.JULY/AUG 1992 THE PPalmtop aper
INSIDE:
Publisher's Message ...... 2
Letters •.....•...... 3
Reviews Useful Software - 95Buddy, Four Extraordinarily Useful Switch!, UNO, UMA . . .. cover, 6 Best Batteries ...... 13 Software Packages -
User Profiles each under $50 Physician Keeps On Top Of Practice ...... 16 95Buddy and Switch! add a number of useful features News From HP to the HP 95LX, and make it easier to run system From the Factory ...... 19 compliant and DOS programs. Useful Notes adds Free RAM Card electronic ''post-its'' to your Palmtop and Useful for Stories ...... 19 1.3" Hard Drive ...... 20 Macros greatly expands the 95LX's macro capabilities. SkyStream Receiver ...... 21
HP 95LX Support Introduction by Hal Goldstein HP Handhelds Forum ...... 21 During the last few months four inexpensive yet well-conceived and Thaddeus Computing News useful programs have come to our attention. Two of these programs, User to User: What we'll 95Buddy and Switchl, were written specifically to remedy some of see soon ...... 22 the limitations of the HP 95LX. The other two programs, Useful Columns Notes (UNO) and Useful Macros (UMA) are programs originally Looking Glass: Backing written for the IBM PC but adapted to the 95LX. Up with ZIP ...... 26 95Buddy fixes many of the awkward keystroke combinations Savvy User: New Solver to 1-2-3 transfer ...... 30 and inconsistencies of the HP 95LX. For example: It automatically . Programmer's Corner: saves and exits built-in applications when going from FILER to Swift!Basic ...... 32 DOS. It lets IMENU I File Open do the same thing across all built-in Getting Started: Directories ...... 34 (Continued on page 6) Third Party 95LX Products Hardware ...... 38 Software ...... 39 Thaddeus Computing, Inc. Application to mail P.O. Box 869 2nd Class pending Basic Tips ...... " 45 Fairfield, Iowa 52556 at Fairfield, Iowa
Quick Tips ...... 46-47 Forwarding and Address Correction Requested Palmtop Paper On Disk . . . .. 48 Advertiser's Index ...... 48 NOW DOUBLE YOUR CAPACITY with DoubleCard! Introducing TM DoubleCard 2.0 RAM Memory Card
NEW! DoubleCard 2.0 now doubles both your standard RAM cards and your HP95LX internal RAM disk! Now up to 5 MegaBytes on your HP95LX!
DoubleCard 2.0 ACE Technologies introduces DoubleCard 2.0 with its unique new DoubleRAMfeature. DoubieRAM together with the Extra Software included DoubleCard 2.0 with DoubieRAM patented Stacker LZS data DoubleCard comes bundled DoubleCard 1M (up to 1MB) A2001 compression technology now with DoubleRAM, B-Cursor (Block DoubleCard 2M (up to 2MB) A2002 doubles both the capacity of Cursor), CardCopy, our Universal DoubleCard 3M (up to 3MB) A2003 your RAM cards and your Card Format utility and a DoubleCard 4M (up to 4MB) A2004 HP95LX's internal RAM disk. diskette full of shareware pro Standard RAM memory Cards grams for the HP95LX. ACEcard 512K ...... A 1003 How does it work? ACEcard 1MB ...... AlO04 DoubieRAM compresses your Lifetime Warranty ACEcard 1.5MB ...... A 1005 internal RAM and creates a new We believe in the quality and ACEcard 2MB ...... A 1006 RAM disk (as G: drive) in any reliability of our products so 1MB version HP95LX. With at Software Upgrades much that DoubleCard now DoubleCard 2.0 Upgrade ...... C2200 least 800KB capacity, this new comes with a lifetime warranty. B-Cursor (Battery Block-Cursor). C1011 RAM disk is 100% compatible In addition, you will recieve five CardCopy (Card to card copy) C1012 with all your HP95LX and DOS years of free card batteries from Universal Card Format Utility ...... C1013 applications. ACE directly.
Additional Support Upgrade now available! DoubleCard 2.0 is now fully If you own any RAM cards for compatible with all other DOS the HP95LX, we now offer Palmtops such as the Sharp DoubleCard 2.0 and ACE Technologies, Inc. PC3000, POQET and even DOS DoubieRAM as a software 2880 Zanker Road compatible memory card upgrade. San Jose, CA 95134 drives. DoubleCard is the first (408) 428-9722 FAX (408) 428-9721 and the only memory card with To Order: built-in data compression and to provide 100% transparent call ACE TOLL FREE: ACEcard conforms to PCMCIA I JEIDA specifications. data exchange across a wide Dealer inquiries welcome. variety of computers. (800) 825-9977
Stacker LZS is a trademark of Stac Electronics. DoubleCard is a ACE Technologies. Inc. ACEcard is a trademark of ACE Technologies SOLID BRASS - HAND FINISHED - PERSONALIZED IDENTIFICATION PLATES 1 - $10.95 ea. style • 2 for $19.95 INSURE your investment against loss and enhance it's beauty by having a personalized SOLID BRASS Identification Plate permanently affixed to your equipment. Plates easily and securely fasten with it's self adhesive backing to your equipment. It permanently attaches to plastic, metal, vinyl, leather and most other non porous surfaces. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK. INSTRUCTIONS: Indicate whether you want the self-adhesive I.D. plate (Styles B) which can be ordered with 1 to 4 lines, OR the I.D. plate with strap (Style C) which can be ordered with 1 to 3 lines, up to 24 letters including spaces & periods per line. OR order both! Once you have decided, completely fill out the coupon below and send it along with your check or money order to I.B.B., Ltd.
------TO ORDER: Fill out form, detach and mail with check or money order. (Sorry, no C.O.D.'s) SEND FULL COUPON - CUT HERE TO: IBB LIMITED. P.O. Box 568, Chappaqua, N.V. 10514-0568 Jtl This offer is made available by LB. B., Ltd. to owners of H.P. Products. I.B.B., Ltd. is the supplier of the 1.0. Plate and assumes all responsibility for the product. NAME: ADDRESS, PHONE NO. OR MESSAGE (Please Print) STYLE QTY PRICE TOTAL B C
N.Y. State Residents Add Applicable Sales Tax Allow 30 Days for Delivery - For different additional engraved plates, print POSTAGE & HANDLING 1.00 information on plain white paper and attach. TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: PRINT CLEARL Y-THE FOLLOWING IS YOUR MAILING LABEL: Name The product I am personalizing Address and insuring is City State Zip e HP-1 PLEASE COMPLETE ORDER FORM \\\ \\\ \\\ We Reserve the Right to Abr. Addresses PN : TCADZ2003CCZZ Publisher's Message The HP Palmtop Paper Volume one I Number four ...------. Every month the usefulness of the HP July I August 1992 95LX increases. To see what I mean, just Executive EditorlPublisher read the lead story about four software Hal Goldstein packages, check out the User to User Managing Editor column about hardware advances, see Richard Hall this issue's New Products listing, and Department Editors Tom Page study the advertisements. We're all in for Ed Keefe a treat these coming months as these and Mark Scardina other products under development ship. Contributing Writers A number of you have written asking Marty Mankins Larry Lefkowitz about battery alternatives for the HP Robert Williams 95LX. Mark Scardina did his usually Ted Dickens thorough and to-the-heart-of-the-matter Copy Editor Hal Goldstein job in researching and writing about this Margaret Martin subject. Mark compares four types of Advertising/Marketing double-As; two rechargeables, an alkaline, and a lithium-based Brian Teitzman Peder Sweeney battery. Circulation Ed Keefe reviews SwiftlBasic, a programming language for the Kelly Johnson rest of us that allows programmers in BASIC to create graphics Rene LaReau Marni White and system compliant applications for the 95LX. At the same time Signe Wilson we have not forgotten novices as you will see with our new "Basic Diane Wimett Tips" page ("Basic" here means "fundamental"). Executive Advisor Finally, both Thaddeus Computing (The HP Palmtop Paper) Rita Goldstein and Hewlett-Packard have small favors to ask - both with rewards The HP Palmtop Paper is published to you: bimonthly by Thaddeus Comput ing Inc., at 57 East Broadway Ave If you like The HP Palmtop Paper and Subscribers Disk and nue, Fairfield, IA 52556. Second plan to renew, please take a minute and fill out the enclosed card class postage pending at Fairfield, or call in your renewal. You'll avoid getting any of those annoying Iowa. Subscription rates payable in U.S. dollars, checks drawn on a renewal notices, and we'll avoid the time and expense of sending U.S. bank, or by credit card - one them. year: $39; two years: $69. Postage: U.S. and U.S. possessions free; If you appreciate your HP 95LX, see page 19 and tell HP how Canada, Mexico add $6 per year; you use it. As a thank you, HP will be giving away RAM cards to other countries add $18 per year. both the earliest and the best responses. Please allow four to six weeks for receipt of first issue. Executive, Editorial, Circulation, MarketIng and Advertising Offices: P.O. Box 869, Fairfield, IA 52556. Telephone: (515) 472-6330, FAX: (515) 472- 1879. Copyright 1992, Thaddeus Computing Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permis sion. Reasonable efforts are made Subscribers Disk Users to provide accurate and useful Based on initial feedback most of you appreciated and were able to install Subscribers Disk programs. However. others of information, but the reader must you had problems. Please note the following: make his or her own investigations 1. 486 owners: The INSTAlL program on the 1992 Subscribers Disk. Version 1.01. does not work on 486 machines. The and decisions; the Publisher and simplest solution is to run INSTAlL on a non-486 PC. Alternatively. see manual page 16 or mail us your disk with your Editorial Staff cannot assume any name and address. stating '486 machine', and we'lI mail you back a updated version of the disk. responsibility or liability for the use 2. If the INSTALL program does not work for you, follow instructions on page 16 in the manual which still greally facilitates installation. of information contained herein. 3. If you are still unsuccessful, you will have to study the documentation in DOCS.ZIP (the normal resource users have POSTMASTER: Please send to make use of these programs.) any address changes to Thaddeus Countless hours went into our efforts to facilitate installation of these programs. We simply to not have the manpower to Computing, Inc., Attn: The HP provide add~ional support to over 10.000 users on the installation and use of the 34 free programs that came on the disk. We Palmtop Paper, P.O. Box 869, Fair truly regret any inconvenience this has caused you. field, IA 52556.
2 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 Mattox, the 95Buddy my HP up in the air - while pear. I tried ~-C and Some User Problems author, is listening - Hal.} I walk through the detector. ~, with no success. 1. I have had to change Is that adequate? Is any of Finally, I disconnected 6. Graphs displayed in 1-2-3 this necessary? batteries twice. On each suffer from the small size of the AC adapter and while occasion, the 95LX locked As more people start the backup batteries were the screen that limits the Y carrying palmtops, I wonder up and I had to reformat axis length and causes the in the computer, I removed the internal RAM drive. I'm ifit would be appropriate or the MAIN batteries. As a scale labels to overwrite necessary to ask store man not sure if I have done the each other. I have found no result, the system reset wrong thing, or whether agers to make the detectors itself, causing loss of every way around this except to more obvious or to put up there is a bug in the low use manual scaling and thing. Now, the 95LX is battery warning system. signs to warn people about working perfectly again, but select a range that makes potential damage. [You should definitely the labels far enough apart I could not understand send your unit in to HP for Earl Morton what caused this paralysis to read (which probably Colorado Springs, USA repair. This problem doesn't suit the real data and I really want to know showed up on some of the [I know nothing about whether it will happen range). Is there a way America Online. Compu early units produced - Hal.] around this problem, which again or not and was there Serve becomes easier if you a way of saving the files in 2. I keep nearly all my I guess disappears on a full use an automated program the system? data, memos, etc., on a size screen? like MESSAGE for the HP [Don't think so, but may Ahmet G. OZISIK RAM card in the A drive 95LX reviewed last issue or Istanbul Turkey and I would like to find a be a reader can help - Hal.] any of the PC programs way to set the default direc John Garrett mentioned on page 28 of the Ipswich, ENGLAND [I'm not sure why it locked tories for all of the built-in Mar / Apr issue, although it up, but if it happens again, applications. 1-2-3 handles still takes some patience. I press ~-I < Shift > I-~ for this OK. I've tried using an Do Security Devices don't have any APPT sug AUTOEXEC.BAT file, but it Damage the HP 95LX? a hard reboot, instead of gestions except to use User pulling the batteries. Be seems the System Manager Thank you for your excel Defined Function Keys to overrides it. sure and answer No when lent publication! I have a speed up Cut and Paste the hard reboot asks if you [Check out reviews this few questions for you. operations. See example 6, issue on Switch and 95- want to reinitialize the disk. First, is anyone planning page 12. This should get you out of a Buddy. Also, use User De on starting an HP 95LX For years I have heard lock up without loosing your fined Function Key - see forum on America Online? I discussions about the poten files. Also, there is no FALL MEMO Quick Tip or don't have the patience tial of security devices reason to disconnect the AC your manual - Hal.] necessary to find my way harming data on RAM adapter when changing around CompuServe, 3. I need a database other drives such as on the HP batteries - Hal.} whereas AOL is very easy than the standard Phone 95LX. There have been all to get into, move around Book. PHONE would be sorts of opinions. However, Complete Travel Kit more useful if it was more find what you are looking in all these years, I have for. My ideal North American flexible and let you rename never heard of anyone los Next, in APPT's To Do travel kit is by no means fields and modify the for ing their data. We'll see list, is there an easy way to the solution for everyone. mat to suit other purposes. what response this comment Yours may vary with the [Check out UNO review put the items within a gi.v evokes. (Despite this knowl en priority level in a specIf type of work you want to do this issue or Pocket Sales edge, I always hand my HP with the 95LX, the length Force reviewed last issue - ic order? I usually have five 95LX to the airport security to ten items at each priority of your trip and the amount Hal.] guard - why take chances?) of money you want to level and would like to - Hal.} 4. I use the Only function arrange them better. The spend. in PHONE to select a sub only way I have found to do The items listed below 95LX Locks Up In are best packed in two set of the entire Phone list. that is to decide what order Lotus While Printing However, when I select I want them, and then cut separate locations: 1) a I was working with Lotus briefcase or carry-on lug Print File All, the whole and paste each one in that and decided to retrieve a Phone List is printed, not order. This is rather clum gage for those things !Ou file, make some modifica may need frequently or m a the subset I just selected. sy. tions, and print it. I pressed Why does this happen and I have heard rumors hurry, and, 2) checked-in IMENU I Print Printer Align what do I have to do to that security devices used luggage for the items that Go. While I was viewing the print the subset? in airports, stores, etc., may you may only need at your [After using Only, tag damage electronic devices WAIT massage on the top destination. My travel kit those entries. Then do a File such as the 95LX. right corner of the monitor, includes the following: Xtract and send those en Is this the case? Does it the printer started to print the file. After some time, I - 2400 baud GVC Pocket tries to a new file. Retrieve make any difference wheth Modem; - Homemade 9-pin the new file to do what you er the applications are realized that the print range was not proper and I to 25-pin cable for above wish with that subset - suspended or completely modem; - RAM card for Hal.} turned off? What is a safe turned off the printer in order to reset it. I pressed back-ups; - modular phone distance I should keep my jack adapter (2 from 1); - 5. How about developing a HP (and diskettes) from ~-I < Break> I immediately Tag that steps down auto after turning off the print 25 foot modular phone cable these devices? When leav (phone jacks are sometimes matically? ing our local library, I hold er, but the WAIT massage [I agree. Maybe Jeffrey on my 95LX did not disap- far from the power source if
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 3 LETrERS: Continued you are running on AC); - service. However, if any PC write a program to require competitors, and set the 8 foot extension cord; - prodigy user wants to send the screen time display to stage for serious customer Plug-in adapter for the us a note about HP 95LX update itself on a continu satisfaction issues. There modem and an adapter for activity on this popular ing basis, without having to may be SEC issues as well the 95LX; - 95LX serial commercial bulletin board, turn the 95LX ofT and on to (I'm not sure). Another cable and DB-9 male to please do so - Hal.] get the correct time. issue is who has authority DB-25 female pin adapter; JudBon Freeman, Jr. to speak for the company on - Spare batteries for the Displayed Time Out JackBonville, FL, USA unreleased products. Legal 95LX, modem, battery back Of Sync with ly it may be only an officer. up and the RAM card; - Internal Time Future HP Products Practically it may be any DB-9 male to DB-25 male If the 95LX is on for any ex For as long as I've been employee who may not have adapter; - DB-9 male to tended period of time, by with HP (22 years), not the complete story or under DB-9 female null modem using the AC adapter, the talking about the future in stand the uncertainties. adapter; - Back-up disks time displayed on the public has been a part our We have major accounts and Eric Meyer's ZIP file screen gets out of sync with operating style. This is who sometimes commit transfer program from the the internal clock time. By some of my personal inter their future strategies Subscribers Disk; - Con turning it ofT and on, the pretation of why HP takes based on our product plans. nectivity pack disk; - Swiss screen 1, adjusts" the time that position. We do discuss our plans Army Knife (for getting into to that of the internal clock. If we talk about a fu with them, face to face, places you really shouldn't There must be a way to ture, we may jeopardize our usually in one of our facto be). patent position, alert our ries with confidential dis- A 4-pin to modular adap ter cable with alligator clips on wires attached to the TAKE CONTROL and CUSTOMIZE YOUR HP95LX base of the two wider spaced pins. Use the modu lar adapter to connect to Introducing modular jacks. Otherwise, TM attach the alligator clips directly to the handset microphone spring contacts or to the phone wall jack in "unfriendly" hotels. SWITCH! Solder two short lengths Now take complete control of your HP95LX of hook-up wire to the base of the pins marked red and The HP95LX Program Launcher and Control Panel green (so you can still plug it into a socket if need be) Look at these Features! and attach alligator clips to the wire ends. lEiS" Launches any DOS program lEiS" Change default directories of One person also suggest directly without closing system memo, phone book etc. ed that I consider bringing manager applications lEiS" Allows you to set auto power a second modem as a back lEiS" Allows you to assign additional off timer from 0 to 60 minutes up. Good idea if you have programs to your Blue Applica- lEiS" Displays digital battery levels the money. Same thing goes tion keys lEiS" Allows you to turn off serial for the spare RAM card for lEiS" Allows single key access for port to save power back-ups. additional DOS and .EXM lEiS" And much more .... Bill NOBeworthy lEiS" In addition, SWITCH! is a fully Conception Bay South programs from a menu Newfoundland, CANADA lEiS" Run DOS shell immediately from system manager compliant a single key program Connecting the 95LX to Prodigy Menu-driven and easy-to-use user interface gives For your nearest dealer Please advise me of the you instant access to all your HP95LX programs plus or to order direct call: a powerful control panel. SWITCH! allows you to run steps involved, and the (800) 825-9977 hardware and software DOS programs using the Blue Application keys. necessary to connect my Popular DOS programs like ACT! can be launched 95LX to Prodigy. There's directly with a 'hot-key" without closing other plenty information for con HP95LX applications like memo, calculator etc. nection to CompuServe, but SWITCH! lets you change your default C:\_DAT none to Prodigy. directory, clear a forgotten password, customize ACE Technologies, Inc. Dave Miller your HP95LX and much more. In addition, SWITCH! 2880 Zanker Road, SUite 103 Son Jose, California 95134 U.S.A. GoodlettBville, TN, USA comes with easy installation and installs on your (408) 428·9722. FAX (408) 428-972 1 [Prodigy requires a stan HP95LX automatically. dard PC compatible graph ics display. Therefore, the SWITCH! 1.0 HP95LX Launcher and Control program (C1055) ...... $49 HP 95LX cannot directly make use of the Prodigy SWITCHI is a trademark of ACE Technologies. Inc. © Copyright 1992 ACE Technologies. Inc.
