Washington, D.C. It's phone is 202-408-7444.
Compact Flash Association formed to promote smaller PC Cards Eleven major computing, imaging, communications and consumer electronics companies, including Hewlett-Packard, Apple Computer, SanDisk (formerly Unparalleled performance from the Travel SunDisk), and others have formed the CompactFlash Association (CFA), an Floppy'" makes file transfer and archiving both simple and inexpensive. organization that will promote the adoption of the CompactFlash storage • Includes 3.5" 1.44 Mb floppy drive specification as a new storage standard. • PCMCIA Type II compatible CompactFlash storage cards were introduced by SanDisk in October of • Small and portable - take or use it 1994. They are about one-fourth the size of a standard Type II PC Card (about anywhere the size of a matchbook). The cards are fully ATA and IDE disk drive compat • Versatile - plugs into the PCMCIA slot ible. So far, these "CF cartridges" are available in 2, 4, 10, and 15MB capaci of a variety of subnotebook, notebook and other portable DOS-based ties, which can be effectively doubled using file compression technology. systems, including the HP 100/200LX Volume pricing to third-party developers starts at $60 for a 2MB card and • Uses the convenient, economical, ranges up to $190 for a 10MB card (price for 15MB card not yet available). universally accepted floppy diskette ~A ""r7T1I',~~® The CompactFlash storage mini-cards can be plugged into a Type II ~ ,~ ~ ,...... ____ •••••....• -1 adapter card to work with existing HP Palmtops. CFA expects the CF technol - -~ ...... ~-..,., ... TE e H N 0 LOG I E 5 IN C. ogy to encourage the development of mass market products such as digital 231 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131 cameras, cellular phones, audio recorders, advanced paging devices and TEL: (408) 433-1980 FAX: (408) 433-1716 handheld computers like the HP Palmtop.
SanDisk introduces 85MB Type II Flash Card CARD BASIC has essential tools for rapid development SanDisk Corporation (formerly SunDisk) has introduced an 85MB Type II of PC CARD APPS. Now Flash storage card that effectively doubles the amount of flash memory you can add to your HP Palmtop. With file compression technology, the card can includes connectivity tools. add up to 170MB of storage to the HP 100/200LX, or another computer equipped with a PC Card slot. TEL. ORDERS (415) 747-0811 This Type II Flash storage PC Card is based on advanced 32 Mbit Flash Send CARD BASIC on 3 ~ " disk o Enclosed is $95.00 (Ck. or MO) technology and supports both 3.3 and 5 volt systems. The HP Palmtop and o Please send FREE Information Kit. most other portable computers support 5 volt cards, while many consumer electronics products such as PDAs, organizers, cellular phones and pagers Name ...... will operate with low power 3.3 volts to extend battery life on those units. The Address ...... variable voltage of the card will allow users to move data between 5 volt and City ...... State ...... Zip ...... Tel...... 3.3 volt systems. Overseas add $5 for shipping charge. Volume shipments of the 85MB cards have already begun. Volume pric Check box for your computer. ing to third-party manufacturers is $1,495. For more information, contact o HPIOOLX 0 HP200LX 0 PC Compatible Send to: MICROGRAM SYSTEMS- (415)747-0811 SanDisk at 408-562-0500 (U.S.). L ______P.O. Box 252, La Honda CA 94020-0252 .J
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 5 REVIEW REVI~\fv REVIEW REVIEW
PCMCIA and the PC Card Standard The president and chairman of the board of PCMCIA talks about the organization that helps coordinate the efforts of many different PC Card developers by setting standards for PC Cards. If you've ever wondered about the organization, the PC Card standards it sets, and how it affects you, read on!
By Stephen Harper
[Editor's note: Much of this arti The PC Card Standards PCMCIA standards make it cle is taken from PCMCIA copyrighted possible for companies to develop white papers which are used by per PCMCIA is the non-profit 500+ a single product for a variety of mission of PCMCIA. 1 member international association computers. This keeps retail prices that sets the standards for PC Card down for the consumer and Every HP Palmtop comes with a PC technology and promotes the increases the market and profitabil Card slot built into it. This handy worldwide adoption of PC Card ity for the developer. slot lets users add extra memory to based products. (HP is a founding their Palmtop. In addition, the PC member of PCMCIA.) The first standard (PCMCIA Card slot makes it possible to add a The new 1.0) was released in 1990 and high-speed data/fax modem, LAN "PC Card Standard" defined the physical and electrical adapter, wireless receiver, and characteristics of a credit-card-sized The newest version of the standard much more. One of the more practi disk to be used as a data storage is referred to as the "PC Card cal benefits of the PC Card slot is device. Subsequent releases up Standard." This newest standard that it lets Palmtop users easily through PCMCIA 2.1 and the new will add new functionality to PC swap documents, worksheets, and "PC Card Standard" broadened the Cards and devices developed other files between the Palmtop and specifications, allowing for the under it. a desktop PC outfitted with a PC development of "mass storage" The name "PC Card Standard" Card drive. devices (Flash cards), "Input/ is a change from previous versions, PC Card technology is not a triv Output" devices (Modems, LAN referred to as "PCMCIA 1.0," ial accomplishment. New and unique cards and the like) and more. hardware and software had to be developed. In addition, the efforts of many different developers had to be ABOUT THE AUTHOR coordinated. This was necessary to Stephen Harper is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and insure that PC Cards, card drives, President of PCMCIA, and is currently serving his fourth consecutive term on the PCMCIA Board of Directors. He is also Vice President of and related hardware from different Business Development for SystemSoft Corp., an industry leading developers were compatible. The supplier of system-level software products-BIOS, power manage ment, and PC Card technology for desktop and mobile computing. organization primarily responsible Mr. Harper has been in the computer industry for twenty-two years for this accomplishment is the and the personal computer industry for sixteen years in a variety of engineering, engineering management, and marketing roles. Mr. Personal Computer Memory Card Harper graduated cum laude from Yale University in 1973 with a B.A. International Association (PCMCIA). degree in Mathematics and Computer Science.
6 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 "PCMCIA 2.0," etc. The term "PC Low Voltage Support (3.3V) - also provides a standard way of Card" is also used to refer to prod HP Palmtop users are aware of the operating with even lower voltage ucts developed from the Standard. need to conserve system power. when the technology becomes This name change becomes Until the new PC Card Standard, available in the future. even more appropriate considering PC Cards and hosts had to be capa the fact that this new release inte ble of operating at 5 volts if only to Multiple Function PC Cards - grates the previous standards from both PCMCIA and its Japanese read the Card Information Multiple functions can now be equivelant, JEIDA (Japan Electronic Structure on a PC Card and to rec placed on a single PC Card, as wit Industry Development Associa ognize that it could operate at a nessed by modem/Flash memory tion). This common Standard is lower voltage. Now PC Cards and cards developed for the HP now available to both organiza host systems can operate directly at Palmtops. PCMCIA has made tions, enhancing compatibility 3.3 volts, saving vital power. changes to its specifications to between products developed in Prior to this feature a PCMCIA accommodate this new functionali Japan and the U.S. compatible Palmtop either had to ty so that developers have an easy The current HP Paltmops were boost its voltage to operate certain and standard method of develop developed under previous releases cards (a significant drain on the ing these cards. of the Standard. It's hard to predict batteries) or required an AC This enhancement is particu which features from the new PC adapter (an inconvenience at best). larly important because small Card Standard will be incorporated into future Palmtops. However, the Since operating at 3.3 volts all devices such as Palmtops and new PC Card Standard has a num the time can significantly extend PDAs may have only one PC Card ber of enhancements and new fea battery life and enable reasonable slot. This new feature of the PC tures that both advance compatibil operation using alkaline batteries, Card Standard effectively more ity among PC Card products and this new feature of the PC Card than doubles the amount of func expand the scope and breadth of Standard is particularly important tionality that the PC Card slot can the applicability of the PC Card to the developers and users of provide since it allows up to eight technology. future Palmtops and PDAs. functions per PC Card. These include the following: The new PC Card Standard Palmtop Accessories jor the 100/200 LX . Omnibook Memory Cards • 1MB SRAM ...... $129 • 2MB SRAM ...... $199 • 5MB Flash w/ Stacker Card ...... $279 TheVerbatim company, which is now owned I ~~~::r"::~~~ • 10MB Flash w/Stacker Card ...... $425 by Mitsubishi, has elected to exit the S-RAM I ~ • 20MB Flash w/Stacker Card ...... $795 business. California Digital has purchased \,:lj\\ • 130MB Hardrive Omnibook ...... $299 Verbatim's remaining inventory of memory • 170MB Hardrive Omnibook ...... $399 cards. These HP-compatible type-one cards I :'''=->~· ~~'~Nl~U~~~~~~~~~~~ are available in three memory capacities: L. I/O Cards • 14.4K Fax/ Modem Card ...... $140 512 $39 • 1 Megabyte $69 • 2 Megabytes $169 • Lan Combo T/ 2 Card ...... $140 • Fax/ Modem for LX ...... $149 Fuiitsu J89 Experiencing difficulties touch typing on IC Card Drives 'J $ small hand-held computer? So is everyone Palmtop else. Fujitsu manufactured the Poqet, a hand • Internal Flash/HD Drive ...... $ 99 held that you can actually touch typed on. • External Printer Port Drive ...... $189 California Digital has purchased 1,000 unit, of the Poqet Classic. This is an IBM com • External Serial Port Drive ...... $249 patible (8OC88) one-pound palmtop engineered for the on-the-go professional. Conve • Internal Dual ISA Drive ...... $189 niently stores in your briefcase or suit jacket. Ideal computer for word processing, spreadsheet applications, appointment organizer or any DOS based program where portability is essential. Callfor Complete Catalog The Poqet provides two slots for I PCMCIA memory cards. Users can store up to two megabytes of data in each removable card. PCMCIA cards may be transferred to HP and other hand-held computers with date intact. Me -AMX -VISA Accepted Computer displays full 80 column by 25 lines on a brilliant LCD super twist screen. Keyboard 77-key QWERTY style layout has alternative numeric-cluster num-Iock feature. includes: MS/DOS 3.3 and OW-Basic. Over all size 8.8" by 4.3" by 1.0". Visit California Digital's Web Site· http://www.cadigital.com ENVOY. DATA CO/,·6orn,·0 D,·g,·fol 17700 Figueroa Street ,I • Gardena, California 90248 CORPORATION Corporate· (310) 217-0500 Order Toll Free· (800) 421-5041 953 E.Juanita Ave., Suite A Mesa, Arizona 85204 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific Facsimile· (310) 217-1951 Tel: (602) 892-0954 • Fax: (602) 892-0029 • Specialists in international shipments • Friendly and courteous service since 1973 • Purchase orders invited from educational and qualified organizations. Visa. Master Card 1~800-368-6971 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 7 WARNING: Your subscription may be abou o RENEW OR SUISC THI HP PAL TOP AND GET ALL THIS •••
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER I~PCCARD RIVIIW,,* I usuper.. . " - Ken Cutler A special report with all the information you need to uTerrific ... " - Mark Gitlitz make sense of the many types ".. .truly the most rewarding maga ofPCMCIA cards becoming zine I have ever subscribed to with available: tons ofinformation and products specifically for the HP Palmtops. SRAM • FLASH' FAX/MoDEM I don't have to go to the news agent to NETWORK' WIRELESS' MORE browse the PC magazines for informa An invaluable reference item NEWISSUE tion re palmtops anymore. Thank you whether you're looking to buy EACH YEAR! very much!" - Khundry Kumulia or just looking. $7.95 cover price, Jent to you each November
I-BIIT PAlMTOP TlPI"* I THE SUBSCRIBER Maximize your palmtop POW•• DISK productivity with this collection A different PowerDiskfor of the most useful tips, tricks, every year you subscribe! shortcuts and hidden features Loaded with the best we've discovered. Programs, Games and Utilities we can find. Many subscribers have told us that the PowerDisk alone is worth far more than the cost of a sub Great for users at any level! subscription. New issue each year! $33 ifpurchased separately, sent to you each September $7.95 cover price, sent to you each April
*YOURICIIVI TWO ADDlflONAL BONUS ISSUIS FOR IACH YEAR YOU SUBSCRIBI. NEWS & REVIEWS: PCMCIA Compatibility Enhancements and Expanded "Card Information Structure" - The Card Information Structure (CIS) defines the card type, its MacLinkPlusl power requirements, resource requirements for the host system using the card, and other important HPPaImtop operating characteristics. Each PC Card has its CIS built into it, thus it carries with it all the information needed for another device to use the card. When you plug in a PC Card with a proper CIS, the host HPPalmtop system can configure itself for the card and use the PC Card with no other information. Mac Because of the importance of the CIS to the proper operation of PC Card technology, the new ... the Missing Link Standard specifies guidelines for developers which provide addition Use PIIlmtop files on your al assistance in the construction of the CIS. This will enhance the recog Mllcintosb - lind vice versll nition and usability of cards by a Backup your palmtop on your Mac ... variety of system software. For the Backup your entire Palmtop on your Mac - with just a click of a mouse! MacLinkPlus will move all of your end user this will mean improved Palmtop mes onto your Mac. The directory structure will remain the same on the Mac as it was on the HP. compatibility between future PC Card products. Don't retype all those names ... MacLinkPlus can translate your phone book mes onto your HP. No need to retype all that infonnation! And you can translate your HP Phonebook names back into your Mac phone book as well. DMA Sound cards and other current No excuses for missed appointments ... applications make use of industry Appointment book alanns don't do and good if your not at your desk to hear them. Wid1 MacLinkPlus, you can standard DMA (direct memory convert your Mac appointment book mes (such as, Now Up to Date or DateBook Pro) into the HP access) capabilities to improve data Appointment Book fonnat. Now your appointments -and your alanns -will be on the road with you where transfer rates when moving large they belong. amounts of data. Previous versions Manage your notes ... of the Standard required DMA to Take Memos from your Palmtop and convert them into Mac word processing documents (such as, Microsoft be emulated in software. The new Word, ClairisWorks, etc.) Your fonnatting such as bold, underline, etc. will remain intact. You can also convert PC Card Standard allows PC Cards word processing files from your Mac into HP Memo fIles. to utilize DMA technology when matched with a corresponding host Don't leave your numbers behind .. system. This can provide increased In addition to PIM and Memo translations, MacLinkPlus can also convert your Mac spreadsheets into Lotus 123 performance, thereby expanding format on your HP. Formatting and formulas all remain intact. Once you've made changes on your Palmtop, you can convert your fIle back into Mac fonnat! and enhancing the number of PC Card technology products. Databases, too ... This enhancement is of little Use your HP databases in FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Works database, and other Mac database programs. All of immediate importance to existing your data and its fonnatting, such as, date and time will be translated. HP Palmtops. However, as compo nents are miniaturized and voltage Everything's included! requirements are reduced, techno Just connect the two computers wim me included serial cable. MacLinkPlus/HP Palmtop will do me restl logical improvements like this can play an important role in the devel ell" for more informlltion: opment of the first multimedia (800) 733-0030 Palmtops. Supports Power Management HP 200LX DATAlIZ There is a continuing PC industry HP lOOLX 55 Corporate Drive· Trumbull, CT 06611 effort to reduce power consump- HP 95LX Tel: (203) 268-0030 Fax: (203) 268-4345
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 9 NEWS & REVIEWS: PCMCIA tion for both environmental and CardBus technology will make invest in one standard interface (a battery conservation reasons. The it possible for PC Cards and host future HP Palmtop, PDA, or what new PC Card Standard now pro computers using them to use ever). PC Cards would provide a vides a means of interface to APM "32-bit bus mastering." This will wide variety of functions, allowing (Advanced Power Management allow PC Card devices to operate the user to turn his or her Palmtop into a medical assistant, a data -an industry standard protocol at higher speeds (up to 33 MHz). This will allow video cards and gathering device, and much more. for reducing power consumption) Expect ever growing function though the PC Card Standard soft other high-performance products to be developed based on PC Card ality from Palmtops and PDAs as ware interface. the PC Card Standard evolves. technology. This initial interface to the cur rent industry standard software PCMCIA Contact mechanism for power manage How these changes will ment, along with the new low volt effect Palmtop users Information Note that PCMCIA has moved as of July 1, age capabilities provides many Changes in the PC Card Standard power saving capabilities in make more features available to the 1995. The new contact information for the devices incorporating the new PC developers of PC Card technology. organization is as follows: This will translate into new func Card Standard. PCMCIA tionality for PC Card users. Low 2635 North First St. Suite 209 CardBus voltage and/or multiple function San Jose, CA 95134 Card Bus is a wide ranging addition PC Cards will significantly enhance Voice: 408-433-CARD (2273) the value of the "slots" in future to the PC Card Standard which will Fax: 408-433-9558 Palmtops and other PDAs that BBS: 408-433-2270 allow for future applications (e.g. incorporate the new PC Card full motion video, 100Mbps Standard features. Stephen H. Harper Ethernet) that require higher per In a more speculative vein, the Chairman and President, PCMCIA formance PC Cards. The specifica advances in PC Card technology Vice President, SystemSoft Corp. tions for CardBus are now embed will allow the creation of a Palmtop Voice: 408-988-6756 x32 ded within the various component that can be used for many different Fax: 408-988-6758 specifications that make up the PC purposes, depending on the PC E-Mail: [email protected] Card being used. The user would Card Standard.
-=---_--::t. -=---~~'LXTM QU ~. ~ Typing aid for the HP Palmtop Your Palmtop Access to the World™ QUICK/LX learns the words you type most often, then • Send Faxes and Postal Mail suggests them after you type just a few characters. The • Send '(Q Receive Electronic Mail suggestions are displayed in a box on the screen. You can ignore the suggestion and keep on typing, or accept • Read the latest News it with the press of a single key, and QUICK/LX will '(Q Stock Quotes finish the word. QUICK/LX can also be used to correct your most common typos! QUICK/LX works in programs under the System Manager and in text-mode DOS applications. QUICK/LX can even be used to enter Macros that work in both the System Manager and DOS Now you can have the world of electronic communications in the palm (unlike the built-in System Macros.) QUICK/LX also comes with a DOS version for your desktop computer. of your hand with acCIS ™ and CompuServe®. acCIS automatically uploads and downloads messages quickly. You can read and write messages off line, saving on connect charges and phone bills. acCIS This is an 9xaJllple of t.he use of QUICK/LX. To accept. lh& 9Ugg9Slad word, press t.he "cursor- right" key. is the only CompuServe access program that is designed specifically for your HP Palmtop computer. By using acCIS to join the HPHAND r~Y~:)( t.~~ ~~:,.~~r~~ l! o;o~a"fsiJI~ft:JcI the suggest.ion when forum on CompuServe you can correspond directly with Palmtop 'Suggestion made by QUICK/LX experts and programmers from around the world and easily download software directly to your Palmtop. In addition to the Palmtop version, you receive a copy of acCIS for your desktop or laptop PC at no extra cost. __1!Ill!lDIIl1lllmll1ilmilD1lIZ!DI!I 1!I!m!D.!II_~ Example ifusing QUICK/LX in MEMO SHIER Systems & Software, Inc. c;:==. QUICK/LX: Only $39 plus shipping. r 920 Hampshire Road, Suite A-29 [11II1II1111 ~=:===~ Westlake Village, CA 91361 Also available from SHIER Systems & Software: . Phone: 805-371-9391 Custom cables to connect your HP Palmtop Computer to a wide variety of serial peripherals. Examples include: ~=:==~ Fax: 805-371-9454 Pocket modems, serial printers (including the Citizen PN60 CIS: [74777,2477] [1~0-l l ~ 1 and Pentax PocketJet.) Prices start at $35 - call for details.
10 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 Fax/Modem, Flash Memory Combination Cards Revisited
EXP and Apex Data (formerly Smart Modular) offer PC Cards with fax/modem and flash memory built into a single card. Which card is for you? There are some differences!
By David Shier
[Special thanks to Daniel Legendre and What the two cards Finally, both cards now support other members of CompuServe's HP have in common file compression using Stacker, but HAND Forum for valuable feedback neither card comes with Stacker on these products.] Incomming faxes and E-mail can built in. You must buy it separately take up a lot of storage space. A and install it (see page 48 for more Late last year I reviewed the problem with earlier fax/modem on installing Stacker on a PC Card). modem/memory cards from EXP only PC Cards is that they occup This is about the extent of the Computer and Apex Data (former pied the only card slot on the similarities between the two cards. ly Smart Modular) for The HP Palmtop. The C drive, with its lim As you will see below, they have Palmtop Paper. Since that time I, ited storage space, was the only much that distinguishes them. and others, have gained a year's place you could store incoming worth of experience with these and outgoing messages. products. I'll share that experience Both products provide fax/ with you here. The Speed versus modem capability and Flash mem battery life trade-off Initially, I evaluated these cards ory on one card, eliminating the for two reasons: First, I was asked to problem described above. For the The two cards seem to embody dif evaluate and write a review of these Palmtop to be able to access the ferent user priority philosophies. cards for The HP Palmtop Paper. My Flash memory on either card, Apex Data seems to have placed second motivation was to select a device driver software must be battery life at the front of the list. card that my company (Shier loaded from the Palmtop's CON The Apex Data card draws much Systems) could bundle together FIG.SYS file. less power when on standby, and with our CompuServe automation Both cards use Flash memory switches to standby mode quicker program: acCIS. At the time I wrote instead of SRAM. This eliminates (less than a second) than the EXP my original article, I hadn't made the need for a backup battery to card. The Apex Data card battery any decision regarding which card retain the stored information. drain is not significantly greater we would sell. However, when I was recently asked to update my article for this issue of The PC Card Review, we had been selling the EXP ABOUT THE AUTHOR cards with acCIS for more than David Shier is a former software engineer and marketing/sales eight months. Even though we director in the electronics industry. He is now president of Shier chose to sell EXP, you will see, Systems & Software, a company that develops and markets prod depending on your requirements, ucts and applications for the Palmtop computer market. David that the Apex Data card may better can be reached at: Phone: 805-371-9391i Fax: 805-371-9454; fit your specific needs. CompuServe 10: [75030,3374J.
THE riP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 11 REVIEWS: Fax/Modem & Flash memory cards than the drain caused by standard Flash memory card. However, modem speed is sacrificed to achieve this impressively low power. While the Apex Data card advertises a fax transmission rate of 14400, the maximum fax receive speed is 9600 and the data rate for the modem is only 2400 bps. This Supports the HP 95LX, l00LX and 200LX! makes the Apex Data card ideal for use as a standard memory card, with • TransfersITranslates important data between your lIP Palmtop and Windows PC only occasional use as a modem. • Reconciles data, notifying you when conflicts are found In contrast, the EXP card offers • Controls what data is transferred, how it's formatted and where it's transferred in a real speed of 14400 bps for send • Keeps your HP Palmtop and PC data synch! ing and receiving faxes as well as Supported Software for data transmission. This is about ACT! for Windows dBASE PackRat4.1 Windows as fast as you can expect for the ASCII (CSV) Files ECCO Paradox Cardfile/Calendar Palmtop, since its slow processor CaIANdar Excel Schedule+ Word for Windows would have trouble trying to keep Commence 2.x Lotus Organizer Sidekick 2.0 Word Perfect for Windows up with 28,800 bps modems. The IntelliLink for Windows Only $99.95 trade-off in the case of the EXP is "IntelliLink is the only solution for keeping network-based scheduling and contact information synchro battery life. The EXP card draws nized with your PDA." PC Week, April 17, 1995 much more power than the Apex "This is truly excellent software· vital if you want to use a pocket computer. .. very useful if you need to Data card, even in standby mode. move data between formats, even just software formats." Computer Shopper (UK), April 1994 And EXP's standby doesn't take '1ntelliLink surpasses other desktop-to-palmtop links in its ease of use, its smart way of handling ofdata affect for a minimum of 10 seconds jiles, and its error correction features during uploads and downloads." Windows Sources,june 1993 after each power on, or use of the All products listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective entities. modem. To order InteUiLink One Tara Blvd., Suite 210 Tel: (603) 888-0666 contact: EXP recommends that you Corporation Nashua, NH 03062 Fax: (603) 888-9817 remove the card when not in use. However, this somewhat defeats Palmtop. Using the EXP card sim plished by running the install pro the advantage of having the memo ply means that I must charge the gram, which is always present on ry built into the card. EXP may batteries more often (about once the read only A drive on the card. expect you to use the Flash memo every 3 days vs. once every 4-5 This "read only" A drive is ry part of the card only for commu days without the card). actually Flash memory that is nications and faxes, but if you write-protected. EXP occasionally don't need a bigger card, then why Installing the EXP provides updates to the device dri not use it for storing other files and and Apex Data cards ver and Fax software. The update programs? I mostly use the comes with a special program that Palmtop's built-in applications as As noted earlier, both cards require sidesteps this write protection and well as acCIS for CompuServe and that device driver software be copies the updated software to this LetterPerfect for word processing loaded on the Palmtop for it to be portion of the card's Flash memo (used to write this article.) I found able to access the cards' read/write ry. Don't worry when "Flash mem that the 4MB file storage provided memory. Both provide an installa ory is being initialized" is dis by the EXP card more than meets tion program on the card, which played during the update. It is my needs for the Palmtop. copies the device driver to your C referring to the A drive portion of Therefore, I ignore the warnings drive and automatically edits the the Flash memory. The rest of the about battery usage and simply CONFIG.SYS file to include the Flash memory is accessed by going have the EXP card in the slot all the new driver. to the F drive and is unaffected by time. While the EXP card has cut Installing the EXP card the update process. my battery life almost in half, the The EXP card provides its device The ability to reprogram the convenience and cost savings of driver and installation program on EXP card turned out to be a very having fax/modem and memory a "read-only" portion of the card important feature early in its on one card overwhelms this dis (which also contains the EXP release due to numerous bug-fixes advantage. I use high capacity MiniFax software.) Installing, or re in the device driver software. Early rechargeable NiMH batteries in my installing the EXP card is accom- releases of the EXP card came with
12 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 a device driver containing a bug Windows-based alternative to the Another minor annoyance which could cause files stored on HP Connectivity pack. It assumes associated with both cards has to the card to become corrupted when that the only available drives on do with the FILER display. The new files were added. Later ver the Palmtop are the C and A drives Palmtop is designed so that when sions corrected this problem. EXP (the D drive is read-only, so there's ever you insert a memory card and provides copies of its drivers for no need to perform any backups of start Filer, it automatically goes to downloading from their BBS sys it.) This presents a problem when split-screen mode and displays C using the combination cards. Palm tem or from CompuServe. drive files on the left and A drive Computing suggests using the files on the right. It knows that you Installing the ASSIGN command to redirect drive F to drive A. Problems have probably want to see what's in Apex Data card been reported when ASSIGN is both drives. Unfortunately, FILER Apex Data provides its device dri used together with Stacker and doesn't know anything about the F ver and installation software in an some other programs. For this rea drive (the Flash memory on both unusual way. Both the installation son, I don't recommend this solu cards appears as the F drive). You program and the device driver are tion. Instead, I use the DOS SUBST have to split the screen and manu on the card's Flash memory. When command, which is similar to ally go to the F drive to view files. you first plug in the card, you are ASSIGN but doesn't have the com Another way to solve this problem able to access the installation pro patibility problems. (SUBST can be is to use the SUBST command to gram from the Palmtop's A drive. found on DOS S. x distribution allow the F drive to be seen as the Run it and it automatically installs disks.) Another problem with the A drive (SUBST A: E:). the device driver and modifies ASSIGN solution is that the EXP card Some other memory cards CONFIG.SYS. Unfortunately, once expects to find the MiniFax software require device drivers to work with you run the install program, it on drive A and won't run MiniFax if the Palmtop (e.g., the Maxtor or somehow deletes this part of the this drive is re-assigned. If you copy ACE Double Flash cards). Having card. The A drive no longer the files from drive A to drive F, then these device drivers, and the dri appears in FILER and you no you can use the MiniFax software longer have access to the install with the reassignment. vers for the EXP or Apex Data program. I don't know why Apex Data designed the installation pro gram this way. Maybe they wanted to free up the space occupied by the installation program. In addi tion, Apex Data does not provide a FliOW HEWLETT HP-200LX Palmtop PC backup installation disk. Backup ~~ PACKARD your C drive after installing the o NEW with 200LX! Intuit Palmtop Quicken™ Carry with you your bank/c heck, credit card and cash account Apex Data card. Then if you have balances. And do reconciliation l any problems, you can restore the o PC Com patib le It runs your off the shelf DOS-based soflware . Your favorite soflware, backup and everything should be right in your pocket (Must be DOS based, CGA-Compatible) OK. If o 1 MB/2MB RAM , OOS 5.0 and Expandable Memory you didn't backup after Supports up to 32MB with optional plug-in memory cards. installation and ever have to rein (one slot-PCMCIA Type II) stall the card, you can get a copy of o cc :Ma il Remote is Buill-In You can attach a modem 10 access e-mail plus a wide range of the installation program and device communication networks. driver from the Apex Data BBS sys Q l otu s 1-2-3™ ref 2.4 The industry standard spreadsheet With database, graphics, and tem (or from the Vendor Library in macros. CompuServe's HPHAND Forum). o HP Fi nancial Ca lculator Business & scientific fundtions Incfuding TVM , amortization, cash flows , statistics, date arithmetic, unit/currency co nversions , sum list Also includes HP Solve, function graphing, and 1-2-3 BackSolve . Compatibility Problems o Com plete Organizer SoHware Both Available in 1MB or 2MB Manage your time , tasks and data, and retrieve information instantly Both cards have proven to be high with a fully-integrated set of tools, including appointment book, ly compatible with the wide variety phone book, database, memo editor with outliner, notetaker, HP-200LX Call for stopwatch, and work time. of software used on the Palmtops. (pictured) Dea ler/OEM =:> Express Exchange Coverage for 1 year However, a few minor problems Pri cing So if your 200LX fails you merely call for a replacement, which arrives next day I Then just send back the old unit (2 yr additional have been discovered. coverage optional). The first problem I noted with • SALE S TO DEALERS ONLy-CALL FOR CONSULTATION ON ACCESSORY PRODUCTS • both cards related to the use of the PalmConnect software from Palm CAU TOLL FREE: 1-800-227-8292 1 ~lrm.aM~1 Computing. PalmConnect is a OR FAX US AT: (415)494-1995 ~ 760 SAN ANTONIO ROAD, PALO AL TO, CALIFORNIA 94303-4695
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 13 REVIEWS: Fax/Modem & Flash memory cards onto CompuServe using 8-bit mode. Unfortunately, this causes the initial "User ID" prompt to be GeoPae garbled and you must enter your Coordinate Geometry ID manually to get things started (after that CompuServe knows 11m .tIIIOO/200LXI your user settings and can proceed [ Engmeers - Surveyors - Designers I normally.) It has been reported that If you want to do your work Apex Data has fixed this problem hlazlng fast with unlDatched on the latest 6MB cards, however, ease and without all those Infrared Serial Adapter lDenus and cryptic lDanuals, we have not confirmed if the bug is call us for the details. For Your 200LX still present in the 2MB and 4MB Features include easy alignment creation in cards. coordinate geometry, one-key alignment command • Supporu lIP Connectivity Pack for 200LX for setti~g a point,.instant station a~d offset, easy • "Point-and-shoot" data transfer The EXP card also presents a offset Intersections, automatic scaling of slight incompatibility with acCIS. transformed pOints, and importing and exporting of Fas~ comma and space delimited text files. Creates • reliable and easy to use To access the EXP card's built-in Geodimeter alignment files and much morel _ MiniFax software, you press IALTI Introductory Price: $175.00 Extended GeoPro Systems® ~. This "hot key" assignment is DeweIop_Dt =:::J :!I:l IIiIII 5777 North Meeker Ave. Boise, ID 83713 permanent, fixed in the ROM ~~:. :::~8 DrI"" Ph_e: 909-864-2174 Bllhl.D., Co\. Fax: 909-864-2846 Tel: 800·2);·7,76or 208·J22·7)7) Fax 406-,87·9170 memory of the EXP card. 92 4. I1SA CIS: [76570,3455] Unfortunately, this key combina tion is also used in acCIS. An acCIS cards loaded at the same time can is reverse video (white text on a user can press this key combina cause problems. One way around dark background). This requires tion, intending to perform an acCIS this is to create two sets of CON function, and launch MiniFax that you press ~-1Z1 to switch to the more readable black-text-on FIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT instead. Fortunately acCIS pro white-background view. It also files. One set of files would be for vides alternate key-combinations appears that BitFax doesn't provide use with the Flashcard and the for all menu functions. An acCIS a "default" settings file. This forces other set for use with the EXP or user can press IALTI-i!) instead of you to cycle through every para Apex Data cards. So, for example, l!!:!l-~ to access the same function. when you're ready to use the EXP Finally, since both cards can meter setting each time you run the fax/modem card, you copy the require a large amount of power program. The MiniFax software found appropriate AUTOEXEC.BAT and when the modem is online, using on the EXP card is more suitable these cards can devour batteries. CONFIG .5YS files to the C: \ direc for Palmtop users. It is System To keep your battery costs down I tory. Then you insert the EXP card Manager compliant and has the recommend using rechargeable and reboot the system. You could same "look and feel" as the built-in batteries on the Palmtop. If alkaline develop a System Macro or batch a~p!ications on the Palmtop. file to automate the process of batteries must be used, be advised that certain brands perform better MlmFax also provides a log file of copying the appropriate AUTOEX than others. I had problems with all faxes that you send or receive. EC.BAT and CONFIG.5YS files to Duracell alkalines. A little trial and your C: \ directory. error may be necessary to find the How I Use the Two Cards The Apex Data card does not best for you. One last plug for appear to be 100% compatible with rechargeable batteries - it's better I currently use both the EXP and other modems. We discovered that for the environment because you're the Apex Data combination cards. acCIS can't change the communica not throwing away as many dead Because of the slow speed of the tions mode of the card from 7-bit to batteries. Apex Data card, I feel it's not as 8-bit while online. This presents a practical to use with an online ser problem when using acCIS and the vice such as CompuServe. Apex Data card to upload or Fax Software However, I do find that its low download files on CompuServe. power draw makes it ideal for Since CompuServe's default access Both cards come with fax software preloaded. Apex Data provides a ~pplications where the user's typ p~rameters are 7-bit, even parity, mg speed prevents high through thIS must be changed to 8-bit, no copy of the DOS program BitFax. BitFax has the look of a program put. An example of this type of parity ,when sending or receiving application is the DOS-based credit files. Unfortunately, the method written some time ago, and has not card authorization program our that acCIS uses to perform this been optimized for the HP company uses. This program calls change does not work in the Apex Palmtop. For example, when view an 800 number for authorizing Data card. The solution is to log ing faxes, the default screen mode credit card transactions, and oper-
14 THEHPPALMTOPPAPERPCCARDREVIEW 1995 Using Stacker 4.0 on an EXP Fax/Modem & Flash Memory Card
I got 10MB on the 4MB EXP card using Stacker 4.0 and a 'trick' I learned from somebody at STAC Electronics. To set this up , you need a desktop PC with at least 4MB free uncompress disk space.