4 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 closure agreements and an 2. Is it possible to create a 3. Is it possible to add some 5. How can I assign LICS understanding that we are user definable format for functions, such as line de characters to the keyboard talking about goals not PHONE menu? I tried to lete, to MEMO? without using Alt + decimal commitments. Pretty tough use my PHONE file as a [Use User Defined Func value? For example.! I want with consumer products. data file for a BASIC pro tion Keys (see reference in to assign Turkish 0 to the Here is my own personal gram but, the result was User's Guide) or the UMA "0" key of my 95LX so that philosophy about buying annoying. If I can define program reviewed in this when I press ICHARI 0 I get high tech stuff (and I buy fields or variables into my issue to extend MEMO's O. Also, how can I create more than most people I PHONE file, I may get nice capabilities - Hal.} the Turkish characters 0, g, know). You don't buy tech outputs with the names on 4. When I run PC version of I, 1, ~ and ~ on my 95LX? nology; you rent it. Your the first line, addresses on Ahmet G. Oezisik monthly rental is what you the second line, postal code Lotus, date or file name information is seen on bot Istanbul Turkey paid divided by how long and country on the next [Maybe other readers can you used it (my personal lines. Any of your readers tom left of the screen. How help - Hal.] opinion). Others have said succeed with this? ever, this is not the case you can wait until you die [A shareware program with the 95LX version. Can I make use of this ability on to buy the best computer. I (Continued on page 37.) called PRT95 Ii by Todd the 95LX? think HP has done some Cary does a nice job print nice things in the upgrade [Don't think that is pos ing the PHONE book out in sible. One of the sacrifices of world. The 512K to 1MB is a variety of formats - Hal.] ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on one example. It's not possi a smaller screen - Hal.} Disk, JullAug, 92. ble to guarantee upgrades in the high tech consumer market (again my opinion). SAVE DATA! SAVE $$$! SAVE EARTH! It sometimes simply doesn't work financially. When I buy, I look at the Introducing cost'benefit trade-off and realize something may change after my purchase. Tom Anderson Sunnyvale, CA, USA BATTman™ Excel to Lotus Battery Management Software and I use my 95LX mainly with Lotus 1-2-3. I run complex Nickel-Hydride rechargeable batteries computer modeling applica for your HP95LX tions that were originally developed under EXCEL 3.0 Features batteries' sharp drop off. (see chart / Windows 3.0 and convert below). No more application crashs and OF Turns off HP95LX automatically data lost when your batteries go low. ed to LOTUS (Using "SAVE when batteries are low AS" under Excel). The con The powerful DPA algorithm works with any OF Prevents sudden data lost and rechargeable. alkaline or lithium battery. verted sheets were then allows you to use rechargeable downloaded to my 95LX batteries with your HP95LX Nickel-Metal-Hydride Batteries with the connectivity pack. OF Pop-up battery status every time ACE introduces rechargeable NiMH AA They all work without any HP95LX is turned on batteries that last almost as long as your problem under the 95LX's alkalines on every charge. They can be Lotus, and they produce the Predictive Algorithm recharged up to a 1,000 times and unlike NiCads, are non-toxic and does not have same result as EXCEL !!! BADman uses ACE's proprietary real-time any memory effects. Start using NiMH Olivier SOKAL Discharge Predictive Algorithm (DPA) to batteries to save money and help preserve France automatically turn off your HP95LX before your the environment. Some Questions Baftery discharge curves For your nearest dealer 1. Why is it not advisable at lOOma using HP95l.X 3 r---- Al\(olfne discharge or order direct call: to use rechargeable batter (800) 825-9977 ies? The maximum battery life for me is two weeks (not two months as in the user's ,: "~--~~ guide) and using an adapter ACE Technologies, Inc. is limiting the portability in o~~~~-r~~~.-~r-~~ 1 2 3 .4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2880 Zanker Road. Suite 103 Hours some cases. San Jose, California 95134 U.S. A. [The only reason is that (408) 428-9722. FAX (408) 428-9721 the battery low mechanism BATTman software only (C 1005) ...... $49 is designed for alkalines. BATTman with two matched 1100mAh Ni-metal-Hydride Batteries (ClO07) ...... $59 Also, be careful that you BATTman with two 650mAh Millennium NiCads and charger (ClO06) ...... $59 insert the batteries in the Two 1100maH matched Ni-metal-Hydride batteries (C1015) ...... $18 correct direction. See battery Two hi-capacity Millennium NiCad batteries with quick charger (ClO16) ...... $12 article this issue - Hal.] BATImon is a trademark of ACE Technologies. Inc. © Copyright 1992 ACE Technologies , Inc .
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 5 Reviews: Software
(Continued from front cover.) combinations, like iALTI-P, for the and wait for HP & Lotus to update macro key. Suppose you would like the ROM software. That was before applications, makes _*.WKI disap the macro to pause to let you type I discovered 95Buddy, a new pro pear from your directory, and allows in some information and then con gram that corrects many of the you to choose the default directory tinue when you tell it to. The solu 95LX problems without having to you want for MEMO. 95Buddy lets tion is UMA, a powerful, easy-to-use wait for a ROM update. you go into FILER, put your cursor macro program for the diminutive on a TXT or WKI file, and press a 95LX keyboard. UMA lets users 95Buddy Installs Easily couple of keys to be editing that file avoid typing repetitive key strokes. 95Buddy is a small (approx. 7K) in MEMO or 1-2-3. All four programs are inexpen device driver that links itself to all SWITCH! helps you with new sive. The real price must be mea of the built-in programs and adds a DOS and system compliant pro sured in terms of the amount of number of much needed features grams. Let's say you've got a RAM system resources used. UMA, UNO that make using the 95LX easier card, and a growing number of DOS and 95Buddy normally stay resident than we imagined. Installation is programs and System Manager in the background. That means in easy. Simply copy 95BUDDY.SYS compliant programs. You are frus order to run these programs you (the main Buddy file) to your C:\ trated by the 95LX's limitation of 8 will have to increase System RAM drive and add the following line to installed system compliant pro from SET UP. Uno demands almost your CONFIG.SYS file: grams; you can't remember the lOOK whereas UMA needs roughly hotkeys you assigned to the system 15K and 95Buddy needs 6K. In device=c:\95buddy.sys compliant programs; you can't re addition, these programs take up member the names of all your DOS some disk space (when Dieted, the Save the CONFIG.SYS file, reboot by programs or where they're stored. minimum required is: UMA-15K; pressing ~-IALTI-IDEq, and 95- With SWITCH! you no longer have UNO-30K; 95Buddy-7K). SWITCH! Buddy is installed. (If you don't to fool around creating the undocu requires a RAM card and about 65K have a CONFIG.SYS file, you'll have mented, temperamental APNAME of disk space. to create a two-line file.) .LST file to install your hotkeys. The nice thing about all four You also don't have to remember programs is that you start being Tour of 95Buddy where your DOS programs are, or be productive with any of them in less We start our tour of 95Buddy by limited to 8 system compliant pro than an hour - in some cases fifteen opening FILER. The first thing we grams. Start SWITCH! and immedi minutes - and that includes instal notice in the middle of the top line ately you have access to any DOS or lation time. of the screen is the serial port indi System Manager compliant program cator ("ser on" or "ser off'), telling on your A drive. SWITCH! also in 95Buddy Ii us if the port is on or off. This fea cludes utilities to check your bat This small utility adds a ture will save battery life by telling tery, turn the Serial Port on and off, number of useful features to us if a program or action left the set the 95LX's auto time out feature, the 95LX, allowing you to serial port on by mistake. and much more. launch an application from Cursor down to the bottom of Useful Notes (UNO) addresses the the FILER screen and you'll notice need of 95LX users to easily store file in FILER, close and save all your built-in applications something missing - the WK1 Lotus and retrieve information. UNO is a files. By default, 95Buddy will free-form database. That means you at once, change your default directories, and much more. "blank out" those annoying files put whatever information you like that we all have tried to delete at in computerized post-it-like notes. A By Marty Mankins one point. The files are still there, file created in UNO consists of a pile as when we cursor down, each file of these notes. You can link these shows up as it is highlighted. notes and access what information From the first day I used it, I knew you need. the 95LX was something that would Finally, there's Useful Macros change the way I worked, lived and thought. It had many features that (UMA). Suppose you feel limited by Filer ser on 07/16/92 8:45 p~ made it perfect for keeping my life Local Dirs the HP user-defined function key C:' in order, and its size let me take it U-SOUNDS COM 2645 06-03-92 6:15a (macro) capability. This capability is WEEKABK EXM 11078 03-13-92 10:39p wherever I went. It appeared to be ZIP COM 6952 06-16-92 11:12a good as far as it goes. However, ZIPPER COM 11904 03-04-92 9:55a suppose you would like a user-de a perfect relationship. fined function key to move you from Well, there were a few things I one of the built-in applications to a wanted to change. I wanted to de DOS program, or for another to work lete the .WKI Lotus files from the in a DOS program, or for another to root directory. I also wanted to be take you from a DOS program back able to choose the default directory to, say, MEMO. Suppose you need for my MEMO files. It looked like more than 10 keys defined, and the only thing I could do was to put want to use different key stroke in an enhancement request to HP Ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk, JuVAug 92.