1. Create a new Stacked drive of exactly 4.1 MB on your desktop PC.
Palmtop Computer Light ™ 2. Transfer ali the files from the EXP F drive Ends Non-backlit Screen Visibility Problems on the Palmtop to th is recently created drive on the desktop. • Allows productive use of time in dim planes, trains, autos, hotels & mtg. rooms • Evenly illuminates display, keyboard and work area without disturbing others 3. Copy STACKER .COM, SSWAP.COM and CONFIG.EXE from the desktop to the • Reduces eyestrain C drive on the Palmtop. • Top-quality, patented design for any PDAlPocket Organizerlhandheld video game • Sleek, compact, lightweight 4.- Remove any references to ASSIGN in • Essential tool for mobile professionals your Palmtop's AUTOEXEC.BAT file . • Includes soft travel case, (6" x 2-3/16" x I"), DC Vehicle Adapter w. bi-Io dimmer 5. Using DOS ADRIB to unhide the file + four spare bulbs -- clear & red (for night use) STACVOL.OOO in your desktop. • Uses AA batteries (not included) 6. Boot the Palmtop. • 30-day, money-back guarantee • Only $29.95 + $3 USA shippinglhandling 7. Transfer STACVOL.OOO to the F drive.
To order, call: MClVisa/Amex ASF Assoc Ltd ~ ~ ~ The Personal Portable Lighting Experts 8. Rename STACVOL.OOO to Box 625, Merrick NY 11566 STACVOL.DSK on the Palmtop's F drive. 800- 771 - 3600 Volume Pricing Available Fax 516 868·6897 • Phone 800 936·3638 9. Log into C:\ on the Palmtop and type: config c: /a:f:stacvol.dsk ates at about the same speed on the in the same space that my Palmtop Answer yes to the prompt. Palmtop at 2,400 baud as it does on took before. my desktop PC at 9,600 (the fastest 10. Insert the following line in the CON FIG.SYS file: rate supported by the software.) c:\stacker @f:\stacvol.dsk By using the Apex Data card Recommendations on one of the Palmtops in the Insert the following line in the AUTOEX As I noted at the beginning of this office, we are able to provide multi EC.BAT file: article, my company now sells the ple people access to the program c:\stacker\sswap a: f: EXP cards. I made this decision while still providing security for based on the fact that it works Done! our customers credit card numbers. faster with our acCIS software for I use the EXP card in my per You will have a 10MB EXP Card at 2.5:1 accessing CompuServe. However, compress ratio. No problems so far.. . sonal communications. I have a your choice depends on your 4MB card, which stays in my Francisco Bricio needs. Palmtop all the time. I mostly use it CompuSeNe /0: [74174, 1442J If you need a little extra Flash for CompuServe access, but I have memory storage and only occasion other applications on it as well. For ally need fax or data communica example, I'm putting the final tions capabilities, then the low On the other hand, if you need touches on this article using power usage of the Apex Data card a fast fax/modem with easy-to-use LetterPerfect loaded on the F drive makes it attractive. (The Apex Data software, the EXP card is the com while sitting on a park bench on a card comes with 2, 4, or 6MB Flash bination card of choice. beautiful sunny day. memory. The EXP card comes with I have a short EXP cable and 2 or 4MB.) Also, if you use com an 8-foot phone cable (both avail Pricing and contact information, munications applications which able from my company) stored in Third Party Products, pages 50--61 operate at slow speeds anyway my Palmtree leather case at all and Product Index, page 63. (such as the credit card authoriza Shareware/Freeware times. This provides me with a tion program discussed above), the index, page 64 complete communications tool set Smart card is ideal.
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 15 REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW The Motorola Personal Messenger Wireless Modem Card This PC Card slips into your HP 100/200LX and lets you send and receive E-mail on the go, without having to connect up to a phone line!
By Arild Mellembakken
~ The first two-way modem for an RadloMal1 Wireless Fax Service Messages thus received are HP Palmtop was the Ericsson II s not where you arC,1t S wn3! you have to suy accessed by re-inserting the card MobiModem for the HP 9SLX. I -- into the Palmtop's PC Card slot bought one. It was a great way to SEPI SI!t1i and running the wireless access stay in touch without needing a To: software on the computer. phone. Unfortunately, it was exter hl:': L~1'54.721879 Currently the P.M. Card oper O. t.: Septerrber 15, 1995 ~t 06:39 AM POT nal to the Palmtop, and nearly dou ates on the ARDIS or RadioMail From : Mild Melle.mbakken c..·ia RAdioMail ) bled the total size and weight of network. A P.M. Card that works the package. Complny: with the service "RAM" (distin What I really wanted was a 8 ublect: [1M ~rd / RiCMrd Hall guished from the RAM in your super-portable wireless communi Palmtop) is slated for sometime in cation device that could send and the future. Both RAM and Radio receive messages whenever I want Mail claim to cover over 90% of the ed and wherever I was. Years went U.s., including Hawaii and the U.s. by before PC Card-based radio O'~"""by1h. islands in the Caribbean. A.dlolotllll'.. S.rvtc:.ItotnR.d" ..... eo'po .. loO .. FOlll'lor.~tm.lIonc_o' modems came about. Now there is 1.005t7UAll F.... '.2H1.01 a new release, the Motorola intoOrldlomd,nll Personal Messenger Wireless Setting up and Modem Card (P.M. Card). It has Cover page of fax sent via RadioMaii from using the P.M. Card gone a long way towards fulfilling the HP Palmtop using a P.M. Card. my desires. Setting up the P.M. Card was sim The P.M. Card is a self-pow The Motorola P.M. Card is ple. I installed the 9-voIt battery in ered Type II PCMCIA card that lets self-powered, operating on a stan the P.M. Card and installed the you receive and send messages, dard or rechargeable NiCd 9-volt RadioMail software on my PHP exchange E-mail, connect to your battery. The P.M. Card continues almtop. The software for the office network and access some to receive and store messages even RadioMail and Ardis services on-line services, without having to when it is not connected to your comes on a PC Card, ready for both connect to a phone jack. (Access is Palmtop or other computer. the HP 100LX and 200LX. To install available only to online services that can be sent over a packet data radio service - you can't go online and surf the Net.) The P.M. Card ABOUT THE AUTHOR inserts into the PC Card slot of the Arild Mellembakken is the CEO and president of Global HP 100/200LX (and other note Connections, Inc., an HP dealer and vendor of Palmtop related book and PDA card slots) and products. He has a BSCE in environmental engineering and an operates on a public access data MBA. From 1985 to 1991 he worked at Hewlett-Packard, manag network providing communica ing their PC Engineering and Handheld computer line in several European countries. You can contact Arild at Global Connections: tions access and message delivery Phone: 608-752-1537; Fax: 608-752-9548. across most of the U.S.
16 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 the software on the HP Paltmop, use the following instructions: 1. Copy all the RadioMail applica tion files from the PC Card to the C drive on the Palmtop. 2. Install the RadioMail application software as a System Manager compliant program in App Manager. The startup file for RadioMail is PM200.BAT.
The documentation that carne with RadioMail's Compose screen displayed on an HP 200LX the RadioMail software was clear on every step of the process. (For typed a test message to my friend MobiModem. Then from Radio additional information on adding Mike Makely down in Illinois, and Mail on my Palmtop I pushed iF101 applications to the HP Palmtop, see turned the P.M. Card on. Three to send the message. I was in the "applications, adding" in the index lights flickered, indicating that the middle of telling Mike that I was of the HP 100j200LX User's Guide.) P.M. Card's self test was successful. sending him a message when he Shortly after that, the In-Range yelled: "I got it!" It took about The first test green light started to blink and the seven seconds - amazing! message "
There's Never Been Palmtop Power Like This!
The Palmtop design allows you to use the built-in Software Carousel is the all-time best programs and one small DOS program. So you know selling task-switching software for DOS how nice it is being able to switch among those programs based PCs and we've adapted it for use on with a flick of the key! But there's a the IOOlX or 200lX Palmtops! Switch catch! Too many times you run out Sftw C I among all the programs you use with of memory and have to close out 0 theclickofakey. Each program can programs ~efore you can start more. are arouse use as much of the DOS memory ~s it And what If you have more than one needs. And Carousel lets you SWitch DOS program you want to use. Another Out of Memory between them in a Flash. It's amazing! to complel8 this operation. Selecl gotcha! Now there's Software Carousel and ~pncauon lose and pmss Snl8r With over a million users, Carousel is a solid new freedom for Palmtop users. Here's a Screen You'll Never See Again Using performer you can trust to work for you every Now Use Jill Your Programs! Software Carousel! day! It's all pre-configured for use with the Software Carousel lets you set up a dozen ~======~ Palmtop. So don't delay. Get Software memory "work areas" and switch easily among Carousel today. You'll save time every day them. Run the built-in programs in one-you Nf.1II 'Ie'ff'''!! and get more use from your Palmtop. will be able to run more of them than you can ~eff~"e~ ~"f.ef(eAll~ now-and run full-size DOS programs in any of ,,, t/4e ~Al",t',,! the others. You can even run the built-in apps 8ofbIareGarousei 800-553-0400 305-581-2200 * Plus $5 for US Shipping FAX 305-581-5902 International Slightly Higher SunShine Software Company· 6950 Cypress Road· Plantation, Florida· 33317 • THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 17 REVIEWS: Personal Messanger card fax came through clearly, with You type the message in the area "roaming charges" are very expen RadioMail's logo on the cover page below the "Reply-To:" section. sive. The Palmtop/modem /phone (see graphic on page 16). I ended When the message is ready, press combination is probably the least the test by sending a message to 1~ to send it. An arrow appears, expensive alternative for E-mail RadioMail requesting all their then disappears on the screen communications, but it does have available services. Thirty seconds when the message is sent. If you its drawbacks. For one thing, you later the reply came back. want to verify the status of what have to go through the bother of you have done, press ~ (Status) to physically connecting the Palmtop see the Status dialog box. The to a phone line. In addition, the A real test- Status box shows whether the cost of using a hotel phone can be my trip to Hawaii modem is connected to the net more expensive than normal phone work and whether you have any Next came the field test - a busi services. Probably the most impor ness trip to Hawaii. On the way messages waiting to be sent or tant limitation is that you can't there we had a layover in Seattle. received. send and receive messages at any Sitting in the airport lounge, I sent time - only when you're connect a fax back to my office and trans The P.M. Card's mitted some E-mail messages. ed to the phone line. This means pluses and minuses Everything worked smoothly. that an urgent incoming message I checked into the hotel in The street price for the P.M. Card is will have to wait till you check in Hawaii, and once in my room I $700 (8K memory) to $850 (64K to your hotel room and connect up caught myself glancing over at the memory). Add on top of that an to the phone. If none of this matters phone to see if it had a useable data activation fee of $100 and a month to you, the modem/phone solution line. Old habits die hard! I no ly message fee ..of from $49 (100 is probably sufficient. If timeliness longer need a phone jack. messages) up to $130 (650 mes and ease of use are important, a A flashing green light on the sages). As an added incentive wireless messaging system is P.M. Card indicated that I had Motorola is giving a $100 factory worth looking into. three messages waiting. I started rebate if you buy your P.M. Card My experience is that the RadioMail software on the before Christmas. RadioMail (the service used with Palmtop and read the messages. Another operating cost is bat the P.M. Card) is more efficient, When I wanted to respond to a teries. I get 2-3 hours of use with less cumbersome, and cheaper than message I pressed ~ (Reply). other wireless alternatives. You When I wanted to compose a new each 9-volt battery. You can mini receive an Internet address, so message I pressed ~. The mize battery expense by using almost everyone with access to the Response screen is displayed at the rechargeable 9-volt batteries. top of the previous page. However, they must be recharged Net can send you E-mail and Creating a messages is as sim outside of the P.M. Card, in a sepa receive it from you. This includes ple as filling in the blanks on the rate battery charger. people on CompuServe, America screen as follows: You can also conserve battery Online, and other BBS services that power by leaving the P.M. Card interface with the Net. On top of To: Who you are sending the mes turned off most of the time. Turn this, you can subscribe to services sage to the card on periodically to send like stock quotes, Headline News, Subject: The topic of the message and receive messages, and then etc. (Courtesy of my P.M. Card, I found out about Mike Tyson's last Ce: Carbon Copy (e.g. - you sent a turn it off. Compose your respons fight victory before it was even message to Bob and a copy of the es and new messages with the card message to Judy. Bob is notified that off. Two to three hours of battery announced on CNN.) Judy got a copy of the message.) time goes pretty fast if you don't All this communication power take steps to conserve the batteries. weighs in at less than a pound, mak BCe: Blind Carbon Copy (you sent a ing the P.M. Card / HP Palmtop message to Bob and a copy of the combination my choice for the ideal message to Judy. Bob is not notified portable communications station. that Judy got a copy of the message.) Other alternatives I A cellular phone/modem combina Reply-To: Who the person receiv Pricing and contact information, ing the message should send a tion is another alternative to the P.M. Card, but is probably at least Third Party Products, pages 50-61 response to and Product Index, page 63. as expensive, considering cellular
18 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 The Palmtop of Printers! Now you can print on the road with the convenience and versatility of a palmtop
High resolution printing (360 x 360 dpi) with portability that is perfect for today's palmtop user. You'll command the field with this laser quality printer that prints on any paper, including your own letterhead (or the always handy hotel 'Supply). Print in color or black and white; the choice is yours. Perfect for last-minute letters or life-saving charts away from the office. The PN60 from Citizen is ultralight (1 .5 Ibs with battery), ultraportable (10 x 1.85 x 2 in.) and fully compatible with your HP1 00/200LX or OmniBook. EduCALC CALL TODAY 27953 Cabot Road Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 FAX (714)582-1445 800-713-6524 REV lEW R ~ \/ : ~ Ii '-j R E -I ! E 1// REV! E W Wireless Communications using a Cellular Phone and a Fax/Modem PC Card Insert the AT&T Keep-in-Touch PC Card into your HP Palmtop, con nect it to a cellular phone, and check your E-mail or surf the Net wher ever you are.
By James Cummiskey
[Editor's note: Because of the The modem comes with a five Using the modem/cellular phone recent breakup of AT&T, it has decided year warranty and everything you combination with the HP Palmtop to discontinue production of Keep-In need to get started to connect the Touch, the product reviewed below. modem to a land line. Keep-In I tested the modem with the HP They will continue to support existing Touch supports all popular cellular 200LX and HP OmniBook 425 and units and continue to sell Keep-In phones on the market, but requires it worked well with both. I have Touch until supplies run out. This a specific proprietary cable for each achieved data throughput rates of means you might be able to find these phone type. Because of this, Keep 14.4Kbps with an exceptionally cards at bargain prices. For more infor In-Touch does not come with the strong cellular signal. However, mation, contact AT&T Direct at 800- card-to-cellular phone connect 9,600bps is the best you can hope 554-4996. ] cable. These cables are available for in most situations. The modem from AT&T Direct at 800-554-4996, detects improvement or deteriora My solution to wireless communi and cost a whopping $65.00 on top tion in the signal and automatically cations is the AT&T Keep-In-Touch of the price of the modem. switches to the most appropriate (KIT) modem card used in conjunc The Keep-In-Touch modem transmission rate. I occasionally tion with a Motorola Ultra-Lite cel itself can be found for sale in the experienced dropped cellular con lular phone and my HP 200LX and neighborhood of $150.00-185.00 nections during transmissions. HP OmniBook 425. This PC Card street pricing. The modem comes However, I didn't experience these modem is easy to set up and works with the land line connector and any more often than when I use the fine in the HP 100/200LX and the Quicklink Mobile Fax and Data cellular phone for voice calls. HP OmniBook computers. communications software. With the The one major drawback I The AT&T Keep-in-Touch (KIT) direct connect cable for my specific found with this arrangement had Card (Model 3762) is a PCMCIA phone, the entire package set me to do with the limited battery life Release 2.0, Type II PC Card back about $200. of the 200LX. The modem card fax/modem. It is "firmware upgrad able" (see "Keep-In-Touch is upgradeable" page 22), and comes with AT&T's proprietary cellular pro ABOUT THE AUTHOR tocol called Enhanced Throughput Cellular. ETC was designed to allow Major James c. Cummiskey is a prior enlisted Marine with over 14 years commissioned service as an infantry officer. He is currently for higher throughput and more reli assigned as a student at the Naval Postgraduate School in able connections on the cellular net Monterey, California pursuing a Master's Degree in Computer work. The protocol consists primarily Science. His current research involves the integration of mobile of enhancements to both the V.42 pro computers (including the HP 2000<) on the modern battlefield. You can contact Jim via his Internet address: [email protected]. tocol and V.32bis modulation.
20 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 draws its power from the Palmtop, Data has been successfully and this shortens the life of the bat transmitted over cellular networks Beat the high cost of teries dramatically. You can con for years. However, signal strength cellular phone time nect the Palmtop to an AC adaptor and other issues have presented The high cost of cellular phone air time to eliminate the battery drain prob special problems to mobile data scares away most people from pursuing a lem. However, this requires that users. To address these issues, wireless data communictions capability. you connect up to an outlet, sub modem manufacturers have devel Forty cents a minute for calling a local verting the entire purpose of wire oped special protocols (such as the Intemet service provider does not exactly less communication. A pocket cel AT&T ETC protocol mentioned encourage leisurely surfing of the Web. For lular-ready modem with its own earlier) to maintain reliable high some, money is no object. However, for battery might be worth considering speed connections in the cellular most of us, the cost of cellular phone time is! What many people do not realize is for the Palmtop. Since I cart my environment. Unfortunately, these that most cellular service providers have OmniBook 425 around with me protocols are only efficient if the special "unlimited" weekend and evening most of the time, I could rely on it modems on both sides of a trans calling plans for only a nominal additional and its standard NiMH recharge mission have the protocol avail monthly charge. With this, I can use my able battery for more extended able. This is seldom the case with wireless solution for as long as I want with wireless communications. existing landline modems. none of those "killer" phone bills coming in A program called ClClOO, built Most cellular service providers at the end of the month. into the HP 100LX and 200LX, is offer a solution in the form of spe This approach necessitates that I con needed for the Palmtops to recog cial "data access services." By dial strain my calls to weekends and evenings, nize a card modem. CIC100 is ing a special code prior to initiating and these are the times I am most likely to installed by default on the HP communication, the cellular service be in a situation that requires mobile com 200LX. You must modify the provider automatically translates munications. AUTOEXEC.BAT file on your the enhanced cellular modem pro 100LX to enable this program (see tocol on the wireless side to the "Connecting to a Card Modem" in standard, non-cellular modem pro result is reliable and efficient data the index of your HP 100j200LX tocols on the land line side. The transmission without having to User's Guide for more on this.) Connecting everything up is very simple and straightforward. PALM POWER BEGINS WITH Q-PRO 4! The modem card slips into the Palmtop or OmniBook's PC Card lIP Palmtop Plus Q-PRO 4 slot, and connects to the cellular Yield Platform Power phone via a single "direct connect" .". ~ for Field Applications * cable. You have to use Datacomm Q --PR'. (*e.g., data collection, inventory, or a communications program like 4GL FOR PALMTOPS surveys, delivery, utilities, etc.) acCIS to dial out. As you do, you can see the numbers being sent to COMPACT - 100+ commands plus a multi-key ISAM ftle handler in less than the phone on the cellular phone's lOOK bytes! Custom applications run easily on a 1MB palmtop. LCD display. All of this happens POWERFUL - Formatted entry screens. Keystroke by keystroke editing. without ANY special setup strings Light bar menus. Pop-up windows. "Point & shoot" data selection. or configuration settings. I've also Context sensitive help. used Keep-In-Touch with the Telecoupler II acoustic coupler ASTOUNDING SPEED - The Q-PRO 4 interpreter, written in hand-honed when I have access to a pay phone assembly language, rivals C's speed. Fast, low overhead access to data (and want to save the cost of the for entry and validation. All data stored in ASCII. cellular air time) - no problems! MODERN 4GL - Event-driven. Extensible. USER ORIENTED - English-like syntax allows rapid creation of powerful Overcoming weak professional applications. WYSIWYG - On-screen design interface. signal conditions DEVELOPMENT FLEXIBILITY - Program on your palmtop or desktop. I've found the modem generally PLUS - 90 days free phone support; BBS support. 30-day money-back guarantee. reliable, but occasionally have 400-page manual. 50,000+ users; optional distribution system. reception/ transmission problems PRICE - $89.95 + S&H. VISA/ MC. New customers receive free optional in underground restaurants and report generator. shielded locations. A little back QNE INTERNATIONAL, INC. ® ground information on this prob (800) 333-0448. Fax (215) 968-3550 • [email protected] lem is helpful.
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 21 REVIEWS: Fax/modem to cellular phone upgrade all the land line modems in the world. On my service, GTE MobilNet, this is accomplished by sending a "*DAT A" to the provider before making the call. The service responds with a few beeps to let Liberator-Palmtop Holster The PL·PTH is a palmt0l' carrying system designed to allow 100% mobility to you know you are in the digital keep your information s8fely, securely, and at your fingertips. data transmission mode. When you • The Main Compartment is designed to hold most palmtop brands. It can also hold most cellular phones, waIkmans, and items of similar scale. want to switch back to regular ana • The Secondary Compartment is piggy-backed to the Main Compartment to house beepers, flashcards, baneries, business cards, etc. log calls, you need to send • The fronts of the PL-PTH is made of 100% fine leather. "*YOICE" to reset this option. My Avoid dropping or losing a valuable business tool. This unique hands-free design will integrate your palmtop to your active lifestyle: you'D input more data because service provider charges a fixed you'D carry it more often. surcharge of $2.00 a month to FOR EXECUTIVE OR CASUAL USE • NEW HOLSTERS AVAILABLE SOON access this capability. Although I initially didn't see any great improvements in throughput while using this feature (*YOICE calls seemed to work fine for data com munication as wel1), my opinion changed dramatically when I began making data calls under marginal signal connections. A reg ular *YOICE call would simply not connect under poor signal condi tions. However, the *DATA call went through fine.
Proper sequence important I also learned that the sequence of initiating data communication is critical. This refers to the order you grams called "drivers" to interface OmniBook. I had to upgrade my power up and plug in the Palmtop, with the equipment to which they modem's firmware with another modem card, and cellular phone. are connected. Keep-In-Touch has machine (I used a Compaq Aero). What worked best for me was to these drivers built into the card. In Once I had the card upgraded, turn the computer off; plug the PC addition, you can upgrade these everything worked without a hitch card modem into the slot; reboot drivers as newer, improved ver on both HP machines. the computer; connect the direct sions are developed. You can get The AT&T Keep-In-Touch PC connect cable to a TURNED-OFF the latest driver software for the Card Modem lets you tap into the cellular phone; and turn the cell particular cellular phone you use exciting world of truly wireless phone on. by calling the AT&T Para dyne BBS telecommunications. It doesn't mat Plugging the cellular phone in at 813-532-5254. ter whether I'm eating lunch in a while it is turned on caused prob There is a problem with this restaurant; out on a sailboat in lems on my setup. My Motorola upgrade process. The Keep-In Monterey Harbor; or on the shoulder cellular phone has a "Yibraphone" Touch firmware upgrade program of the highway in my automobile. option that causes the phone to checks to see if there is a KIT Keep-In-Touch lets me surf the Net; vibrate briefly instead of ringing modem inserted in a PC Card slot check my Compuserve and AOL and disturbing a meeting or what prior to installing the upgrade. messages; and access local BBS's - ever. Plugging the cellular phone Unfortunately, the upgrade pro regardless of where I happen to be. in while it was turned on some gram is written to expect that the This modem card/ cellular phone times caused the phone to lock up computer you are using supports combination gets the job done! I rec in a continuous vibration modem. what the PC Card industry calls ommend it highly. the standard "Card Socket Services." Neither the HP Palmtop Keep-In-Touch software or the HP OmniBook support this PriCing and contact information, is upgradeable standard completely. This means Third Party Products, pages 50-61 that you cannot accomplish the and Product Index, page 63, Like many hardware devices, PC upgrade process from a Palmtop or Card modems use software pro-
22 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 ,,~\ ' ,-, , '. '- -. -..., . ,-.. R E V I E W h t:. ( ; =- \ \ -....:_ \ \ . _ \:-~' ;-, ;:. \~ . ~: ~/ ~
HP Star Link: A One-Stop Solution to Wireless Messaging
HP's StarLink service integrates a Motorola PC Card wireless receiver, pre-installed HP StarLink software and messaging/news options, to provide an integrated solution to HP 100LX with HP StarLink wireless meso wireless messaging. saging card in PC Card slot.
By Hal Goldstein and Mark Scardina
Hewlett-Packard's StarLink wire cards AAA alkaline battery pro to make these Apointment Book less service provides the hardware, vides approximately 21 days of updates. software, and messaging services battery life and the card warns you Currently, the wireless carriers needed to turn your HP 100/200LX when the battery is low. The for the StarLink service cover more into a wireless message receiver. Star Link card slips into the than 90% of the U.s. population, With one phone call (1-800-917- Palmtop'S PC Card slot, but can with some international coverage LINK), the user can sign up for the receive messages while it is out of early in 1996. messaging options of his or her the Palmtop and has 128K of You can set StarLink to choice and have the necessary onboard RAM memory for storage announce different types of mes hard ware and software in hand of incoming files. sages in different ways, including within two business days. (See the Once connected to HP short and long beeps, and excerpts PC Card products section, pages StarLink, the subscriber can receive from classical music. A total of 15 50-61, for more on StarLink.) messages via the NewsCard receiv sounds are available with StarLink Representing a partnership of er. Messages can be sent by anyone inserted in the 100 /200LX and 10 many companies, HP StarLink con through one toll-free number. sounds for the card alone. You can sists of an HP 100LX and the Moto Central message control in the adjust the volume to three different rola PC Card N ewsCard with its U.S. is provided by The National preset levels when using StarLink protruding pod (see photo above). Dispatch Center, Inc., (NDC), a with the 100/200LX. HP StarLink uses the services of wireless communications gateway When messages are received, The National Dispatch Center out and premier provider of message they are displayed on an index of San Diego, who in turn accesses dispatch. NDC receives and screen. Highlight the desired mes paging services from PageNet. processes StarLink messages 24 sage and press ~TER I to see the hours a day, 365 days a year, trans text displayed. The text cannot be Starllnk includes a PCMCIA mitting messages wirelessly to the edited directly, but it can be high wireless receiver and HP 100/200LX. In addition to lighted, copied and past messaging service transmitting simple text messages, ed into any built-in application. operators can be instructed to The package includes a PCMCIA automatically update customers' User feedback Type II-compatible Motorola appointment calendars and To-do NewsCard receiver with pre lists. The subscriber provides a In our tests, reception was mostly installed HP StarLink software. The security code to enable colleagues error-free, although we did get some transmission errors in some
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 23 REVIEWS: HP StarLink messaging system office buildings. Fortunately, Stock Link is an optional ser The Motorola Personal Mes StarLink checks incoming mes vice that provides up-to-the senger Wireless Modem card is sages and flags messages with minute stock quotes and news. reviewed on page 16 of this issue. errors. Most of the time it's pretty There are four financial alert ser It provides two-way messaging via easy to figure out the missing or vices to choose from, depending on the RadioMail or Ardis wireless misspelled text, but if you can't, your market interest. For example, messaging services. you can call StarLink's toll-free 800 a user can request real-time stock The RAM Mobile Data service number to have the operator read quotes or COMTEX buy/sell rec provides a wireless connection be the message back to you over the ommendations. (See PC Card tween a customer's LAN-based phone. Users report mixed results. Products section, pages 50-61, for network and the RAM wireless Some are very satisfied with the more on StarLink options.) data network, allowing communi product. Others report intermittent The StarLink Newscard lets reception difficulties. you install its software on the C cation to an HP 100/200LX with an drive, or use it directly from the Intel wireless modem. Other Starlink Options Newscard in the A drive. However, MobileMedia Communications all incoming messages are stored provides paging services nation Initially, StarLink provided news, on the C drive. (They can be wide and offers 100/200LX users sports, weather, and other informa marked and printed to a file on a MobileMate, a wireless messaging tion services, as well as trans card or a printer.) The installation to card with integrated antenna that mitting voice and data messages. C drive requires 80K of disk space. runs off of two button-type batter NewsLink will provide Star ies. MobileMate inserts flush with Link users with the latest headline Other PCMCIA the case (i.e. there is no bulb on the news, Wall Street financial in wireless receivers end like with the HP StarLink). formation, sports news, national Please see page 50-61 for more Other wireless services and weather reports and entertainment information on these PCMCIA receivers are available for the HP news. wireless cards and services. Palmtop.
Smart Modular's FFM (Fax Modem and Memory) Card com· bines a 9600/4800Kbps send receive fax/modem wilh flash memory for data storage and a fax program. Low power of 2SmA in active mode and 6mA in sleep mode. Includes DOS ____-' drivers for use in laptops and notebooks . • HP compliant Fax Software • Lifetime Warranty • 4MB or 6MB Rash Memory • S Year Warranty 4MB(8MB) $369.00 6MB $349.00 "~PnM~~C!ON~N~E;~;=~~::=r"~H'P "200~U'-M~TH SOFnNARE PENTAX Run Windows versions of PhoneBook, PRINTER Appointment Book and NoteTaker on your Notebook Suppl, Ulorehouse desklop PC and keep them synchronized with your HP Palmtop files. Use the everything you need for mobile computing 13700 AHon••• Pkwy #154-281, Irvine, CA 92718 HotSync feature to back up and synchro nize all your other Palmtop files to your PC. HP 200LX with 1MB RAM 1495.00 Tel: 714-753-8810, Fax: 714-753-8812 ~==:...J F1 061 A HP 200LX wilh 2MB RAM '&59.00· Internet Address: [email protected] • Save $40.00 - Purchase the Fl061A and either the EXP or Compuserve Address: 73430,1336 SMART FaxlModem card with Rash Memory and save $40.00 off the lotal price. F1011A ACAdapter(1101240V US style) • 35.00 acCIS software provides a CompuServe interface for the HP F1031B HP Connectivity Pack • 99.00 -Free Order Line: Palmtop. Send and receive faxes, postal mail and e-mail. acCIS allows you to read & write messages off line to save time and Pentax POCKfTjet Prtnter. The smallest, lightest laser quality prtnter 1-800-566-6832 connect charges. You can also read the latest news and stock available today. Sharp 300dpi prtnling at a fast 3ppm. Print directly Quotes, download software directly to your palmtop and much from your HP Palmtop using the Shier Systems sertal cable. Comes more. Purchase acCIS software wilh any EXP ThinFax LXM card complete including Prtnter, Battertes, AC Adapter! Battery Charger, and we will pre-load acCIS on the EXP card at no extra charge! parallel cable, 100 sheets of thermal paper and a carry case. SHI-acCIS acCiS New Version 3.1 s 73.00 PEN-PJ300 Pentax PockeUei Printer Kit 1429.00 Payment accepled by MC, VISA, AE, Discover, COO Cash and SHI-Cable Serial cable for HP Palmtops • 29.95 Bank Wire Transfer. Governmenl, Educational and Corporate Purchase Orders accepled.lnlerna~onal• orders , call 714-753·8810 ~'s simple yet functional. The "POUCH " is a rugged neoprene Notebook Suppty carries a wide variety of standard Flash, ATA or fax 714-753-8812. carry case for your HP Palmtop computer. Shaped like a pocket, Flash and SRAM memory cards for your HP Palmtop. The follow the POUCH will protect your Palmtop from bumps, dirt and mois ing ATA style Flash cards come wilh size doubling software ture. ~'s cheap too! Versions of the POUCH are also available for included: FREE UPS SHIPMENT Pagers, Cell Phones, Radios, HP OmniBook, and even PCMICA ATAOSMB (anywhere in continental USA) cards. ATA10MB PalmPOUCH The POUCH for HP 951100/200LX s 19.98 ATA20MB
24 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 Can Reach You There?
Equip your mobile office with wireless communications. RadioMail®turns messages through all Internet-connected e-mail systems your HP Palmtop PC into a versatile two-way wireless (cc:Mail, etc.) and all major on-line services (AOL, etc.). communicator.f Now you can 'have the communications Wireless faxing and more. You can also send faxes globally, power you need to stay in control-everywhere you go. receive phone messages as text (via RadioMail operators), Send and receive wireless e-mail nationwide. RadioMail service and get stock quotes and news. All without wires. delivers full messages-proposals, contracts-quickly Now PC Card compatible. Best of all, RadioMail now works and automatically. No logging in. No roaming charges. with PC Card wireless modems' for the ultimate in RadioMaii connects you to millions of people around the dobe. portability.! To fmd out more, call one of our sales Because RadioMail gives your HP Palmtop PC a representatives. And discover how to make your wireless Internet address, you can send and receive RadioMaii mobile office as well connected as a real one.
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"When you subscribe to RadioMail, you receive a wireless modem (aternal or PC Card) and software for your HP Palmtop Pc. ©1995 RadioMa.il Corporation. All trademarks are propert)' of their respective holders. REV lEW R E \1 I E Vj P! E V I E V1 REV! E \;V PC Card Ethernet Adapter
Slip this PC Card in your HP 100/200LX Palmtop PC and carry your LAN terminal in your pocket, wherever you go.
By Tom Gibson , ocal Area Networks (LANs) 200LX. (See page 10, Vol.4, No.1, you to connect your HP Palmtop link a group of computers Jan/Feb 1995.) directly to your LAN to exchange together, allowing their users The Silicom PCMCIA Ethernet files and run any of the network's to communicate and share impor SPE Card is an ethernet adapter Palmtop compatible DOS software. tant information. There are differ card that comes with specially With these cards you connect to ent "protocols" or systems and developed Support Driver soft your LAN and have access to E rules defined for this purpose. ware. The card allows you to con Mail and other network resources Ethernet is one of the most com nect your HP Palmtop to all major when other terminals are not avail mon LAN systems. Network Operating Systems, able. It is also very handy for trou LAN capability is becoming including Novell DOS 7, Netware ble shooting the network when you increasingly important, but till Lite Workstation/Server, Windows have a terminal that is not working recently, Palmtop users have had for Workgroups 3.10 (NDIS), and need an emergency portable problems interfacing with Local Windows for Workgroups 3.11 terminal. I tested the Ethernet SPE Area Networks. About the only (NDIS), LAN Manager 2.0, LAN Card on our Novell Netware 3.11 practical solution was to connect an Manager 2.1, Banyan Vines 4.X system. HP Palmtop via serial cable to a (NDIS), Lantastic 5.0 with NDIS desktop PC that was itself connect support, Lantastic 6.0 (NDIS), FTP Connecting the ed to the LAN. This approach was PC/TPC (Packet), and FTP HP Palmtop to a LAN PC/TCP NDIS. cumbersome and slow. The Ethernet SPE card comes with [Note: The other card mentioned The solution to the problem cables to connect to 1 OBASE-T was a more direct connection to the in the January/February 95 issue was (twisted pair) and 10BASE-2 (thin LAN, and the card slot was the the Silicom PCMCIA EtherFlash coaxial) systems. However, Silicom obvious choice. Data transfer Card, a PC Combo Card with the same Tech support tells me that the between the Palmtop and a card in LAN connectivity features as the SPE 10BASE-2 connection draws too the slot is much faster than serial or card, plus 1MB or 2MB of Flash mem much power from the Palmtop and infrared port data transfer. ory built in. Silicom is discontinuing does not work reliably. Unfortunately, earlier versions of the EtherFlash Card because of lack of Currently, an HP driver is PCMCIA ethernet adapter cards interest in this combination as well as included with all Ethernet 10 were designed for full-sized desk operational and power problems.] BASE-T cards. While you still have top computers and notebooks. The Ethernet SPE Card allows to load the driver from the includ- They did not work with the HP Palmtops because of battery requirements. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Silicom Ethernet Tom Gibson is the Director of Information Systems and I Manager of Fulfillment at Thaddeus Computing in Fairfield, IA. adapter cards (In other words, he makes sure you get your copy of The HP Palmtop Paper.) Tom lives with his wife Julie and his 2 sons Silicom is the first company to Raymond and Ryan. He has a BS Degree in Accounting from develop PCMCIA ethernet adap Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, P A and is an avid golfer. ters compatible with the HP 100/ playing to an 8 handicap when his career permits.
26 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 ed disk, the installation is much 2. Reboot my HP Palmtop by press see the network files and programs simpler than it was when I first ing ~-IALTI -I DELI . This causes my on this tiny screen, but it works. I tested the card. Silicom has also Palmtop to restart and configure was able to log onto SYSCON, the included a README file in the HP itself according to the commands in systems administrator utility that is sub-directory of the installation the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG used to manage the network. disk (SEHP.TXT) that is a MUST .SYS files on my Palmtop's C drive. READ for anyone installing this 3. Connect the card to the LAN card on a Palmtop. There is also a using the cable that comes with the quick installation guide, and the system. users manual. Once you have installed the necessary software 4. Go to the DOS C: \ prompt on and configured your Palmtop for my Palmtop, type startnet and the Ethernet card, you're ready to press IENTER I. Systems Administrator screen displayed on connect up to your LAN. the HP 100LX The installation process creates a From the log-in prompt I enter my batch file named STARTNET.BAT name, my system password, and I was able to run other applica that automatically loads the appro I' m up and running on the net tions from the Palmtop as long as priate software, accesses the LAN's work, ready to exchange files and they would run in the limited file server, and presents you with run network DOS software, pro amount of base memory available the log-in prompt. When I want to vided that software is compatible on the Palmtop. I was able to run connect to our Local Area with the HP Palmtop. WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS, Magellan Network, I do the following: (see next page), and even sent E mail through the Internet. 1. Remove the Flash memory card Uses for an HP Palmtop from my Palmtop's card slot and as a LAN node TESTING NETWORK NODES insert the Ethernet adapter into the RUNNING DOS APPLICATIONS We recently enlarged our location, Palmtop's card slot. It seems a little strange at first to moving some of our offices
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THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 27 REVIEWS: Silicom Ethernet PC Card
!E -~ r~faur~~DDI·siD~n~PaiiDiD~n~shD~~W~~ ~~ ~- =~ =~ ,... , rA3 HEWLETT' ,... CALL for a Free copy of the Most Extensive HP Portable PC Catalog! : I:~ PACKARD !•• AutJrorWrlROOk. !•• HP 100lX connected to our lAN runs the ; HP200LX Palmtop PC HP Accessories for Omnibook ; DOS version of Magellan ,... F1061A HP200lXl2Mb $ 649.00 K4/530 4Mb RAM Exp. $ 295.00 ,... ,... F1060A HP200lXl1 Mb $ 495.00 K8/530 8Mb RAM Exp. $ 545.00 ,... upstairs in the building next door, ,... HP Omnibook 600 Portable PC EXP ThinFax 14.4 for HP2001100LXI ,... and rearranging office locations in ; ~Wf8~ 4~g ~~~~1~g~g I~:g~§ : gg EXP200 14.400bp's Fax & Modem *229; our previous building. This can be ,... ~1 ?f16~ ~~g ~~~~1~g~g ~ : ~§§ : gg ~~~~gg~~ ~~~~ ~~\\~~~~~M $~g§,... ,... F1114 A 8Mb RAM/260Mb TFT 3,199.00 This is the ONL Y FaxModem for send & ,... a real nightmare for a network ,... HP Accessories for HP2001100LX receive faxes that works on HP's Palmtops ,... supervisor! There are many things F1 021 B Connectivity Pack $ 99.95 The Executive Leather Cases !•. F1011A AC/DCAdapter $ 31.95 !•. that have to be thought out includ ! Flash Cards for all HP Portables XL~100 For HP Palmtops $ 59.95 ! •. F1012A 5/10Mb 1359.00 XLC200 For HP Palmtops $ 29.95 •. ing the running of new cables to ,... F1013A 10/20Mb 559.00 XLC600 Omnibook 600C/CT $ 79.95 ,... the new offices and to the new ,... F1014A 20/40Mb 949.00 ,... ,... ST75P5 5Mb Uncompress 329.95 ,... locations within the old offices. ,... ST710P5 10Mb" 499.95 ,... ,... ST720P5 20Mb" 849.95 ,... We contracted with a company ,... ST740P5 40Mb 1349.95 ,... to run the new lines for us, but they ; SAVE $50.00 on your HP Palmtop 200 purchase! After HP mail in coupon your; were not network specialists, so I ,... price to $599.00 for the HP200LXl2MB and $445.00 for the HP200LXl1 MB! ,... was responsible for making sure ,... COUNT on Global Connections as a supplier for the New HP OmniGo, too! ,...~ that the connections were valid and operable. I found this to be very ; Global ConnecUons~ .~-~ ; easy using Silicom's PCMCIA ~ ,... Ethernet adapter. All I had to do ; 170 South Jackson Street, JanesviUe, WI 53545 / / =;;rJ9 ; was go to the location I wanted to ,... OrderLine: (608) 752·1537 FaxOrder: (608) 752·9548 ~,... ,... ,... test, connect the cable from the wall ,...,...~~,...,...~,...~,...~~,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...~,...,...,...,...,...,...,...~,...,...,...~,...,... socket to the adapter in my 100LX, reboot so my Palmtop would recog ... .. BACKING UP MY PALMTOP --... __ -...... ~ ...... 1 .._ nize the adapter, and run the _ ..... co _"-_U_L...... 11 111 ...... _ -_ ~ ____ ._1- __ ... ..- I've also used the Ethernet adapter "STARTNET.BAT" batch file. ~:~~~L CIa_._ ___ -..._1• __ _ . 1:1 cal~u. 1_ A U .,...... _ . card in my Palmtop to backup If I got a "CONNECTED TO I D. .. _...... __. _ .... _n .___ Palmtop files to the network server . SERVER THADDEUS" message and ==~~.=t. ~~~i:~rI'r_ . I can move, copy, rename, etc., files then the F:\LOGIN> prompt, I -~...._ -,. ,_. .. ~ knew that the connection was valid. from my Palmtop to the file server and vice versa. I was limited in the Network F:\lOGIN> prompt displayed amount of data I could send to my at bottom of HP 100lX screen Palmtop because I was using a 1MB Project: Vision If there was a computer at that par 100LX. This is one area where the ticular location that was having extra space available on the C drive Gives}f)u problems connecting to the net of a 2MB has a big advantage. work, the chances were that the In the six months I have used Planning In Your Palm For $99 problem was with the Local Area this Ethernet card, I have come to For HP 100/200 and DOS based PC's Network card in the computer. depend on it as an important part Features include: Free Demo Pc TU Having a portable way of testing of my network trouble shooting • One Hour Learning Curve AJlsk and repair portfolio. • Uses 300K with Max flIe size from SOK to IMEG. the LAN card was very nice for me, • Logic Networks,Timelines, Resource Histograms because the LAN cards in the desk • Critical Path, Milestones,Variable Zoom top PCs sometimes go £lakey, espe • Multiple projects, Max tasks of 1000 activities cially when the computers are Pricing and contact information, • Mouse and keyboard operated for portability Third Party Products, pages 50-61 being moved all over the place. It and Product Index, page 63. Inmax Publishing Ltd. was much easier using my HP 2673 Terrace Ave. North Vancouver, Be Palmtop with the LAN card to test Canada V7R IB5 for this than lugging around a Tel: 604-980-9991 desktop PC for the same purpose. Fax: 604-985-5597
28 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 REVIEW ". .' PC Cards That Don't Exist ...... yet!
With the current pace of PC Card development what can you expect to see in the near future? According to this reviewer, the sky's the limit!
By Harry Konstas
ince PCMCIA (Personal The recorder/player uses the Flash A few years from now we may SComputer Memory Card memory instead of magnetic tape see PC Card albums along with Interna tional Association) to record up to two hours of CD's in the stores. These will prob standards first came out we've seen monaural audio. ably be ROM cards programmed PC card prices drop and capacities This is now possible with new once at the factory instead of increase dramatically (up to 85MB data compression hardware and Flashcards since ROM cards are for the Palmtops, 170MB with file cheaper to make, at least for now. compression). Newer PC Card existing 85MB Flashcards. And as standards have made I/O PC the price of memory cards drops Cards available with built-in fax even further, you can expect to see Possibility #2: modems, LAN adapters, wireless stereo cards as well-you could AM/FM stereo PC Card transmitters and receivers, and have a complete digital stereo even small hard-disk drives on album recorded on a PC card! Listen to your favorite radio station Type III cards. But these existing Imagine a PC Card with a by plugging a "radio card" into the wonders, however amazing, are built-in headphone amplifier, soft PC Card slot of your HP Palmtop. eclipsed by the possibilities the ware for programming music selec The card's software lets you "tune technology now promises. tions (like a CD player), and an in" to stations using your In last year's issue of The HP Palmtop's keyboard, and the audio input (a small analog to digi Palmtop Paper PC Card Review I Palmtop's LCD screen shows you described products that didn't tal converter) to let you record the frequency, signal strength, exist, but were possible with the your favorite songs. You could stereo indication, volume levels, current technology. This article enjoy the music you like wherever etc. Once the user tunes to a radio includes some of last year's fare you go by inserting a card into station, he can store the frequency and adds some new ideas~ your Palmtop and plugging in a set Remember, the technology exists in one of the "preset" memory slots of headphones, similar to using a today. So you never know when using the card's built in EEPROM Walkman. you might actually see one of these memory. cards in your local store.
Possibility #1: ABOUT THE AUTHOR PC Card audio puts your favorite music on PC Cards Harry Konstas is an electronics technician, digital control systems designer, and co-owner of VideoCam Electronics, Inc., an authorized service dealer for Sony, Zenith and Mitsubishi audio-visual electronics equipment. He lives in Let's say a small combination Laval City, Quebec, CANADA. His favorite activities are programming and recorder/player and Flash memory mountain climbing. He can be reached on CompuServe at [72540,620]. Card is introduced on the market.
THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 29 ~~~~~~iis, ~~#(~~~t~l.~ r~:'G;~r;f-~~;':!:~~~~:;~'~~~; ,'L.t.po--0erecr l5Y--H1e'1'a1filfoFi"s AA'" '''''<'-lhe"eage''oF-t e car woUlcrprov iCie ',. batteries, this card gives you up to 15 the sound and the earphone's wire hours of listening. Plug headphones would also be used as an antenna. into the edge of your card, and enjoy! This card is powered by the Connect this PC Card to a "piezo" Palmtop's AA batteries. The TV weight sensing element and then would run a couple of hours on a step on the piezo. It senses your Possibility #]: pair of batteries since the LCD isn't weight and stores the data in the Voice recognition PC Card backlit. (I have a Casio 3-inch color PC Card's built-in Flash memory. backlit LCD TV and it works for Insert the card in the Palmtop's slot Wouldn' t it be great if future about 4 hours with 4 AA batteries.) (clean it off first, of course), and Palmtops let you access features read your weight. Weight is dis with voice commands? Who played on the Palmtop's screen in knows? Someday soon a product Possibility #5: both pounds and kilograms. The with a name like "VoiceFlash" Digital multi-meter PC Card quilt-in software includes a pro might hit the market. This voice gram with the name like recognition card would include a Great for electronics technicians or "WeightMan" that keeps track of sensitive condenser microphone hobbyists, this digital multi-meter and graphically displays your located at the edge of the card that PC Card plugs into your Palmtop weight fluctuations over time. could pick up your voice from and allows electronics buffs to three feet away. Software similar to record AC or DC voltages up to existing voice recognition pro 500V, read OHMs from .001 to 20M Possibility #9: grams would let the card "learn" to ohms, and test diodes. Two-sided PC Cards? recognize your voice commands. Once the card had memorized your This PC Card of the future would voice patterns into its 10MB Flash Possibility #6: actually be two cards in one, with a memory, you would no longer Digital oscilloscope PC Card connector on each end. Insert either need to use the keyboard of your end of the card in your Palmtop, Another "must" for electronics Palmtop. You could even give your depending on which side of the technicians in the not-to-distant HP Palmtop a name and vocally card you want to use. future is this dual-trace digital 20 activate it! MHZ digital oscilloscope PC Card. The card's software records your Possibility #10: analogi digital waveform readouts Possibility #4: Super-high-capacity PC Cards on the LCD screen of your HP Black and white Palmtop. There was an announcement some television receiver PC Card time ago about SanDisk and Fujitsu Watch your favorite programs or working on a new PC Card tech news on this compact PC Card Possibility #7 nology that would make a 500MB black and white TV! The TV screen Blood analysis PC Card Flashcard possible. This achieve is your Palmtop LCD. The resolu ment is still a few years away. This would be an important card tion would be 528 x 200 pixels (4:3 for both doctors and patients. standard TV ratio with a doubling Insert the card in the Palmtop's of the horizontal resolution) leav Not yet, but soon! card slot, press the knob on the ing the right side of your LCD (112 side of the card and a tiny tray The things I've talked about don't x 200) for a display showing the pops out. Put a drop of blood in the exist - yet! Don't be surprised if channel, volume, other indicators. tray, push the tray back into the you go into your local computer The built-in digitizing process card, and the built-in analysis store in a few years and find all of of the card would convert incom hardware and software give you these things on the shelf. Given ing signals to a 4 gray-scale image the sugar and cholesterol levels of today's rapid pace of technology, which would give an acceptable the blood sample. The information you can count on more new and picture on the Palmtop screen. shows up on your HP Palmtop exciting PC Card applications in Image refresh would be 30 frames screen in less than two minutes. the near future. per second. The earphone plug on
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The Personal Messenger'''' modem card operates on the ARDIS nationwide. Iwo-w')y wllclpss eat a network that covers OVC! the us. bU$In('~s crn\l'TS .u and Molorola are rcgistef(~d I~ademarks and Personal Messenger and No Wires. No Limits. Me tradCTnMks, of Motarol", Inc All other 1rJcierna.rk'> ')re the property till'l! f Using PC Cards in the HP Palmtop PC By Mark Scardina PCMCIA: Background of this issue. It adds new capabili PC memory cards ties to the standard, but is very PC memory cards can be used in he Personal Computer Memory new and few if any devices using this standard have been developed any HP Palmtop to add file stor TCard International Association age capability. Read-Only (PCMCIA) is a non-profit for the HP Palmtop. Memory (ROM) cards, Static trade association and standards The first I/O cards available Random-Addressable-Memory body founded in 1989 and com for the 100LX were fax/modems (SRAM) cards, and Flash-Random prised of over 500 member compa cards. Subsequently, data collec Addressable (Flash RAM) cards nies. It's purpose is to define the tion cards, a barcode system, a were developed for this purpose. industry standard for PC Card LAN adapter card, and floppy technology. disk drive with PCMCIA interface The first PCMCIA PC Card have been introduced. Developers Standard (1.0) was released in 1990 are working on other devices for Type' PC Card and defined the physical and elec the HP 100/200LX, including VGA 3.3mm Thick trical characteristics of a credit adapters, global positioning sys card-sized device that could be tem cards, and SCSI adapters. used as memory or as a disk in a computer. This standard not only defined the physical specifications Type II; Version 2.0 and 2.1: What's the difference? Type II PC Card of the card, but its use as a data S.O mm Thick storage device as well. Since HP was on this standards committee, PCMCIA 2.0/2.1 capability must the HP 95LX ultimately came to not be confused with Type II capa market with a PCMCIA card slot bility. In the PC Card standard, that met, for practical purposes, "Type" refers to the thickness of the 1.0 standard. the card with Type I equal to Type '" PC Card The PCMCIA committee sub 3.3mm, Type II equal to 5mm and 10.5 mm Thick sequently introduced the 2.0 and Type III equal to lO.5mm. Both the 2.1 standards two years ago. These HP 95LX and the HP 100/200LX releases broadened the card speci can accept up to Type II cards. fication with the addition of However, only the 100/200LX has ver. 2.0/2.1 standard capability. input/output (I/O) and execute Type I, II, and III PC Cards in-place capabilities, allowing the development of mass storage, modem/fax, LAN, cellular and ABOUT THE AUTHOR radio frequency communications Ma~k Scardina is a regular contributor to The HP Palmtop Paper. He is peripherals in the PCMCIA card Semor Product Manager for ACE Technologies. He is also the Sysop of format. The 2.0 standard was the HP Handhelds and Onmibook Forums on CompuServe and the introduced in time to find its way author of numerous utility programs for the HP Palmtops. His into the HP 100LX. The latest CompuServe ID is [76711,732]. release, called the "PC Card Standard" is described on page 9 32 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 CONNECTIVITY STORAGE Transfer files effortlessly • Keep more data, between your HP 100LX or run additional programs 200LX and any DOS based PC wherever you go by using HP Flash Disk Cards. • Run on your PC HP 100/200LX • Back up your vital phone, appointment, 1-2-3, Phone, Appointment, Database, Quicken, database and other palmtop files. NoteTaker, and HP Calc software • Plug your HP PCMCIA flash card into the • Synchronize and merge Quicken®, Palmtop and it works just like a hard disk. phone, appointment, and • Double the storage space of your HP Flash database files between your Disk Card - Stacker automatic compression Palmtop and PC us L' t P 'c software comes preloaded! .. IS [I e • Export and import HPI00/200LX HP F1024A 1.8-MB Flash Disk Card ....tt!e#"! .. .. $199 phone, appointment, database, and HP F1012B 5-MB Flash Disk Card ...... $375 notetaker data to and from other PC HP F1013B 10-MB Flash Disk Card ...... $600 applications (using comma delimited HP F1014B 20-MB Flash Disk Card ...... $999 format) HP F1211A 40-MB Flash Disk Card .. .. ;V'#.. $1599 HP FI021B Connectivity Pack: English manual, Multi-lingual software, u.s. List Price AC/DC ADAPTER Connectivity cable, Connectors ...... $ll9.95 Extend the battery life of HP FI015A DOS-connectivity cable ...... $24.95 your HP Palmtop and chargE HP FI023A Connectors for PC, Modem, Printer ...... $24.95 rechargeables with this light-weight adapter. HP FI0llA ...... $39.95 u.s. List Price HP FI016A Mac-connectivity cable ...... $24.95 OPTION ABA (U .S., CANADA, JAPAN), OPTION ABB (EUROPE) , OPTION ABG (AUSTRALIA) , OPTION ABU (UK), OPTION ACQ (SOUTH AFRICA) See your local HP Palmtop dealer, or contact one of the HP Palmtop advertisers in this issue. (In the U.S., obtain Fli;' HEWLETT® a dealer list by calling 800-443-1254.) ~~ PACKARD -Requires DOS-based PC with EGA or higher display, available serial port, 3-MB available of local hard disk space, 286 or higher CPU , 450K available conventional memory, 1.44 MB 3.5 inch flexible disk drive. Quicken is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc. THEDESKTOP CardDock™ (GS-220) Desktop PCMCIA CardDock™ (GS-220F) Desktop PCMCIA CardDock™ (GS-440) Desktop PCMCIA Internal Reader/Writer Internal Reader/Writer with 3-1/2", Internal Reader/Writer 1_44 Floppy Drive • Supports TWO Type I, II, or III cards . 