6 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 your battery life. directory and you save tons of key Press IF101 to display the key strokes. Filer Local code value of any single key or key There's a more direct way to C:' combination - a must for those who specify a new default directory path U-SOUNDS COM 6:15a WEEKABK EXM 10:39p edit their APNAME.LST file to in and/or file name for MEMO; follow ZIP COM 11: 12a ZIPPER COM 9:55a stall system compliant applications. these steps: _95BUDDY ENV a:52p _CARLOAN WK1 a:00a Too good to be true? Well, WK1 a:00a 1. Press ~~ to automati WK1 a:00a there's more. One of the most diffi - cally take you to MEMO's file a cult tasks on the 95LX is saving MEMO files to, or retrieving them open menu. from any place other than the 2. Type in your new default direc FILER without Buddy, .WK1 files show dreaded C:\_DAT default directory. tory and/or file name. You may 95Buddy makes this task a whole use wildcards where appropri There's one more feature of the ate. For example, try: C:\*.* FILER that will make loading files lot easier! First of all, when in 3. Press I
~ Date TiMe International Fr1nrer Char Owner ForMat Quit Total MeM~;~ ~ !eM-wide SI~~!ngs ---- RAM Disk 566 SysteM RAI1 45a D~te: 07/16/92 T1Me: a: 51 PM Power~off t~Mer: 3.5 Minutes Plug-ln devlce: Installed Power source: Baiiir~ 2.9v 3.0v Batt: 30.31 hrs E ,# F 95BUDDY 1.0a Usaqe: 5 304 EqulUon Library HeI lr'II?~ ey 1 MlRAMCard 32K RAM ElDanslon DlctlonarylThesauM Card 128K RAM Eipanslon Serial Cable, HP-95XL to TDS 256K RAM Expall$ion IBM-Compatible 3-pln to g-pln 182224A Serial Cable Adapter, g-pln to 24-pln for SPARCOM Driveg5 3.5" External Drive can A new timer adjustment lets you Information & Pricing on SPARCOM increase (I!!) and decrease (f!!) the r*1liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil & TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS time before auto shut off. Also, the Accessories current voltage of both the main ~ and backup batteries are now dis CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-227-8292 played to help you keep track of 24 Hour Phone/Fax Message Center: (415) 494-1995
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 7 REVIEW: Useful Software
This will save all open files and Order Information • WEEKABK.EXM Ii, gives a take you to the initial Topcard weekly view of the appoint screen. 96Buddy - $36 ments which have been entered There's also a similar function Shareware utility that fIXes some of the into the built-in APPT program. in FILER for the times you want to problems with the 95LX and adds some • KLONDIKE.EXM ii, a game of quickly exit all built-in applications useful functions. The current version only solitaire similar to the one pro works on HP 95LXs with English-language and run a DOS program. When you displays. vided with Windows. try to start the DOS program by 95Buddy is available on the HP Palm pressing f!!) you'll get the usual top Paper ON DISK, Julyl Aug 92 issue. It The challenge with using "System "Cannot launch file:" message, but is also available in Library 7 of Compu Manager" programs is in proper with 95Buddy installed, there will Serve's HP Handheld forum. Lastly, it is setup. Before the program can be be an option to press f!!) again to available directly from the author. run, an undocumented file called CONTACT: Jeffrey Mattox, P.O. Box 45282, APNAME.LST must be created and mass exit all programs and launch Madison, WI 53744-5282, USA. the DOS program. edited by the user. The entries re quired for this file are rather cryp tic, and, if not entered properly, can SWITCH! cause the HP 95LX to freeze and A utility that makes it easier to even lose data. Cannot launch file: Additionally, System Manager Other applications are open run system compliant and DOS Press ESC to continue limits you to assigning 8 System programs on your 95LX, set up Manager programs to hot-keys at Pn"ss F4 to MassExi t system options, and get system anyone time. If you have more than information. 8 System Manager programs on your HP 95LX at one time, you must By Larry Lefkowitz "Cannot launch file!" message shuflle them around in your AP NAME.LST file before you can use SWITCH! is a utility program that them. The list of improvements goes on. introduces a new level of flexibility 95Buddy creates sticky CTRL and and ease of use to the HP 95LX. CHALLENGE 2 - Running DOS ALT keys (press and let go instead How can SWITCH! make working Applications. of holding down, just like the SHIFT with your HP 95LX easier? A short In addition to the built-in applica key). When you open HP CALC, background will clarify this. tions, the HP 95LX is capable of 95Buddy automatically selects the running certain standard DOS pro Math menu option and advances to System Manager grams. These may be the same DOS the trigonometry functions. You can When you purchase an HP 95LX, programs which run on your IBM or specify other menu options as the you receive a suite of built-in appli compatible desktop system. Or, they default. cations and System Manager, the may be DOS programs specially 95Buddy will correct some of glue that ties them together. Sys written for the HP 95LX. your mistakes. For example, to tem Manager allows the built-in To run a DOS program on the create one of the symbols imbedded applications to be open at the same HP 95LX, you must first close all in the numeric keypad, you have to time, and enables you to switch ef built-in applications except FILER, press I
8 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 makes a program "System-Execut up with a hotkey, and you can move assign six System Manager Compli able", which means you can assign between it and the built-in pro ant programs to "hot-keys", so they the DOS program to a hot-key and grams with one keystroke. can be run at any time, just like the run it without first closing the built SWITCH! has these features: built-in applications. This saves you in applications. By pressing the from the arcane task of editing the hot-key combination, the DOS pro 1. All DOS programs stored on APNAME.LST file. SWITCH! creates gram pop-ups over the internal your HP 95LX are automatically APNAME.LST for you automatically programs. You do, however, lose listed on a menu (up to 48 on each and places it on your A drive (RAM access to the built-in programs until drive). You may run any of these card). I personally love this feature you quit the DOS application. DOS programs without closing your because I have never enjoyed edit Loaders are a great step for built-in applications first. (You do ing the APNAME.LST file. ward in convenience for those who have to close 1-2-3.) When running, need to run DOS programs. Howev your DOS application "takes over" 4. A great feature is the ability to er, there are some drawbacks. For the HP 95LX which means you can create a "Loader" for any DOS pro example, a Loader may not be avail not use the built-in applications gram by just pressing a couple of able for your favorite DOS program. until you exit your DOS program. keys! This will allow your DOS Additionally, Loaders must be set When you copy a DOS program programs to pop up over any of the up in the APNAME.LST file just like (any file ending in .EXE, .COM, built-in applications (usually with the System Manager programs .BAT) to your HP 95LX, it automat the exception of Lotus 123). Mter mentioned above. And, remember, ically appears on the SWITCH! you create a new "Loader" for your there is a limit of 8 programs that menu. Also, SWITCH! has a menu DOS program, you can use SWITCH! may be set up in APNAME.LST. selection that allows you to drop to to assign it to a hot-key so you can the DOS command-line without first run it without having to call (Loader Menu95 Ii also averts some closing the built-in applications. SWITCH! first. of this difficulty. However, Menu95 must be custom configured for each 2. SWITCH! displays a menu of all 5. SWITCH! allows you to view and DOS application you use.) the System Manager programs change important system parame (programs that end in .EXM) that ters. A menu at the bottom of the Challenge 3 - Setting system reside on your A drive (RAM card). screen shows you which function options and getting system SWITCH! can launch up to forty keys to press to do the following: information. eight System Manager programs on Most computers allow the user to your A drive. Since SWITCH! will Palmtop Training Classes change important internal settings not recognize or launch any System Learn HP 95LX tips, techniques, and that affect the systems functions. Manager programs that reside on The HP 95LX is no exception. It your built-in C drive, all System short-cuts in i-day hands-on seminars comes with a simple built-in pro Manager programs you want to HP 95LX - A Vision of Possibilities gram called SET UP that lets you access with SWITCH! should be System Manager, SetUp, Apptlwatch, change selected system settings, moved to the A drive. Phone, Memo, Lotus basics, HP Calc, including changing the alarm vol Connectivity Pack, Sky Stream pager ume and setting the baud rate of SWITCH! Lotus 1-2-3 for the Palmtop A act I co",,,,and Q ",e",-util the serial port. R norton Spreadsheets, formulas, what-ifs, However, certain important ~ :trp?~ ~ ar~ps D ~uto~x~c L d~bu9 ~ ~E~~~fs databases, graphs, and macros control functions can only be accom E basic M ds U qbasic F b~ttlll~n ACT! for the Palmtop plished from the DOS command ~ ~~~~~~ph ~ ~~~~~s ~ ~r:~t~~~ P III X SYS"'9r ~ Contact & client management line, which is not available unless Clbattman +commo I!l act (tv- remot all built-in applications are closed. ~ vde 'Zlspe 11 I ng :; /suitch! HP 95LX beeps to remind you of H: Or I ve' s DOS Pt" .:.gr :.m,; Other important settings cannot be =, ,Dru Add r, Jr'!;'("\r R'pS ... an PClrt calls, meetings, and things to do. changed at all unless you are an Custom Executive Training available experienced programmer. SWITCH! Menu of Programs Sales Force Integration Workshop Several utility programs have From the displayed menu of System been written by programmers which Manager programs, you can run any Using ACT to act as a company allow users to view and/or change of them at the press of a key. Once Bring your own 95LX or test drive one these system settings on the 95LX. a System Manager program is load (purchasable after class). HP-related ed by SWITCH!, you can normally products will be available to tryout. Enter SWITCH! move freely between it and the Intro to HP 95LX Seminar Schedule SWITCH! presents a solution to the built-in applications. This menu Aug 24 • Washingon, DC Sept 7 . Boston, MA selection feature of SWITCH! means Aug 26 • Baltimore, MD Sept 9 . Orlando, FL above three challenges in one pro Aug 31 • Philadelphia, PA Sept 14· Chicago, IL gram. It is presently the closest you DO NOT have to first create an Sept 2· New York, NY Sept 16· Dallas, TX thing available to an all-in-one APNAME.LST file. Any time you add Classes: 9am • 5pm Sept 21 • San Francisco, CA a System Manager program to your Tuition per student per day: $295 AmExlMC utility for the HP 95LX. Call for additional dates or Custom Group Sessions SWITCH! is a System Manager 95LX, it will immediately appear on program, which means it is called this menu and be available to run, Computer Instructors Company without further action on your part. 202-829-4444, 202-722-5195 Fax 3. SWITCH! allows you to EASILY 800-487-5040 ii On the 1992 HP Palmtop Paper Subscribers Disk.
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 9 REVIEWS: Useful Software
• Change the default directory for up about 23k for a total of 63k. This This brings us to Useful Notes the built-in MEMO, PHONE and may seem like a lot of space for a (UNO), a flexible database custom APPT programs. Now you can utility program, but it must be kept ized for the 95LX. choose which directory these in perspective. I have been able to applications will initially search replace several other menu and Description of UNO for files in. This is most useful utility programs from my 95 and UNO is a small, fast, freeform data in the MEMO program. Many replace them with one program. I base similar in presentation to Info 95LX users have requested an deal with one interface, and gain Select by MicroLogic. Using UNO is easy way to do this; valuable capabilities that I didn't like having a blank pad of "post-it" • View voltage level of the main have before. The only other down notes. The number of notes you can and backup batteries; side is that SWITCH! takes a few create is limited to 64K. Each time • Turn the serial port on/off; seconds to load and a few seconds to you want to make a note about • Set the alarm sound level; find and list all DOS programs. something, you grab the top sheet • Set the serial port to wired or Overall, SWITCH! garners high and jot down the information. infrared; marks in installation, ease of use Unlike paper post-its, UNO lets • View free system memory with and features. you easily edit, index, and search or without SWITCH! loaded; SWITCH! was authored by through the notes. This gives you • View the free disk space avail Palmtop Paper Editor Mark Scar better access to the random pieces able on both the A and C drives; dina, who has created several other of information on your notes. • Allows you to erase the HP important and popular utilities for UNO is provided in three forms: 95LX password, even if you the HP 95LX. don't know what it is; SWITCH! comes with installa • UN095 - the stand-alone ver • When operating on batteries, tion programs for Drive95 and non the 95LX turns itself off after 3 sion that can be launched from minutes (newer units). SWITCH! PC compatible computers. It also FILER or from the DOS prompt, lets you specify the length of supports G and H drives for DOS with all the other applications time from 0 to 60 minutes; menus. closed. • Turn on/off cursor tracking and • UNORES95 - the TSR (termi alt-key scrolling when DOS Order Information nate stay resident) version that applications run. can be launched by the AUTO Switchl - $49.00 EXEC.BAT file prior to the built 6. SWITCH! comes with an updat Makes it easier to set up and run system ed version ofSYSMGR.EXE, original compliant and DOS programs on your 95LX. in applications. This version of ly included in the 1992 Subscribers CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., 2880 UNO is always running in the Disk. This version of SYSMGR is lanker Road, Suite 103, San Jose, CA background and can be popped almost worth the price of SWITCH! 95134 USA; Phone: 800-825-9977 or 408- up on top of the other applica by itself. With SYSMGR installed, 428-9722; Fax: 408-428-9721. tions as well as any DOS appli the user can run any DOS program cation. from FILER without having to quit • UNORUN95 - this version is de the other built-in applications. signed to launch itself and a UNO: Database Ii companion program as a child. JioreAbout8WITCH! This small, fast, freeform (I find UNORUN95 of little use SWITCH! is distributed on a floppy database lets you create notes on the 95LX.) disk, and you will need access to a that can be edited, searched, The version I find most useful is desktop or laptop PC to install the and indexed at any time, UNORES95. I include its start-up program on your HP 95LX. You will whether in DOS or the built-in command in my AUTOEXEC.BAT, also need a cable to connect your PC applications. file prior to launching System Man to the HP 95LX. The cable that ager. This allows instant access of comes with the HP Connectivity By Mark Scardina UNO by pressing ~-IALTI-N, dur Pack is the one most people will ing PHONE, Lotus, or any built-in have. The installation program While the 95LX comes with a suite provided with SWITCH! makes it application, or any DOS application. easy to get going, with simple on of applications, one that is certainly UNO employs pop-up menus to screen instructions. SWITCH! re missing is a database for quick maximize screen usability. Most quires that you have a RAM card information gathering and note menu commands use mnemonic installed on your HP 95LX. taking. MEMO, of course can be letters to access them (Le. press C SWITCH! is the first major pro used at a minimum cost of 512 for Copy, Q for Quit, etc.). If you for gram written in Swift!Basic, a ver bytes per file, but doing so does not get them, press 1!!1 to bring up a sion of the Basic programming lan give you cross file searching capabil list of menu commands. guage designed specifically for the ity. Some have used the PHONE Multiple notes can be displayed HP 95LX. Programs written in application for a structured data at one time, with the note you're Swift!Basic require the presence of base, but there are obvious limita the Swift!Basic run-time module, tions in field size and selection. (For which takes up 40k of disk space. more on using PHONE as a data Ii PC-compatible version on The HP Palmtop Paper The SWITCH! program itself takes base, see May/June 92, page 36.) on Disk, May/June, 92.