1 Supports FOUR Type I, II, or III cards simultaneously • TWO SLOT PCMCIA Reader/Writer • Ruggedized, patented ejector system • Provides convenient front-panel Floppy Combo for longer life telephone jack for modem cards • Supports two Type III PC cards and • Installs easily in 5-1/4" half-height • Installs easily in 5-1/4" half-height 3-1/2" floppy at the same time PC bay PC bay • Installs easily in 5-1/4" half-height • Ruggedized, patented ejector system PC bay OutBack -(GS-ll 0) Low Cost One-Slot for longer life • Ruggedized, patented ejector system Reader/Writer • Software included for either DOS or for longer life • Supports one Type I, II or III cards with Windows rear access DiskDock™ (DD-9S) Low-cost Backup Type Adaptor (TA-SO) PCMCIA PalmTop Adaptor (PA-lO) or Auxiliary Storage System using Slot Adaptor External Power PCMCIA Technology • Allows the use of Type III cards • Enables Notebooks and Laptops to use • Backup your Desktop or Laptop with in Type I or II slots devices requiring more power, Le., a high-speed low cost 2-1/2" • Type III devices can be used in stacked PCMCIA Hard Disk two-slot systems without blocking Hard Drive POWER ADAPTOR (PC-30) • Great for Systems requiring Security the second slot Converts SV slot to 3.3V slot • Removable-portable-compact • Cards inserted in the Type Adaptor are • Takes only minutes to backup your accessible for repair/development • Enables user to plug 3.3V PCMCIA trouble shooting Cords into 5V slots Laptop instead of hours using a Tape • Use in Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, System • Low cost, direct plug-in, ready-to-use and Palmtop Also Avoi'ab'e: Fast. efflclent, simple to use, high volume 'DE and SCS, Hard Disk Drive software duplication system. Greystone Peripherals Inc. To Order Call: 130-A Knowles Drive Los Gatos, CA 95030 Tel: 1-408-866-4739 800-600-5710 GREYSTONE Fax: 1-408-866-8328 ~ L!!!J HOW TO USE PC Cards in your HP Paltmop the HP 95LX. While SRAM cards are still expensive when compared Changing a SRAM card to floppy and hard disk technolo backup battery gy, SRAM prices have plummeted If you see a LOW CARD BAlTERY message in the past couple of years. on the Palmtop, your SRAM card has just lost, SRAM's memory is retained by or is about to lose all its data! If the message the presence of a battery. The lithi appears, leave the SRAM card in the card slot and do NOT turn the Palmtop off - keep it on! um backup batteries used in the The main batteries will supply enough electric cards provide a one year life. The ity to the card to prevent any further damage. recommended procedure is to Connecting the Palmtop to the AC change SRAM card batteries every adapter disables the auto-shutoff feature and gives you all the time you need to change the 10 months. Set a 10-month remin battery. If you don't have access to AC power der in APPT and change the bat when you need to change the battery, you tery whether you've received a low have three minutes before the Palmtop pow ers down and cuts the power to your card. battery warning or not (see sidebar, You can press a key every minute or so to this page, for changing SRAM keep the Palmtop from powering down. You backup batteries). can also disable the auto timeout by using SRAM cards are the fastest of SWITCH!, BUDDY ii, or TIMEOUT ii. Slide the lock lever at the end of the card !Four software programs marketed on ROM all the memory cards, especially to the unlock position and remove the little I:: cards. HP's DictionaryfThesaurus Card when writing to them. They have battery tray. Pop the battery out and replace it f,J (Top); ACE's GAMEcard (mid-left); virtually an infinite life with no with the proper back up battery (a 3-volt CR- r.1 Globalink's Language card (mid-right, no drop off of performance over time. 2025 coin cell for HP cards). Make sure the ,fbnger available); and MIRICAL's Personal They also are both readable and positive (+) side of the battery is Sitting up in ;::1 Food Analyst (bottom). bootable without the need of an the tray. For more on changing card batteries, r.:'> check your User's Guide. ...: additional software device driver. EdKeefe Read-Only-Memory (ROM) Cards This is a distinct advantage on the CompuServe ID: [15300,3661] ROM cards have been available HP 95LX as it is possible to lose the Dave Snellard ~ince before the introduction of the data and. programs on your C CompuServe 10: [100064, 1525/ HP' 95LX: They"are -the ' le~~ t expen drive. Since a SRAM card can sive form of memory card, but are always be read, you can keep your read-only and cannot be written to. startup files (CONFIG.5YS and Flash-Random-Addressable Typically, a ROM card is pro AUTOEXEC.BAT) on it and boot (Flash RAM) Memory Cards grammed once with the desired from the SRAM card to recover Flash RAM cards are similar to software or data files. From that from a C drive crash (insert the SRAM cards in that they are com point on you can access the soft SRAM card in the memory card prised of computer chips that can slot and press ICTRLI-IALTI-I DELI). ware or data files, but you cannot be written to and read from. Finally, SRAM cards can be easily make changes to it on the ROM However, they have two big interchanged among other comput card. ROM cards are more stable advantages over SRAM cards. than their writable counterparts. ers with RAM card slots that sup port any level of the PCMCIA stan First, they do not need a battery to The software program is "etched" retain their data. Second, they can permanently into the card's dard. Memory card drives are available that connect to your desk have very large capacities. The microchips and can never be top or portable computer and largest capacity card for the HP altered or lost through any action" allow them to access your card's Palmtop is the SanDisk 80MB card short of physically destroying the data quickly. (160MB with file compression). card. ROM cards are most suitable Although SRAM cards exist in SanDisk (formerly SunDisk) and for storing files that do not need to capacities from 64K to 4MB, practi NEC are jointly developing be changed. cality and cost considerations limit 256Mbit Flash technology that will The ACE GAMEcard, HP's the availability of some sizes. For eventually lead to 500MB cards in Dictionary / Thesaurus card, and the HP Palmtops, 512K, 1MB and the late 1990s. The larger Flash the GlobalLink Language Transla 2MB cards are readily available. In RAM card capacities yield the tion cards are examples of software addition, compression software is cheapest cost-per-megabyte of stor programs on ROM cards. available to increase the capacity of age ratios. the card. Stacker from Stac Elec SanDisk was the first company Static-Random-Addressable tronics, DoubleCard from ACE to introduce a writable Flash RAM Memory (SRAM) Cards Technologies and DIET ij (free card for the HP 95LX. Until recent SRAM cards were the most popu ware) all can provide up to twice ly they were the manufacturer for your physical storage space. lar card storage technology used on all ATA Flash cards marketed THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 35 HOW TO USE PC Cards in your HP Paltmop under a variety of names, includ ing HP. These cards conformed to a Can flash cards wear out? supplemental PCMCIA-ATA stan dard that allowed them to appear There is quite a bit of misinformation about Flash RAM cards "wearing out." The card does not wear out and stop working after a while. The card is made up of 512 byte sectors just like a hard as more conventional IDE hard disk is. In fact, the interface between the Palmtop and the card (ATA Flash disks) looks (to hard drives to the HP Palmtops or a Pc. ware & software) just like an ATA hard drive. It is these individual sectors that are subject to SanDisk achieved a tremendous "wear", not the whole card. technological feat with its Flash Also the term ''wear'' is a bit misleading. After something like about 100,000 writes, a sector will tend to take longer to do a write cycle than it did when it was '1resh." Some engineer cards. However, there are some decided that a write cycle that takes longer than some specific amount of time is considered too points you should keep in mind. slow and the sector is "worn out." I'm not sure whether the ability to write to the disk eventually First, the card is not readable or completely wears out or just becomes prohibitively long. However, you will always be able to bootable on the HP 95LX without a read from the Flash disk. I have recently heard of a new Flash card being developed that does "device driver" (small software pro not need to have wear leveling run on it. So, maybe someone has licked that problem altogether. There is a program that comes with the SanDisk ATA Flash disk cards called gram) already running. This is not WEAR.EXE. This program should be run a few (2-3) times per year (it is not critically important). much of a problem, unless your HP It writes to each sector on the card and measures th~ write cycle time. When it finds a spot that 95LX's C drive corrupts or is other is writing too slow, it maps it out as a "bad sector" and maps in one of the many spare sectors wise lost. SanDisk users might want already included on the card. Then it puts the data that was in the sector into the new one. If there were no slow sectors, then WEAR does nothing. You should close down SysMgr and to carry an additional SRAM card unmount the Stacked drive before running WEAR. Then reboot afterwards. VERY IMPORTANT: with the files necessary to reinstall Be sure you have the 100/200LX plugged into a working AC power pack before running WEAR. the SanDisk device driver just in It can take a couple of minutes and if the heavy duty writing it does kills your batteries, it could case! IBM's new ATA flash cards corrupt the FlashCard. will not work on the 95LX. I think WEAR may also move data around from sector to sector in an effort to empty the sectors that have been heavily used and put the data into less used sectors. This helps to HP lOO/200LX users have the "load level" the sectors. necessary device drives built in Stanley Dobrowski and do not have to worry about CompuServe 10: [71031,2162] this. It should be noted that the device drivers used are specific to the particular PC or Palmtop. If you want to use the SanDisk card first get the appropriate device dri Second, Flash RAM cards, in another notebook's or desktop's ver. (Most devices currently manu while having a virtually unlimited memory card drive, you have to factured can read SanDisk cards.) read life, have a long but limited write life. That means that there is no limit on how many times you can access data. However, there might be a limit on how many times you can change data. Flash RAM write life has been greatly increased through improvements in the memory chips used in the cards and software incorporated to detect failing sectors. Claims have been made that a typical user need never worry about losing data due to a write life problem. (At the time of this writing, SanDisk and HP provide a one year warranty on their ATA Flash cards. ACE has a lifetime warranty on its DoubleFlash cards and five years on its DoubleFlash+ cards.) Finally, it takes a little bit longer to write to a Flash RAM card than it does to a SRAM card. This is because it takes a small amount of time for a Flash RAM SanDisk ATA flash card layed on top of a credit card for size comparison. Inside of the card displayed to the left bottom. card's write circuitry to come out 36 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 Buy -Sell-Trade-Repair PCMCIA Notes from HP PC Cards that can be used on the HP Palmtops v 100LX [Thanks to HP Mobile Computing Customer Support, phone: 503-757-2004, fax: 503-715-5488, for this v 200LX information.] PC CARD TYPES v 41 C/CV/CX Type I, II, and III refer to the physical dimensions of the PC Card. Both the 95LX and 100LX can physically accept Type I (3mm thick) and II (5mm thick) cards. Neither can accept a Type 111(10.5 mm thick) card. v 71B PC CARD VERSIONS v Flash Cards, PCMCIA Release 1.0 is the standard covering memory cards only, mainly battery-backed cards. All subsequent releases, including the new PC Card Standard, are backward compatible, allowing use of Peripherals memory cards. Releases 2.0, 2.1, and the PC Card Standard also cover I/O cards (such as Please call today for a fast friendly quote! fax/modems, wireless transmitters and receivers, etc.). :_;" ' ~~ 'I;--: ~J ~ __ I·l~~ ;,;__ ;.. .I ~ The HP 100/200LX can handle cards developed under Releases 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, and the PC Card . '. Standard. However some 2.0 or greater cards draw too much power and will not work with the , \ 100/200LX. (The 100/200LX can only handle cards that require a maximum of 150 milliamps of power at 5 volts.) The 100/200LX works with many SRAM, Flash RAM, ATA, fax/modem, wireless receivers, •; ~__ ~ \ '..,.1'1 "":'~J,'!_ ~ ,;, -::~ ;~ . and other PC Cards . 1088 South Delaware Drive The HP 95LX can handle Release 1.0 (Type I & II) cards and Release 2.0 (Type I & II) memory Stone Church, PA 18343 cards. The 95LX works with many SRAM cards, ATA flash RAM cards, and one custom deSigned Tel: 610·588·2800 • Fax: 810-588·1121 fax/modem card (PalmModem by NewMedia). Using a PC Card Modem with the HP 100LX of its "sleep" mode (necessary to This procedure shows how to prepare the HP 100LX for using a card modem. This procedure is not allow the card to have similar needed on the HP 200LX. Additional information is given on using cc:Maii with certain card modems. power consumption as an SRAM 1. If you do not have existing AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, copy them from the card). I didn't notice additional 100/200LX D drive to the C drive. write time in daily use, with com 2. Open AUTOEXEC.BAT in MEMO. pression software on my card. A. If you copied it over from D:, delete the letters REM from the line: Rem d:\bin\cic100 /gen1. B. If you had an existing AUTOEXEC.BAT file, add the line: d:\bin\cic100 /gen1 before the last line. Selecting the 4. Press ~ to save the modified AUTOEXEC.BAT file. right memory card 5. Close all applications. 6. Press IClRL!-~-~ to reboot the Palmtop. The wide variety of SRAM and The HP 100LX should now be ready to use the card modem in the built-in applications. Remember Flash RAM memory cards now that the PC Card port is the COM2 port. You must configure Datacomm or cc:Mail to send/receive via available makes choosing a card a COM2. little difficult. Your first task is to Getting cc:Maii to work with PC Card modems determine the minimum storage Certain card modems require the settings in cc:Maiito be altered. If cc:Mail does not seem to connect requirements for your system. or download messages when using a card modem, try the following: While it is true that you can never 1. Copy HAYES.MDM from D:\.DAT to C:\_DAT. have too much space, RAM cards (Optional: only cc:Mail users with problems need to do this.) are far more expensive than 2. Open c:\_DAT\HAYES.MDM in Memo. mechanical drives. Let's assume for 3. Type "Rem" in front of the two lines that begin with SETUP. this discussion that your spac~ 4. Insert the following new line: setup=at&f&c1 &d2&k3&s1 &q5wO requirements do not rule out the This is a typical command string that works with some modems. Your modem may require other set smaller SRAM cards. tings. See your cc:Mail Systems Administrator for the modem settings for your system. 5. Press ~ to save the file. Cards for the HP 95LX 1. If you are going to use your 6. Go back into cc:Maii and press IMENU! konnect Settings, tab to the Modem File text box, enter cards on the HP 95LX, then you C:\.DAT\HAYES.MDM and press I ENTER! to update the file. should choose between the SRAM You're now ready to go back to cc:Mail and attempt to use the modem card with the new modem setup. cards and the SanDisk 5 volt AT A Flash cards based on your storage requirements and budget. 3. The 95LX driver that comes with use the card until you can replace it 2. You should make sure the Flash the card needs to be kept on HP either from another card or a Pc. card comes with a software driver 95LX's C drive. If you damage that supports the HP 95LX. your C drive you will not be able to 4. Hewlett-Packard sells a 5MB THEHPPALMTOPPAPERPCCARDREVIEW 1995 37 HOW TO USE PC Cards in your HP Paltmop ATA Flash card that includes PC memory card drives card and almost criminal to store Stacker compression software. Flash and SRAM cards provide them on an AT A Flash card. If you 5. ACE DoubleFlash cards come in easy data exchange and backup use MEMO to keep scraps of infor different sizes with a special soft capabilities. A PC Card drive can mation and save each to a separate ware driver that increases the write be added to your desktop Pc. It file, you're wasting precious space. speed of the card. lets your desktop PC read RAM HP 100/200LX users can use Note cards like it would read a floppy Taker to keep scraps of information 6. The 5 volt DoubleFlash cards are available with an optional ROM disk. It is far quicker and easier to in one file and save disk space. HP card that you can carry to restore slip a PC Card out of your Palmtop 95LX users can check out programs the driver. Overall, Flash RAM and into a PC Card drive than it is like fastNOTES, Keep-In-View and cards are slower than the SRAM to connect your Palmtop up to NOTES95 lUI to recover that expen cards when you are saving files your PC and run file transfer soft sive real estate. over lOOK; therefore, the increased ware. (See the article on card drives Another approach is to use file storage does come at a perfor beginning on page 39. Also see PC cpmpression software on your mance price. Both the HP and ACE Card Products, pages 50-61, for list SRAM or Flash RAM cards. You cards are provided with Stacker ings of card drives.) can use DIET lUI or other compres compression software. sion software to reduce the size of Memory card individual files before you store Cards for the HP 100/200LX not DOS "system disk" them on your memory card. The HP 100 /200LX makes card selection easier because no special Many PC users are familiar with Stacker is particularly effective software drivers need to be creating bootable disks for their with larger cards, as much as dou installed for either SRAM or AT A PC, using the DOS format Is com bling the capacity of the card (see Flash cards. The faster processor mand. You don't have to try and compression article, page 48). also reduces the impact of using turn the RAM card into a "system A final warning: The DIR Stacker compression software. disk" to boot from it. You don't (directory) command of MS-DOS HP and other companies sell need any hidden files or COM reports the number of bytes in a versions of SanDisk's AT A Flash MAND.COM (it's launched from given file, not the space actually RAM cards, which usually include ROM). If you have your AUTOEX used. For example, you could write Stacker, which effectively doubles EC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files on a small, two-line batch file that their capacity. For a more complete the SRAM card, in the card slot, only needs 50 bytes of storage listing, see PC Card Products, whenever you press ICTR..I-~I DELI, space. However, since it must occu pages 50-61 this issue. you'll boot from the A drive. py one sector, it's really occupying You should be aware that a 12 512 bytes on a SRAM card or up to volt card is unusable in the HP Maximize a PC memory card's 8K on an AT A Flash card. The dir 95LX as well as external card drives that do not support 12v. (The file storage capability command lists 50 bytes as the file Databook TMD 550 and 201 can When memory cards are format size, not the amount of space the read but not write to a 12v card.) ted, they are divided up into stor file is really taking up. DIR com Finally, I recommend that you age units called "sectors" and putes the "bytes free" on the disk use high quality NiCds (>700mah) "clusters." Each sector on a SRAM based on the apparent, not actual or Nickel Metal Hydrides with the card has 512 bytes. Each cluster has file size. With a lot of small files on HP 100/200LX when using any of one sector. Flash RAM cards are your disk, it's possible to run out of the FlashRAM cards. These batter too big to have 512 byte clusters storage space, even while DIR ies are better able to handle the cur and come with clusters ranging reports lots of space left. rent surges and are less likely to from 1MB to 8MB. One last thing: You may have reboot your machine if you inad Any file takes up a minimum no more than 63 entries in the root vertently insert the FlashRAM card of one cluster. A small batch file of directory, A: \, of your card. If you with the power on. a few lines may require less than 50 want to store more files on a card, bytes of storage space. However, it put them in a subdirectory. Using SRAM and must occupy at least one cluster Flash RAM Cards (512 bytes on a SRAM card, up to Pricing and contact information, 8K on an ATA Flash card). There are some general points that Third Party Products, pages 50·61 This fact means that it is waste pertain to memory cards, regard and Product Index, page 63. ful to store small files on a SRAM less of the kind you are using. Sharewarelfreeware index page 64 38 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 W TO USE YOUR PALMTOP Adding a PC Card Drive to Your Desktop PC Mark explains the basic considerations for choosing and installing PC Card drives on your desktop PC By Mark Scardina Over the last few years, we have seen a proliferation of PC Card slots in Palmtops, laptops and notebook PCs. Where we once had only small PC data storage cards of a few megabytes, we now have PC Card modems, network cards, 100MB hard drives, sound cards, SCSI cards, and more. By adding a PC Card drive to your desktop PC you can use some or all of these cards on your desktop. We hope this article will help you navigate around the world of PC Card drives and choose the right one for your Pc. There are two major classes of PC Card drives that can be added to your Pc. One class supports spe External parallel port PC Card drive (right) attached to a desktop PC or an internal PC Card cific PC Cards and I shall refer to drive (below floppy drive on front of desktop PC) lets you transfer data between your HP them as dedicated drives. The other Palmtop and desktop PC via a PC memory card. Some card drives will let you use fax/modem and other I/O PC Cards in your desktop PC. class is designed to support all PC Cards, and they will be referred to ward compatible', this only guar these drives included the Databook as full-support drives. This distinc antees that older cards will work in Thincard 200 series and Steele tion is very important as it impacts, the newer drives and not vice Creek parallel drives. not only on the cost of the drive but versa. its resource requirements on your The first major change in the Parallel PC Card drives desktop Pc. standard was the introduction of As indicated by its name, parallel PCMCIA Release 2.0. This should drives are external boxes that con not be confused with Type II which nect to your PC via its parallel port. Dedicated drives refers to the dimensions of the Some of the more expensive drives Dedicated drives come in two fla card. Prior to Release 2.0 all PC provide a 'pass through' port to vors - parallel port drives and Cards were data storage cards. This allow your printer and the PC Card internal bus drives. Since the PC means that if a drive does not sup drive to work through the same Card standard is evolving, drives port the 2.0 standard, it will only parallel port. In evaluating which designed several years ago are work with data storage cards and type parallel drive you need, re unable to support many of the new not the modem cards, LAN cards, member that adding a second par types of cards that are available sound cards, etc. that are support allel port to your PC is usually less today. While the standard is 'back- ed in the 2.0 standard. Examples of than $20. THE HP P ALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 39 HOW TO USE Adding card drives to your desktop Parallel drives have the advan dedicated parallel drives, check out is standard on most PCs and is tage of being easily installed and the CardPort and Steele Creek drives. connected to an IDE controller card removed. They can be transferred through one of the controller's two from one PC to another and the Internal drives for hard drive connectors. If you have software does not put much memory cards only a second physical IDE hard drive, demand on a PC's resources. Prior to the 2.0 standard, internal you will need an additional IDE Typically the software driver need dedicated drives were the high per disk controller card to connect the ed to run the drive takes less than formance choice for data storage PC Card drive. 20K of System memory, and does cards. With the advent of ATA A small software device driver, not require its own interrupt, I/O Flash cards and PC Card hard less than 10K, is required to handle addresses, or upper memory win drives, we are seeing a new type of removing and inserting the cards. dow (see definitions in the side bar drive that works only with these The small size is possible because on this page). The price you pay for cards. These ATA drives install as the PC's basic input/ output system this ease of use is in the area of an additional IDE hard disk drive knows how to talk to IDE drives performance and compatibility. connecting directly to your IDE which AT A cards emulate. Like the Da ta transfers through a parallel Hard Disk/Floppy Disk Controller parallel drives above, the resource port at approximately one tenth the card. A single IDE hard disk drive requirements of this type of drive speed of those through an internal bus drive. Typically, these drives Installing an internal PC Card drive can transfer approximately SOK in your desktop PC bytes per second. While this is five times faster than cable methods Last year I had the opportunity of installing and testing an SCM "SwapBox" PC Card reader in my using programs like the HP desktop PC. I tested the Swapbox PREMIUM, which adds two internal card drives: one in the front Connectivity Pack, LapLink and and another in the rear. Although the experience is over a year old, many of the installation proce ZIP !HI , it pales when compared to dures are still valid the SOO-800K bytes per second Some assembly is involved in the installation process. I had to take the desktop's case off, capability of internal bus drives. install a card in the rear, mount the front drive in an adapter, slide that into a drive bay, and connect Currently, parallel drives can the two with a ribbon cable. If you've installed a floppy or hard drive before, you'll be able to handle support data storage cards only. physical installation of this and other PC Card drives. If taking the cover off your desktop makes you This includes SRAM, ROM, Series nervous, get your computer dealer, MIS person or a knowledgeable friend to install the unit. For the SwapBox and many other PC Card drives, your desktop PC must be an AT 386 or higher with 640K II Flash and AT A Flash cards. They of RAM, running DOS 5.0 or later. You'll need an available 16-bit ISA lID socket and an empty front require an external power supply drive bay (for front-mounted units). These requirements will vary depending on the card drive you which in most cases is simply an install. AC Adapter. Installation is straight I installed the SwapBox into my Gateway 2000 486DX2I50. At the time, my Gateway had all forward and usually the only soft sorts of accessories connected to it, including an HP ScanJet, a LaserMaster WinPrinter, a mouse, ware required is a device driver and a LAN network card. In addition, I had a number of other device drivers installed. This compli that is added to your CONFIG.syS cated memory management on my system. (My CONFIG.SYS file has more lines than the Federal file. Budget.) I had difficulty installing and properly configuring SwapBox's system software. A very help [IMPORT ANT: Most external ful and patient SCM tech support person walked me through the installation, checking system inter PC Card drives come with a parallel rupts (IROs) and tracking down a miSSing MS-DOS file (my fault). cable. This cable and its length can be Some PC Card drives come with mounting brackets. The Swap Box I got a year ago did not critical. The length of the cable affects and I had to track down the correct mounting brackets (or rails) for my Gateway computer. Mounting brackets are strips of metal that attach to the sides of internally mounted drives and let the time it takes for the signal to reach them slip into the drive bay. Although one desktop manufacturer's drive bays can be different from the Pc. This is especially apparent another's, there are only a few basic types. A local computer dealer should be able to help you. If connecting to PCs with fast processors not, call the manufacturer of the computer, or the vendor you bought it from, and have them send (above 33MHz). Do not substitute, you the proper mounding brackets. Gateway customer support sent me the correct mounting brack lengthen, or connect to a switch box ets at no charge! without contacting the drive It was a bit of an adventure getting the card drive installed, but most of it was unavoidable. I manufacturer.] probably would have had an easier time with an external card drive, but it would have taken up If you are primarily looking for more room on my already-crowded desktop. I have little patience with manuals and appreciate good a card drive to transfer files and technical support from a product's developer. your card sizes are modest, the par Publisher Hal Goldstein has a Protege installed inside his home desktop PC and a DataBook allel drive is an excellent choice. installed at work. He had no problem with the physical installation of either, everything fit properly. With the help of tech support, he moved his Protege device driver after his CD-ROM device driver in This is because it will not place the his CONFIG.SYS file to get the Protege to work properly. He likes both units. large demands upon your system Rich Hall that a full-support drive will. For Editor, The HP Palmtop Paper 40 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 are very low. However, the speed of access is on a par with the fastest Requirements and trouble shooting full-support PC hard disk drives. The dedicated PC Card drives in your desktop PC Card drives are an excellent choice (For questions or problems with your PC Card drive, contact the manufacturer's technical support.) for those who have only the ATA type data storage cards as they are Requirements Before deciding on a full-support PC Card drive, you should be aware that it will require the follow less than $100 and do their job well. ing resources on your desktop PC: Protege and Adtron have dedi System Memory: All of the required drivers when loaded into memory will require anywhere cated internal bus drives that are from 60-120K of System memory. These drivers can generally be loaded high. worth evaluating. Upper Memory Window: A block of memory between C800 and EOOO of 4K to 32K is required to access SRAM and ROM cards as well as to identify the type of card in the slot. I/O Addresses: A block of 8-16 1/0 addresses are required for communication with modems, Full·Support Internal Drives ATA cards and LAN cards. This is similar to COM1 using 1/0 addresses starting at 3F8. for Storage and I/O Cards InterruptsJIRQs: You computer uses IROs to communicate with devices attached to it. Two Full-support drives are intended to IROs are required under most installations. One is used to signal a card being pulled or inserted while the other is used for such activities as communicating with a modem card in the same way as support all PC Cards. The drives COM1 uses IR04. can access a variety of cards, such as memory, fax/modem, and LAN Trouble shooting PC Cards. To accomplish this, Most installation programs do not properly detect your Memory Manager (such as OEMM, 386MAX, more PC Card support software etc.) This means that it is usually necessary for you to manually edit its command line in your CON FIG.SYS to exclude the upper memory area reserved for the memory window. You do this by must be installed on your Pc. adding a parameter (e.g. X=DOOO-D7FF) to your memory manager command line. The preceding These drives require more of your example excludes 32K of upper memory starting at address 0000. You should consult your memory PC's system resources than the manager documentation for the correct syntax and the drive documentation will contain the size dedicated drives. required as well as location options. Once you do this you will need to re-optimize your memory Adding full PC Card support manager using a utility like OEMM's OPTIMIZE or Microsoft's MEMMAKER to reconfigure your sys can be a rather complex affair (see tem. sidebar this page on requirements Another area is detecting unused IROs. While some IROs are associated with specific hard ware, others may be used by software. There is nothing in your PC that prevents two devices from and trouble shooting). Fortunately, using the same IRO, however, if they need it at the same time, your system will most likely crash. the software vendors are beginning Fortunately PC Card controllers can use the upper IROs from 8-15 and it is usually possible to find to make the software able to detect two available there. This problem can also occur with 1/0 addresses, but fortunately since there are potential conflicts and easier to many more of these it is usually easy to find an unused one. If you have problems with the initial install. While there are beginning installation, this is usually a good place to look in order to resolve them. (Again, this installation can to be more reliable drives coming be non-trivial. If you have problems installing your PC Card drive, call the manufacturer's technical to market, a good place to start for support number.) a Full-Support drive is one that Some Definitions uses the Vadem Controller and Upper Memory Window: The PC has an area of memory that resides from 640K to 1024K Phoenix's PCM+ software. called Upper Memory. This is used by your display, BIOS,and Operating System to store code and data. A PC Card drive requires a portion of this area to act like a shipping area. Data sent and Hardware Considerations received from the card is put into this area. This area cannot be used by other programs and there fore your Memory Manager needs to be told to leave it alone by 'excluding' it. This window is locat We've looked closely at the soft ed between address COOO and EFFF. ware, but there are several hard I/O Address: PCs have a range of input/output, 1/0, Addresses that are used to communicate ware considerations to keep in with most of the accessories that you can add. Items such as hard drives, modems, sound cards, mind when you are selecting a network cards, SCSI cards, etc. need these addresses to send and receive data and commands. Since a PC Card drive accepts cards that perform these functions, it must be given a set of 1/0 drive. Most current drives have an! addresses to use. These addresses usually are between 100 and 3FF and cannot be shared with opening that will support at least other devices. Type III, 10mm high PC Cards. IRQs: Interrupt Request lines are like doorbells that are designed to get the CPUs attention This height is necessary for AT A when certain devices have data ready for it. Each PC has 161ROs that are numbered from 0 to 15 hard drives. While there are some with 0 being given the highest priority. Your keyboard, serial ports, and mouse are examples of PC Card drives designed for devices that need to own a unique IRO to get the CPU to service it. A PC Card drive needs one IRO Toshiba laptops that are taller than to be able to tell the CPU when you have removed or inserted a card. A second IRO is needed for modem and network cards to inform the CPU that data is ready to be picked up since it is originating 10mm, the extra height has not from an external modem or PC. Generally IROs from 10 to 15 can be used for PC Card drives. been approved by the PC Card Standards Committee and is not likely to be. Make sure the drive door, while not a requirement; pro able and best value as a second has an LED 'busy' indicator. This is vides a cleaner appearance and controller is not required. Some very important for large data stor helps keep