10 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 working in indicated as white text You can even enter lines to prompt More Features on a black background. While a you for specific information. After UNO also lets you import a file single note can hold any amount of you create the template note, it has directly into a note. For example, if text, the window it is displayed in the 'properties' of LOCK and you have multiple Phone Books, you can be re-sized from a small box to NOWRAP, which prevent it from can print one to a file from within the full 95LX screen. being changed. It now becomes your PHONE by pressing ~ Print The text wraps within the box, blank form. File. Then you can import that file like most word processors, to keep To enter a new note or message into an UNO note. This allows pop all of the text visible. All notes are you simply go to note 1, press C to up access to as many Phone Books time and date stamped automatical create a copy of it. A blank copy as will fit into memory. ly. Text can be imported and export appears on your screen, ready to Finally, when in DOS you can ed in ASCII format easily. Notes can input information. Pressing ~ 'execute' a DOS command from be formatted and cross-referenced to or I
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 11 REVIEWS: Useful Software
and can contain all of the 95LX System Manager macros). Be sure Some Sample Macros keys, including the blue application to use the IF command line switch. keys. Then, if I want to start another Listed below are some sample macros you Keystrokes can be recorded live application that does not have any can create using UMA. These can also be from within any application or en built-in macro capability, I use the created using the 9SLX's User Defined Char tered into a text file to be converted UMARUN95 program to launch the acter Key function. to a macro file with TXT2UMA, a application and attach to the al utility supplied for that purpose. ready-running UMA a new set of 1. Generic Default File Open if files use The ability to convert from a macro macros specific to that application. default extensions and are in the same subdi rectory: to text file is also supported for ease These new macros override the of editing. general macros I originally loaded [Menu] F 0 [BKsp] times 9 A:\DATA\ [Enter] with UMARES95 until I exit the Creating and Playing application. 2. Backup Macro for APPT file: Back Macros Doing things this way allows me [Filer][FS]c:\_dat\daily.abk[Esc][F2] UMA lets you create a macro from to keep a number of smaller macro a:\data[Enter]y[Menu]q within any application by first pres files instead of a single huge one. It sing ~-IALTI-M. A menu bar at the minimizes the amount of memory 3. Startup Macro: top of the screen is displayed. Press used when UMA is running. In ing R for record starts the process addition, it also lets me use the [Phone][Menu]foclient.pbk[Enter][Appt] same key combinations to activate [Menu]fodaily.abk(Enter] whereby UMA "memorizes" the key strokes you enter. First, you are macros for different programs, and allows me to develop a more consis 4. Update Macro and Switch to Weekabk: prompted to enter the hotkey by which you would like the macro tent interface. [Appt][Menu]fs[Enter]y[Alt-Appt] activated. You are returned to the UMA has the powerful ability to application you were originally in create macros that can work across S. Configure Datacomm for Xmodem transfer: and the recording of keystrokes both System Manager and DOS [Comm][Menu]scpi1pb3ps1ppnpc8qq begins. applications. It can vastly increase [Menu]txs Enter the keystrokes you want the efficiency of moving between memorized. You can enter a se programs, updating files, and auto 6. Move a Todo from the current position to quence of commands or text. Press mating routines. UMA includes an the bottom of a priority: ~-IALTI-M at any time to pause auto-start macro capability for ini tializing your applications. One [F3][F8][Space][F 1OllF4][Up ][F3][Home] the recording process. From pause you can restart recording, or stop it such use would be to configure the completely. Additional functions display of a DOS program for the from the main menu include Clear, 95LX on start up. Additional features include create "macros" (a recording of re Load, and Save. To play back your macro, press programmable delays, shift key petitive keystrokes assigned to a status support, and synchronization single key or key combination) is the hotkey(s) you assigned to it. Each keystroke or command you with on-screen events. All in all very important in that it speeds up . ' entered will be carried out (starting UMA IS as full-featured a macro your work and reduces fatigue. HP at your current cursor position). program as I have seen, and a steal recognized this and provided the at its $10 price. 95LX with 10 CHAR-Function Keys for that purpose (see page 41, Marl Loading UMA Order Information April 92 issue). Although the User UMA, comes in two forms (UMA Defined Function Keys work well, RES95, and UMARUN95). The first you only have 10 of them and they is a TSR version always resident, Useful Macros (UMA) - $10 cannot be used outside of System and the second an application (Printed documentation - $S per copy.) Manager. launch version of the same program. Record and playback key sequences UMA (Useful Macros) is from This gives you quite a bit offlexibil on the 9SLX. Create as many macros as ity in using UMA. you need. Mike Gardi, the author of Useful PC shareware version available on Notes reviewed above. UMA is a 1 I used the following strategy to maximize memory efficiency when CompuServe in Library 7 of the IBMSYS memory-resident macro program forum (UMA10.ZIP). PC version also avail originally designed for the PC, but using UMA on the 95LX. In my AUTOEXEC.BAT file I included a able on the May/June 92 issue of The HP at my urging, adapted to the 95LX Palmtop Paper ON DISK. and its unique keyboard. UMA command to start the TSR version 9SLX version available directly from: works across DOS and the System (UMARES95). This command loads Useful Software, 340 Dale Circle, Waterloo, Manager and can store up to 64K of UMA with a specific macro file that Ontario N2J 3Y3, CANADA. macros in one file. Macros can be defines all the general macros I use, stored under any key combination (i.e. all of my cross application and
12 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 provides an average user with a Which Batteries Are The Best? wide operating range and time to respond to the low battery warning Mark Scardina compares the life and cost of Alkaline, before the machine shuts down. NiCd, NMH, and Lithium AA batteries, and gives you other information to help you decide which batteries are Testing Batteries in the 95LX In order to examine other battery best for you. Mark also reviews BATTman, a utility that alternatives, we must first get an monitors your batteries, no matter what the type. idea of what the current usage (bat tery drain) is while using the 95LX. This is not as easy as it sounds By Mark Scardina types of batteries. because there are a wide range of There are four different types of operating conditions on the 95LX. There appear to be two main camps AA batteries that can be effectively of opinion concerning 95LX batter used in the 95LX; alkaline, nickel·cad· While it is off, the 95LX consumes ies. One side, used to working with mium (NiCd), nickel·metal·hydride approximately 0.7-0.8 milliamps of calculators, feels that the battery (NMH), and lithium. The latter two current. If it is turned on but not life is too short. The other side, are brand new and represent some performing any operations, it con familiar with portable computers, is exciting possibilities. sumes 30-40 milliamps when the amazed by the battery life provided The HP 95LX User's Guide only serial port is off and 40-50 milli by the 95LX. The fact that there are recommends the use of alkaline amps when the port is powered. a number of different types of AA batteries. There is a sound reason While the 95LX is actually comput batteries for the 95LX further com for this. The battery management ing, the current consumption jumps plicates the discussion. software in the 95LX is designed to to lOOma-200ma. The exact amount This article explores the battery give you a warning when the charge depends on whether the 95LX is types and provides test results that on the two batteries decreases from performing memory only operations you may find useful in determining 3.0v (volts) to 2.0v, and to shut or disk access operations. Since this the respective uses of the different down the machine at l.8v. This represents quite a range of values,
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JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 13 Reviews: Batteries the determination of an absolute Alkaline nology on the market is nickel battery life figure is impossible. and Lithium Batteries metal-hydride. These batteries are Since we are looking at the Given this baseline, let us look at rated at almost twice the capacity of suitability of various technologies, the various battery types. The alka NiCds - 1100 milliamps-hours and we are really only interested in line and lithium are non-recharge a 0.1 volt higher average operating their relative performance. There able while nickel-cadmium (NiCd) voltage. Unfortunately, NMHs also fore, for the purpose of this discus and nickel-metal-hydride (NMH) are have a very steep fall off rate below sion I have picked 50 milliamps as rechargeable. Another important 2.3 volts. They did yield 21 hours of an average consumption figure for a distinction is that the alkalines and average life, which provides a good RAM card equipped 95LX. lithiums are 1.5v batteries, while compromise since they can be In order to provide a repeatable the NiCds and NMHs are only 1.2 charged 500 times. Even though test for the different battery types, volts. This latter figure sharply re they have a high initial price of $18 I used a program that caused the duces the 95LX's operating range. per pair, that translates into 0.2 95LX to consume a relatively con The lithium technology is brand cents per hour compared to 3 cents stant amount of current. Further, new to AA size batteries. It has per hour for alkalines. the program tracked results by advantages over alkalines in terms monitoring the 95LX's internal bat of capacity, weight, shelf life and Battery Test Results tery management system and writ operating temperature range. Its in The following chart represents a ing data to a file any time there was creased capacity is the advantage summary of my findings. Capacity a change in battery level. The 95LX most relevant to 95LX users - 52 is rated by the manufacturer in has an Analog-to-Digital convertor hours of use as compared to 30 milliamp hours (mhr). A rating of built into its battery management hours for alkalines. This is a major 2200 mhr means that a device oper system. This convertor divides the increase in performance, but it does ating on an average of 2200 milli O-to-5 volt charge up into 256 dis come at a price. The batteries will amps would deplete the batteries in crete voltage levels. The ability to cost $5-$7 a pair and be made avail one hour. detect when the battery charge able in the USA by Eveready under Unfortunately, as mentioned decreased one level and then write the "Energizer" name (previously re earlier, most manufacturers consid the results to a file allowed me to ferred to as "LithEon" batteries). er batteries "dead" at a lower volt create a test that could be reliably Considering that alkalines are ava age than the 2.0 volts the 95LX's repeated with the various battery ilable at less than $1 a pair, there is types. no financial advantage to using Since the low battery warning lithiums yet. However, their greater IntelliLink appears at 2.0v, this voltage repre life makes them more convenient to sents the end of the useful life of use. If this is important to you, they Not Just File batteries on the 95LX. This is a are definitely a good value. significantly higher value than is Transfer commonly used in the battery in Nickel-Cadmium and dustry for comparison testing; Nickel-Hydride Batteries Data Translation therefore, some of the battery life The operating characteristics of & estimates you'll see are not always rechargeable batteries make them Reconci I iation relevant to the 95LX. more difficult to evaluate. Not only An example will help clarify do they start out at a lower voltage, this. A typical 1.5v alkaline battery but they die very rapidly at the end HP Connectivity DOS Windows 3.x is rated at 2200 milliamps-hours. of their charge. My tests show that Pack "Add-In" This means that if you were to run NiCds start at 2.5v and very rapidly $69.95 $99.95 $99.95 a 3.0v device that consumed 2200 fall off below 2.2v. This can cause a milliamps, it would run for an hour significant problem for the battery Sidekick 2.0 PackRat before the two batteries it required management circuit. It was not Word Perfect Office Current would be considered dead. Using unusual for me to never see the low dBase Excel our average consumption figure for battery warning. My 95LX would Paradox Word for the 3.0 volt 95LX of 50 milliamps, drop right into the backup mode, Calendar Creator Windows this means that the Palmtop would which means that I would lose any ACT! 1-2-3 for run for 44 hours on a pair of 2200 files that had not been saved. (This Windows ma batteries. Unfortunately, most is why HP does not recommend battery companies consider a pair of rechargables.) However, by faithful batteries 'dead' at approximately ly adhering to a regimen of swap IntelliLink, Inc. 1.4v, instead of the 2.0v used by HP. 98 Spitbrook Rd., Suite 12 ping batteries at 2.3v, you can safe Nashua, NH 03062 In my tests, this decreases the bat ly use them. The new high capacity tery life estimate of a pair of 2200- Tel: (603) 888-0666 n NiCds, such as the Gates batteries Fax: (603) 888-9817 ma batteries to approximately 30 marketed by Millennium, tested to hours (at the 50 milliamps rate). 12 hours of useful life on the 95LX. ~\ The hottest rechargeable tech-
14 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 low battery warning is set to. This may not last exactly 52 hours for plug in the AC adaptor. Do either means that the actual battery life you, but they should last almost one of these and you will not lose you get in the 95LX is about 70% of twice as long as a pair of alkalines. any files. When you turn on the what you would expect based on the In the coming months, I shall be machine, you will be right back battery's milliamp hour rating. reporting on the results of specific where you were. The instructions brands of batteries in an effort to warn you to not attempt to save find the best for use on the 95LX. your files before taking action. Writ Battery Capacity 95LX Cost Cost Type Imhr Avg lffe Ipair !hour ing a file to disk is battery-intensive action that may cause the 95LX to Alkaline 2200 30 hr $1 $.03 BATTman During my battery tests, I was go into backup mode. This would lithium 3300 52 hr $5 $.10 given a new 95LX battery utility. result in the loss of all open files. NiCd 600 12 hr $6 $.001 BA ITman, from ACE Technologies, I tried very hard to trip up NMH 1100 22 hr $18 $.002 is a much more sophisticated bat BAITman, and the only way I dis tery life management tool than the covered was to put a set of weak Battery Comparison Table 95LX's built-in system. NiCds into a 95LX with BAITman The figures above reflect a constant BAITman, which runs as a configured for NMHs. This caused drain on the battery under test with memory resident (TSR) program, is BA ITman to turn the machine off one recovery period at approximate installed with a command line in every time I turned it on because ly the 50% point in the test. The your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. It is pro the NiCds' voltage was below the recovery period involved stopping vided with an automatic installation threshold set for the NMHs. Every the test and turning off the 95LX for program that runs on an IBM Com other combination worked flawlessly approximately one hour. This was patible PC and transfers the neces and I never once lost data, as long done to simulate the way the 95LX sary files to your 95LX. Only a seri as I replaced batteries when the is actually used. al cable is required. Once you've warning and shutoff came. If you Lithium batteries remain above transferred the files, you run a set are tired of throwing away batter 2.0 volts for virtually their entire up program on your 95LX to create ies, BATTman will allow safe has life. Once the low battery warning or edit your startup files. The set sle-free use of rechargables on your appears, you should change them as up program asks you which of four 95LX. quickly as possible because the drop battery types (NiCd, alkaline, lithi off to 1.8 volts will be very quick. um, or NMH) you normally use. Order Information WARNING! - The following Once set up is completed, you reboot warning should be heeded when your 95LX and the opening BAIT BA TTman - a battery monitoring software using alternative battery types on man screen appears, providing your utility from ACE Technologies. BATTman the 95LX. There is an internal cir battery status as well as some set comes with a pair of nickel-metal-hydride batteries and retails for $59. For more cuit to protect the 95LX against up options. information, see display ad, page 5. backward batteries; however, this Every time you turn on your circuit was designed for alkalines. 95LX, you will be greeted with a Alkaline Batteries - are quite common and NiCds and NMHs will overload that pop-up BAITman window showing available at most convenience stores. Radio circuit and damage the 95LX if put the type of battery selected as well Shack sells a 4-pack for $2.89. in backwards. Since you will be as its voltage. You may change the Lithium Batteries - will be marketed in the changing rechargeable batteries battery type at any time from the USA by Eveready under the "Energizer" more often, set up the habit of al main BAITman menu: Type battman name. look for them in September in the ways holding the 95LX in left hand, from the DOS command line and the camera departments of discount stores bottom up, with battery opening on menu will reappear. BATTman such as K-Mart for around $5-7 a pair. works both in System Manager and International users may also find these right. Insert the batteries with tip marketed under the "lithE on" product (plus sign) up. DOS applications. BAITman takes name. I used Eveready and Toshiba 5K of disk space brand alkaline batteries. The lithi BAITman's real value becomes Nickel·Metal·Hydride (NMH) Recharge apparent when your batteries begin able Batteries - a pair from ACE Technolo um batteries were manufactured by gies retails for $18. A company called "Real Eveready. The nickel-metal-hyd to get low. Contained within the Goods· also sells them. ride's were by Harding (both lithi BAITman program is a predictive um and NMH batteries are available formula unique to each battery type. Nickel-Cadmlum (NICd) Rechargeable This formula lets BAITman correct Batteries - are commonly available, with through ACE, 800-825-9977, and varying retail prices. Radio Shack sells a many retail outlets). The NiCds ly judge when a pair of batteries are pair for $4.69. were by Millennium. going to fall below the 1.8 volt bat The way you use your 95LX tery level that puts the 95LX in CONTACT INFORMATION probably differs dramatically from backup mode. As the steep voltage fall off is ACE Technologies - 800-825-9977 or 408- the way the 95LX was used in the 428·9722; Fax: 408-428·9721. test. Hence, you would probably get about to occur, BAITman pops up a different usage figures. The figures warning and turns off your 95LX. Real Goods - 800·762·7325; Fax: 707-468· above should be viewed as relative You then should do one of two 0301 readings. A pair of lithium batteries things; change your batteries or
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 15 'USER PROFILES
PHONE Keeps Addresses Physician Keeps On Top Of and Lab Test Information Practice With The HP 95LX My Phone Book application serves double duty. I use it as it was in This doctor uses APPT to schedule, MEMO to edit tended to keep my address book. In addition, I keep a mini database of correspondence and reference patient data, PHONE to laboratory test results. keep track of lab text information, Lotus to track I have entered the names of patients in Intensive Care, and HP CALC to use 25 about 60 different lab tests in the common medical equations. "Name" area of the Phone Book card. In the "Phone Number" area I have entered the Normal values for By Robert S. Williams, MD each lab test. Finally, in the "ad dress" slot, I put a list of possible Many doctors see the general ad causes for abnormal values. I saved vantage of having a palmtop com the whole collection under the name puter, but have a difficult time inte LAB.PBK; now when I want to grating one into their daily activi transform the 95LX's Phone Book ties. It's yet another thing they have into a diagnostic tool, I just load to spend time learning, and the mostly general applications that LAB.PBK into PHONE. come with the computer don't ap This kind of information is par pear to be immediately useful in a ticularly important to a physician. clinical setting. Here are some of We occasionally see patients whose the ways I discovered to use the charts have several unexplained, 95LX's built-in applications to make unusual lab tests attached to them. daily clinical practice a little easier. With this database, I can instantly l know what the lab study was about. Effortless Robert Williams Scheduling with APPT HP 95LX Palmtop Software My secretary/receptionist uses the HP Connectivity Pack software on no longer forget little details that the office PC to help me maintain pop up throughout the day. Pocket an up-to-date schedule. I enter changes in my 95LX's Appointment Use MEMO for Editing Sales Force! Book as the day progresses and set Correspondence and A powerful, flexible and aside specific times for my personal Referencing Patient Data interactive database program. activities. I use MEMO to edit outgoing letters Since my secretary has a copy of and record entries transcribed from Simple to use, Pocket Sales Force will instantly control and plan the vital areas my APPT schedule file on the office microcassette tape by my office. My of sales activity, lead and enquiry main PC, she can update it at any time as office downloads all the documents tenance, contact follow-up dates, letters people call the office to schedule I need to review/approve into my and mailshots. Improves customer ser appointments with me. At the end 95LX, before printing! I save money, vicing, reporting and strategic marketing. of day she downloads my APPT file and both my secretary and I save • 20 fully user-defmable fields, plus to her desktop computer, merges time. I can review the documents at full contact history. • Sophisticated single- and multiple her schedule with mine, and con any time, and at any location dur criteria search filters. sults me as necessary to resolve any ing the day. At the end of the day I • Hot-key access, compliant with 95LX time conflicts. I then upload a copy hand the 95LX to my secretary and built-in applications. of the reconciled schedule. she retrieves all the documents for • Lotus 1-2-3 interface. This procedure lets me keep a final printing (in addition to recon Available Now! running record of all my activities ciling our APPT files). TO ORDER, or for more information, for future planning purposes, and My office also keeps patient contact: ensures that I am aware of all ap records on computer. I can down pointments scheduled for me. It load and carry around the records eM Software works so well, I've thrown away our for each patient I must visit, ensur Business Unit 1 old paper appointment book (with ing that I have all the reference 33 Sandford Road, Littlemore all of its erasures and illegible scrib Oxford, OX4 4XT, u.K. facts I need when I walk into the Tel: (+44) 865 748875 bles). hospital each morning. (+44) 865 748873 I also use the prioritized to-do Fax: list function of APPT to make sure I
16 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 Also, when faced with several proportions. For example, slow al simple mistake in arithmetic that slightly abnormal lab values on a terations in potassium levels and would be trivial in another profes single patient, it's helpful to be able 110 can be easily seen when plotted sions, but disastrous or even fatal to flip from one "laundry list" to as a graph, yielding a better under when you're dealing with critically another, looking for some disease standing of the patient's status. ill human beings. This spreadsheet common to the abnormal lab values. allows me to be confident, even at I have more than once caught a two a.m., that I am not making any diagnosis early this way; even be Edit card stupid mistakes. It is quicker than fore the classical serum abnormali Enter the name doing it by hand, too. ties and symptomatology emerged. N~~g~r: W~~~~ F:iga-3~a mIcromol/l I have just finished a third use Address: It works a lot faster than my memo Increased: 90ut,renal failure, for Lotus. It is a drug interaction leukemia, anemia, chemotherapy,toxemia ry too. of pregnancy, diuretics,lactic database that will find conflicts acidOSIS, hypothyrOidiSm,polacystic Finally, there are times when ~~~P~~s~a~e~~ito~~~r~ha~8i~ iseases. when I type in a list of patient med (salic~latesprobenecid, allopurinol), you have a patient who is not re Wilson s ications. I have the data imported nser n to }; sponding to treatment. With the He! Flnd on over 810 different drug inter push of a few buttons, you can have actions, but still have the program a short list of other possibilities. ming and macro automation to do. When using this scheme, the 1·2·3: Lab Test quickest way to look up information The second use for Lotus is as a Using Solve in HP CALC on a particular lab test is to type in I have a set of about 25 common the first three letters of the lab test look-up table for drip rates accord ing to dosage for a variety of cardio medical equations for instant use name. The cursor will automatically with HP CALC. For example, I can jump to that section of the lab name active drugs. It is easy to make a list. Then I just press ~ twice and use the cursor arrow keys to About MEDSTF.ZIP:a move the highlight bar to the lab There are seven files archived in MEDSTF .zIP. Each is designed to make life easier for doctors who want the test of interest. Then I press IENTER I power of the 95LX, but don't want to spend a lot of time programming the 95LX, or learning Lotus 1·2·3. for the full display of possible caus LABTEMPL.WK1 es. If I want to view the next full All you have to know about Lotus is how to load the file with the 1·2·3 fMENOl File Retrieve command display without returning to the sequence. Once loaded, use the arrow keys and select the feature you want'TrOiii'iiie custom menus. To enter index, I just press the Page Down your patient lab data. highlight the word ENTER and press ~; the cursor will pop down to the column where the data should be entered. When finished entering lab values, press ~ to take you back to the menus. key (press I
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 17 User Profiles
estimate body surface area by typ Users), and the MEDSIG forum, Li Virginia, The American University ing in height and weight. Gestation brary 12 under the name MEDSTF of the Caribbean, Oldchurch Hospi al age and due date for deliveries .ZIP Ii; Included in this archive are tal (an affiliate of The London Uni can be rapidly calculated. The last the laboratory database (one with versity School of Medicine) and variable will be calculated for me by USA normal values and one with Eastern Virginia Medical School. He the Solver. All formulas are saved UK units), three spreadsheet tem is currently looking for a Residency plates, an equation file with 25 position while doing part-time work in a file for future reference at the as a Medical Systems Consultant touch of a button. commonly used formulas, and a blank history and physical text tem with Technology Consulting, Ltd.(in plate. As improvements are made to order to "stay out of trouble"). He Datacomm to Link these files, I will regularly update also holds a BS in biolugy from with the Office the archive. This collection should Virginia Commonwealth University, serve as a foundation to get other and spent six long years as a Hospi No matter where I am, as long as I tal Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. His am near a telephone, I can get data busy physicians up and running on the 95LX. CIS ID is [76167,2773J and Internet and exchange files with my office. I address is [email protected] .] purchased a cheap pocket modem [Robert S. Williams received his and use it with the 95LX to dial up M.D. in December 1991 after medi my office computer and send or cal training at Medical College of ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk, JuVAug, 92. receive files over the phone lines. This lets me get my office work done whether I'm waiting around for a lab test, or for Admissions to finish their registration procedures. I go to the nearest phone, plug in Think Of It As ATurbo my modem and link up with the office computer. Then I can send or receive any files I like, without For Your wasting any time.