foreign objects out. models allow installation of the age cards because it lets you know Two and four slot drives are second drive in the back of the Pc. when the drive is inactive and you now available. I would recommend Then you have to fight with all the can pull out the card. A hinged the two slot drive as the most reli- serial and parallel cables at the rear THE HP P ALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 41 HOW TO USE Adding card drives to your desktop panel to insert a PC Card, so it insert and immediately access the tern. "Plug and Play," also refers to doesn't make much sense to me. card. There should be a small delay PC Cards that provide their own However, if you have no free drive but otherwise the drive should resources, that can be inserted and bays, you have no other choice if work without a problem. used without installing special dri you want to add an internal drive. vers. PC Card support is growing. The four-slot models with the rear There is no question that adding it insertion drive have tremendous The Future to your desktop PC greatly enhanc resource requirements, and I have es your ability and efficiency when The future brings a feature called not found this setup to be reliable. working with portable and "Plug-n-Play" to your PC, which is A few final purchasing tips. Palmtop PCs. designed to allow you to add Don't purchase any drive that can drives easily by including the PC not be returned. If you are buying Card software in the operating sys Pricing and contact information, from a dealer, bring the cards you tem. PC Card support is already Third Party Products, pages 50-61 use and have him demonstrate that included in IBM's OS/2 and Micro and Product Index, page 63. they will work. A good test is to Sharewarelfreeware index page 64. soft's Windows95 operating sys- Using PC Cards and Drives with Windows 95 Windows 95 is supposed to make life easier with PC Card devices. It does, and it doesn't! Here's the inside scoop. By Mark Scardina "Plug-and-play" refers to the ability in PC Card drivers) to provide 32- taining a button that starts the of a PC Card to slip into a card bit drivers to support the full range Window's Card Wizard. This op drive and work, without the convo of PC Cards. However, there are tion removes the PCMCIA drivers luted process of modifying configu some significant gaps in this sup in your CONFIG.SYS file and ration files and changing computer port. installs 32 bit PC Card support, settings. Windows 95 comes close Prior to Windows 95, the soft freeing up memory and increasing to bringing plug-and-play support ware needed to make PC Cards and performance. to your desktop Pc. This is impor drives work was installed by a The PC Card drivers built into tant to Palmtop users because many desktop's CONFIG.SYS file. Windows 95 provide support for transfer files between their Palmtop Whenever you turn on, or reboot a the AT A FlashRAM cards manufac and desktop PC via a PC Card desktop PC, it looks for the CON tured by SanDisk and marketed by drive. As the sidebar on page 40 tes FIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files a number of other vendors. tifies, installing a PC Card drive in and uses the commands in them to Windows 95 also supports ATA a desktop PC is not always a trivial configure the computer. If you had hard drives as well as support for event. PC Card support prior to Windows fax/modem cards. In addition, Windows 95 comes with sup 95, you'll notice that installing Windows 95 provides support for port for a wide range of PC Cards Windows 95 did not change the dri many network cards including and controllers. This means that vers listed in your CONFIG.5YS 3Com, Xircom, Silicom, and Socket. once you've installed Windows 95 file. You need to do this using a You will note that I haven't men on your desktop, you can (in most new Windows 95 feature called tioned SRAM cards. Windows 95 cases) eliminate the PC Card dri "Card Wizard." Once you've in does not support SRAM cards, but vers in your CONFIG.5YS file. This stalled Windows 95, activate the we'll discuss that later. Lets look at frees up a significant amount of Help application under the Start how Windows 95 handles ATA memory. Microsoft worked with button and enter the PCMCIA cards and their drive letters. Systemsoft (a company specializing option. This opens a window con- 42 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 Adding Support for AT A Cards PC Cards use a version of Stacker device=c:\windows\syslem\csmapper.sys to as much as double the file stor Upon inserting an ATA card or device=c:\windows\syslem\carddrv.exe Islol=n age capacity of a card. If you are using Stacker there are normally drive into a desktop PC, Windows The variable "n" at the end of the two ways to access your card. 95 "looks" at the device and second command line equals the Stacker 4.1 supports Windows attempts to identify it. The only number of physical slots on your ATA card type that Windows 95 95 and will theoretically support Pc. compressed cards. Unfortunately, recognizes is the "SanDisk ATA The drive letters assigned to the Stacker driver is loaded by the Flash Disk." If you have another the slots for SRAM cards are differ CONFIG.5YS file before Windows type of Flash card, such as the ACE ent from those used for ATA cards. 95 starts up. This means that DoubleFlash Plus card, you need to For example, to read your AT A Stacker looks for the PC Card change some settings. The first FlashDisk, you would insert it in drives before Windows 95 loads time you insert a non-ATA Flash the card drive and look for a specif the software necessary to find card a dialog box appears. Select ic drive letter (say, "L" for this them. Stacker can't find the drivers the "Other Drivers" option and example). To read your SRAM or the cards in the drives. The only then select the SanDisk FlashDisk card, you would remove the way around this is the use the old option. This option emulates other FlashDisk, insert the SRAM card in PC Card drivers and load them from Flash cards and will allow you to the same physical card drive, and CONFIG.5YS before the Stacker dri look for the card as a different read them in the card drive. If you ver loads in CONFIG.5YS. drive letter (say, "M" for this exam accidently select the wrong card Finally, if you do not need ple). option, you may have problems Palmtop support, you can com reading the card. Go to the Device press your card with DriveSpace, a Manager and delete the corre Windows 95 file compression utili Card Support Under DOS sponding Hard Disk Controller. ty much like Stacker. DriveSpace Then insert the card again and fol Contrary to popular opinion, will work properly with the 32 bit low the above instructions. Windows 95 does not do away drivers in Windows 95. However, with DOS. There are several ways PC Cards compressed with to get to a DOS prompt under DriveSpace cannot be read on the Making Your Drives Removable Windows 95, and all but one will HP Palmtops. allow you to access your PC Card A "removable" drive only appears drive. if there is a card in the slot. The "MS-DOS mode" option The Future· PC Card Standards Windows 95 does not make the unloads Windows 95 entirely. This Throughout this article I have card drives removable by default. option completely eliminates the talked about 32 bit driver support. This means that the drive letter for PC Card support that was loaded Do not confuse this with the new a PC Card drive still appears in by Windows 95. If you need PC 32 bit PC Card standard. The dis applications like Explorer even if Card support from DOS at this tinction is that the new PC Card the card is not in the slot. PC Cards point, you need to set it up in your standard describes a physical card can be configured to be removable. CONFIG.SYS file, using the origi slot that is 32 bits wide and a con Select the following menu nal drivers that came with the PC troller that moves data 32 bits at a sequence to get to the appropriate Card drive. (You may find that this time. The 32 bit PC Card drivers dialog box: Start, Settings, Control approach produces a slow down in mentioned in this article are small Panel, Device Manager, Disk drive access speed. This is because software programs that let the Drives Generic IDS Disk, Remov Windows 95 is running in computer talk to the PC Card via able. (You can also assign a drive ' "Compatibility mode" and is the card drive. These 32 bit drivers letter at this point for the card.) switching from 32 bit to 16 bit use the full capabilities of comput Once you have done this for each mode to access the drives. You can ers with 32 bit CPUs. They make AT A card or drive, you should see circumvent this slow down by faster disk access possible because adding the PCMCIA driver file the drive appear and disappear they eliminate the need for the sys names to the \ WINDOWS\IOS.INI based on insertion and removal. tem to switch to the 16 bit DOS file. compatibility mode when access ing a card drive. Adding SRAM Card Support Using file compression Windows 95 does not provide 32 software on your PC Card Pricing and contact information, bit support for SRAM cards. In If you are currently using compres order to use them, you must add Third Party Products, pages 50·61 sion software on your PC Card, and Product Index, page 63. two device drivers to your CON Windows 95 is going to make your FIG.SYS as follows: life much more complicated. Many THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 43 OW TO USE YOUR PALMTOP 15 PC Card Recommendations Consider these points before purchasing a PC Card and you'll be more satisfied with the outcome. By Hal Goldstein PC Memory cards Flash cards. In addition to cost, the A second reason to hesitate major disadvantage of a SRAM using disk compression software is card is that it requires a battery to that it may slow the Palmtop down 1. Get as large a card as you maintain its data where files saved a bit. This is especially true for can comfortably afford. to a Flash card are permanent until those storing large phone books or deleted by the user. data base files on a compressed PC As time goes by you'll discover On the plus side, SRAM cards Card. Normal operations, such as more programs or data that you are cheaper if you only need 128K, searching, saving and using sub would like readily available on 512K, or 1MB of storage space. sets can bog down significantly on your Palmtop. SRAM is also faster than Flash. a compressed card. Thirdly, by using disk com pression software on a PC Card, z. At least purchase a small 4. Avoid using disk you may limit the number of SRAM card to back up your compression software on devices that can access that particu Important files. your SRAM or Flash card lar card. For example, I have a PC unless really necessary. Card drive in both my desktop There is always a chance you will computer at work and at home, mistakenly delete a key file (eg If you need to maximize storage and I have an HP OmniBook with your PHONE or APPT book), bat space on your memory card; PC Card drives. I frequently swap teries will run out, or files on the C Stacker, Diet ii, or ACE Double files between all these machines drive get corrupted. If you have no Flash software offer safe solutions. using a memory card. In addition, I regular means of backing up your With compression software you often use a memory card to give C drive, at the very least you can store approximately 1.5 to 2.5 fellow HP Palmtop Paper editors a should purchase a small SRAM times the data that you can nor copy of a file for testing on their card for this purpose. A 128K, mally store on a PC Card. How Palmtops, or for editing on their 512K, or 1 MB SRAM card retails ever, there are four to five significant desktop Pc. If I used compression for between $35 to $175. Just be reasons why you might not want to software on my Palmtop's PC sure to change your SRAM card's use disk compression software. Card, all of the above mentioned battery every year. First of all, disk compression systems would also have to use software appropriates valuable that software to read my card. System RAM memory. This means Fourthly, compression soft 1. In most cases you are better that if you are using disk compres ware is not seamless. Some techni off buying a Flash card than a sion software; you are more likely cal expertise may be needed either SRAM card. to receive an "out of memory" initially, for reinstallation, or for message when trying to open an Unless you are on a tight budget or troubleshooting potential conflicts additional System Manager only need a small amount of disk with other programs. application. For example, if you Finally, although disk com space for backup purposes, Flash have 1-2-3, PHONE, and APPT cards are a better investment. The pression software has pretty much open, you may not have enough cost per megabyte of a Flash card is passed the test of time, the issue of room to open MEMO because of considerably cheaper than a SRAM data safety cannot be totally the System RAM that the disk com card, especially for larger capacity ignored. Disk compression adds an pression software borrows. extra layer of complexity, and that 44 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 increases the possibility (however small) of files or disks getting inad vertently corrupted. Using your HP Palmtop ... Despite all these objections, Just got a whole lot easier! many users find disk compression With the New Acrylic GeoPro Clipboard software both economical and practical. You must weigh the pros If you're on the run and writing and cons to come up with what with your HP Palmtop, then the GeoPro Clipboard is for you. In makes sense to you. car, on a jet, at work or at Now Available in home, use your HP Palmtop in Smoke, ways you never dreamed, In Transparent Red 5. Find out the actual and Deep Blue places you never imagined! non-compressed capacity of Now, with a GeoPro Clipboard, standing and typing on an HP Palmtop ha.s become even the PC Card you purchase. faster and easier. Having a place to hold important papers and to ta~e occasional notes, also comes in handy. Even if you are sitting, but are without the benefit of a desk, you will be ACE, SanDisk, and an increasing happier and more productive. with a Ge,oPro ~Iipboard.. . Features include dust and dirt protection with an e:asl1y repla~eable keyboard S.hl~ld, A low number of PC Card vendors adver profile light weight design allows the GeoPro Clipboard w!th a Palmtop to fit Into most tise their cards in terms of their ap briefcases. A unique shock resistant housing protects your Investment and prevents your proximate total compressed capaci Palmtop from falling from the GeoPro Clipboard yet allows easy access, ty rather than the card's physical Only $3995 GeoPro Development CALL: 909-864-2174 Plus'S&H 2519 Bonita Drive FAX: 909-864-2846 disk space. If you're shopping No risk 3D-day PO BOX 158 ~ around for the best price, you need money-back guarantee Highland, CA 92346, USA ... to know whether the price you're being quoted is for a 20MB card for as little as $100 if you only need higher than software on floppy with file compression, or a 10MB them to read and write to Memory disk. Another disadvantage of without compression. cards. If you want your PC to be ROM card-based software is that able to access fax/modem and you can't use your PC Card slot other input/output devices, you'll for anything else while using the 6. Get a PC Card drive need to spend a little more for a card. for your desktop. card drive. If you want to access more I haven't used a Palmtop than one DOS program or have Connectivity Cable in years. I large data storage needs, you may transfer and backup Palmtop files 7. ROM·based software Is easier be better off copying the ROM card software and other desired pro by inserting my Palmtop's PC Card to use and access, but Is grams on to another larger capacity into my desktop PC Card drive. I Inflexible and more expensive. memory card, or the C drive to log onto my desktop's D drive and ROM cards are PCMCIA memory avoid switching PC Cards back copy, save, or delete files using reg cards that can be read from, but not and forth. In some, but not all ular DOS commands. written to. Some manufacturers cases, ROM-based software can be If you have an empty drive make their software available on copied. (This is not the case with bay and I/O slot in your PC, and ROM cards. HP offers a Diction the Hewlett-Packard Diction are willing to spend 30-60 minutes ary /Thesaurus ROM card (HP installing a drive, I recommend, ary /Thesaurus card. The ROM F100SA) and a company called card must be present in the card purchasing an internal PC Card Pocket Consultant offers a series of slot for the software to run.) drive as opposed to an external ROM-card-based software pro drive that attaches to your parallel grams. (Note: Some subscribers (or serial) port. The advantage of have reported problems getting 8. HP 95LX users should verify the external PC Card drives is that merchandise they have ordered that the memory card works in they are easier to install and their from Pocket Consultant. In addi their Palmtop. software drivers take less system tion, we have had difficulty con Any PCMCIA SRAM card should RAM. However, internally mount tacting Pocket Consultant recently.) work in any HP Palmtop. Some ed drives are faster than external Usually all you have to do ones and I found I was quickly SanDisk Flash cards will work on with ROM card software is plug it the HP 9SLX, and some won't. spoiled by the harddisk-like speed. in and perhaps perform a simple Internal PC Card drives tend IBM Flash cards and future Flash instruction to be up and running. cards probably won't work with to be less expensive than their However, due to the cost of the the HP 9SLX. In any case check external cousins. They are available ROM card itself, prices tend to be with the vendor before purchase. THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 45 HOW TO USE 15 Recommendations 9. There are two "classes" of disk space the fax or communica cable between them and the RJ-11 Flash cards - make sure the tions software occupies. (The built phone cable. Finally, consider the vendor guarantees the card in COMM and cc:MAIL software quality of tech support offered and will work with your Palmtop. may suit your communications whether your vendor will take needs, although both programs are your unit back without hassle if The HP 100/200LX automatically recognizes SanDisk and IBM AT A limited). Most fax software is rela you are displeased with it. Flash disks. SanDisk and IBM are tively large, and remember that if you are using a fax/modem card, the only two manufacturers of 14. Consider using an external commercially available ATA Flash you're limited to the internal mem portable fax/modem Instead cards as of this writing. ACE, ory of the Palmtop for file storage. of a card. Epson, and other Flash card ven You may want to purchase com dors put their label on these cards, pact fax software such as SSF AXER There are a number of external and in some cases add their own separately. portable fax/modems available software enhancements. The HP 'and can be connected to your 95LX can use some SanDisk ATA Palmtop's serial port. You can then cards with special driver software. 12. We recommend fax/ store fax or communications soft Do not purchase non-ATA Flash modem cards designed with ware on a PC Memory Card and cards (usually less expensive), HP Palmtops In mind, or at the have room on the card for upload unless the manufacturer or vendor least, cards In which a third ing or downloading files and E verifies the card works with the HP party provides a custom HP MAIL. External fax/modems can Palmtops with custom driver soft Palmtop solution. ware. Find out how much System be less expensive than card mo RAM the custom driver takes and We are particularly excited about dems, but are bulkier and require whether you will be able to read the fax/modem/memory cards that you carry around extra cables, the card in other systems before offered by EXP and Smart (see adapters and a charger. (Shier Sys purchase. page 11). These cards offer fax and tems, phone: 805-498-6786, fax: 805- communications solution congru 498-8174, provides custom modem Input/Output cards ent with the size and philosophy of cables for HP Palmtops.) the always available HP Palmtop. (Fax/modem and other cards) If you have enough room on 10. Don't purchase any I/O the C drive for your fax and com General Advice card unless the manufacturer munications software, you might guarantees it works with HP also consider the ACE Megahertz 15.1 recommend purchasing Palmtop. card with ACE-FAX, which offers a your PC Card from one of our Make sure the manufacturer has test compact solution. advertisers. ed the card. Due to power and soft I say this not to be self-serving, but ware issues, unless the vendor indi 13. When purchasing a fax/ as practical advice. Any company cates otherwise, LAN, SCSI, or Sound modem card, consider all the who advertises (especially over PC Cards do not work with an HP variables. time) in The HP Palmtop Paper has Palmtop. In addition, not all fax/ shown its commitment to the HP modem cards work with HP 100/ When you are ready to purchase a Palmtop market. These companies 200LX. The New Media PalmModem PC Fax/Modem Card, consider are, at the least, HP Palmtop-aware is the only fax/modem card available hardware compatibility, software that works with the HP 95LX. and are most likely to provide the compatibility, software disk space proper documentation, support, required, modem speed, fax speed, and testing for their PCMCIA Card 11. Not all fax/modem card ease-of-use, ease-of-learning, and product on the HP Palmtops. software works with the HP price. Also, consider the physical 100/200LX. design of the unit. For example, the Some fax/modem cards come with Megahertz Xjack cards connect di rectly to the RJ-ll cable that con Pricing and contact information, Windows-based fax and communi Third Party Products, pages 50-61 cations software, and this is useless nects your phone to the wall sock and Product Index, page 63 on the HP Palmtops. In addition, et. Most other fax/ modem cards SharewarelFreeware index page 64. you must be aware of how much require an adapter or adapting 46 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 Get the DOS and Lotus Answers You Need - Fast and Eas "Far superior to any other guide, "What do I think? Wow, even I can fol "Not to worry-the graphics tabs in cheat sheet or original documenta low this! Ever try to look something up MICROREF manuals provide such easy tion ... an excellent guide for all in the index of a manual? access to information that it almost users ... highly recommended. " makes the index unnecessary, and the - John Dvorak, PC Magazine step-by-step guides within make all things possible for this DOS dummy. We asked Sharon Dilmore, our Circulation Director, what she had to "Sorry guys, you can't have them back. say about the MICROREF Quick Possession is nine-tenths of the law. Reference manuals: Lotus 1-2-3 Thanks." Suitable for user from novice to pro Order Yours Today! • Comprehensive coverage of commands • MICROREF Quick Reference Guide, Lotus • Step-by-step outlines of procedures 1-2-3, Version 2.4 - $14.95 • Numerous examples and illustrations PC/MS-DOS • MICROREF Quick Reference Guide, DOS, • Spiral bound pages lie flat, turn easily Version 5.0 - $14.95 • Graphic tabs for fast access to sections • Both the DOS and 1-2-3 guides ordered at • Convenient pocket size that can travel with you the same time - $25 • Cross referenced index locates subjects fast Shipping (for one or both guides) $4 U.S., • Glossary of terms with command summary $9 outside U.S. ATTENTION: and Enthusiasts Revised Developer's Guide and Software Now Available "The HP 1001200LX Developer's Guide is a 586 writing normal TSR programs as well as "special" Object and library files for use with C and assembler page book packed with information about the TSRs that can be started by System Manager or by a compilers; lOW-level graphics support; an Icon inner secrets of the HP Palmtops." - Ed Keefe third party application. viewer/editor and many other tools and info files, plus (HP Palmtop Paper Technical Editor) The Developer's Disk contains 139 files. They include programming samples. An absolute necessity for third-party developers and a programs and information for creating .EXM programs; The PAL Disk (Palmtop Application Library) provides goldmine of useful and interesting information and soft what you need to give your DOS application the look ware for the dedicated amateur, the Developer's and feel of the built-in Palmtop applications. The HP 100LXI HP 200LX Package contains everything you need to write soft Developer's Guide ware, design hardware, or simply understand the inner In addition, the Developer's Package includes 3 workings of the HP Palmtops. Marketing Kits to help you sell your product once you've created it. And, a Special Reprint of The HP The HP 1001200LX Developer's Guide has been Palmtop Paper's reviews of the Developer's Guide and cleaned up and revised and contains new information the PAL project. on DOS; PCMCIA cards; System Manager Event Management Services; System Manager Task Control Finally, we've included CompuServe and Internet soft Blocks (TCBs); Intertask Communication (ITC) and ware (with free access time) to help you get in touch Database formats. Plus, valuable information about with other Palmtop programmers and enthusiasts. The HP Palmtop Developer's Package includes: 5.Special Reprint of The HP Palmtop Paper reviews of the 100/200LX Developer's Guide and the PAL project. I.A printed, loose-leaf copy of the 586 page Developer's Guide. 6.CompuServe and Internet software including 3 free 2.A 31/2" disk containing HP developed and copyrighted freeware programs hours of Internet access and one free month of Basic and utilities for Developers. CompuServe services. 3.Marketing kits from : HP, HP Palmtop Paper, HP Palmtop Catalog 4.PAL software tool kit - a collection of C source code for developing HP Developers Package Price $79 Palmtop DOS applications from a collaborative effort of HP Palmtop developers Shipping $5 U.S., $12 outside the U.S. on the CompuServe HPHAND forum. Marketing Information Only (Items 3, and 5) $9 (plus shipping as above) To order: Send a check or money order (drawn on a U.S. bank, payable in U.S. funds) to: Thaddeus Computing, 57 E. Broadway, Fairfield, Iowa, 52556 To order by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), please call: 800-809-5603, or 515-472-1660. FAX: 515-472-1879 CompuServe: 76125,1773 Internet: 76125,[email protected] (All merchandise shipped upon receipt of payment. Iowa residents please add 5% sales tax.) W TO USE YOUR PALMTOP Use File Compression and Maximize File Storage on your PC Card By Mark Scardina and Hal Goldstein What is Installing Stacker 4.0 and 4.1 on your HP Palmtop Data Compression? [Note: Stacker 4.1 is an upgrade that primarily takes care of some Windows95 issues. The instruc torage space on the HP (ions below were tested on version 4.0, but should work with 4.1.) Palmtops, like precious real Before providing you with step by step instructions, you should be aware that the Stacker 4.0 S and 4.1 license is granted for one PC per copy and thaf your 100/200LX requires its own copy. If estate, can be expensive and you have Stacker 3.0 on your Palmtop and want to upgrade to 4.0 or 4.1, purchase a full copy of the limited. The use of data (file) com product, do not purchase the Stacker Upgrade package. This package is designed for DOS 6.0 or greater users and does not provide the necessary programs for use on your 100i200LX. pression programs can mean While there are various methods to create a StacKer drive on your card, the following method is significant disk space savings on the easiest and most reliable. This method creates a 'bootable' card and allows you to reboot your the Palmtop's PC Card (A) drive HP 100/200LX without Stacker by simply removing your card: and internal (C) drive. 1. Start with a freshly formatted memory card. Data compression software lets 2. Using MEMO or a DOS text editor create A:\CONFIG.SYS with the following lines: you store the same information device=a:\stacker.com (data files and program files) in files=30 less space. However, many data buffers=6 and program files have a lot of shell=d:\dos\command.com /p d : \dos empty space and redundant infor (If you are using MEMO make sure you save this in ASCII format. Make sure there is an empty mation in them. If we could reduce space before ana after Ip.) the size of the data and program 3. Using the same editor create A:\STACKERINI with the following lines: files we use on our HP Palmtops, /P=10 we would have that much more /AUTO A: \ STACVOL.DSK,RP space left over for other files. There are two significant (Once again make sure you save it in ASCII format. This file was new to Stacker 4.0 and is used in lieu of the command line parameters. IP=10 sets Stacker to MAXSPACE. The IAUTO allows your disadvantages to data compres card to auto-mount when inserted. RP stands for Replaceable Drive, which is what your card is.) sion. First, loading and saving files can be slower because a file must 4. Copy STACKER.COM to your A drive. Also copy any other device driver programs that appear on the lines BEFORE the Stacker device line in the CONFIG.SYS file. The files stored on this be decompressed before it can be unstacked portion of the RAM card will not be accessible once Stacker loads unless you unmount used by an application. Secondly, the card or boot without Stacker. the compression! decompression TIP: If you have DIET 1.4x, you can compress STACKER COM with the following command line: program occupies some disk space. C:> DIET -x STACKER. COM In addition, it usually requires 5. Copy the following Stacker files from your Stacker disk to your C drive: extra disk space for temporary or CREATE. COM permanent file storage. Some pro SCREXEC.EXE grams require extra system RAM SCREXEC2.EXE to perform compression. 6. Enter the following command from the DOS prompt with System Manager terminated: C:> CREATE A: / S=O / R=2.5 File Compression Programs This will create a hidden STACVOL.DSK file on your memory card. Stacker is the most popular file com 7. Reboot your 100/200LX and you should have a new A drive. At this point you can create an pression program available and is AUTOEXEC.BAT on A and erase the Stacker files on C. pre-installed on many commercial One final note. Under Stacker 4.0 and 4.1 there is no longer the inconsistency between the space Flash cards, including ACE's Double remaining as reported by CHKDSK and that reported by DIR This is because Stacker actually changes the reported number of sectors on the disk based on its current average compression ratio. This is just Flash cards. Once installed (see side 'smoke and mirrors' and you should continue to regard the remaining space figure as an estimate. bar), it automatically compresses 48 THE HP P ALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 the documentation to DIET found in extensions). It adds a small amount the 1992 Subscribers Disk and various of extraction code at the beginning DIET-related files found in the HP of the compressed executable file. HAND Forum of CompuServe.] When you want to run the pro gram that has been compressed, all Microsoft's DoubleSpace com you do is type its name at the DOS pression utility cannot be used on prompt. It automatically uncom the 100/200LX because it requires presses and runs. The compressing MS-DOS 6.0 or better and the process does not change the opera Palmtops have DOS 5.0 Infrared Printing From tion of the program at all, it merely Your HP 100 and 200LX PKZIPii is a popular shareware reduces the disk space required to file compression program. We use store it. • Cable·free printer connection it to compress and archive the files PKLite will run on any IBM • Works with any parallel printer on The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK . PC/ compatible with DOS 2.0 or • Fas~ reliable and easy to use PKZIP has many options, but it is higher. possible to make use of this pro LHA ij is a freeware file compres _ EXtended gram using a few of its basic sion and archival program. We Systems® options, and learn more about 5777 North Meeker Ave. Boise, ID 83713 used it to compress and create self advanced features as you need extracting files on the 1993 and Tel: 800·23,·7,76 or 208·322·7)7) Fax 406·,87·9170 them. PKZIP can compress an indi 1994 Subscriber's PowerDisk. and decompresses files without vidual file so it takes up less space, attention from the user. or archive a number of files into a single compressed file. Before deciding whether to use Pricing and contact information, Stacker, ask yourself these questions: Third Party Products, pages 50·61 PKLite ii Like DIET, this share and Product Index, page 63. 1. Do I use all of the capacity on my ware program can compress exe Sharewarelfreeware index 64. PC memory card? cutable files (with .EXE and .COM 2. Do I frequently have to close applications to open others? 3. Is the physical size of my card 5MB or more? If you answered Yes to questions 1 ActionTec••••• • & 3, you should seriously consider Technology In Motion using Stacker on your Flash card. If you answered No to 1 or 3, or Yes to question 2, you many not need YOUR :# 1 SOURCE F'OR PCMCIA! Stacker. DIET ii, another popular compres sion utility, can be used to manual- , We ly compress individual .COM and Manufacture: .EXE program files. In addition, it can be installed as a memory-resi dent utility that automatically com SRAM presses and decompresses files to Flash your internal C drive or PC Card. Once installed, DIET will automati Card Readers cally recompress previously com pressed files, including data files for the built-in programs MEMO, Also Available: ATA, Hard Drives, & Mask ROM! PHONE, etc. [A more complete description of DIET and installation OEM & PRIVATE LABEL ACCOUNTS WELCOME instructions can be found on page 20 National Sales Office (714) 851·8242 of the Jan/Feb 92 issue. Also helpful is 17702 Mitchell North, Irvine, CA 92714 Fax: (714) 851·8249 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 49 This section lists PC Card storage with compression program/ erase algorithm Flash filing system software related products and includes software (e.g., a Doublecard and sector sizes of 128 to 512 must be installed on the hardware, software, books, and 2MB is a 1MB SRAM card bytes, allowing you to 100/200LX in order for the services of interest to IfP with file compression soft access, modify, and save Palmtop to read these cards. Palmtop users. The icons above ware installed). ACE offers data faster than conven the product name indicate the following cards. tional Flash memory cards. CONTACT: Centennial Tech., Inc., 31 Manning Road, Billerica, MA 01821, which Palmtop the product is Doublecards - SRAM The software needed for the USA; Phone: 800-942-0018 or 508- suitable for: for the 95LX, for cards requiring a battery for HP Palmtops to read the 610-0646,' Fax: 508-610-9025. the 100j200LX. If there is no data retention. Doublecards Flash-5 cards is preinstalled icon, check the product type come with compression soft on the card. However, you DIP SystelDs introduction to see whether it ware built in and work with must modify your Palm United KingdolD applies to all or some Palmtops, any HP Palmtop. They top's CONFIG.SYS file to PC Card Distributor or to desktop PCs . Suggested range from the DoubleCard read the cards. Contact ven retail prices are listed. 1MB ($109) to the Double dor for prices. DIP offers a range of PC We invite vendors and Card 4MB ($289). ACE also Card products including CONTACT: AMP Product Information subscribers to send us informa has uncompressed SRAM Center, P. 0. Box 3608 MIS 38-03, Har memory and SRAM cards, tion about IfP Palmtop-related cards available. risburg, PA 11105-3608, USA; Phone: modems, CD-ROM drives, products they discover. We rely DoubleFlash - San 800-522-6152; Fax: 111-986-1515. SCSI, RS232, and card on information we receive from Disk AT A Flash cards with drives. DIP is a distributor the manufacturer and cannot compression and battery Cardwell for IBM, Mitsubishi, Epson, test every piece of hardware or management software built MelDory Cards Nokia, ActionTec, EXP, software. We welcome any user in. They work with any HP Card well's SRAM PC Cards SCM and Databook. PC feedback on product suitability. Palmtop and range from the use low power chips and Card product directory with DoubleFlash 3MB ($179) to include an internal auxiliary 40 PC Card products avail By Paul Merrill the DoubleFlash 40MB ($839). battery, ensuring data reten able on request. and Richard Ifall DoubleFlash+ - IBM tion during main battery AT A FlashRAM cards with replacement. CONTACT: DIP Systems, Units 1-2, built-in file compression and The Technology Centre, Weston Farm, Cardwell also has Flash Albury, Surrey, GU59BX, ENGLAND. HARDWARE battery management soft cards available for the HP ware. These are the newest 100/ 200LX. Envoy Data This section describes PC Flash card technology with Card-related hardware Pricing: MelDory Cards close to SRAM read/write IMBSRAM ...... $169 products, and lists memory performance. They work Envoy offers SRAM and cards, card readers, I/O 2MB SRAM ...... $289 with the 100/200LX but not 1MB Rash ...... $129 AT A Flash cards and SRAM cards such as fax/modem the 95LX. They range from 2MB Rash ...... $119 and ATA Industrial Grade cards, PCMCIA developers the DoubleFlash+ 6MB 4MB Rash ...... $249 cards (sealed to protect kits, and more. ($229) to the DoubleFlash+ CONTACT: Cardwell International against environment and 80MB ($1,249). Corporation, 110 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 156, Folsom, CA 95630-4112, extreme operating tempera [See advertising, back cover.] USA; Phone: 916-985-1880; Fax: tures). Regular and Indus PC MEMORY 916-985-1899. trial Grade SRAM cards CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc. , CARDS come in capacities up to 592 Weddell Drive, #6, Sunnyvale, CA Centennial 2MB (2MB: $239/$349). 94089, USA; Phone: 800-825-9911 or MelDory Cards 408-134-0100; FaX' 408-134-3344. Regular Flash cards come in capacities from 5MB ($289) IiMU 100/200L~ The ReCharge Card is a Adtron Type I SRAM card with a to 80MB ($2,495) . Add $250 [A wide variety of PC Card MelDory Cards fully rechargeable data to upgrade to Industrial memory cards are available. Adtron offers SRAM, Flash, backup battery. A built-in Grade. All cards listed below work ATA Flash and hard drive charging circuit active dur Envoy also offers Flash with 95/100/200LX unless (Type III) PC Cards. Prices ing operation keeps the memory cards, with built in otherwise indicated.] vary. ReCharge Card operational True Flash File System, for for years without replacing the HP 100/200LX. Flash ACE CONTACT: Adtron Corp. , 3050 S. the battery. Available in memory card capacities Country Club Dr. Suite 24, Mesa, AZ MelDory ~ards 85210, USA; Phone: 602-926-9324; 256K to 4MB capacities range from 1MB ($66) to ACE Technologies markets FaX' 602-926-9359. (lMB - $159, 2MB - $259, 40MB ($1,355). SRAM and Flash "Double" 4MB - $749). [See advertising, page 7.] cards with compression soft AMP Centennial also offers MelDory Cards CONTACT: Envoy Data Corporation, ware built in. The card the Palm Flash cards in 953 East Juanita Avenue, Suite A, capacities listed are approxi AMP offers Flash-5 Flash capacities from 256K to 2MB Mesa, AZ 85204, USA; Phone: 602- mations reflecting expected memory cards that have a (lMB - $110, 2MB - $185). 892-0954; FaX' 602-892-0029. 50 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 Epson Maxtor Flash New Media 145 Washington Street, Norwell, MA MelDory Cards MelDory Cards Flash Cards 02081, USA,' Phone: 8/1-811-1050,' Fax 8/1-811-8018. Epson offers SRAM (512K to The MobileMax Flash Memory New Media offers SRAM 2MB, $139 to $299) and ATA Card product line consists of a cards available in capacities PC Card Produ(!~ Flash cards (2.5MB to 20MB, series of Type I Flash memory from 256K to 2MB. Through Peripherals Dired $349 to $1,299) for the HP PC Cards in capacities of 1MB CONTACT: New Media Corporation, Palmtops. to 20MB. MobileMax cards One Technology, Building A, Irvine, CA Peripherals Direct is a dis CONTACT: Epson Connection, 20110 come with Flash filing system 92118, USA,' Phone: 800-453-0550 or tributor for Adtron PC Card Madrona Ave., Torrance, CA 90509, software installed on the card. 114-453-0100,' Fax 114-453-0114. drives, SanDisk FlashDisks USA,' Phone: 800-289-3118; Epson Insert the card into the memo and Drives, Quatech I/O Accessories: 800-813-1188: Canada: ry card slot of a 95LX or 100/ PalJDTree MelDory Cards and Data Acquisition PC 800-483-1186,' Latin America: 305-285- 200LX and type A:INST ALL cards, Calluna Data Storage 0092,' Fax 310-182-4401. from the DOS prompt. The Offers SRAM, linear and Devices and ActionTec I/O UP MelDory Cards MobileMax card configures ATA Flash cards from 1MB PC cards. itself for your system. to 40MB. Compression soft CONTACT: Peripherals Direct, 3350 Hewlett-Packard Company CONTACT: Maxtor Corporation, 211 ware optional. Prices range provides AT A Flash disk Scott Blvd.,Bldg 1, Santa Clara ,CA, River Oaks Parkway, San Jose, CA from $130 to $1,500. Call for 95054, USA,' Phone: 800-124-3000 or cards with Stacker file com 95134, USA,' Phone: 800-282-9881 or current pricing. 408-121-2600 (Prima Internationa!),' pression software pre 408-432-1100,' Fax: 408-432-4510; CONTACT: PalmTree Products, Inc., Fax: 408-121-2435. loaded. HP offers the fol Telex: 111014. lowing AT A Flash disk cards for the HP Palmtops and Omnibook (uncom H P PAL M TOP lJ S E R S G R 0 UPS pressed capacity) 5MB Those interested in participating in an HP Palmtop users group should contact the Los Angeles, CA (USA) - 95lXIllXY2OOLX users in the LA area should contact: ($359), 10MB ($559) and following individuals. Send us contact information fomnatted as below if you wish to lJaveShierat8fJ5.311-939I,·Fax:8fJ5.311·939I,·CIS:{15O:JO.3314IforfT1Ol9infonnalion. 20MB ($949). be added as a contact for a users group in your area. New Jersey/New York (USA) - 95LX110012ooLX users in the New Jersey/New [See advertising, page 33.] Arlington, VA I Washington, DC (USA) - 95LX1100'200l.X users in the Artington. York area. Contact: Stanley Dobrowski, 169 Springfield Avenue, Rutherford, NJ, VA I Washington. DC area contact: Rick Shaddock, clo Computer Instructors 01011J.1642; CIS 10:[11031,2162J,' Phone: 201-lJ(}1-5851 (work). CONTACT: HP Dealers worldwide. HP CoIporaIion, 2320 SouII1 £ads. At/ingIDn. VA,.?aa:l?,' Phone 103-48{N!222. memory cards are also available from Oklahoma City, OK (USA) - 9511001200LX users in the Oklahoma City area. AUSTRIA - 95LX1100/2ooLX users in Austria should contact: Ulli Hoesch, A- Contact: Richard 8. Meek, 1804 Huntington, Oklahoma City. OK 13116, USA; selected third-party vendors. 1111 Vienna, PO. Box 50, HP-Club, AUSTRIA; Fax: +431115443224, Residentiat Phone: 405-842-1261. Magi(! RAM Cleveland, OH (USA) - 95l.X/100'200l.X users in the Cleveland area should con PANAMA I LATIN AMERICA - HP Palmtop users in Panama or Latin America tact: Craig de FasseIIe, do MEM, Inc., 4702 East 355th St, Willoughby, OH 44094. should contact: Aviran Yanir, P.O. Box 31002 Colon Free Zone. REPUBLIC OF MelDory Cards PANAMA; Phone: 5074410442; Fax: 507·4410473. Boston, MA (USA) - 95LX11001200LX users in the Boston area should contact: SRAM memory cards manu Bryan Krauthamer,' Phone: 611-314-9600 x 191 (work); Fax: 811-314-9620; PORTUGAL - For 95LX11ool2OOLX users .. Contact: PPTUG, Rua da SFUAP, A ConpuServe 10:[1OoI44,41j. B, 2810 Laranjeiro. PORTUGAL; Phone/Fax: 351-1-2597216; Internet: factured by Magic RAM [email protected]. come with dual battery pro BRAZIL - 9511001200LX users in Brazil should contact: Marcos L. Pedroza, Rua Trairi 641 Ap 104-8, 59020-150 Natal, RN-BRAZIL; Phone: 55 84 211-6162. Richmond, VA (USA) - For 95LX110012ooLX users in the Central Virginia area. tection, preventing loss of Contact: John Haskell, 1102 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, VA 23226-3815. CIS data during replacement of Denver, CO (USA) - 95LX110012ooLX users in the Denver area should contact: 10: [1015O,1243} or Phone: 804-288-6013 (work). Bill Hoellgen, 5944 S. Kipling, Suite 300. Lillleton, CO 80121 Phone: 303- the primary battery. 933-0023; Fax: 303-911-0341. Group meets quarterty. San Diego, CA (USA) - For lOO12OOL.X users in the San Diego area. Contact: M81k GiIIfz, Intemet gililzfJhdssrf.hiladli.crm; Workphone: 61!J.531-:xxxJ; Fax: 619-695-9501. Available in 512K ($89), Detroit, MI (USA) - 95LX11oo12ooLX users in the Detroit area should contact: 1MB ($139) and 2MB ($269) Jeff Zorn, 29311 AnJ-nel, Fanning/on HillS, MI48334-2815; Phone: 313-489-1855 San FranciSCO, CA (USA) - S.PAM (SOCiety for Palmtop Advancement through (EST) or LouiS Peeples, St Clair Shores MI48080; Phone: 313-111-9390. Meetings). For HP Palmtop users in the Bay Area, Northern California. Contact: capacity. DenniS Dodd, CompuServe 10: [1330t.3214}," Phone: 4/5-592-3910. A T A Flash memory GERMANY - HP PalmtCJ!l'(lmnlx>ok users in Germariy should contact: £ckatf Prinz, 0benJ MOhIs/r; 568, 6429llJannsf1Jdl, GERMANY; Phon&'Fax: +49 6151316065. Seattle, WA (USA) - For HP Palmtop and Handheld users in the Puget Sound cards are available in capaci area. Contact: Kent Peterson, 360 N. W. Dogwood, A-20I, Issaquah, WA 98021. GERMANY t LUXEMBOURG - Not an officiaf user group but this individual is wiffing CIS 10: [12310,2114},"lntemel' petersonfJhalcyon.com; Phone: 206-392-3123. ties from 5MB ($279) to to halp HP Palmtop users with questions or technical problems; contact: Gilles Koh/,' 40MB ($1,195). Cards CompuServe 10: {IOOII4,3146}," Phone: +49-121-69-36-55 (after 6 p.m. Central SRI LANKA - HP Palmtop users in Sri Lanka should contact: Francois Smith, Europeen tHnaJ Colombo Rd. 71411. Seaduwa. SRI LANKA; Phone/Fax: 94.1.453447. require no battery to main tain data and come with GREECE - HP Palmtop users in Greace should contact: Stavros 0. ZachanJkos, SOUTH AFRICA - HP PalmtopiOmnibook users in South Africa should contact: Sofocleous ~ Athens 15126, GREECE; Phone: (+3-01) 805OO4t; Mob/Ia Phone: James Oeen. CIS 10: [10114,613},"lntemet address: jamesfJcharon.hlpsys.co.za; compression software (+3) 093-254-71124hrs.; Fax: (+3-01) 8050041.. Phone: (OIl) 806-1362 (O/H); Fax: (OIl) 806-1353. installed on the card that HOLLANOIBELGIUM - HP 95LX110012ooLX users in the low countries should SPAIN - HP Palmtop users in Spain should contact: Delfin Arzua Mouronte, allows you to double your contact: PROMPT HP-GC, Mister G. Dongs, Postbus lOllI, 1500 AB Z8andanl, Avda. Republica Argentina N 7 5Isda .• 34002 Palencia, ESPANA. HOLLAND; Phone: +3115104205. card's native capacity. SWEDEN - HP Pafmtop users in Sweden should oooIact: Kenl/lemann, EiiIsbetfgsgaIa INDONESIA - HP Handheld users (HP 75C, 110, 48. 12, 100/200LX) in 124, 114 ~Strx:idIdT! SWEI)EN; Phone: (lNTJ86114885; Mt:d!J PI/one: 0~71555 66; Withstands shock to Indonesia should contact Dirk H. Eversbetl, clo P T. Auslindo MilnJtan18, Mr. Elman ~ I/J: {1aJ315,2451},"1ntemet ak/fJnynas.se Cl:.. Kenneth Matz, Sturvevagen 8 l,OOOg's and comes in laser SunBlfio, JL Gunung Sel7ari 216£, Jakatfa 10610. INDONESIA. B, 13338Sa1!sjobaden, Sweden; Phone: (INT) 8717799t; fotemet [email protected] welded stainless steel case. ITALY - 9511001200LX users in Italy should contact: Stefano Gigli, Via £ Toti, TURKEY - HP Palmtop users in Turkey should contact: Ahmet G. Ozisik, Soysk 13·80123 Ancona, ITAL Y,' Phone: 011-36845 or 011-200916,' Fax: 011-200916,' Binasi, 8uyvkdere Cad. 38. Mecidiyekoy, Istanbul8029O, TURKEY; Phone: (212) CONTACT: Magic RAM, 1850 Beverly Intemet 10.' S. GiglifJagonJ.sfm./f; Fido-NetlO: 2:3321316.4. 2150910(ext. 309);Fax:(212)2115161. Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90051, USA,' Kansas (USA) - 9511001200LX users in ltafy should contact: Mariethe Wilson, UKRAINE - For HP Palmtop users in the Ukraine, Odessa, Kiev. Climea regions. Phone: 213-413-9999,' Fax: 213-413- PO. Box 1151, Manhattan, KS 66502-0012, USA; Phone: 913-532-9115. Contact: Linetskvy V. Oleg, I, ValVarovsAy Spusk, Nikolaev, 321015, UKRAINE; Phone: (051) 36·13-51 36-13-13; Fax: (051) 24-41-25. 0828. THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 51 AdionTe~ porting data. Cards are External Drive the wall plug adaptor, it MelDor;r 4::ards 100% PC Card AT A compat Serial interface ...... $295 does not use the Palmtop's ible and available in capaci Parallel interface ...... $295 power. ActionTec offers dual bat Internal Drivel/DE interface ties of 1.8, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and [See advertising, page 34.) tery SRAM in capacities (memory storage only) from 128K ($54) to 4MB 40 MB. Optional Stacker Single drive ...... $195 Pricing: ($895) and AT A Flash cards data compression software Dual drive ...... $295 CardDock ...... $149 (by Epson) in capacities is available to double the Internal Dual Drive CardDock 4-bay Drive .. ...$298 (full support, memory and I/O cards) from 5MB ($345) to 20MB FlashDisk's capacity. Flash OutBack ...... $85 Disks used in the HP LX Rear access ...... $199 OutbBack2 ...... $99 ($1,095). Non-ATA Flash Front access ...... $250 Palm Top Adaptor' ...... $99 cards are available from and Omnibook series prod ucts are also fully compati SCSI Bus Interface -Dual Slot • requires wall-plug adaptor ...... $10 256K ($60) to 16MB ($960). Internal ...... $350 CONTACT: Greystone Peripherals Epson Type III hard drives ble with most leading manu External ...... $450 Inc., 130-A Knowles Drive, Los Gatos, are available from 170MB facturer's computers. Con COMPANY: Adtron Corp., 3050 S. CA 95030, USA; Phone: 408-866- ($499) to 260MB ($649). tact vendor for prices. Country Club Dr., Suite 24, Mesa, AZ 4739; Fax: 408-866-8328. 85210, USA; Phone: 602-9j6-9324; [See advertising, page 49.) CONTACT: SanDisk cards are sold at Fax: 602-926-9359. 4::ardLink Drive numerous retail outlets including CONTACT: ActionTec Corporation, Compu USA, Circuit Cdy, Fry's Elec ATNX Data The CL680 is an external National Sales Office, 17102 Mitchell tronics, Computer/and, Radio Shack, Ex~hange Devi~e card drive that connects to North, Irvine, CA, USA; Phone: 714- and NCA . They are also privately 851-8242; Fax: 714-851-8249. your desktop PC's parallel labeled by numerous firms, including: Allows Palmtop users to (printer) port and accepts Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Casio, Fujitsu, Sintple T~hnolog;r easily transfer data files and Seagate and Verbatim. type I and II PC Cards. It SBAM and Flash applications between a reads both AT A Flash cards For more information, contact: desktop PC and the Palm 4::ards SanDisk (formally SunDisk) Corpora and SRAM memory cards. top. Accepts Type II and III Simple Technology offers tion; Phone: 408-562-0595,' Fax: 408- [See advertising, page 27.) 562-3403. A T A Flash cards. Ac SRAM and Flash cards. commodates "hot inser Pricing ...... $189.95 SRAM cards are available in tion/removals." CONTACT: Steele Creek Technolo gies, 14035 Appling Lane, Char/otte, capacities from 1MB ($200) This drive mounts inter to 2MB ( $400). Flash cards PC CARD . NC 28278, USA; Phone and Fax: 704- nally in the same fashion as a 588-1780. are available in capacities DRIVES floppy drive and comes com from 2MB ($280) to 16MB plete with 16-pin interface, 4::ardPro Universal ($1,000). cabling, and Device Manage 4::ard Drives [Card drives add one or more CONTACT: Simple Technology, 3001 ment Software. Card Pro, available in in Daimler St., Santa Ana, CA 92705, PC Card slots to your desktop Pricing: ternal or desktop versions USA; Phone: 714-476-1180; Fax: 714- Pc. Two companies makes card Internal unit ...... $99.95 provides the ability to read 476-1209. readers that connects to a Mac External unit ...... $149.95 and write (as appropriate) to intosh SCSI port (see SCSI ref CONTACT: ProTege Corporation, all types of PCMCIA-com I 1OO /200LX : erences below). When ordering 4165 E. La Palma, P.O. Box 68031, patible memory cards, I/O a card drive, tell the vendor the Anaheim, CA 92811, USA; Phone: cards and AT A hard drives. Severe type of computer you will be 800-995-4453 or 714-961-7030; Fax: EnviroDlDent 4::ards installing it in to confirm that 714-961-1162 Pricing starts at ...... $349 This 80MB hermetically it will work in that computer. CONTACT: DATA 10, 10525 Willows 4::ardD~k and sealed ATA Flash "Sentinel" System software will have to be Road N.E., P.O. Box 97046, Redmond, OutBa~k P4:: 4::ard WA 98073-9746, USA; Phone: 800- memory cards can withstand installed on your desktop so it BeaderslWriters 332-8246 or 206-867-6800; Fax: 206- exposure to water immersion, can read the memory cards. 869-7423. moisture, rough handling, Without the appropriate device The Card Dock is a front temperature and weather ex drivers some cards may not load internal drive that fits 4::ABDport tremes, harsh industrial work in your Pc. All products in an empty 5 1/4" floppy 4::ard Drives drive bay. It supports PC environments, and electro are available now unless other PC Card drives for portable magnetic interference. wise indicated.} cards, Types I, II and III. The OutBack is a rear and desktop PCs. Read Type CONTACT: Raymond Engineering, loading drive that fits in a I, II and III cards. 217 Smith Sl, Middletown, CT 06457- 16-bit ISA AT slot and pro CARDport Fax is an 9990, USA; Phone: 203-632-4582; Adtron internal drive that connects Fax: 203-632-4329. 4::ard Drives vides one PC Card slot. The OutBack 2 is a rear loading to your desktop PC's ISA SanDisk Flash Adtron makes a whole series drive that provides two PC bus and lets you use PCM MelDor;r 4::ards of solid state Data Drives in Card slots. CIA fax\modem cards in cluding external and internal your PC using standard San Disk FlashDisks are The PalmTop Adaptor single and dual card drives converts Type I and II PC software without the need solid-state, non-volatile available in serial, parallel, to install additional system Type II memory cards for Card slots so you can use PC/104, ISA, IDE, and SCSI Type III cards. Used with drivers. storing, backing up or trans- Bus interfaces. 52 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 CARDport eX is a bat compatible PC Cards. It is data exchange between the JEIDA 4.1, including Intel tery-powered drive that installed in any 16-bit ISA/ HP Palmtop and a desktop ExCA, AT A cards and Type plugs into the parallel port EISA PC and consists of a PC computer. The data III rotating media cards. of any computer using a short 16-bit controller card transfer takes place via stan Microsoft FFS-2 support in standard cable. It will read with an integrated Type III dard RS-232 interface with cludes a full range of PCM from and write to SRAM, card slot in the back of the PC 115,000 baud. CIA tuples for broadcast Flash ROM, and PCMCIA and a 3.5" drive unit installed The MEL-PC] Station compatibility. CardTalk hard drives. ComPort eX in the front drive bay. comes with software that Control Panel GUI software software allows use of PC Pricing ...... DM 440 allows it to be installed as an included. Card fax modems via the CONTACT: CSM GmbH, M6rikestra additional DOS drive for the The external drive con parallel port. sse 58, 10194 Alderstad!, GERMANY,· PC or the HP Palmtop. nects to the parallel port of CARDport IDE is an Phone: (+49) 1"111301,,. Fax: (+49) Pricing ...... DM 190 any PC compatible comput 11111116666. internal card drive that con CONTACT: CSM GmbH, M6rikestra er. The internal drives nects to the IDE I/O con sse 58, 10194 Filderstad!, GERMANY,· come with a half-length AT troller cards and supports hnpression Phone: (+49) 1"111301,,. Fax: (+49) bus card, interconnect cable P{; {;ard Drives PCMCIA ATA Type III hard 11111716666. and 3.5" & 5.25" mounting drives. TSE-200 is a dual slot exter brackets. CARDport ISA is a PC nal PC Card drive that holds Mieroehannel P{; ATA {;ard Drive Pricing: Card drive in the form of a two Type I, two Type II, or half-size PC expansion card, External drive ...... $189 one Type III PC Card. External card drive that al Internal drive which plugs into the ISA TSE-100 is dual slot lows Palmtop users to easily Singleslot ...... $149 (AT) bus of your computer. internal PC Card drive that transfer data and applications Dual slot ...... $189 It provides two PC Card holds two Type I, two Type between a desktop Micro COMPANY: Palmtree Products Inc. , sockets: one at the front in a II, or one Type II and one channel PC and the Palmtop. 145 Washington Street, Norwell, MA spare disk drive bay, and Type III PC Card. Accepts Type I, II and III 02061, USA,. Phone: 611-811-1050,. one at the rear of the com Both drives are compati AT A Flash cards. Includes Fax: 611-811-6018. puter. CARDport ISA sup ble with any 386, 486, or Pen card drive, controller card, ca ports all types of PC Cards, tium system with an avail ble and software. AetionTee P{;-300 including hard disk drives, able 16-bit slot. Install in any {;ard Drive fax/modems, LANs, etc. Pricing ...... $349 3.5" or 5.25" drive bay. CONTACT: ProTege Corporation, Internal card drive with Pricing: Pricing: 4165 E La Palma, P.o. Box 68031, dual slots. Accepts two Type CARDport Fax ...... $99 Impression TSE-200 ...... $299 Anaheim, CA 92817, USA,. Phone: CARDport eX ...... $299 800-995-4453 or 114-961-1030,· Fax: I, two Type II or one Type II Impression TSE-100 ...... $199 and one Type III card. CARDport ISA ...... $299 CONTACT: Acma Computers, Inc., 114-961-1162 CARDportIDE ...... $119 41988 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA Reads/writes SRAM, Flash CONTACT: CNF, Inc., 15345 Calle 94538, USA,. Phone: 800-186-6888 or OmniDrive L{; and hard drives. Includes Enrique, Morgan Hill CA, 95031, USA,. 510-623-1212,· Fax: 510-623-0818. ISA adapter, cables, and Phone: 408-118-1160,· Fax: 408-119- PC drive that connects to a software. · 6558. MaxTeeh P{; {;ard parallel port of a PC-com ReaderlWriter patible computer and allows Pricing ...... $199 Databook it to read/write PC memory CONTACT: ActionTec Corporation, Thin{;ard Drive PC card reader/writer cards as well as Seagate/ National Sales Office, 11102 Mitchell accepts all PC cards Types I North, Irvine, CA 92115, USA,. Phone: External and internal drives SanDisk AT A Flash cards. through IV. Reads/writes 114-851-8242,· Fax: 114-851-8249. transfer data between Palm The printer port is passed two PC Cards at the same tops and MS-DOS or MS through. The powered ver time. Fits 3.5" FDD bay slots. Quateeh Windows PCs. Internal drive sion can accept PCMCIA {;ard Drives also works with Windows 95. Tested by manufacturer. Type III hard disks. Pricing (PCD-3241) ...... $199 Internal card drive supports Pricing: Pricing ...... DM 650 CONTACT: MaxTech Corporation, Inc., CONTACT: CSM GmbH, M6rikestraBe Type I, II and III memory Internal Dnve 400 Commons Way, Rockaway, NJ TMB-240 ...... $129 58, 10194 Filderstadt, GERMANY,· and I/O cards. One version 01866, USA,- Phone 800-936-1629 or Phone: (+49) 1"-11301,,. Fax: (+49) TMB-250 ...... $149 201-586-3008,· Fax: 201-586-3308. adds a front and a back card External Drive 111-1116666. slot to your Pc. Another TMD-650 ...... $189 MEL-P{;J Station version adds a double slot to CONTACT: Databook, Inc., 10 Alder PabnTree the front of your Pc. Bush, Rochester, NY 14624, USA,. MEL-PCJ Station is a univer {;ard Drives Phone: 116-889-4204,. Fax: 116-889- Pricing: sal card drive for PCMCIA 2593,· E-mail."[email protected] These PC reader/writers, Frontlback ...... $195 standard 68 pin memory manufactured by DataBook Double front ...... $195 Dual Slot-Board cards. It may be used to read Inc., enable a desktop sys CONTACT: Quatech, 662 Wolf Ledges from or write to RAM, EEP tem to access PC Cards com Parkway, Akron, OH 443", USA,. A universal PC Card drive ROM, and Flash EPROM which supports all PCMCIA patible with PCMCIA 2.0/ Phone: 800-553-1110,. Fax: 216-434- cards and can be used for 1409,· BBS: 216-434-2481. THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 53 SCM SwapBox MCDISK-1 accepts all types Those represented to work one-piece cable that comes of SRAM, Flash EPROM and by HP have been tested as fol with the card. Lets you read/write to your One Time PROM (OTP) lows: The modem feature of the [See advertising, inside back cover.) PC Cards from your desk memory cards with capaci card was confirmed to work in top PC. SCM offers eight Modem/Fax tested by manufacturer. ties up to 64MB, as well as DataComm and cc:Mail Mobile products with various Pricing: AT A Flash cards. It comes (built into the 100/200LX). The with 4MB Flash RAM ...... $399 options. All products come with two SCSI connectors fax feature was confirmed to with 6MB Rash RAM ...... $449 with necessary cables, cards, and can be easily installed in work with a third-party fax CONTACT: Smart Modular Technolo and installation instructions. any UNIX, VME, Macintosh program called PCPlus. gies, Inc., 45531 Northport Loop West, Lite - an economical, Fremont, CA 94538, USA,' Phone: 510- or PC system equipped with In some cases we list that rear-access, single socket PC 623- 1231,. Fax: 510-623- 1434. an SCSI adapter. Software the modem has been tested, Card reader that mounts in drivers are available for without mentioning the fax . AT&T Keep-In-Tou~h an II 0 slot in the back of most systems. This does not necessarily mean PC Card Fax/ModeDl your desktop Pc. that the fax does not work, only Dual slot drive accepts This 14.4Kbps PC Card Lite X2 - dual sockets that we have no infor'mation PC Card Types I, II and III. modem withAT&T'sETCcel that mount in I/O slot. that it has been tested and con Single slot drive accepts PC lular protocol designed to Classic - a single firmed to work. Card Types I, II III and IV. allow for higher throughput socket PC Card drive that There are many additional Requires SCSI Interface. and more reliable connec mounts in a front, 3.5" drive PCMCIA 2.0 fax/modem cards Pricing: tions on a cellular network. bay. available that may work with Dual slot ...... $635 The card can be directly Classic X2 - dual front the HP 100/200LX. If you are Single slot ...... $545 attached to most cellular mounting PC Card sockets. CONTACT: Gespac, Inc., 50 W Hoo considering another fax/modem phones via an optional Premium - a combina ver Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210,. Phone: card, you should carefully "direct connect" cable. tion of features of the Lite 800-443-7722 or 602-962-5559,' Fax: question the vendor or and the Classic. 602-962-5750. manufacturer about whether it Discontinued but still in stock Premium X2 - a com SCSI Card Drive has been successfully tested Price bination of the features of the Fax/modem ...... $150-$185 for Ma~intosh with the 100/200LX. Many Lite X2 and the Classic X2. PCMCIA 2.0 fax/modem cards Connect Cable ...... $65 CONTACT: Vendors that stock A T& T Classic Combo - fea External drive that connects should work with the to an SCSI II interface port products or A T& T Direct,· Phone: 800- tures of the Classic and a 100/200LX (not the 95LX). 554-4996. 3.5" floppy drive. Fits in and reads/writes PCMCIA However, the communications same size bay as a standard Release 2.0 memory cards. and fax software that comes Angia SafeJa~k 3.5" floppy drive. Pricing ...... $495 with them may be too large to Fax/Data ModeDls Premium - Combo CONTACT: Envoy Data Corporation, fit on your Palmtop.] Angia fax/modem PC Cards includes features of the 953 East Juanita Avenue, Suite A, include Direct-Connect Cel Premium and adds a 3.5" Mesa, AZ 85204, USA,. Phone: 602- Apex DatalFax 892-0954,' Fax: 602-892-0029. lular to Motorola, AT&T, Oki floppy drive. Fits in a stan ModeDl With and NEC phones. Also dard 3.5" floppy bay. Flash MeDlo..,- include E.T.C. (Enhanced Pricing: This PCMCIA fax/modem Throughput Cellular) and Lite ...... $89 FAX /M ODEM card (formerly listed as the AT&T Direct Connect proto Lite X2 ...... $159 SmartModular Fax/Modem) cols (no other devices or Classic ...... $119 CARDS combines communication boxes are necessary to make Classic X2 ...... $149 Premium ...... $229 capabilities and expanded cellular connection). Digital Premium X2 ...... $399 memory in one Type II PC Line Protection prevents Classic Combo ...... $199 100/200LX Card. Intended for the HP damage from digital PBX Premium Combo ...... $299 [With the exception of New 100/200LX, the card elimi over current. CONTACT: SCM Microsystems, Inc. , nates the need to switch be Modems tested by manufacturer. 