In The Operating Room I have used a zip-lock bag to protect the 95LX while in the Operating Theater. Provides a clean, less con taminated surface and protects the unit from blood, fluid splashes, etc. I suppose it would be possible to render the 95LX surgically sterile if a sterile plastic bag was used. I can think of many neat things that Any machine runs stronger when you give it an extra boost. So does your body. could be done if the IR Port was The Personal Food Analyst, the first professional level nutritional software for used for two-way transfers via a PC two-way interface. Too bad there the consumer, will give you that boost. PFA was designed exclusively for the isn't a little interface unit on the HP95LX. With a built-in database of over 4,000 foods and 27 nutrients, the market that plugs into a desktop Personal Food Analyst will record and analyze your daily food intake to help and talks to the 95LX's IR port. you modify and improve your eating habits. PFA will display the nutritional and caloric values of your food intake throughout the day - numerically or Conclusion graphically - and compare it to dietary goals created specifically for you . The Each of the applications can be used user friendly software also enables you to print reports for a permanent record by a busy clinician to improve effi of your progress. Give your body what it needs to operate at peak ciency by handling data and infor mation better. In order to reduce efficiency. Available September 1, 1992. the amount of time spent getting Call for a free demo video today. the 95LX customized for clinical work, David E. Goodman and I have 800.732.7707 put together a set of files to instant ly implement the above applica or 719.598.5276 tions. These files are freely avail able from Compuserve in the HP VlST MIRICJ=.L ,~ \ CO R P 0 R A T ION Handhelds forum, Library 7 (95LX
18 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 card in your 95LX, you can back up HP News important files several times a day, or more often if what you're working HP Tech Support gives you some tips on backing up your on is critical. A prudent guide is to files. We take a look at HP's new 1.3-inch 20MB hard back up your 95LX as often as you would your desk top PC if you drive - it's sure to set standards for size' power con- where carrying it around with you. s,!,mptr,on,. and economy, but will we see it in a 95LX any Sound simple? It is. And it's time soon? The new SkyStream Mobile Data Link insurance well worth buying. Receiver is shipping. And you can win a FREE RAM Free RAM Card! Card by telling HP your story! Just Tell HP Your Story Hewlett-Packard would love to hear By HP Palmtop Support from the HP 95LX to a desktop PC how you've benefited from your is to move the highlight bar to the 95LX. Send your 800- to 1500-word From the Factory remote side of the display, highlight story to HP (address below), post the file you want to copy, or tag marked no later than Oct. 15, 1992. several files you want to copy, and Backing Up Your Files: To the authors of the first 50 press ~ (COpy). An Insurance Policy stories we receive, we'll send a free In technical support, our least fa Once the files have been copied HP 128K RAM card (HP FI002A). vorite calls are from customers who to your desktop PC, you can trans have lost data. It doesn't happen fer them to floppy disks. More expe often, but on any product that has rienced users can copy files directly memory, it's possible to lose your from the HP 95LX to a floppy auto data. And if it does happen, it can matically by using DOS Connect be devastating. and a batch file on the PC. The HP 95LX is a PC and all PCs are subject to crashes, power RAM Cards losses, drops, or bumps. If you've A RAM card is the quickest, most backed up your data, you can take portable way to back up data. You memory loss in stride, maybe even simply insert a formatted RAM card congratulate yourself on being well in the 95LX, and copy highlighted prepared. or tagged files to the a: drive. We've all lost data. The most There are additional ways you diligent file backer-uppers are usu can use third party products to back ally people who understand comput up your files. You could use the ers very well, or who have suffered Kermit communications software a great loss. and a serial cable to back up to a The good news is you can easily PC. You could attach a portable protect yourself from being in this disk drive (like the Sparcom Drive- unenviable situation by backing up 95) to the 95LX and back up direct First 50 stories get FREE 128K RAM Card! your data. ly to a floppy disk. Or you could With Hal Goldstein's help, we'll HP provides two ways to back connect a RAM card drive to your up the HP 95LX: the Connectivity PC and transfer files from your choose three stories for publication in AND Pack and RAM cards. Each method 95LX to your PC via a RAM card. The HP Palmtop Paper has its advantages. You really have lots of flexibility in send their authors a free HP 1MB choosing a back-up regime that RAM card (HP FI004A). works for you. We are especially interested in The Connectivity Pack HP 95LX applications in these, Using the Connectivity Pack is an A Common Back-up Regime fields: small business, insurance inexpensive way to back up an un medicine, health care, law, limited amount of data. The Con You can protect yourself and your veteri~ data by using both the Connectivity nary' medicine, management, sales, nectivity Pack includes an RS-232 servIce support, real estate, and serial cable, an adapter, and floppy Pack and a RAM card back-up re gime. You can back up files using education (including students). disks. The software included is for Here's the format to follow: your desktop PC. It duplicates the the Connectivity Pack regularly, perhaps once a week. Then you can 1. Name and mailing address FILER and PIM software found on 2. Profession the HP 95LX. After you install the group your weekly backups by month and store the files on flop 3. Industry Connectivity Pack, it is quick and 4. Why I bought the HP 95LX easy to transfer files between your pies. This establishes a record of what you did and when you did it. 5. How I use my palmtop desktop and the 95LX. 6. Ways that I or my business has A common way to copy files Because you can keep a RAM benefited from the HP 95LX
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 19 NeW8from HP
RAM cards realize that solid-state sor on an automobile. It detects 7. How I describe my palmtop to memory technology is expensive - impending impact and causes the friends and associates approximately five times more ex drive to revert instantly to a mode pensive than the rotating disk tech that protects against data loss. This Send us your story today! A free nology used in the HP Kittyhawk technology increases the impact the 128K RAM card for the first 50 that PSM. Twenty MBs of solid-state HP Kittyhawk PSM can take while we receive (one per person; one per memory currently has a minimum in operation. address). We can't wait to read OEM price of about $1,000, or $50 The Kittyhawk PSM was de "Tales of the Palmtop!" per MB. The HP Kittyhawk PSM signed to provide a minimum of 5 offers an initial OEM cost of about years of operation in the harshest Send your story to: Rhonda Rick, $12 per MB. OEM clients will be climate. The storage device offers Palmtop Profiles, Hewlett-Packard, able to purchase the initial version 21.4 MB of storage with an 18 milli Mailstop 5UP5, 1000 NE Circle of the Kittyhawk in quantity for second average seek time and sup Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330. around $250 per drive. ports active, idle, standby, and sleep The HP Kittyhawk PSM can be modes. HP believes that the tech used in many applications, includ nology developed for Kittyhawk will Hewlett Packard ing palmtop, pen-based and sub allow the HP Kittyhawk PSM to Develops A Rugged notebook computers; printers, fax reach up to 200 MB of capacity by machines; medical equipment; and the middle of the decade. 1.3" Hard Disk Drive communications and digital-imaging devices. It also can be used in con Potential Applications By Richard Hall sumer products such as cartridges Its compact dimensions allow the for video-game machines and in device to be used as a modular, Hewlett-Packard has introduced the mobile products such as on-board removable data-storage medium for world's first 1.3" hard disk drive, a voice/imaging mail for cellular wide range of applications including device the size of a small matchbox. phones and office products like subnotebook and palmtop comput The initial version of what HP is digital copiers. ers, font cartridges for printers, calling the "Kittyhawk Personal medical patient-monitoring systems, Storage Module" (PSM) has a for Development scientific instruments, cellular matted capacity of 21.4 MB, equiva The module was developed with the telephones and replacement memory lent to 14,389 typed pages. HP cooperation of several companies, for high-cost, solid-state circuitry in hopes to begin shipping the Kitty including AT&T Microelectronics video game cards. hawk to OEM clients in August and the Citizen Watch Company of The HP Kittyhawk PSM also (OEMs use HP and other manufac Japan. HP and AT&T engineers may be used as a smart storage turers parts to make their comput worked together to reduce the num card that carries operating systems ers). ber of integrated chips used to con as well as application software for Although the Kittyhawk looks trol the Kittyhawk to just seven. (A use in new stand-alone public-com like a conventional hard disk, its typical 1.8" disk drive has 20 to 30 puter systems designed into the small size and durability make it an chips.) The reduced number of chips backs of airline passenger seats, attractive alternative to the more created a less expensive module hotel rooms and "computer booth" expensive solid-state technology. that was lighter (1 oz or 28 grams) kiosks. For example, a user could Those of you who have purchased and used less power than conven simply take a loaded HP Kittyhawk tional 2.5" and 1.8" drives. PSM on a plane and activate their Citizen Watch Company was seat-back computer using the soft chosen as a partner because of their ware programs brought on board. experience in manufacturing disk An HP Kittyhawk PSM also can drives and very small, high-quality be integrated into a range of other watches. Citizen has the technology portable, scientific, data-gathering to drive screws you can't even see instruments, where large amounts with the naked eye, and this minia of data can be collected daily and turization capability was needed analyzed in the field immediately or with the Kittyhawk. brought back to a central system for The HP Kittyhawk PSM is analysis. housed in a rugged package measur Subnotebook computers will ing 0.4 x 2 x 1.44 inches. It is less reach even lighter weights and than one-half the size of 1.8" disk retain the power and functionality drive. The PSM's rugged design, found in notebook and laptop com modeled after the HP 95LX, can puters. The size of the HP Kitty withstand an operating shock of 10 hawk PSM allows for multiple mod times that of the larger disk drives. ules to be embedded within a note HP developed a technology that acts book in an array fashion or as a much like an air-bag collision sen- multiple-module card that appears Kittyhawk PSM Hard Drive
20 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 as a single storage device to the CompuServe Section need to subscribe to SkyTel's na system. for Kittyhawk Drive tionwide and regional text messag Comments and further information ing service. Then you can receive Used in Future 95LXs? on Kittyhawk will be available in messages and electronic mail, voice The HP press release did mention the Mass Storage section of the HP mail notification, database informa palmtops as a potential use for the Peripherals Forum of CompuServe tion, file updates and travel infor Kittyhawk. It must certainly be (type go hpper at the opening mation at any time in thousands of something that HP is considering, CompuServe prompt). cities throughout the USA. but there are some problems to The SkyStream receiver, with overcome. its 32K of RAM memory, lets you The first version of KittyHawk receive and store messages, even requires a single 5 volt power sup SkyStream Receiver HP introduced the SkyStream Re when it's not connected to your ply, and the 95LX is 3 volts. Others 95LX. SkyStream's blinking green have speculated that Kittyhawk ceiver with Mobile Data Link (part# light alerts you that messages are might drain batteries quickly, un HP F1009B) July 1, 1992. It in less power-saving software was cludes a cradle, software, and re waiting. developed for the 95LX. (See "User ceiver. The 95LX slides into one side Call HP's automated informa to User," page 23, for one suggestion of the cradle, and the SkyStream tion service at 800-443-1254 to find on how Kittyhawk might be used receiver into the other. out which retailers will carry the with the 95LX. soon.) Once you have SkyStream, you SkyStream Receiver.
purpose. Users should benefit from CompuServe Opens New this "one-stop shopping" approach to HP Handhelds Forum product support. The complete list of sections is given below. CompuServe veterans The success of the 95LX and the general popularity of will recognize that we have a num HP handhelds has prompted CompuServe to create a ber of unused sections. Rather than new forum for HP Handheld devices. start out with all sections used, only to have to reorganize after a few months, I'm holding some sections By Ted Dickens appointment, all those messages back so we can more easily adapt to about modifying APNAME.LST and the changing needs of forum mem CompuServe, in early July, started creating loaders can be daunting! bers. Note too that the forum in a new forum just for HP palmtop The new user's section is set aside cludes support for the HP calcula and handheld users! There has been for those who are just getting their tors and other handheld computers. so much 95LX activity on feet wet. The accompanying library Below is a list of sections in the CompuServe that HPSYS was will have only those files that forum HP Handhelds Forum bursting at the seams. The new HP members think will help new users 1. General Handhelds Forum, which opened in get up to speed quickly and easily. 2. Business calculators early July, gives HP handheld users The second new section focuses 3. Scientific calculators some elbow room. To enter the new on data communications issues. 4. Advanced Handhelds (HP41 , 42, 48,71,75, and forum, type GO HPHAND. Based on current forum traffic, 94 calculators) datacomm is a hot topic: FAX mo 5. 95LX New Users 6. 95LX Datacomm New Forum Sections dems, cellular modems, the Moto 7. 95LX Users for the HP 95LX rola NewsStream pager, GE Mobi 8. 95LX Programmers CompuServe still has a general dem, and packet radio are all being 9. Third-party products for HP handhelds 95LX section and a separate section used with the 95LX. This section If you are already a CompuServe for programmers, but now its added will support the 95LX's use with member, stop by and check out our three other sections. these devices, as well as more basic new home. There may be a few The first is for new users. modem and PC-to-95LX communica unpacked boxes left sitting in the CompuServe members new to the tions. corners, but by the time you read 95LX were getting overwhelmed by The third new section is for 3rd this, we should at least have all the the number and complexity of mes party products. Any company that furniture in place. sages posted in the old section. sells products for HP handhelds and If you aren't a CompuServe When you're new and trying to wants to use CompuServe to provide member, there's no time like the figure out how to set up a repeating technical support will be able to use present to join! Subscribers to The this section (and library) for that
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 21 HP 95LX SUPPORT: CompuServe
HP Palmtop Paper can get a free of the HP Peripherals Forum (GO The next release, which should be introductory subscription just by HPPER). [See page 20, this issue, for ready before the beginning of Au calling 800·848·8199 or 614-457·0802 more on Kittyhawk - Editor.] gust, has several enhancements, and asking for operator 231. That including: More setup options; clock will get you an account and $15 of Another Way to Automatically display; ability to send mail and free access time. (See page 15 of the Access CompuServe, Saving binary mail to several users with May/June 92 issue for a more com Time and Money only one upload (multiple mails); plete listing ofCompuServe interna the ability, when replying to a fo tional numbers.) By Thomas Rundel rum message or writing a new fo rum message, to choose to post the New, Tiny Hard Disk Drive AcCIS ii is a powerful freeware tool reply either public or private or From Hewlett Packard for automated CompuServe Infor send it via E-Mail; return receipts In other news, I have actually held mation Service access. (Editor's for E-Mail messages; bug fixes. the "Kittyhawk Personal Storage Note: AcCIS is similar to the MES AcCIS maintains its own tele Module" - that's the official name SAGE program described on pages phone list now, which can hold an for HP's new 1.3" hard disk drive. 14-16 of the May/June issue.) unlimited number of entries. They I'll freely admit that this is one AcCIS allows you to download contain phone number, comm pa product that is just plain exciting. It CompuServeMail and forum mes rameters, modem "init" string and is going to show up in places that sages, read and reply omine, send log-on macro. So you can have the will surprise us all. The product binary mail, scan forum libraries, setup for different modems and manager for Kittyhawk will be browse catalogs omine, mark files different CompuServe nodes always on-line on July 8 and 9 to answer for download at next session. Ses ready for use. In Setup you specify questions from forum members. sion activities can be fully control which entry is to be used. Nice for While it's too late for readers to led. AcCIS runs external macros. Up people who travel a lot or use sever participate, be sure to look for the to 39 DOS programs can be invoked al modems. transcript of all the messages! The with a single keystroke. A battery initial thread will be KHAWK.THD gauge is always visible. AcCIS re in the Mass Storage library (2) quires COMMO and an editor. ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk. JuVAug. 92.
Thaddeus Computing Ne'ws: User To User
Paper is the leading way to get the User To User: Small Companies word out. However, probably 10% at Produce Exciting New Products! most of the world's 95LX users subscribe, or have access to The HP By Hal Goldstein System Manager specifications, is Palmtop Paper. We are making a already coming up with many inge concerted effort over the coming The Palmtop marketplace is provid nious applications for the 95LX. months to increase that number. ing new opportunities for creative Take a look at the four products we Word-of-mouth advertising is the engineers throughout the world. review in our lead story and you'll most effective way, and we appreci Interestingly enough, it is the smal see some prime examples of this. ate your help. ler companies coming out with most Also expect to find many new This still leaves the developer of the exciting, new hardware and hardware products supporting the with the challenge of reaching his software for the HP Palmtop. 95LX. Hardware development has end user. In the U.S. market, two Perhaps it's easy to understand. always led software development, companies seem to have invested Larger, more established software and this is especially th case with the most time and effort in develop companies already have their re the 95LX, given its new System ing and distributing products: Spar. sources stretched to the limit. They Manager software platform. com and ACE. must decide whether to write their Analysts agree that the palmtop Many developers have arranged applications for DOS, Windows, market will be huge. The 95LX is to have these two companies distrib OS/2, or Unix. To allocate further the first really successful palmtop, ute their product. For example, resources to modify their software to and the way third-party developers Sparcom is now distributing the run under the 95LX's sparsely docu contribute to, and profit from this Globalink foreign translation cards, mented HPlLotus System Manager success warrants close and careful the Austrian-originated SwiftlBasic may be low on their priority list. scrutiny by the computer industry. programming language reviewed in That leaves a vacuum for smaller this issue, and Pocket Sales Force companies to fill, and a platform for How to Get the Word Out? discussed in the last issue. them to express their creativity. One of the challenges for developers ACE not only distributes its The small software developer, of 95LX-related products is how to Stacker-based Double Card and regu even without access to LotuslHP reach the end user. The HP Palmtop lar RAM cards, it is selling software
22 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 like the BATTman and Switch! utilities your PCMCIA card, withdraw your discussed in this issue. According to money, and have a data file updated Andy Fu, President of ACE, and Steve that you can access in your Palmtop Easy Printing Bares, President of Sparcom, both com about your current balance. The From Your Palmtop! panies are planning to broaden possibilities are really endless. their HP 95LX line of products in the coming months. New Products The GA935 Printer Converter lets you In the meantime, EduCALC, a Coming Our Way print directly from your HP 95LX on mail order retailer, has the most The bad news for 95LX users is that virtually any parallel printer. It uses complete range of products for the the current version of the 95LX was the standard HP cable. 95LX user in the U.S .. International created before this level two stan The Printer Converter is battery distributors of The HP Palmtop dard was published. The good news powered and totally portable. Paper (England, France, Germany, is that certain hardware manufac The Netherlands, and Belgium) are turers decided not to wait. Available from most HP dealers. For another possible distribution chan your nearest dealer contact: nel for 95LX-related products. (We Fax I Modem Card Fits In 95LX Card Slot welcome Supplyline as our new Due out by the end of this summer GRIINWleH U.K. distributor: Phone: 081-744- is a fax/modem card that fits into INSTIIUMBRS lISA 0022; Fax: 081-744-0045). the 95LX slot. This fax/modem card from New Media works in conjunction Tel: (704) 376-1021 The New PCMCIA Standard with its own communications and Fax: (704) 335-8707 Contributing editor Mark Scardina fax software. Not only will a 9600 Toll Free: 1-800-476-4070 baud fax / 2400 baud modem fit in and I attended a PCMCIA conference the card slot, but you can order reps and other professionals. several months ago in the San additional RAM for the card, espe Francisco Bay Area. PCMCIA is a cially useful for downloading lots of A Box for More Products nonprofit group that sets standards data. for RAM cards and other devices Hewlett Packard designed a cradle that fit in the 95LX slot. Fortunate to allow Motorola's SkyStream re Stock Quotes Wherever You Go ceiver to attach to the 95LX (see ly for the industry, Hewlett Packard Metriplex is taking advantage of the and other progressive vendors real below). SkyStream receiver which we re We understand that Sparcom is ized several years back that stan viewed as the Motorola N ewsStream dards were necessary if these cards developing a generic box designed to receiver in the Fall 1991 issue. For fit in that cradle. Developers can were to ever catch on. In the next a subscription price of $300 a few years, you will see an increas use their creativity to come up with month, you can have instant access devices to go in that box. One obvi ingly number of computer and con to stock prices wherever you are. sumer-based products that use the ous possibility would be HP's new PCMCIA standards. Kittyhawk 20MB hard drive des 20 MB Flash ROM Memory for the 95LX cribed elsewhere in this issue. Other The HP 95LX conforms to At the PCMCIA show we saw the PCMCIA level 1 standard. Recently, companies could put a fax, modem, demo of a SunDisk 20MB Flash or other wireless units in the box. specifications for level 2 PCMCIA ROM card that will work inside the compatibility were published. This There are lots of possibilities, and if 95LX card slot. At the time of the you're a developer and have an idea standard will make it possible to show, it was only possible to read for the box, contact Sparcom at 503· not only to include RAM memory information stored on the card. To 757·8416. cards, ROM cards, and other memo change data on the card you need a ry cards in devices sporting a slot, RAM card drive that attaches to Satellite Tracking but will also allow the development your PC, like the ones produced by Palmtree is another company work of devices (FAX, Modems, Scanners, Databook or Atron. ing on becoming a major distributor and Wireless devices) that will fit in Since then, SunDisk has appar for HP Palmtop products. They will a PCMCIA defined slot. ently developed a technology which be the US distributor of the GPS Speakers at the conference were will allow users of the 95LX to write Pac satellite system. Greg Brasso, very excited and optimistic about directly to Flash ROM. This is an President of Palmtree, tells me his the future of this card-based tech incredible breakthrough for 95LX company will be soon releasing nology. For example, in the future users. It will mean that you can additional products for the 95LX. you'll be able to take your PCMCIA have 20MB worth of data on your (See page 39 for more on GPS Pac.) card out of your Palmtop, stick it in 95LX. (There are some limitations a public phone, automatically dial a which we will be discussing in fu From High Tech to Low Tech: number which connects you to a ture issues - read and write time A 95LX Nameplate will be slower than with a RAM computer, and have the data you One of my greatest fears is that I need put on that card. You then can card, and the number of times you will absent-mindedly lay down my make use of the updated data in can write to the Flash ROM card is your Palmtop. Or you might be able limited.) One ideal application for to go to an ATM machine, stick in Flash ROM technology is databases, (Continued on page 26.) needed by physicians, lawyers, sales
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 23 II II
More More More memory. connections. convenience. RAM Cards Station95™ Pocket Professional'" Organizer Sparcom's he Sparcom Station95'· links your HP Crafted from fine leather, Sparcom's Pocket battery-backed T95LX to your desktop PC for instant Professional'" Organizer has been carefully RAM cards give communication. This compact palmtop designed to carry and protect your HP 95LX. your palmtop docking station replaces the usual web of The Organizer has fourteen pockets for the memory and loose cables and plugs with a storing RAM cards, capability of a permanent, 4-pin serial program cards, or credit cards; a desktop PC. They give connector. Saves pen holder, checkbook holder, you the power to run battery power and a special zippered pocket additional software, store entire data too. Simply slide for keeping documents. The bases, and improve speed and your palmtop onto Pocket Professional Organizer performance. Long-life lithium batteries the Station95; it clips makes the portability of your palmtop protect data and will deliver the durability securely into place and ultimately convenient. and reliability necessary for the most you are instantly in demanding palmtop applications. Available touch with your PC. DB 9 serial in 2Mb, 1Mb, 512K and 256K. connector and AC adapter are included. More portable. Drive95™ rive95'·, the portable Ofloppy disk drive for the More Software HP 95LX, provides a new method of communication and Automated speech and presentation software for your 95LX. data transfer/storage. Read/write and DalaExchanue store data, execute applications and save Macintosh connectivity kit. money-by using standard DOS format 3 1/2" diskettes (720K or 1.44Mb) with your S•• 85 Five challenging games: Chess, Checkers, Tetris, Space Invaders & Backgammon. palmtop computer. A single charge powers the Drive95 for up to 15 hours of portable use. AC adapter, serial cable and software are included. For more information call (800) 827-8418
Dealer/Distributor inquiries welcome . II
Swiftl Basic. PocketSalesForce - Quickly enter and run system compliant ExecutiveDataManager Basic programs on your HP 95LH Information management software for the HP 95LX Swift! Basic is a modern and structured imple to use, Pocket Sales Force will instantly programming language that was especially Scontrol and automate the vital areas of your sales designed to meet the needs of the HP 95LX users. activity or any other generic data. It is fully integrated in the System Manager Features include: environment and has the same well known user • Twenty fully user-definable fields, plus full interface like the internal applications. Even for the contact history. inexperienced user the handling is simple and easy • Single and multiple-criteria search fields to learn. The built-in editor assists with its automatic • Generic database option check of the syntax and makes programming the HP • Lotus 123 interface 95LXajoy. j/fIlv • PC emulator included Developed in cooperation with eM Software Globalink Foreign language translator ... on an Ie card for the HP 95LH. mpossible! that's the reaction from virtually ------~ Ieveryone. But, it's true. Fully automated, grammatical translation capability comparable to mainframes or PCs, all in economicallC cards designed for the HP 95LX palmtop.