985 University Ave., Suite 1, Los Gat Media's 95LX PalmModem, tween a fax/modem and Pricing: os, CA 95030, USA,. Phone 408-370- the Fax/Modem PC Cards list memory card. SafeJack 28.8 Kbps (V.34) ....$389 4888 ext. 30,' Fax: 408-370-4880,' BBS: ed only work with the HP The card includes DOS SafeJack 19.2 Kbps (V.32 ....$249 408-370-4881. 100LX and 200LX Palmtops drivers which allows users to CONTACT: Angia Communications, SCSI PC Card There are many PCMCIA transport data between the HP Inc., 441 East Bay Boulevard, P.o. Box 50540, Provo, UT 84605, USA,. Phone: Drive (for Ma~intosh) 2.0 fax/modem cards available 100/200LX and other note 800-877-9159 or 801-371-0488,' Fax: and it is impossible for The HP book or laptop computers. MCDISK-1 is an external Palmtop Paper to test them 801-373-9841 desktop PC Card drive with The card's modem pro all on the 100/200LX. We have vides data (2,400 bps) and a built-in power supply and Cardwell Fax! published those represented by facsimile (14,400 send fax, ModeDl 14.4-E a 1MB/S SCSI-compatible the manufacturer or Hewlett 9600 receive fax) capabili interface that supports the A 14400 bps fax/modem Packard to work with the HP ties. Users connect the card complete SCSI command set Type II card with Group 3 Palmtop. to a telephone line with a and SCSI address select. fax capabilities (also sup- 54 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 ports older class 1 & 2 fax file storage and fax/ modem Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90051, USA,' Boxborough, MA 01719-2298, USA; machines). Extended AT capability on one card. Phone: 213-413-9999,' Fax: 213-413- Phone: 800-632-4636 or 508-284- Command Set provides [See advertising, inside front.] 0828. 4484; NEC Direct Sales: 800-615- 5566,' Fax: 919-319-2514 ext.3412 compatibility with a wide Modem/Fax tested by manufacturer. Megahertz PCMCIA range of PC-based commu Price ...... $219 Fax/Data ModelD ' MP ..2.00/200LX nication applications. CONTACT: EXP Computer, Inc., 12C Cards Mauchly, Irvine, CA 92718, USA; Pricing ...... , $189 New Media Phone: 800-397-6922 or 714-453- Megahertz 14,400bps PCM CONTACT: Cardwellintemational, 110 PalJDModelD 1020,' Fax: 114-453-1319. CIA modem cards include the Blue Ravine Road, Suite 156, Folsom, XJACK connector system, New Media is the only man CA 95630-4712, USA; Phone: MNP 10 (to optimize poor ufacturer that offers fax/ 916-985-1880; Fax: 916-985-1899. MaxTet!h Fax/ModelD Cards quality phone lines), Flash modem cards that work Centennial ROM, hot swapping, and with both HP Palmtops (the Fax/ModelD Card MaxTech's PCM-144C is a V.42/V.42bis. Slide the 95LX as well as the 14,400bps V.42bis fax/modem Megahertz PC Card modem 100/200LX). These 2,400 A 14.4 Type II data/fax card you can use to send and into your Palmtop, pop out baud modem cards fit in the modem PC Card designed receive faxes, transmit data, the retractable XJACK connec Palmtop's memory card slot. tor, and snap in a standard for land-line use and trans connect to BBS's or access Resident in the PalmModem mitting over cellular carriers. remote E-mail. telephone cord no custom cables necessary. Megahertz is Palm Term, a terminal Modem/Fax tested by HP The PCVM-144C is the emulation program opti same unit with the addition 14,400bps modems feature Pricing ...... $159 Digital Line Guard to protect mized for Palmtop com CONTACT: Centennial, Inc., 37 Man of voice mail capabilities. puter use. A variety of up ning Road, Suite 1, Billerica, MA the modem from damage if Both units include data plugged into a high voltage load and download protocols 01821, USA; Phone: 800-942-0018 or compression/ error control 508-670-0646,' Fax: 508-670-9025. line. Modem updates avail are provided with the termi and sleep and standby able by dialing into the nal emulation program. Epson modes to reduce power Megahertz BBS. PalmModem comes FaxiModelD Cards usage. The FM144/144V ACE Technologies sells with resident facsimile pro unit includes a built-in tele the XJack cards with ACE Epson offers three types of cessing and transmitting phone interface and hot FAX, a menu-driven send/ fax/modem cards: 14.4Kbps software. 128K of on-board insertion capability, and receive fax program for the fax/modem card, 14.4Kbps RAM is available on Palm comes with WinFax Lite HP Palmtops. Modem for conversion of fax/modem card with a built fax/ data software for DOS Modem/Fax tested by HP text to fax transmittable data in fax port, and a 14.4Kbps and Windows and a five cellular fax/ modem card. XJack Fax function also tested by without using the Palmtop's year warranty. ACE (Confirmed to work with ACE resources. Tested by manufacturer. Pricing: FAX sohware.) Pricing: Modem/Fax tested by HP PCM-144C ...... $179 Pricing: (ACE Technologies) 14.4Kbps ...... $179 (Must use datalfax sohware built into PCVM-144C ...... $199 14,400 XJACK with ACE'FAX .$219 14.4Kbps wJ1ax port ...... $199 card.) CONTACT: MaxTech Corporation, Inc., (ACE-FAX represented by ACE to 14.4Kbps cellular ...... $269 Price 100/200LX 400 Commons Way, Rockaway, NJ work with some other fax/modem CONTACT: Epson Connection, 20770 PalmModem ...... $109.95 07866, USA; Phone 800-936-1629 or cards.) Madrona Ave., Torrance, CA 90509, 95LX 201-586-3008; Fax: 201-586-3308. CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., USA,' Phone: 800-289-3716,' Epson PalmModem ...... $109.95 592 Weddell Drive, #6, Sunnyvale, CA Accessories: 800-873-1766: Canada: Upgrade from mM FaxlModelD 94089, USA; Phone: 800-825-9977 or 800-463-7766,' Latin America: 305-265- 95LXversion ...... $45 Cards 408-734-0100,' Fax: 408-134-3344. 0092 Fax: 310-782-4401. CONTACT: New Media Corporation, IBM offers a 14,400 data/ fax Pricing: (Megahertz) Irvine Spectrum, One Technology, EXP ThinFax modem card. 14,400 XJack ...... $189 Building A, Irvine, CA 92718, USA; FaxiModelD. Flash , 14,400 XJack (MNP 10, Rash ROM, Phone: 800-453-0550 or 714-453- MelDory Card Modem/Fax tested by HP cellular phone compatible .... $219 0100,' Fax: 714-453-0114. Pricing ...... $180 CONTACT: Megahertz Corporation, DeSigned for the HP 100/ CONTACT: IBM Corporation, PO. Box 605 North 5600 West, Salt Lake City, Personal Messenger 200LX this combination PC 12195, Research Triangle Park, NC UT 84116, USA,' Phone: 801-320- Wireless ModelD card comes with fax/ 21708, USA,' IBM PC Direct.' 800-426- 7000; Fax: 801-320-6002 Card by Motorola 2968 or 919-517-0191; Fax: 800-426- modem and Flash memory 4182 NEC 14.4 A self-powered Type II PC built into one card. The card Card, the Personal Messen also has System Manager DatalFax Card Magit!RAM 14.4 ger 100D Wireless Modem compliant MiniFax fax/ DataIFax ModelD A 14.4Kbps fax/ modem card Card lets you send and modem software built in. with V.42 and MNP 2-4 error The MagicRAM 14.4 datal fax receive messages, exchange The ThinFax card lets you control and V.42bis and modem features low power E-mail, connect to your transmit faxes and data at consumption, data rates up to MNP5 data compression. 14,400 bps. 57.6 Kbps and direct connec office network, and access Modem/Fax tested by HP on-line services without The EXP card comes tion to phone jack. Pricing ...... $313 with 2MB or 4MB of Flash CONTACT: Magic RAM, 1850 Beverly CONTACT: NEC Technologies, Inc., having to connect to a memory on board, giving you 1414 Massachusetts Avenue, phone jack. The P.M. Card THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 55 inserts into the PC card slot Microsoft LAN Manager, Quate4!h Serial of the HP 100/200LX (and INPUT / 0 UTPUT Microsoft Windows for and Parallel other notebook and PDA Workgroups, Windows Adapters CARDS card slots) and operates on a NT,Windows 95, IBM LAN These PCMCIA Type II public access data network Server, Banyan VINES and interface adapters add a ser providing communications other leading network oper ial or parallel port to the HP JQQ/20 ~ access and message delivery ation systems. Features . Palmtop. The manufactur XJACK connector, Digital across most of the U.S. The previous section looked at er's technical support fax/modem cards. This section FLine Guard, MNP 10 to The P.M. Card is self department states that looks at other input/output optimize poor quality phone powered, operating on a although these devices have cards, including data ac lines, Flash ROM, hot swap not been tested on the 100/ - standard or rechargeable quisition cards, port adapters, ping and V.42/V.42bis. NiCd 9-volt battery. The card 200LX, they should work and specialized applications. EthernetIModem Pncing: fine. continues to receive and store Unless otherwise indicat wI 108ase-Tcable ...... '," .$449 Pricing: Serial Ports messages even when it is not ed, all cards in this section are wl 108ase-T & 108ase-2 .. ...$489 connected to your Palmtop RS-232 1port ...... $169 for the HP 100/200LX. CONTACT: Megahertz Corporation, 2port ...... $249 or other computer. Messages 605 North 5600 West, Salt Lake City, RS-4221485 1port ...... $169 thus received can be accessed UT 84116, USA,. Phone: 801-320- 2port ...... $249 1000,' Fax: 801-320-6002. by re-inserting the card into Bar4!ode Order (Mac serial port) Entry SystelD For Parallel port ...... $195 the PC Card slot and running MaxTe4!h Wholesalers and CONTACT: Quatech, 662 Wolf Ledges Ethernet Adapter the wireless access software Road Reps Parkway, Akron, OH 4431 " USA,. on the computer. This Type II Ethernet Phone: 800-553-1110,. Fax: 216-434- The "Sales Assistant" bar 1409,' 88S: 216-434-2481. Price adapter connects to any code system simplifies 8K memory ...... $699 Ethernet network. Use it to Sili4!olD P(;M(;IA 64K memory ...... $825 invoicing and order process access programs, share files, Ethernet SPE (;ard Activation fee ...... $100 ing. Access your customer download important docu Monthly selYice fee . . .$49-$130' This Ethernet adapter card • Varies depending on usage. via phone number, scan in ments or send and receive your order items, and E-mail messages. ships with its own PCMCIA CONTACT: Global Connections, Inc., Support Driver software for 110 South Jackson Street, Janesville, modem/fax your orders Features 16K on-board WI 53545, USA,. Phone: 800-109-9494 memory, low power con the HP 100/200LX Palmtop directly to the manufacturer. PCs. Install the software on or 608-152- 1531,' Fax: 608-152-9548. sumption, hot insertion Data collector interfaces the Palmtop, slip the card in capabilities, and diagnostic with Palmtop's application the Palmtop's PC Card slot Pra4!ti4!al Peripherals LEDs. Comes with 5-year programs via ASCII file. and connect up to your Pradi(;ARD warranty. Runs on the HP 100/200LX Ethernet Local Area Network. A 14,400 bps V.32bis data/ and comes on a PC memory Tested by manufacturer. The card comes with fax modem supporting V.42 card for data security and Pricing: ODI, NDIS, and Packet soft error correction and data 108ase-T ...... $119 ware drivers to support all compression. file storage. System varies 108ase-T & 108ase-2 ... .$199 major Network Operating depending on customer's CONTACT: MaxTech Corporation, Inc., Fax/Modem tested by manufacturer. 400 Commons Way, Rockaway, NJ Systems, including Netware, Pricing ...... $209 needs, but includes com 01866, USA,' Phone 800-936-1629 or Novel DOS 7, Microsoft CONTACT: Practical Peripherals, 5854 plete setup and 800# sup 201-586-3008,' Fax: 201-586-3308. Networks, Banyan VINES, Peach Tree Corners E., Norcross, GA, port. 30092, USA,' Phone: 404-840-9966,' Artisoft LANtastic, TCP /IP, SIO Serial and others. Fax: 404-134-4615. Pricing ...... Varies Inter'a4!e (;ard (Depending on configuration.) Pricing: CONTACT: Corvallis System Sales, PII(;EON Le~ you add a serial interface 108ase-Tadapter ...... $229 800 N Starker, Suite 35, Corvallis, OR CONTACT: Silicom Ltd. Connectivity Dispat4!her 91330, USA,- Phone: 800-133-5011 or port to your HP 100/200LX or HP OmniBook computers. Solutions, 15311 N.£. 90th St., A v.34 28.8K data/fax 503-152-4419,' Fax: 503-152-1037. Redmond, WA 98052, USA,. Phone: Built-in Card Information 206-882-1995,' Fax: 206-882-4115. direct-connect cellular Ethernet/ModelD Structure allows automatic Silicom Ltd., International modem ready to connect to (;oniliination (;ard a cellular phone. Comes recognition and initialization Headquarters, 13 Hasadna St., P.O. 80x 2448, Ra'anana 43100, ISRAEL,. with V.42 data compression, Megahertz Ethernet/ Modem of the SIO card. Comes in four PC Cards combine an Ether Phone: 912-9-916-953,. Fax: class I and II capability. versions (RS 2326, RS 422, 912-9-911-192. net adapter and a 14,400bps Modem tested by manufacturer. RS485, and TTL). modem with Megahertz's Listprice ...... $399 Travel Floppy built-in XJACK connector Pricing ...... DM 495 Drive with P(; CONTACT: PIICEON, Inc., 1996 Lundy CONTACT: CSM GmbH, MOrikestra allowing you to log in and (;ard Inter'a4!e Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131, USA,. sse 58, 10194 Rlderstadt, GERMANY,' Phone: 408-432-8030,' Fax: 408-943- dial out using one PC card. Phone: (+49) 1111113011,' Fax: (+49) Travel Floppy 144 is a com 1309. Supports Novell NetWare, 11111116666. pact, lightweight external 56 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 with your HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK subscription. 57 powerful software tools, 275 useful All the best HP Palmtop tools are now on one disk set! Best Palmtop Tips on Disk contains tips on one 2.8 megabyte disk set the very best tips and tools from every issue of The HP Palmtop Paper. Software on the Best Palmtop Tips ON DISK Product ~ Never before has so much UTiLITiES BESmps Text altha Best Palmtop Tips 1995. HP Palmtop productivity been BUDDY Adds I OO's of useful features to lool2OOLX. APPUCATIONS: available on one disk set! ADBIO ConvertApptfiletokomcommao(jelimfoonal. CLOCK Full screen system compliant digital clock. ALARM Musical alarm sounds for lOOI2OOLX. Best Palmtop Tips on Disk contains two 1.44 COMMO Powerful comm program for the lOOI2OOLX. APLOAD Makes lool2OOLX AppManager flexible. MB. diskettes* packed with the "good stuff' ICON Draws 'icons' for lOOI2OOLX AppManager. ASERCL Adds serial port control for the lOOI2OOLX. all the best freeware and shareware** we've KERM2 PC comm program with VTI02 emulation. BATloo Reports status of lOOi:1ooLX batteries. found over the past 3 112 years. You'll fmd KERMIT Macintosh communications program. BATSET Reset the charge time on the lOOLX. programs, utilities, games, and more. As you LIST Text viewer with many features. CLlPVU Makes clipboard work with DOS programs. PCOUTl Outliner program helps organize your work. CLSFLR CloseFiler recovers memory on lOOI:1OOLX. may know, a lot of the best software for the OEDrr Word processing program. DBIO Graphic interfaca for DBUTIL and ADBIO. HP Palmtop is free or shareware. SHASS Automates shopping on the HP lOOi:100LX. DBUTIL ImporVexport to the DataBase program. And that's not all. Best Palmtop Tips on Disk SSFAX5 Fax program for the 951100I2OOLX. DIETl 2 Diet 1.20 file compression utility. also contains all the text from the Best Palmtop VDEI71 A compact and powerful Memo aHemative. DIETI45F Diet 1.45f file compression utility. VRloo Vertical text reader for the lool2OOLX. Tips issue. This includes 48 pages of the most FASTDB Speeds up Phone, Appt, and DataBase. FATR DATABASE FILES & LOTUS TEMPLATES Changes file attributes. useful tips, tricks, shortcuts, and hidden fea FCL Lets you modify lOOI:1OOLX fonts. tures of the HP Palmtop. COVEY A goals tracking database (.GDB) file. GARLIC Fix corrupt PhoneJApptlDatabase files. _HPWKI Lotus worksheels for all Palmtops. GDBIO ImporVexport lOOI2OOI..X Da1abaseiPhone file. Locate useful tips fast! TODO A sample ToDo list database (.GDB) file. HELV AUemate lOOI2OOLX screen fonts. The text of the Best Palmtop Tips issue is GAMES HLVSRC Contains aUemate lOOI2ooLX font. HPMNU Graphical DOS Menu program. stored in ASCII format; so all you have to do AG Contains Chess and Spaca Invaders. IRPRNT Print text, clipboard files to HP IR printers. is read the text me into your word processor. KLON Standard 7 pile Klondike solitaire. N2GDB Read DataBase files in NoteTaker. Then do an automated search for any key REVER4 Reversi, an outflanking game. NOMURA Vertical Reader fonts (bold, tiny & script). word. The information you're looking for will SOKOB-LX Travel through maze pushing blocks. PK204G File compression and archive utility. TElRIS Tetris game, runs sideways on lOOI2OOLX. appear on your screen instantly. REMCOM Make Palmtop a TYNCR remote controL TYPER Improve typing on the Palmtop. REMKEY Run your l00I200LX from a desktop PC. PROGRAMMING SPEL95 Spell checker. How to get Best Palmtop Tips STICK Make ALT/cTRL keys 'sticky.' AWK High level programming language. on Disk free TIMOUT Lets you change auto shutoff time. PCC C-compiler for the Palmtops. UNZIP Leis you decompress .ZIP files. When you subscribe to The HP Palmtop Paper PROHLP Tool to help programmers. ZIP A file transfer program for all HP Palmtops. on Disk, you'll receive Best Palmtop Tips on Disk PYGMY Small Forth language compiler. free. Every two months you'll receive all the great information from the HP Palmtop Paper on TO ORDER fill out the form on the opposite page. disk plus all the freeware and shareware pro grams mentioned in the issue! Plus, you'll receive in-depth descriptions of many of the products advertised or listed in the printed issue. OR PURCHASE THE To subscribe to The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk, fill BEST PALMTOP TIPS ON DISK out and send in the order form on the opposite page. You'll receive Best Palmtop Tips on Disk free! FOR ONLY $331 Get the two 1.44 MB. disk set Best Palmtop Tips on Disk by *Check order form for disk size preference. itself. To order, check "Best Palmtop Tips on Disk" ** If you decide to use shareware, you will need to on the order form on the opposite page and send $33 pay the author a fee, usually between $5 and $45, a (includes U.S. shipping) NOTA SUBSTITUTE fraction of the cost of equivalent commercial programs. FOR THE PRINTED EDITION 3.5" floppy drive that con Ameritech's informa mitted messages per month in their (cc:Mail, etc.) and all major nects to the HP lOO/200LX tion service provides up-to local area. on-line services (Compu via a cable and PC Card that the-minute news, sports, Regional Serve, AOL, etc.). Receive plugs directly into the stock information, weather, (permo.) ...... $36.95 phone messages as text via RadioMail operators, get 100/200LX card slot. horoscopes, and lottery Provides coverage in several The Travel Floppy is not states in a geographic region. One or stock quotes and news. information. You can send two-region service is also available. Works with PC Card wire battery powered, but can be messages using Ameritech's Includes 50 operator-transmitted mes less modem. connected to the supplied messaging software from sages per month. [See advertising, page 25.] power adapter when used your PC, Mac, or UNIX National with the lOO/200LX. When Pricing ...... Varies based systems. (per mo.) ...... $6295 CONTACT: RadioMail Corporation, used with an OmniBook or Necessary System Man Provides service to all major met 2600 Campus Dr., #175, San Mateo, other sub-notebook, the ager compliant software ropolitan areas in the Um1ed States. CA, 94403, USA,- Phone: 800-597- Travel Floppy can be pow Includes 50 operator-transmitted installs on the Palmtop 6245 dept. R34 or 415-286-7800,' Fax: ered by the computer through messages per month. 415-286-7805,' E-mail: palmtop@ directly from PC Card. the PC Card interface. radiomai/.net Local, regional, and national NewsCard with PassportCard Travel sohware ...... $229 Floppy connects to comput messaging plans are avail (Wireless receiver PC Card with Wireless ee:Mail SystelD ers via a PassportCard, a able. Requires PC Card. Ask necessary sohware.) vendor for details. PCMCIA interface card NewsLink Wireless cc:Mail lets you ac attached to Travel Floppy's Pricing: (1st mo.) ...... $Free cess your cc:Mail mailbox cable. PassportCard is avail Messaging service ...... Varies $5 per month thereaher if custom from your 100/200LX via able as a separate item to CONTACT: Ameritech, Wireless Field er chooses to continue the service. the RAM Mobile Data ser OEM manufacturers. Inter Messenger Service, 2000 West StockLink vice. Both your HP 100LX ested parties should contact Ameritech Center Drive, 3H25F, (permo.) ...... $39.95 and 200LX and your com Hoffman Estates, IL 60195-5000, USA; the company directly. Phone: 800-662-4531; Fax: 708-765- CONTACT: Phone: 800-917-5465 or pany LAN server must be [See advertising, page 5.] 3702 write directly to: Hewlett-Packard equipped with Intel wireless Company Inquiries, 1000 N.E Circle Pricing ...... $249 modem. The wireless Boulevard, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA. CONTACT: Accurite Technologies, UP StarLink modem, or "Router" unit on Serviee your LAN server provides a Inc., 231 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, Nokia (;eUoIar CA 95131-1101, USA; Phone: 408- A "one-stop communica PhonelFaxiModelD direct, wireless connection 433-1980,' Fax: 408-433-1716. tions solution" from HP that (;OInbo between the customer's includes a PCMCIA Type II LAN-based network and the This Finnish company Motorola NewsCard receiv RAM wireless data net makes a Fax/Modem card er with pre-installed HP works. that can connect to several . WIRELESS StarLink software. Once RAM also offers dedi models of their cellular connected to StarLink, the cated wired server/network pee ARDS phones to create a wireless subscriber receives mes connections for users with fax/modem solution. (For sages via the NewsCard more demanding needs. more information, see the receiver. Messages can be The system requires an : 1OO /200LX ' Nokia entry in the sent by anyone via a toll-free HP 100/200LX (which co Fax/Modem section of this All the wireless PC Cards list phone number. mes with cc:Mail software) article.) ed in this section are for the HP and an HP Connectivity Service ...... Price (U.S) lOO/200LX. Pricing: pack to transfer necessary Basic Fax/modem ...... $449 software to the Palmtop. Am.eriteeh {per mo.} ...... $10.95 Cellular phone ...... Varies LAN networks must have Wireless Field Provides message retrieval, for CONTACT: Nokia Mobile Phones, Inc., cc:Mail Router V4.0 software Messenger Serviee warding, limited transmission, group P.O. Box 2930, Largo, FL 34649-2930, installed. messages, and bilingual operator dis USA,' Phone: 800-666-5553,' Fax: 813- This messaging service patch. Each transaction is then 530-3599. Pricing: allows mobile professional charged by coverage type (local, single Remote und ...... $795 Wireless modem users of the HP 100/200LX or two-region, or nationwide). The fol RadioMail Wireless lowing services are available: Messaging Serviee cable ...... $20 to receive large streams of Routerunit ...... $795 data, including full E-mail Local RadioMail wireless commu cc:Mail Router sohware .... $1,295 documents, other data docu (per mo.) ...... $Varies nications service allows you CONTACT: RAM Mobile Data, 600 Offers coverage in the customer's to send and receive wireless ments such as charts and Pinnacle Court, Suite 660, Norcross, metropolitan area for as low as $19.95 E-mail nationwide, and send GA 30071, USA; Phone: 404-662- graphs, or full news stories. per month, which includes 100 com faxes globally. Also sets up 1740,' Fax: 404-662-1758. Users can update appoint puter-transmiUed messages per month. wireless Internet address for ments, phonebooks, data Windows-based computer message your Palmtop allowing you MobileMaten, bases, and 1-2-3 spread sending sohware for your desktop PC to send and receive mes is free to subscribers. For $29.95, cus sages through all Internet MobileMedia Communi sheets. tomers can receive 50 operator-trans- connected E-mail systems cations Inc., one of the larg- 58 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 est providers of paging ser automatically uploads and 76021, USA; Phone: 817-283-6691; Pricing ...... $399 vices in the United States downloads messages quick Fax: 817-283-5871; BBS: 817-283- CONTACT: Lane Business Systems, offers MobileMate to HP ly. You read and write mes 5871; [email protected] 87 Hibernia Ave., Rockaway, NJ 100/200LX users. Through 07866, USA; Phone 800-444-5263 or sages off line, saving on con 201-586-9760,' Fax 201-586-0929. 36 offices, MobileMedia pro nect charges and phone vides paging and other bills. ENGINEERING wireless services in 19 states and the District of Colum Version 3.1 provides a & SCIENTIFIC GAMES & bia, including nine of the ten powerful "scripting" lan largest metropolitan mar guage for automating spe ENTERTAINMENT kets in the U.S. cial areas of CompuServe. 100/ 20~ MobileMate is a wire This version of acCIS sup less messaging card that ports 40/80 column zoom Paw Lot Align EIO' D 100/200LX i integrates antenna and bat on the 100LX and 200LX, Engineering Software A(;E GAME~ard tery into PCMCIA 2.0 Type and does not require addi Programs that cover Indicator II form factor. tional software to run. Reverse, Long Spacer Coupl Fourteen games are pro MobileMate provides Available on EXP modem/ ing, Rim & Face methods of the ability to receive mes vided on a ROM card for the memory card. alignment, as well as shim 95 / 100/200LX including: sages, acting as an advanced change and lateral shift cor alphanumeric pager. It can Runs under System Manager Blackjack, Checkers, HPtris, Pricing: rections while compensating and Craps. Games selected also provide the user with for the effect of gravity. up-to-the minute informa Roppydisk ...... $79 from a "Windows" icon tion such as business and EXP 1414L.XMmodem PC Card Pricing: menu "popped up" from financial news headlines, 2MB ...... $369 PC Card ...... $145 within built-in applications. and stock price information. 4MB ...... $449 Roppy disk ...... $75 CONTACT: Shier Systems & Sohware, Appointment book, data CONTACT: Sam Pickens, 347 Runs under System Manager. 920 Hampshire Road, Sulle A-29, base, spreadsheet updates Colorado Ave., Hapeville, GA 30354, Pricing ...... $79 Westlake Village, CA, 91361, U.S.A.; USA; Phone: 404-316-6153; Fax: CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., and E-mail can be received Phone: 805-371-9391; Fax: 805-371- 404-762-1353. 2880 Zanker Road, Sulle 103, San through MobileMedia's 9454; CompuServe 10: (74771,2477j. local, regional, and nation Jose, CA 95134, USA; Phone: 800- wide paging networks. 825-9977 or 408-428-9722; Fax: 408- EI01 '.~ OO/200LX . FILE 428-9721. Pricing ...... $279 CONTACT: MobileMedia Communica SiDlple SiDlon COMPRESSION tions, Inc., 65 Challenger Road, Ridge Faxer ProgralDS MEDICAL & field Park, NJ 07660; Phone: 800-437- SSFAXER 7.01 is a DOS 2337; Fax 201-440-7657; E-mai/.' mbl 100/200LX HEAL TH CARE [email protected] Command Line fax program for the HP Palmtops that can send, receive, view, Sta~ker 4.1 SOFTWARE print and convert fax files. It File compression software EI01 D 100/200LX uses less memory than that can double the capacity P*M*B: Physi~ian's This section lists software that is many other fax programs, of your memory card. Same Medi~al Beferen~e available on PC Cards. Since 95K disk space for the prog version works with Windows, almost any software can be put ram and 312K system RAM Windows 95 and DOS. P*M*R is an integrated on a PC Card, this section focus for sending and receiving. reference system for medical es on software that is marketed SSFAXER 8.0 uses the Medium ...... Roppydisk professionals and pharma on a PC Card for the HP Pricing ...... Approx $50 format of the MEMO appli CONTACT: Stac Electronics, 12636 cists, consisting of a compre Palmtops. We also include soft cation vyithout alteration (no High Bluff Dr.,San Diego, CA, 92130, hensive drug reference ware that is especially useful for carriage returns are added USA; Phone: 800-522-7822 or 619- (including information on HP Palmtop PC Card users. at the end of each line), and 794-4300,' Fax 619-794-4570. drug interactions), a medical allows you to choose fax diagnosis and treatment ref numbers directly from the erence, a full-screen medical COMMUNICATIONS PhoneBook application. BUSINESS calculator, laboratory test Both DOS command normal ranges and common & FAX I MODEMS and System Manager com & FINANCIAL medical abbreviations. pliant programs included. Currently, two major databases are available for Medium ...... 3.5 "f/oppy 100/200LXl I 100/200LX I EIOU:' Pricing: P*M*R: Lexi-Comp's Drug Ver.7.01 ...... $29.95 Information Handbook (with a~(;IS: (;OInpnServe Lane Bond Trader AntoDlation Software Ver8.0 ...... $29.95 full reference information (includes FREE one year subscription Provides professionals access for over 4,000 drugs), and Designed for the HP LX toBBS) to the tools needed to calcu Dr.'s Griffith & Dambro's CONTACT: Simple Simon Software, Palmtop series, acCIS late bond prices and yields, The 5 Minute Clinical Consult accesses CompuServe and 2237 Homecraft Lane, Bedford, TX and manage portfolios. THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 59 (a reference for the diag 5 Minute Clinical and joint injuries and infec trients) you have remaining. nosis and treatment of over Consult ...... $399 tions. Also includes orthope Personal Food Analyst 1,000 of the most common Both databases on dic procedures such as joint uses a database of 5,000 food diseases). one card ...... $709 aspiration, reduction of items to analyze what you CONTACT: Prolifix, Inc., 8809 Long eat. It lets you preview food The Lexi-Comp Drug Street, Lenexa, KS 66215, USA; dislocations, splinting and Information Handbook contains casting. for nutritional content Phone: 800-774-7357; Fax: 913-492- before you eat and analyzes up to 30 separate topics for 7396. Pediatrics food for 29 different nutri each drug entry, including Database of essential emer ents, including calories, pro dosing, indication, contraindi I 100/200LX I gency and primary care tein, fats, carbohydrates, cations, drug interactions, and PEPm: Pahniop information for pediatric and cholesterol. Comes in pharmacology. In addition, consumer version available ElDergent!yPhysician. problems, including infor you can store your own per on ROM card. A more inforDlation Daiahase mation on neonate to sonal notes for each drug, and sophisticated professional teenager, growth and de manage up to five separate Updated June 95, these version is available on flop velopment, diseases" emer formularies. 100/200LX .GDB databases py disk for $289. gency resuscitation and Dr.'s Griffith and are now easier and faster to more. Pricing: Dambro's The 5 Minute use. PEPID provides diag PFA Consumer ...... $149 nostic, pathophysiologic, Clinical Consult includes text CONTACT: Mirical Nutrition Corp, treatment and disposition Toxicology on up to 33 different topics Covers overdose manage 4606 Northpark Drive, Colorado information for most emer Springs, CO 80918, USA; Phone: 800-- for each disease listing, with gent, urgent, and routine ment, antidotes, drugs of the topics divided into sec 732-7707 or 719-598-5276; Fax: problems experienced in abuse, occupational expo 719-598-5790. tions on Basics, Diagnosis, Emergency Departments. sures, plant identifica Treatment, Medication, Page at a glance format al tion/poisonings, general 100/200LX Follow-up and Miscel lows rapid assimilation of toxins and a list of U.s. Poi laneous information. A per data. All information is son Control Centers. POt!ket RD II: sonal note can be added to modifiable by the user. Nutrition Software Trauma each Disease Topic for Topics include: Information on resuscitation This software for nutrition, recording observations and Pharmacology basics and the management health and fitness profes notes. P*M*R also permits Contains over 700 com of traumatic emergencies. sionals calculates, sorts, the user to manage up to monly prescribed drugs, Also includes a step-by-step organizes, and graphs clini five different Personal Lists cally relevant data, and searchable by generic or guide to procedures. of Diseases which can be trade name. Includes adult prints client and personal used in a number of ways to and pediatric doses, dosage The complete set of data reports. It includes 12 pro gram sections: Weight loss, make referencing the formulations and adjust bases uses approximately Disease Topics easier. 