The Globalink Translation System gives you sentence-by sentence translations with up to 90% accuracy. Target language output may be post-edited one sentence at a time or after an entire file has been translated. Spanish to/from English NEW French to/from English LOWER German to/from English PRICES Sparcom I Sparcom Corporation· 897 NW Grant Ave. Corvallis, OR 97330. (503) 757-8416. FAX (503) 753-7821 • CompuServe 75320,2440 User To User:
(Continued from page 23.) 95LX at some conference or show and forget where I put it. So instead of putting my company on my Top Through The Looking Glass card screen, I have, "If found, call 515-472-6330." Ed automates file backup and restoration using Unfortunately, if I misplace my 95LX and am lucky enough to have ZIP. COM from the 1992 Subscribers Disk and some a good samaritan find it, there's no clever batch files. He also gives advice on file guarantee that he will be able to backup and battery replacement when you get the bring up the Topcard screen. When Bernie Sadow of IBB Limited '~OW CARD BATTERY" message on your HP 95LX. told me that his company made nameplates for the 95LX, I was a called _DAT (key in MD _OAT and bit skeptical. But he sent me one of By Ed Keefe his black and gold labels for the then press IENTERI). back of my 95LX, and I really like Backing Up The HP 95LX If you have any other subdirec it. It looks very sharp and I no Among the many programs on the tories on your 95LX, create dupli longer worry about someone locat 1992 Subscribers Disk, ZIP. COM cate directories on your backup ing my name and address if they gets my top honors. disk. find my 95LX (see ad, page 1). If you used the automated IN (Note that you don't have to STALL program on the Subscribers create a subdirectory for the files in System Compliant MEMO Substitute Disk, you've seen a small sample of the hidden C:\_SYS directory since Craig Finseth, author of Subscribers what ZIP. COM can do. they are permanent ROM files.) Disk MEMUTIL, has written a Hopefully, the following instruc If you have created the optional UNIX-based EMACS-type editor, tions will give you more ideas on \A directory, change to that directo FREYJAIi for the HP 95LX. FREYJA how you can benefit from ZIP. COM. ry on the floppy disk (type CD \A and is free, takes about 40K, contains a They describe how to use ZIP.COM press I ENTER I ). Create matching full slate of word processing and a couple of batch files to make directories for any subdirectories on features, and works well in backing up your 95LX almost fun. the RAM card of your 95LX. conjunction with the built-in applications. Unfortunately, the Automating Backups user interface leaves much to be Install ZIP. COM To automate the backup process, On Your Computer desired unless you are familiar with you'll need to spend some time key the editor. The good news is that ing in two or three batch files de and On Your HP 95LX Craig tells me he is working on a scribed in this article. (The batch If ZIP.COM Iii is not on your 95LX, MEMO-like interface for a future files are available on the transfer it to the Palmtop using the update (destined for the 1993 July/August issue of The HP Palm INSTALL program from the Sub Subscribers Disk). top Paper ON DISK.) You may have scribers Disk, or use APP95 from We have included with the to spend some additional time fine the HP Connectivity Pac. In any current FREJYA version, 650K tuning these batch files for your case, ZIP.COM should go in the root worth of C source code and machine. Give yourself about an directory of the C drive. programming tools from Craig on hour to get up and running. Also, copy ZIP.COM onto the this issue's Palmtop Paper On Disk. First create two new directories hard disk of your desktop PC. ZIP.COM must be configured to Contact Information on a blank, formatted floppy disk in your desktop PC, create one or two use the correct serial port on both GIoballnk, SWlftIBaslc, Pocket Sales Force, new directories. I'll use the B drive machines. The Subscribers Disk Custom Box Sparoom - caN 800-827-8416 or designator B: in these instructions version of ZIP.COM is configured to 503-757-8416; lax: 503-753-7821 use COM1 as the default serial port. DoubleCard, BATTman, Swltchl ACE to indicate the floppy drive. You Technologies - can: 800-825-99n or 4fJ1J.428- may change this to A: if you wish. However, if you're using COM1 on 9722;Fax:~28-9721 your PC to run a mouse, then ZIP EduCALC- cal: 8OfJ.6n·7oo1 or 714-582· 1. Insert the floppy disk and must be told to use COM2 or COM3. 2637; fax: 714-582-1445 FaxIModern Card New Media - call; 800-453- switch to the B drive. Use the Ordinarily, ZIP.COM comes with 0550 or 714-453-0100; Fax: 714453-0114 DOS command MD C to create a companion program, ZIPCFG.COM, Stock Quotes Mettiplex - caN: 617-494-9393; the "\C" subdirectory on your that lets you configure ZIP.COM so Fax: 617-494-8735 RAM card Drives Datebook - caN: 716-889- floppy disk. This will hold the it will use COM 2, COM3, or COM4 4204 files from the 95LX's C drive. automatically, every time it is run. Adtron - call: 602·926-9324; fax: 602-926- 2. (Optional, use only if you have a If you register ZIP.COM, you'll 9359 RAM card on the 95LX.) Key in GPS Pac PaImtr&e Products - 617-871·7050; fax: 617-871-6018 the DOS command MD A. Nameplate 188 Limited - see ad, page 1 3. Change to the C subdirectory Ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk FREYJA JuVAug 92 Palmtop Peper ON DISK FREYJA - JuVAug, 92, ON DISK (type CD \C and press IENTERI) ZIP. COM - 1992 Subscribers Disk. and then make a subdirectory
26 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 get the full package of ZIP files. The :128 The third batch file will be used to ECHO At user's request drive one or both of the first two directions for using ZIPCFG will :exit come with the package. (On the ECHO Communication halted batch files. This batch file will be other hand, if you have version 1.51 set E= somewhat unique to your individual of ZIP. COM, the ZIPCFG.COM file c:\XXXX\zip lu > nul situation and you will have to write from that version will also work ECHO Server is unlinked. it yourself. Use the following .BAT with the newer version of ZIP.COM file as a template when writing your that came on the Subscribers Disk). I'll briefly explain what's going on own .BAT file. (It must be modified Even without ZIPCFG.COM, you at the end of the article. It's not as and will not work as is.) complicated as it looks. can still run ZIP.COM on your PC. ECHO OFF The batch files in this article con The second batch file is similar REM BKUP95.BAT tain a command line option which to the first, and only needed if you CLS will tell ZIP to use a particular are using a RAM card A drive. CALL B\BKUPA DIRla DIR2a DIRna COM port. To save yourself some typing, B\BKUPC _OAT DIR2c DIR3c DIRnc make a copy of the first BKUCP.BAT BKUPC.BAT and BKUPABAT file and modify it. At the DOS B\> Replace DIRla... DIRna with the full Use a text editor on your PC to key prompt, issue the DOS command, names of the directories on the A in the following batch files. copy bkupc.bat bkupa.bat. Then use a drive of your 95LX. Replace DIR2c In these batch files, you should text editor to modify the BKUPA DIR3c DIRnc with the full names of replace any occurance of XXXX with .BAT file. Modify as follows: the directories on the C drive of your 95LX. the name of the directory, on your Line 2 - change BKUPC.BAT to BKUPA.BAT PC, where you've put ZIP. COM. Line 5 - change C:\ to A:\ If you don't have an A drive on The In, in the same line of the Line 6 - change C:\*.* to A:\*.* and change B:\C to B:\A your 95LX, delete the fourth line in batch files, stands for 12 (13 or 14) Line 10 - change C:\%l to A:\%1 the batch file. where "2", "3", or "4" is the number Line 11 - change C:\% to A:\% and change B:\C\ to B:\A\ (If you're using MS-DOS 2.1 or DELETE - last three lines earlier, the "CALL" command should of the PC serial port you are using. MODIFY - new last line. Change "ECHO Communication Eliminate In if you are using COM1. halted" to ECHO Communication interrupted be replaced with COMMAND IC in the Here is the first batch file. As above batch file.) you key it in, make the necessary changes indicated above and save it as B:\BKUPC.BAT. (Any indented ...... line is a continuation of the previous .. . . • * ...... line, NOT a separate line.) ...... ECHO OFF REM BKUPC.BAT Mobile Data CLS SET E=AGN ECHO Backing up C:\ Storage C:IXXXX\ZIP C:\*.* In IFT[B:\C] > NUL FOR %%E IN (14816128) DO IF ERRORLEVEL=%%E SET E=%%E Is GOTO %E% :AGN IN THE ECHO Backing up C:\% 1 C:IXXXX\ZIP C:\%W.* In IFT[B:\C\%l] > NUL FOR %%E IN ( 0 1 4 8 16 128 ) DO IF CARDS. ERRORLEVEL=%%E SET E=%%E GOTO%E% :0 SHIFT Today's personal computers - notebook, pen-based and palmtop SOLVING YOUR MEMORY IF NOT (%1)==0 GOTO AGN - depend on credit-card-sized RAM memory cards. For these CARD SYSTEM NEEDS GOTOEXIT new machines, Adtron's RAM cards offer the low power, high per :1 formance data storage you need for your state of the art personal ECHO Argument Error computer, in sizes from 64 KBytes to 2 MBytes. GOTOEXIT For even greater convenience, Adtron's SolidState Data Drive easily :2 transfers data stored on RAM cards to your home or office Pc. ECHO Out of memory-too many files The SolidState Data Drive reads and writes data and program files Ai)i:=ton GOTOEXIT directly, just like a floppy disk drive. CORPORATION :4 You'll never again have to fumble with cables, and there's no new ECHO Connection error data link program to leam. SolidState Data Drive models connect 128 West Boxelder Place, Suite 102 GOTO EXIT Chandler, AZ 85224 directly to the serial port, printer port or internal bus slot of your 602-926-9324 FAX 602-926-9359 :8 desktop computer ECHO Transmission error Bicom. Epson . Gndp.d. HP95LX. IBM PCR.dio. NCR 3125. GOTOEXIT To place your order or obtain free literature, call today! p.lmcom. Poq,1 PC . Samsung Penmaster. Sharp PC-3000 :16 ECHO Disk error (full?) GOTO EXIT
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 27 COLUMN: Looking Glass
Save your customized batch file as from my 95LX "Gotcha" annals. Lotus reported that there was some B:\BKUP95.BAT. data missing from its files. I pressed This file will drive one or both Gotcha! ~ to override the error message of the BKUPC.BAT and BKUPA.BAT A "gotcha," in computer-speak, is a and saw an empty gradebook. I ran files. It will pass the names of your surprise event, perpetrated by a chkdsk a: again and was presented directories to the other two batch computer, in full accordance with with a series of messages telling me files, which will use them to trans Murphy's Laws. that every other file was "cross fer the files from your 95LX to the This Gotcha happened because linked" to some other file. Oh-oh! I appropriate hard disk directories. I began to trust the process of back tried the DOS Copy command (copy ing up my 95LX too much. *.* nul) and was immediately told Testing Out The Setup I'd been using a 1 MB RAM card "Data error reading drive A: Abort, Once all the files have been in for about three months, during Retry, Ignore" I switched to the C stalled, you're ready to test them. which time my 95LX had crashed on drive and then tried to switch back Before running the backup routine several occasions. More than once I to the A drive and was told that A:\ for the first time, make doubly sure had to completely reformat the C was an "Invalid drive designator." that the batteries in your HP 95LX drive. (Thank goodness I'd written Say what? are fresh (or connect your 95LX to those backup routines!) The only way to recover was to its AC adapter). The file transfer Not once, in all that time, did reformat the A drive and start over. process eats batteries during the the A drive ever lose any informa I thought to myself: "thank good first run of the program. Depending tion, so I began to put all my criti ness for backups." on how many files you have on your cal files on the RAM card. This I tried to use APP95 to transfer 95LX, the initial backup may run included all the grades for the six the files from my backup disk to the for several minutes. courses I was teaching. Of course, A drive of the 95LX. That's when When you're ready, run ZIP on being a believer of Murphy's Laws, the "gotcha" landed on me like a the HP 95LX. Once it is running, I kept a backup of this information. Sumo wrestler. All of the files on press v to put the program in serVer Then, on the last day of the the backup disk were corrupt, the mode. The word Waiting should ap semester, just as I was about to File Allocation Table of the disk had pear on the screen. enter the last set of grades, I turned been blown away. APP95 could not Log on to your desktop's B drive, on my 95LX and was greeted with transfer the files. issue the DOS command bkup95, and the following message: Apparently, my last backup had press IENTERI. transferred files that were already CARD BAITERY LOW. If all is working correctly, you corrupt. The backup disk was cor should see a series of messages That was hard to believe. Mter all, rupted and unusable. All the pro appear on the screen of your desk the battery was supposed to last for grams that I been working on for top, "Backing up C:\", "Backing up a year. I ran the BAITCK.COM the past three months were lost. C:\_DAT", etc. On the 95LX you program (available on the Subscrib Worse yet, the entire semester's should see the names of the files ers Disk) and, sure enough, the grades were blown away. That's being transferred. voltage on the RAM card showed 0.7 tantamount to a banker losing the The last line of the BKUPC.BAT volts. I ran DOS ChkDsk utility on combination to the safe. file will run ZIP one last time to the RAM card (type chkdsk a: from After recovering from a panic break the connection with the ZIP the DOS prompt and press IENTERI). attack, I spent a sleepless night program on the HP 95LX. The disk seemed to be working fine. reconstructing all the grades. I turned the 95LX off and went to I won't go into the details, but it Incremental Backups class. involved some tricky operations Once you've completed the initial Before going across town to get with DEBUG and the Norton utili backup of the 95LX, subsequent a new card battery, I took the extra ties, and digging through printouts backups will take place much more precaution of turning the 95LX on of midterm grades. quickly. Only those files that are and backing up all my files to a I consoled myself with the new or changed will be transferred. micro disk. The "Card Battery Low" thought that I had only lost 1.44 The whole process should take less message did not appear this time MB of files. Disastrous as that was, than a minute. and the backup proceeded normally. it was better than losing 40MBs, When you want to do a backup, I was able to find a replacement which could have happened if the just run ZIP.COM on your 95LX and battery and a clerk with long, hard backup of the bad RAM card files put it in serVer mode. Then change fingernails. Together we were able had corrupted my desktop's hard to the B drive on your desktop pc. to extract the old battery and re disk. If I had backed up my 95LX Type bkup95, press IENTERI and watch place it with a fresh one. onto my hard disk instead of a mi the backup process "zip by." Once the new card battery was cro disk.... No, I don't even want to The use of the B drive for back installed, I ran BAITCK and found think about that! up may seem strange. Why not that the RAM card was now operat backup to the hard disk? ing at full voltage. I started to run Preventing the Gotcha! For the answer to that question, my 1-2-3 Automated Gradebook The next day I called the RAM card let me tell you about an experience Program and the "gotcha" struck. manufacturer to complain. The
28 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 technician could not tell me why a name of a directory from BKUP95- set of Restore Files. You will find battery that was supposed to last .BAT and transfers the files in that these with an explanation in BACK for a year, died after only three directory. It then "shifts" to the next UP.ZIP ii on the JullAug 92 issue of months of use. He did offer the directory in BKUP95.BAT and re The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK. information that the battery warn peats the process until there are no ing device in the 95LX was set too more directories. [Ed Keefe is an author, pro low. By the time "LOW CARD BAT The "FOR %%E in ( ) DO" state grammer, computer science instruc TERY" appeared on the screen, the ments are designed to pick up any tor, and long-time contributor to A drive had already lost data. error codes from the ZIP program support publications for Hewlett I asked what. I could do to pre and to display an error message on Packard computers. He is the pres vent such a gotcha from happening the screen of the desktop. ident of the FastAid Company, 314 again. Here are the instructions as The final time that ZIP is called, S. W. Logan, Ankeny, IA 50021. Ed's I recall them. it !Unlinks the ZIP program on the CompuServe ID# is [73277-1064J.] 95LX. This kicks the ZIP program 1. If you see a LOW CARD BAT out of server mode. TERY message on the 95LX, believe it. It's no joke. Ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk, JuVAug, 92. 2. If, or when, the message ap A Companion Restore Routine pears, do NOT turn the 95LX The flip side of the Backup files is a off. Keep it on. The main batter ies will supply enough electrici ty to the card to prevent any further damage. EduCALC 3. Do NOT remove the card from the 95LX. Do NOT perform a Your #1 connection for backup or any other operation that drain the main batteries. 4. Replace the RAM card battery HP 95LX accessories! ASAP, with the 95LX still ON. EduCALC has everything you 5. Once the RAM card battery is need for your HP 95LX. replaced, test all the files on the A drive. For a quick test use the Whether itls a double RAM DOS command, COPY filename card, the latest software, NUL, to see if each file can be disk drive, or a carrying copied to the NUL device (com case for your 95, youlll see puter nowhere land). Delete any it in the EduCALC catalog. All files that don't copy. Copy the products at Deep Discount remaining files to another disk Prices. And in our catalog, - not your backup disk. 6. Format the RAM card using the youlll see the latest from Format command in SETUP (or suppliers featured in The use the Format program that HP Palmtop Paper: b k came with your RAM card). II I- rh~ HEWLETT 0 a In Then restore the A disk from your backup disk and add any ~~ PACKARD_ new or changed files from the FREE Catalog other disk. ACT!- .OR TN. HP 9SLX loft Warehou.te For the Interminably Curious I rza PAlMTRR Just in case you're curious, here's a PRODUCTS.IIIC. brief explanation of what the Lu A@OO BKUPx.BAT batch files do. Sparcom'M ACE Technologies, Inc. Line 6, in each of the BKUPx DATABDDK I .BAT files, backs up the 95LX's C or A disk root directory. The 1FT (Fetch ~ EduCALC Timed) option ensures that only ~~ 1ft 27953 Cabot Rd_ those files with a later date than HE: '-{jAY A Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 similar files on the backup disk, will (800) 677-7001 EXT_ 102 be transferred. I I ~ (714) 582-2637 The second time ZIP is called, in ~ f'11. ' . .11 + ~ FAX (714) 582-1445 line 11 of the batch files, it gets the L..--______---l
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 29 COLUMN: 'Savvy User .