2.4MB of disk space and can exercise analysis, body ments, wholesale cost, preg composition, nutrient analy Both the Drug Infor nancy class, contra indica be purchased on floppy disk mation Handbook and The 5 sis with more than 5,000 tions, ad verse drug reac for transfer to your own foods, diabetic and renal cal Minute Clinical Consult have tions, important drug inter Flash card, or pre-loaded on culations, enteral and paren been designed to operate as actions, common overdose a new Flash card. teral nutrition, and many stand-alone references or as management, pharmaco Pricing Complete set equations on determining a seamlessly integrated ref kinetics and other important Roppy ...... $395 appropriate nutrient intake erence (on the same PC information. Flash card .... $395 + cost of card. levels. Card). Databases can also be ordered individ Pricing ...... $499 P*M*R was developed General E.R. ually. Call vendor for prices. (Floppy disk version, $279) Includes information on all CONTACT: PEPID, 207 E Ohio, over a two-year period in #",, CONTACT: Poly-Bytes, Inc., P.O Box Chicago, IL 606", USA; Phone: 312- concert with the University emergent and urgent prob 770070, Coral Springs, FL 33077- 222- 1527; Fax: 312-222- 1526. of Arizona College of lems in the fields of neurolo 0070, USA; Phone: 305-485-4600; Medicine. Its interface gy, psychiatry, dentistry, Fax: 305-485-0022 includes pull-down menus ophthalmology, ENT, cardio and pop-up windows. In vascular, pulmonary, gastro Personal addition, P*M*R is System intestinal, genitourinary, Food Analyst PROGRAMMING Manager compliant, giving obstetrics / gynecology, infec LANGUAGE the user quick access to the tious disease, rheumatology, Helps you track, analyze and modify your eating I HP Palmtop's built-in allergy, environmental medi cine, dermatology, trauma habits. Create your nutri applications. Also available tional profile based on your CARD BASIC and medicolegal. on 3.5" disks. age, height, activity level, for Hardware and Software Developers Runs under System Manager. Orthopedics sex and desired weight. Records what you eat dur Pricing for PC Card versions Includes essentials on diag CARD BASIC is a program ing the day and recalculates Drug Information nosis and management of ming language specifically J7andbook ...... $399 how many calories (and nu- fractures, sprains, ligament designed for PC Card applica- 60 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 tions. CARD BASIC allows able memos, and a work They publish PCMCIA you to program from your PC sheet area that can hold up WORD News Update quarterly, con or Palmtop and design soft to 9,900 activities for plan taining news regarding PC ware products for use on ning multiple projects. PROCESSING Card standards progress either the Palmtop or Pc. Project:VISION can handle along with product an nouncements and other relat Includes connectivity tools to up to 1,000 activities per ed information. connect Palmtop to Palmtop. project. PlanMan can handle PrU. _1OO !~D~ PCMCIA also maintains [See advertising, page 5.] up to 75 activities and is a Didionary! a Bulletin Board that provides complete project planning information on upcoming Pricing ...... $95 Thesaurus «!ard CONTACT: MicroGram Systems, P. 0. training package consisting events, technical issues and of manual and software. HP offers a Dictionary /The general information to mem 80x 252, La Honda, CA 94020-0252, saurus ROM card for the USA; Phone!Fax:415-747-0811. Both Project:VISION bers. Non-members are pro and PlanMan are mouse and 95/100/200LX. vided a one-time access free keyboard operated. Product No...... HP F10005A of charge (see BBS numbers Runs under System Manager. below). PROJECT Pricing: Pricing ...... $129.95 Project:VISION ...... floppy $99 Pricing ...... Free CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard MANAGEMENT PlanMan Starter Pack (includes copy (Fax requests to PCMCIA, include dealers world wide and selected third of Project:V1SION and 10 copies of complete address, company name, party vendors. PlanMan) ...... floppy $399 ete.) 1100!200LX 1 Class Pack (includes 10 copies of . . CONTACT: PCMCIA Headquarters, PlanMan) ...... floppy $300 1030 East Duane Avenue, Suite G, Projed: VISION For Rash card price add cost of Rash PUBLICATIONS Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA; Phone: and PlanMan card. and SERVICES 408·720-0107; Fax: 408-720-9417,' CONTACT: Inmax Publishing Limited, 88S1 (2,400 baud): 408-720-9388,' These two programs follow 2673 Terrace Avenue, North Vancou This section focuses on PC 88S2 (9,600 baud): 408-720-9386. classical project planning ver, 8e, CANADA, V7R 185,' Phone: Card-related publications and techniques and feature Criti 604-980-9991; Fax: 604-985-5591. services. cal Path Method activity logic flow charts and Gantt The P£M£IA 1 Developer"s Guide Timeline bar charts com Pr • [l00i200L8J bined with Resource Use bar REAL ESTATE I~ ~ard Systems This reference book publ charts. They also allow you & Design ished by Sycard Technol to do the following: ogies, contains over 600 pag This bi-monthly publication es covering information on o Calculate manpower and ~ LX J focuses on PC card (PCM the development of PC Card material usage/ costs RealSear«!h CIA) issues and technology. related products. Includes throughout a project and The subscription base is chapters on PC Card Stan RealSearch processes cap comprised of 20,000 design dards, Designing Host over multiple projects; engineers, system integra tured multiple listing and tax Adapters, Designing PC o Adjust master schedules, roll data, converts it to a DBF tors, distributors and resel lers of PC card products. Card Peripherals, PCMCIA allowing for resource, bud for fast searches by street, Software Requirements, get or time limitations; area or MLS number. Enter Pn'cing: Card Bus, PC card '95, PC desired street, select number U.S...... $32 Card Products, and a com Track the project as it pro o with lightbar, touch enter Intemational (air) ...... $72 plete Product and Services gresses and compare it with and 42 fields of information Intemational (surface) ...... $47 Directory for developers your original plan, allowing (Payment in U.S. funds must accom appear. Scroll up, down or panyorder.) and PCMCIA users. you to effect changes search for another. With com The book's appendixes according to reality; CONTACT: IC Card Systems & De pression a 5MB RAM PC sign, Attn: Subscription Department, diagram and describe Con o Make changes with just a Card can hold up to 10,000 6151 Powers Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA nectors, Card Services Func 30339, USA; Phone: 404-955-2500; tions, and Socket Services few keystrokes. records! Can process cap tured text from other sources. Fax: 404-618-0405. Functions. They also include Project: VISION and Plan Includes runtime FOXPRO a Glossary, Sample Sche Man are DOS based pro 2.6 and REASSIST, a data matics, PCIC Register List, Index, and a section on grams that can run on an PC extraction utility. P£M£IA; compatible computer with News Update; where you can get more Pricing: information on PC Cards CGA or VGA graphiCS, On 5M8 card ...... $799 Bulletin Board including the HP 100/ Roppy disk ...... $299 and their development. Setup ...... $155 PCMCIA stands for Per 200LX. They both feature (Setup loads your data into program sonal Computer Memory Pn'cing ...... $89.95 variable magnification on formal) Card International As CONTACT: Sycard Technology, 1180- network and time line CONTACT: 81DS Data Service, Inc., sociation. This association F Miraloma Way, Sunnyvale, CA 3714 Horatio Street, Tampa, FL 33609, 94086, USA; Phone: 408-749-0130; screens, multiple logic links USA; Phone: 813-839-3646; Fax: 813- has defined and published between activities, attach- 839-3003,' 88S: 813-835-1963. standards for PC cards. Fax: 408-749- 1323. THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 61 PCMCIA and PC Card Glossary ATA PCMCIA Mass storage Flash cards produced by SanDisk and IBM are called "ATA The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association is a non Flash disks" because they conform to the PC Card ATA standard. This profit trade association and standards body comprised of over 500 mem standard was created to allow the development of PC Card "mass storage ber companies that defines the industry standard for PC Card technology. devices" (high capacity Flash cards) that "looked" like a hard drive to the PCMCIA also promotes compatibility among PC Cards and PC Card IBM AT (286 or greater) computer using them. The SanDisk ATA Flash based systems. Disk is an example of a solid state ATA device. The HP OmniBook hard drive is an example of a rotating AT A device. PCMCIA Standards, Releases 1.0, Z.O, & Z.Ol and Z.l Card Drives Past PC Card Standard releases that define the specifications and capa Devices similar to floppy disk drives that can be installed in, or attached to bilities of a card. All PC Card Standards are backward compatible (e.g. a desktop PCs and MACs, allowing those computers to access PC Cards. SRAM card developed under the 1.0 standard will work in a memory card drive developed under the 2.01 standard). Card & Socket Services Release 1.0, issued il\ September, 1990, specified a PC Card offering These PC Card specifications provide PC Card software and hardware memory capabilities for mobile computing. The SRAM cards used by the developers a common standard, allowing them to develop cards that work in a variety of computers. 95LX (and subsequent HP Palmtops) were developed under this standard. Card Services Release 2.0 and Socket Services Release 2.0 are the Release 2.0, issued in September, 1991, broadens the first specifica specifications for the PCMCIA software architecture. Socket Services is a tions with the addition of input/output and execute in place capabilities, BIOS level software interface that provides a method for accessing the PC allowing for the SanDlsk ATA mass storage cards, fax/ modem cards and Card slots of a computer. Card Services is a software management inter wireless communications devices to be developed for the HP 100/200LX. face that allows the allocation of system resources (such as memory and Release 2.01 , issued in November, 1992, is a minor correction of interrupts) automatically once Socket Services detects that a PC Card has Release 2.0. been inserted. Release 2.1, issued in July of 1993, made some additional minor modi fications to Release 2.0. File Compression Software Software that compresses files stored on any medium, including PC mem PC ory cards. Compression software can effectively double the rated capacity Abbreviation for Personal Computer. It is often used to refer to an 80x86 of a PC memory card. DOS-based computer system. Flash-Random-Addressable (Flash RAM) Cards SRAM / RAM Cards Flash RAM cards (a.k.a. "Flash cards" or "Flash disks") are comprised of Static-Random-Addressable memory cards. These cards come in capaci computer chips that can be written to and read from. They are different ties up to 2MB (4MB with file compression software). The files on the card from SRAM cards in that they do not need a battery to retain data and they are retained by a small lithium backup battery, which must be replaced are available in larger capacities (up to 40MB currently for the HP every 10 months or so. Palmtops). ROM Cards I/O Cards Read-Only-Memory cards, which come in varying capacities. The data or Input/Output cards were made possible by PCMCIA releases 2.0 and 2.01. programs on these cards can only be read by the host computer, they can Examples of lID cards include fax/modem cards, ATA Flash disks and not be written to. The HP DictionarylThesaurus Card is an example of a drives, wireless messaging cards, and LAN cards. ROM card. JEIDA Type I, II and III Cards The Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association is the organi PCMCIA has defined three PC Card types. All have the same length, zation in Japan responsible for PC Card standards. JEIDA and PCMCIA cooperate closely. JEIDA Release 4.0 is identical to PCMCIA 1.0 and width, and are 3.3mm thick along their edges and connector ends so they JEIDA 4.1 is identical to PCMCIA 2.0. can be inserted into standard PC Card slots. Type I is a constant 3.3mm thick overall and is commonly used for PC Card memory cards, like the SRAM cards useable in all the HP Palmtops. A peripheral device that can add a variety of capabilities to computers Type II is 5mm thick to accommodate applications that require more including: memory, mass-storage, LAN, fax/modem and wireless commu room for components such as fax/modem cards used in the 100/200LX. nications. The PCMCIA PC Card is roughly the dimensions of a credit card Type III is 10.5mm thick to accommodate higher functionality devices and has a standardized 68 pin connector at one end. There are three card such as rotating storage media (hard disks) and wireless communication types (see ''Type I, II & III Cards," next column.). The PC Card logo is copyrighted by PCMCIA. Use of the logo indicates devices. These devices are not useable in the HP Palmtops. that the manufacturer is a PCMCIA member in good standing and the Type I & II Extended cards are PCMCIA recommended extensions that memory or lID card is compatible with the PC Card Standard. are identical to the regular cards with the exception of their length. They are 50mm longer than regular cards, allowing the development of applica PC Card Standards tions that need components outside of the system (like wireless messag The complete set of all of the PCMCIA PC Card Standards. The current ing cards used with the HP 100/200LX) or for applications that need more standards are now referred to as the "PC Card Standards" and no longer PCMCIA followed by a version number. internal room for components. 62 THE HP P ALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 Product Index Contact information for products mentioned in articles. See Advertisers Index, next page, for additional product references. HP PRODUCTS Service Agreements Language Card - N/A Palm Connect - $49 Contact: Authorized HP computer dealers For U.S. HP Palmtop users. Units must be Language translation program. Discontinued Connectivity software. (See page 13) worldwide (I.e. the same place you can pur· under warranty to extend. (See page 38) Contact: Palm Computing, USA; Phone: chase an HP LaserJet). To locate an autho 100/200LX, 2-year extension - $85 Contact: Globalink, Incorporated, USA; 000-001-1256 or 415-949-9560; Fax: 415- rized dealer in the USA, call 800·443-1254. Contact: HP, Corvallis Service Center, Phone: 800-255-5660 or 103-213-5600,' Fax: 949-0141. 103-213-3866. You can also purchase the 95LX & USA; Phone: 503-151-2002. 100/200LX and its accessories from ACE NOTE: Prices listed are suggested retail price. LapLink V - $99.95 Pocket Quicken - $69.95 Technologies at 800·825-9977 or 408-734- File transfer package. (See page 40) Stand-alone version of Pocket Quicken for 0100; Fax: 408-734-3344; EduCALC at 800- Contact: Traveling Sohware, USA; Phone: 100LX users. (See page 4) 677-7001; Fax: 714-582-1445. Global 800-343-8080 or 206-483-8088; Fax: 206- Contact: Intuit, USA; Phone: 000-354- Connections at 800-709-9494 or 608-752- 485-6186. 4023 or Internationa/.' 520-295-3240; Fax: 1537; Fax: 608-752-9548. OTH ER PRODUCTS 603-295-3015. Leather Cases HP 38G - $79.95 acCIS 3.0 - $69 for Palmtops - $Varies QEMM-99.95 (HP F1200A) Leather cases for Palmtops. (See page 15) On 2MB SRAM card, - $329 Contact: PalmTree Products, Inc., USA; Extended memory manager. (See page 41) HP OMNIGO 100 - $349 Automates CompuServe access, no addition Phone: 611-011-1050,' Fax: 611-011-6018. Contact: QuarterDeck Corporation, USA; (HP F131OA) al software required to nun. (See page 13) Phone: 800-354-3222 or 310-309-3700; Fax: Contact: Shier Systems & Sohware, USA; HP OMNIGO ACCESSORIES: LetterPerfect - N/A 310-309-4219. CONNECT1VITY PACK - $119.95 Phone: 805-311-9391; Fax: 805-311-9454; E Word processor. (See pages12, 15) (HP F1311A) Comes with cable_ mail' CompuServe 10: [15030,3314j Contact: WordPerfect/Novell Corporation, CLIP & GO - $69.95 RadioMail- $Varies USA; Phone: 000-451-5151 or 001-225-5000,' Wireless messaging service. (See pgs. 15,24) (HP F1312A) America On Line (AOL) - $Varies Fax: 001-220-5311. Optional PC Connectivity Cable - $24.95 Online information service. Contact: RadioMail, USA; Phone: 000- STRATEGY GAMES - $49.95 Contact: America Online, USA; Phone: Me!l!ltlertz 14.4 591-6245 or 415-206-1000,' Fax: 415-206- (HP F1313A) 800-821-6364 or 103-448-8100; Fax: FaXlModem Card - $219 1005. Optional PC Connectivity Cable - $24.95 103-883-1509. PC fax/modem card that works in the ACCESSORY PENS - $9.99 100/200LX. (See page 46 ) SSFAXER 7.01 - $29.95 (HP F1314A) Includes three pens. ARDIS Wireless Contact: Megahertz Corporation, USA; Command line fax program for HP Palmtops. Messaging Service - $Varies Phone: 000-521-0611 or 001-320-1000,' Fax: (See page 46) HP 200LX 2MB - $699 Wireless amnunK:ations networit (See pg.16) 001-320-6022. Contact: Simple Simon Software, USA; (HP Fl061A) Contact: ARDIS, USA; Phone: 800-494- HP 200LX 1MB - $549 1128 or 108-913-1215; Fax: 108-913-4100, MEMMAKER Phone: 011-283-6691; Fax: 811-203-5811; E (HP Fl060A) Memory management system contained in mail [email protected] HP 1000CX Palmtop PC - $449 CompuServe - $Varies DOS 6.0 and higher. (See page 41) (HP F1203A) Online information service. Contact: Microsoft Corporation, USA; SWITCH! - $39 HP OmniBook 600C PC Contact: CompuServe, USA; Phone: Phone: 800-426-9400, Canada: 000-563- Lets you run mu~iple applications simultane 486DX2I50 170MB HD - $Varies 800-848-8199 or 614-451-0802; Fax: 9040 or Internationa/.'206-936-0661; Fax: ously on the 95LX. (See page 38) 486DX4n5 260MB HD - $Varies 614-529-9463. 206-635-6100. Contact: ACE Technologies, Inc., USA; HP OmniBook 4000 PC Phone: 000-825-9911 or 400-134-0100,' Fax: 486DX4/100 520MB HD - $Varies fastNOTES! - $49 MICROREF 408-134-3344. 486DX2I50 260MB HD - $Varies Freeform database. (See pg. 38) Quick Reference Guides HP StarLink Service - $Varies Contact: ACE Technologies, Inc., USA; DOS 3.0-5.0 - $14.95 Phone: 800-825-9911 or 408-134-0100; Fax: Lotus 1·2-3 Ver.2.4 - $14.95 Ultra·Lite Cellular Phone - $349 Wireless messaging service, for "one-stop Cellular phone. (See page 20) communications solution." Contact: 800-917- 408-134-3344. Both-$25 Contact: Thaddeus Computing, USA; Contact: Motorola, USA; Phone: 000-331- LINK. San Disk Flash Cards - $Varies Phone: 000-009-5603 or 515-412-1660,' Fax: 6456 or 108-523-4206; Fax: 100-523-4120. 1.8MBl12v Flash Card - $199 515- 412-1019. (HP Fl024A)) PC rnenlOIY cards. (See pages 3, 5, 35, 42, 43) 5MB/12v Flash Card - $375 Contact: Sanoisk Corporation, USA; User's Groups tor the HP Palmtop Phone: 408-562-0595; Fax: 408-562-3403, NiMH Batteries - $Varies See box on page 54, this issue. (HP Fl012A) with Stacker 3.0 data com Rechargeable batteries. (See page 3) pression software (not for the 95LX). ACE DoubleCards - $Varies Contact: Local retail stores. Windows 95 - $Varies 10MB/12V Flash Card - $600 Flash cards with Stacker (See pgs. 35,43,44,48) (HP Fl013A) with Stacker 3.0 data com OS/2 Operating System. (See pages 42,43,48) Contact: ACE Technologies, Inc., USA; Contact: Microsoft Corporation, USA; ~ession software (not for the 95LX). Phone: 800-825-9911 or 408-134-0100; Fax: Operating System - $Varies Operating system. (See page 42) Phone: 000-426-9400, Canada: 000-563- DictionaJyf1llesaurus Card-$149.95 408-134-3344. (HP Fl005A) Contact: IBM Corporation, USA; Phone: 9040 or Internationa/.'206-936-0661; Fax: AC'DC Adapter (HP F1011A)-$39.95 000-426-2960 or 919-511-0191; Fax: 000- 206-635-6100. GTE MobiiNet - $Varies 426-4102. USA/Canada (Opt. ABA) Cellular phone service. (See page 22) Europe (Opt. ABB) Contact: GTE, USA; Phone: 800-669- Australia (Opt. ABG) 5665 or 216-642-0321;, Fax: none. United Kingdom (Opt. ABU) Find Information On the Following PC Card Products South Africa (0p.t. ABQ) HP Palmtop Paper, Back Issues PC Connectivity Cable - $24.95 Contact: Thaddeus Computing, USA; In the PC Card Products Section, Pages 50-61 (HP Fl015A) Connect 95LX and 100/200LX Phone: 800-313-6114; Fax: 515-412-1819. (or on pages listed below) to DOS compatible PC. MAC Connectivity Cable - $24.95 Internet Service Providers - $Varies Apex Fax/ Modem Flash MobileMedia Communications (pg 24) Provide Intemet access. (HP Fl016A) Connect 95LX and 100/200LX (pg 11) Contact: Cybergate, USA; Phone: Memory Card to Apple PCslMACs. Motorola Personal Messenger 800-638-4283 or 305-428-4283,' Fax: Card Port Para"el Drives (pg 40) Wireless Modem Card (16,24) 95LX Connectivity Pack - $119.95 305428-1911; E-maiL·[email protected]. or ... (HP FloolA) Contact: Delphi, USA; Phone: 800-695-4005 Databook ThinCard 200 (pg 39) Motorola NewsCard (pg 23) 100/200LX Connectiliity Pack or 212-462-5000,' Fax: 611-441-4903; E-mail' EXP ThinFax Fax/Modem Flash - $119.95 askdelphi@delphlccm, or ... Palm Modem (pg 37) (HP Fl021B) Memory Card (pg 11) Contact: Intemationallntemet Association, RAM Mobile Data Service (24) (HP Fl 021 C) Intemational USA; Phone: 800-669-4180,' Fax: 201-928- GAMEcard (pg 35) Connect/Adapter Kit - $24.95 1051. Stacker 4.0 (pgs 11,35,43,44) (HP Fl023A) 4 adapters for connecting the Keep-In-Touch Modem (pg 20) StarLink (pg 23) 1001200LX to modems, printers, and PCs. Keep-In-View - $49.95 Maxtor Memory Cards (pg 13) 1001200LX Accessory Cradle - $79 Free-form database. (See page 38) Steele Creek Parallel Drives (pgs Contact: Lucid Corporation, USA; Phone: (HP Fl027A) Connects the 100LX or 200LX MobileMate Wireless 39,40) to U.S. Robotics WorldPort V.42bis Modem, 800-961-5550 or 214-994-8100; Fax: 214- Messaging Card (pg 24) SkyTel pager, and other products. 994-8103. Swap Box PC Card Reader (pg 40) THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 63 HOW TO CONTACT US Products advertised in this issue of The HP Palmtop Paper There are a number of ways to get in touch with The HP Palmtop Paper staff. You can write, mail us a disk with your COMPANY (PRODUCT) , •• ". , •• , ••• ,. " •• , •••••• ". , •• [PHONEIFAX NUMBERS) .. PAGE NUMBER comments, send CompuServe mail, fax, or Accurite (Floppy Drives for lOO12ooLX) ...... [408-433-1980; Fax: 408-433·1716J.5 call. Our mailing address and contact ACE (ACE) ...... [8CJO.a25·9977 or 408·734~100; Fax: 408-734·3344J .. back cover information is: (PalmtopiOmnibook Products includes: ACT! for HP Palmtops; ACE<->FAX Fax Software and Modem Bundles; ACE <->UNK File Transfer Software; BATTman Battery Monitoring and Data Protection Software; Carrying Cases; Thaddeus Computing, Inc., Desktop Card Readers; Acoustic Modem Couplers; HP 200LX Palmtop Systems; HP Color OmniBook Software; NiMH Batteries; Printers and Accessories; X.JACK Megahertz Modem Bundles.) P.O. Box 869 or 57 E. Broadway ActionTec (PC Cards and PC Card Drives) ...... [714·851·8242; Fax: 714·851 ·8249J ..49 Fairfield, IA 52556, U.S.A. Apex Data (FaxlModem Memory Cards)(formeMy Smart Modular) ...... [800-841 ·2729; Fax: 51()'416-09091 ..inside back Phone: 515-472-6330 or 800-373-6114 ASF (Palmtop Computer Light) ...... [800·771 ·3600 or 8O()'936-3636; Fax: 516-868·6897] .. 15 Fax #:515-472-1879 Camomia Digital (PC Cards, PDA) ...... [80()'421-5041 or31()'217~500; Fax: 31()'217·19511 ..7 CIS ID: Hal Goldstein, [75300,2443] DataViz (MacLink Plus) ...... ••. .... •...... [80()'733~3O or 203-2~3O; Fax: 203·268-43451 ..9 E&B (Leather Cases) ...... •• . ... .••...... [800-896-2273; Inti: 916-344-5047; Fax: 916-782·9306J .. l Internet: [email protected] EduCALC (Accessories Catalog) ...... •. . . . . [800·713-6522 or 714-582·2837; Fax: 714·582·1445J .. 19 EI Dorado (HP 200LX and Accessories) ...... [80()'227·8292 or 415-494-8600; Fax: 415-494·1995J ..13 TO ADVERTISE in The HP Palmtop Envoy Data (PC Card Products) ...... [800-368-6971 or602-892~54; Fax: 602.a92~29J .. 7 Paper contact Brian Teitzman or Margaret EXP Computer (ThinFax Modem) ...... [8OO·EXP-6922 ext. 641 or 714-453·1020; Fax: 714-453-1319J..inside front Martin. Extended Systems (Desktop Infrared Intertace) ...... •. . . . [800·235·7576 or 208-322·7575; Fax: 406·587·9170J ..49 (JetEye Infrared Printer Intertace) ...... 14 TO SUBSCRIBE, change address, or clear GeoPro Development (Palmtop Clipboard) ...... [909·864-2174; Fax: 909-864·2846J .. 45 up any problem with your subscription, (Coordinate Geometry) ...... 1 ...... 14 contact our subscription department Global Connections (Palmtops & Accessories) ...... [800·709·9494 or 808-752·1537; Fax: 608·752·9548J .. 28 (Colleen Rodibaugh, CompuServe ID: Greenwich Instruments (Seriafto Parallel Converter) ...... [800-476-4070 or 704-376- t021; Fax: 704-335-8707] ..27 [76125,1773]). Greystone Peripherals (PC Card drives and adapters) ...... [8Q0.800·5710 or 408-866-4739; Fax: 406-886-8328J ..34 Hewlett·Packard (Connectivily, Flashcards, AC·DC Adapter) ...... •...... [80().443·1254 or contact nearest HP dealer.J.. 33 Inmax (CGA VGA Graphics Pack Vision) ...... [604·98().9991 ; Fax: 604·985·5597] ..28 Technical Support IntelliUnk (Windows Connectivily Pack) ...... • ...... [803-688-0686; Fax: 603·888·9817] ..12 Microgram Systems (Card Basic Programming Language) . . . .. •...... [PhoneiFax: 415·747·0811J .. 5 HP Technical Support - HP offers these Motorola (Wireless Modem Card) ...... [80().894·7353J .. 31 Notebook Supply Warehouse (Mobile Computing Products) ...... [800·566-6632 or 714·753-6810; Fax: 714·753·8812J .. 24 options: Opus 63 (Liberator Shoulder Holster) ...... •...... [800-588-0PUS or 718-706-6787; Fax: 718·706·7034J ..22 • FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT is offered ONE International (OPRO 4 Programming Language) ...... [800·333-0448 or 215·968-5986; Fax: 215·968·35501 ..21 to all Palmtop users and is available by RadioMaii (Personal Wireless Service) ...... [800-597·6245 dept. R34J .. 25 Shier Systems (aeCfS • CompuServe Access Program & OuickJLl() ...... •...... [805-371·9391; Fax: 805-371 ·9454J .. l0 calling 503-757-2004. Steele Creek Technologies (CardLlnk Drives) ...... [PhoneiFax: 704·588-1780J ..27 • FREE AUTOMATED SUPPORT is Sunshine (SoftwareCarousel.Task Switching Sottware) ...... [800-553-0400 or 305·581·2200; Fax: 305-581·5902J .. 17 offered 24 hours a day by calling 800-443- Thaddeus Computing (HP Palmtop Paper) ...... [800-373-6114 or 515-472·6330: Fax: 515-472·1879J .. 8 (HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK) ...... 57 1254. Lotus 1·2·3. DOS 5.0 Reference Books ...... 47 • REQUEST FAXED OR MAILED INFOR Thus,lnc. (LX100. LX2oo, 41 Series) ...... •...... [610·588·2800; Fax: 61()'568·1727] ..37 MATION - 800-752-0900. On-Line Support-offered by these bul letin board services. Shareware and Freeware Index • COMPUSERVE: GO HPHAND Software mentioned and included in p'ast issues of FORUM - Call 800-848-8199 or 614-457- The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK, The Subscriber's PowerDisks, or 0802: For FREE membership state #231. CompuServe's nPHAND Forum • AMERICA ON LINE: Keyword P ALM TOP - Call 800-227-6364 or 703-893-6288 NOTE: There is no ON DISK issue with the PC Card Review. Files can be found in the for membership information. locations listed below. PCCARD.ZIP, the text file for The HP Palmtop Paper PC Card • INTERNET: comp.sys.palmtops; or Review, will be found in the Nov/Dec 95 issuue of The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK. eddie.rnit.edu. PRODUCT PTP FUNCTION CIS FORUM I LIBRARY TYPE PAGE How to submit an article 95BUDDY.ZIP (BestTIps 94) Utility: Fixes problems and adds useful The richness of The HP Palmtop Paper functions to 95LX. HPHAND/7 Share 35 comes from the contributions of Palmtop BUDDY.ZIP (BestTIps 95) Utility: Adds features to 100/200LX. HPHAND 11 OOLX III Share 35 PC users. We and your fellow users wel COMLNK.ZIP (To be published in NovlDec 95) Utility: Use lOO/200LX PC come your submissions. (We do not offer Card modem in Desktop PC. HPHAND/9 Free 3 payment for articles, your reward is know DIETI45F.ZIP (PwrDsk 94/95) Utility: File compression utility. HPHAND/I Free 33, 38, 44 LHA213.EXE (Jan/Feb 95) Utility: File compression and archive utility. HPHAND/I Free 49 ing that you've helped others.) NOTES95.ZIP (Mar/Apr 93, PTP 8) Application: Database I PIM. HPHAND/7 Share 38 If you have a good idea and want to "go PK204G.EXE (PwrDsk 94/95) Utility: PKZIPIPKUNZIP Version 2.04G for it," send it in via CompuServe E-Mail of archive utility. HPHAND/I Share 49 [75300,2443], Internet: 75300.2443@com PKLI15.EXE (Jan/Feb 92, PTP I) Utility: PKLite version 1.15 puserve.com, or send disk or hard copy to of file compress utility. Update of PKL 103.ZIP. HPHAND/l Share 49 Hal Goldstein or Rich Hall at the above TIMEOUT.ZIP (PwrDsk 94195) Utility: Changes auto shut-off time address. Alternatively you can send an on 95/100LX. HPHAND/6 Free 35 outline of your idea. We will try to guide ZIP.ZIP (PwrDsk 94/95) Utility: ZIP.COM 2.0: file transfer program you as to when and whether we would use for 951I00LX. HPHAND/5 Free 40 the article and contact you if we need clari fication or have any suggestions. We may Files of Interest Not Included in PC Card Review want to use an article but for a variety of reasons you may not see it for many LlBDB.ZIP (Ea. issue.) Database: Description of files, CIS HP Forums. HPHANDI lOOLXI II Free NA months. Please understand that we cannot PTPDSK23.ZIP (SepVOct 95) Database: PTP OnDisk Index for 951100LX. NA NA NA promise to run any particular article. UNZIP.EXE (Ea. issue.) Utility: Utility to decompress .ZIP files. HPHAND/I Free NA If you can, especially if you write a Palmtop Profile, send us a black and white TO ORDER the HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK, see order card page 57 photo of yourself. 64 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER PC CARD REVIEW 1995 YOUR HP PALMTOP JUST TOOK A UANTUM LEAP. With just one smart move, your Hewlett-Packard memory; 14,400 send/ 9,600 receive fax; 2400 bps PDA can jump from a portable organizer to a mobile modem; MNP 5, Y.42/Y.22 bis error correction; HP communications center. The Data/Fax Modem and LaserJet compatibility; multiple-destination fax capa Memory card from Apex Data enables this transfor bility; and auto-dial and answer functionality. You mation by combining industry-standard fax / modem also get EZ Installation software to literally get you capabilities with powerful, on-board flash memory up and running in seconds, sleep and standby modes all on the same streamlined PCMCIA Type II-com for prolonged battery life and our comprehensive patible card. By coupling fax, modem and modem five-year warranty. functions in a single card, you can easily send and All told, the Data/Fax Modem and Memory card receive the data-intensive communications that, ~ from Apex Data is a Calaveras County- before now, were D __ ~ like leap forward for palmtop beyond the reach I computing and serious. of palmtop computing. Hewlett- Packard 95LX, 100LX In keeping with our reputation for PCMCIA and 200LX users like you. For innovation-and as a leading OEM provider- more information call this powerful card has all the performance Apex Data at 1-S00-S41-APEX features you need: 2 MB, 4 MB or 6 MB flash 5104165656 The Peak of Performance ASMART Modular Technologies Company Your Total Palmtop Storage Solution To Order Call 800-825-9977 DoubleFla~ h m'Plus", c. ~ ~/ Price . ~.. 6M (up to 6MB) $229 40M (up to 40MB) $699 10M (up to 10MB) $299 60M (up to 60MB) $899 20M (up to 20MB) $439 80M (up to 80MB) $1,249 A@~ ® Ask about special pricing on Palmtop + DFPlus systems. ACE Technologies. Inc. DoubleFlash, DoubieFlashePlus are trademarks of ACE Technologies. Inc., LZS and Stocker are trademarks of Stac Electronics. Inc. PP623 ACE Technologies. Inc. 592 Weddell Drive #6, Sunnyvale. California. 94089 U.S.A. Tel: 408·734·0100 or 800·825·9977 Fox: 408·734·3344