fewer key strokes than their deci The Savvy User mal equivalents. For example, using the HP Calculator in RPN (Reverse Tom talks about when not to use the 95LX, describes a Polish Notation) mode, keying in clever way to transfer Solver equations to Lotus, and 30.416666 and pressing I ENTER 1 re quires 10 key strokes. Keying in 365, relates his experience with the new lithium batteries. pressing IENTERI, and then keying in 112 requires 7 keystrokes. Of course the computer is going to turn the By Tom Page for any minor discomfort you may fraction into a decimal, but it will feel. be stated to the maximum accuracy Modern technology affects the way One of the nice things about possible of the computer. we live our lives and sometimes algebraic equations is that they can results in actions that do not make be simplified by identifying and Turn the 95LX Off and a lot of sense. For example, many canceling out nonessential vari Put On Your Thinking Cap people hop into their cars and drive ables. Computers cannot replace a human to the park so they can take a walk. brain. Often the best way to use The effect of computers on our lives [(3+2-4)N] simplifies to 1 N 95LX is to first turn it off and take is no better - and may be a little a look at what you want to accom worse. The very structure of a com A short formula is better than a plish. Although I have on more than puter affects our approach to solv long one; they are easier to enter one occasion received valuable in ing problems. Sometimes, because into 1-2-3 or Solver equations; they sight from solving the wrong prob we have a computer on our desk or calculate faster; and they use less lem, the fact is that solving the in our shirt pocket, we may overlook memory. wrong problem usually is a big a more effective way of solving our Another event that can occur as waste of time. A little time spent problems. you simplify an algebraic equation thinking about a problem pays for Brute force computing capability is that related terms will tend to itself. is often substituted for critical, combine. insightful analysis. I am guilty of 2N+3N -IN combines to 1 Transferring Solver this sometimes. It is easy to substi Equations to 1-2-3 tute different values in a computer This will help you identify key sub 1-2-3's named range feature makes model until one is found that pro components of an equation. transferring equations from Solver duces the desired result. Unfortu Algebraic manipulation of equa to a 1-2-3 spreadsheet pretty sim nately this kind of number crunch tions is an essentially fractional ple. Equations may be imported into ing often obscures important rela process. Computers and calculators 1-2-3, one-at-time, from the Solver tionships between variables in a decimalize fractions, and this can catalog using the 95LX's clipboard. system. Lotus 1-2-3 encourages ledger hide the true relationship of num An entire equation file may be im bers. To understand this concept, ported into 1-2-3 by pressing IMENUI like "rows and columns" thinking. This works fine if you're balancing take a look at the following num File Import Text filename.eqn and bers: I ENTER I. a checkbook, but often there are pressing Be sure to state the better approaches to solving prob 0.5 (EQN) extension of the Solver equa lems. Some of these approaches re 0.3333333 tion file. If you don't, 1-2-3 will as quire thinking in a different way, 30.416666 sume the extension is .PRN and tell with a different medium. 0.03287671 you that the file does not exist. Alternative approaches can Now that your equations are in actually improve the usefulness of The first decimal is pretty obvious. 1-2-3, examine them to determine if the 95LX. A more efficient way of 0.5 = 112. Even 0.3333333 is recog each equation occupies a single cell. representing a problem can produce nizable as (approximately) = 1/3. There is a good chance an equation results in 10 seconds instead of 10 You may be saying, "Wait a minute, will be split on two lines. If this minutes. The key to quick results is what's the deal?" Consider the third happens, make a copy of the .EQN understanding the problem, and and fourth examples: What does file and use MEMO or another text there is no method better for ana 30.416666* and 0.03287671 ** repre editor to edit the copy and remove lyzing a problem than reducing it to sent? the characters causing the equa an algebraic equation and solving In the first example, the frac tions to break and occupy more than (analyzing) the equation. tion and decimal are exactly equiva one line. Then import the edited lent. However, in the remaining copy, not the original .EQN file. Try Algebra First? examples, the decimal does not I know! I used the "A" word. Alge express with 100% accuracy the 30.416666 = (approx.) 365/12, the number of bra conjures up the horrors of high exact fraction. days in a year divided by the number of months, school and college math classes. There is another advantage to or the approximate length (in days) of a month. However, the benefits of such an thinking fractionally. Often frac 0.03287671 =(approx .) 121365, the reciprocal of analysis will more than compensate tions can be entered with many the number of days in an average month. This fraction is common in time series analysis.
30 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 If you are using the clipboard, be combined in extraordinary ways. Lithium Batteries sure to put the edited equation on One of the most interesting of these, I installed a pair of lithium batter the clipboard. developed by Ed Keefe, uses the ies in my 95LX on April 9. I re After importing equations into Phone Book program to implement placed them 18 gruelling days later. 1-2-3, named ranges identifying the a pop-up help function for HP Almost every day I checked the fuel equations variables must be created. CALC's Solver. Ed was able to do gage and never saw a reading of An efficient way to do this is to list this because he saw Phone Book as less than 100%. I wondered if these the variable names in a column and a generic data base program, not a batteries would last forever - they use the I MENU I Range Name Labels single purpose telephone directory. didn't! On day 18 they went down Right command to assign each vari I was really pleased with the like a one-egg pudding. [Editor's ables name to the cell on its right. preview copy I received of the Sub Note: Other 95LX users have report Now go to the cell containing scribers Disk. I think you will find ed that the Lithium batteries drop the equation. Assuming you have it interesting and educational. Ed very rapidly at the end.] the result on the left side of the Keefe's Menu95 program itself is Since the time I used the lith equation, remove the equal sign and worth the price of admission. From ium batteries was punishing, I can everything to its left, including the me, that is quite a complement. I confidently say they will last two to label prefix character. If you have generally don't like menu programs, three times as long as regular alka assigned a named range to each of but this really simplifies the process lines. If you get the opportunity to the equations variable, you should of accessing DOS programs on the use these batteries, keep a spare set now have a working 1-2-3 formula. 95LX. Now if Ed will just create a handy since you may get little war If you're getting an error and cannot companion menu program to load ning that they are near failure. get out of edit, perhaps you have .EXM programs, I'll be satisfied (for [Tom works for a natural gas not assigned a named range to ev a while). This is something really pipeline company in Houston, Texas, ery variable in the equation. If this needed. I can remember only so and was one of the first to use PC's is so, add a label identifier at the many hot-keys, and a decent menu in the natural gas industry. He has beginning of the equation to turn it program might be a way around the been a regular contributor to sup back into a label. Finish naming limitations of APNAME.LST. (See port publications ofHewlett-Packard ranges and re-edit the formula. page 8, this issue, for a review of computers for many years. Tom's If you are still having difficulty, SWITCH! - Editor.) CompuServe ID# is [76011,3655].] make sure the equation is valid in Lotus. For example, HP CALC al lows extra spaces between operators + + (3 * 4), but 1-2-3 does not. If an equation starts with a variable (e.g. FEET), put a plus sign in front of 2.0 MB -_ $560 the variable (+FEET). I Using the 95LX to Develop I 1.0 MB $305 I Lotus Spreadsheets for My I Desktop PC • Now that I've had my 95LX for over 512 KB $169 a year, I find that I'm using it dif ferently than how I had initially expected to do. Originally, I thought 256 KB - $ 99 I'd download to the 95LX spread sheets developed on my desktop PC. Lower Now I find that I'm using the 95LX as "scratch pad" to develop spread sheets for the bigger computer. This Prices is one of the more interesting fea tures of hardwareIs oftware develop ment - the actual use of the product is often different from the planned use. There is absolutely nothing MEMORY wrong with this, in fact sophisticat ed users are always finding differ Imaging Supplies Express ent ways to use their machines. Torrance, CA - USA Subscribers Disk FAX 310-370-3265 The 1992 The HP Palmtop Paper Subscribers Disk contains some excellent examples of how the 95- 800-462-4309 LX's features and programs can be ---a
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 31 COLUMN: Programmer's ~' Co"",-"r ner...... - ..,,""
All of these modern BASICs Swift!Basic Programming Language have many of the same language for The HP 95LX capabilities as Pascal and C. They all allow the competent programmer to write structured code with nary a Ed gives a brief overview of BASIC and then reviews single GOTO. Swift/BASIC, a programming language developed SwiftlBASIC is in a class with specifically for the 95LX. True BASIC and QuickBASIC. Like other versions of modern BASIC, it supports the use of functions and By Ed Keefe mand to jump over the faulty code. procedures. All functions and proce· Programs might work once and then dures use local variables. Swift/BASIC crash for no apparent reason. Try SwiftlBASIC also contains several We've discussed SwiftlBASIC from ing to fix such programs was nigh types of loops (WHILE..WEND, RE ZemaneklWeber, Vienna, Austria in unto impossible. PEAT .. UNTIL, etc.) and even a CASE previous editions of The HP Palm Many programmers switched to control structure. top Paper (page 47 of the MarlApr Pascal or C to insure better program Here are some of the other fea issue and page 34 of the May/Jun design. Programs written in these tures of SwiftIBASIC. Most of these issue). SwiftlBASIC is now being structured languages ran faster and features have positive aspects. Some sold, in the USA, by Sparcom (800- were easier to maintain. of them have side effects that are 827-8416). However, the authors of BASIC not so positive. This article presents a closer couldn't let their language die. Pro look at SwiftlBASIC along with a fessors Kemeny and Kurtz, the Swift/BASIC: Strictly a general overview of BASIC. Hope original authors of BASIC, com 95LX Programming Language fully, with this information, you'll pletely rewrote the language and First and foremost, SwiftlBASIC is be able to make a more informed called it True BASIC. Microsoft final System-Manager compliant. It can decision about getting and using ly retired BASICA in favor of Quick· pop-up on top of all the built-in SwiftlBASIC on your HP 95LX. BASIC and Visual BASIC. applications (FILER, MEMO, etc.) If Swift/BASIC: Its Historical Context BASIC was created in 1964 at Dart UTIL Forth Version 2.4 mouth University. The first version The 95LX Toolkit For Programmers of BASIC was very limited in what it could do. But because it was easy And Non-Programmers to learn and very forgiving of errors, Hame~ all the power of your 95LX with UTIL - a System Manager compliant it became the favorite computing implementation of the Forth language. Even if you are not a programmer, you'll language at many universities. make use of the sample programs that include games, music and useful utilities. I got my first taste of BASIC in 1968. The experience of interacting Create System Manager compliant loaders for your favorite DOS programs, or with a computer was so addictive shell to DOS with a hot-key using the UTIL EXM loader. The easy-to-use that I actually dropped a graduate patching tools let you set the Alt-Arrow and Cursor-Tracking functions for the physics course so I could spend time loaded program. The package includes a comprehensive User's Guide and many on an old, teletype machine learning source code examples. this great "new" way to program. UTIL includes a Forth compiler, 8086 assembler, decompiler and disassembler, to With the arrival of microcom tum your 95LX into a portable software development system. Create compact, puters, BASIC became popular with System Manager compliant executable applications and standalone .COM hobbyists and professionals alike. programs. Or use the tools to access the built-in graphics capability of your Many people had their first taste of 95LX, explore memory and much mote. programming with Apple BASIC, MBASIC on CP/M computers, or, Here's what a few of the current users (who can upgrade to Version 2.4 for only later, BASICA on an IBM-PC or $10) say about UTIL: GWBASIC on an IBM clone. "The loader capability is a real bonus on the 95LX". "Goodjob!" Along the way, however, BASIC "Worth itfor the examples alone". "Thank you for a fine program" got a bad reputation. Since BASIC "[love this package". "Great software package! Thanks" programs could be written and test ed one line at a time, they tended to UTIL is a perfect match for your 95LX, and at a list price of just $70, it's a real be written in a haphazard fashion. bargain ($80 outside U.S.A. and Canada). To order your copy, call today. Programmers didn't have to think a program through. They could start Essex Marketing Services Inc. • 272 Old Farms Road • Simsbury cr 06070 • U.SA throwing BASIC code at their com Phone: (203) 651-8284 • Fax: (203) 651-7926 puter. If the code didn't work, they could erase it, or use a GOTO com-
32 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 Swift!BASIC is loaded prior to 1-2-3, start to blink and the computer will system compliant, a home-made it's possible to switch back and forth beep twice. You can't proceed until help file would only be a keystroke between these two applications at you correct the mistake. This is away. Anyone who wants to create the touch of a hot-key. great for catching typing mistakes such a feature will get lots of key The only drawback to this fea or misused BASIC commands. How board practice; there are 77 pages of ture is that Swift!BASIC cannot be ever, if you don't know BASIC, you BASIC commands in the run from the DOS command line. could be very frustrated. No error SwiftlBASIC Users Manual. Nor can it be run on a desktop pc. message appears on the screen and It's strictly an HP 95LX develop the cursor does not always move to Accessing the Hardware ment tool, designed for the 95LX the place where the error occurs. and Firmware and meant to be used exclusively on The debugger also detects run SwiftlBASIC lets the experienced this palmtop. time errors. It has the usual trace programmer extend the language by Swift!BASIC takes full advan on and trace-off functions of other making calls to the operating sys tage of the HP 95LX's graphics and BASICs but, since there are no line tem of the computer. The SYSTEM() sound capabilities. It also uses the numbers in the code, the display of command in SwiftlBASIC is very serial printer port for the LPRINT a series of line numbers on the well implemented and easy to use. command. (If you try GWBASIC or screen is less than helpful. On the The downside to this is that you QuickBASIC on the 95LX to do other hand, the debugger will let need to know exactly what you're graphics, sound, or printing, you'll you single-step through a program. doing. A good book on MS-DOS in lock up the computer very quickly.) Error messages are displayed on the ternal functions (interrupts) will The down side to using a lot of screen and, when you enter the help get you started. It will take graphics in a SwiftlBASIC program editor, the cursor moves to the line some trial and error, and several is that the program will run slowly. that has the error. system crashes, before you get the But this is true of most forms of Beyond this, Swift!BASIC's de hang of this feature. BASIC and is not peculiar to bugger will also let you do remote In addition to DOS, the HP SwiftlBASIC. debugging. All you need is another 95LX has another operating envi HP 95LX. With the two palmtops ronment: SYSMGR. Swift!BASIC In a Class by Itself connected, you can watch your pro handles calls to this operating envi The one fea ture that puts gram execute on one while you ronment as adroitly as it handles Swift!BASIC in a class by itself is its observe the BASIC code on the oth calls to DOS and the BIOS. Howev ability to create system-compliant er. The same thing can be done with er, the same admonition applies; programs "automagically." a 95LX connected to a desktop PC. you've got to know exactly what Once you've written and saved a However, 95LX graphics commands you're doing. You must also have Swift!BASIC program, you merely will not display properly on the the HP Independent System Devel press IALTI-IMENUI to save the pro desktop computer. opers' Manual to incorporate such gram as an EXM file. On the disk SwiftlBASIC's built-in editor is features as "clipboard" and "menu" will be a program that you can add very functional, although limited. It in your programs. (See sidebar, to your APNAME.LST file. lacks any ability to move, copy or page 43 of the Fall 91 issue for Once you reset the 95LX, you delete blocks of code. It does not more information.) can press the hot-key and watch have any search and replace func For really experienced BASIC your program pop up on top of the tion. It does have the ability to programmers, there's nothing like other built-in applications. jump to a specific line, and to the thrill of POKE-ing hex numbers What could be simpler?! The search for labels. into memory. This is the way to get user's manual states that this whole Swift!BASIC has its own menu the computer to "sing and dance" (or process is "automagic": I believe it! system, available at the touch of crash and burn quickly). Swift! However, not everything is I MENU I. The menu system is simple. BASIC provides this capability as magic. You won't find a simple It lets you load and save files creat well. It is one of the more dangerous command to help you design func ed with Swift!BASIC. It also lets you capabilities of any BASIC interpret tion-key menus, such as those used import and export files in ASCII er and should only be used if you've in SOLVE or PhoneBook. Similarly, format. If you have BASIC files backed up everything in sight. there's no simple command that will created in another form of BASIC, let you add a clipboard feature to you can convert them to ASCII files Who is Swift/BASIC For? your program. You'll have to write and import them into SwiftlBASIC. SwiftlBASIC appears to be aimed at these yourself. You'll still have to modify imported two categories of HP 95LX users. programs to make them run correct It is designed first and foremost Swift/BASIC's Integrated ly under Swift!BASIC. for the casual programmer. This Development Environment Due to memory limitations, might be someone who has pro Swift!BASIC comes with its own there is no on-line help function in grammed in BASIC in the past - menu-system, and its editor and SwiftlBASIC. However, this short someone who has a desire to write debugger work hand-in-hand to give coming could be overcome by creat one or more programs for the HP immediate syntax checking. ing a PhoneBook file containing a 95LX, but who doesn't have the time If you type in a line of incorrect list of BASIC commands. Since both to learn C or assembler. code and press IENTERI, the line will PhoneBook and SwiftlBASIC are If you fit into this category,
JULY I AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 33 COLUMN: Programmer's Corner
Swift!BASIC will let you write pro persistence and a good BASIC pro you'll undoubtedly consider grams for your 95LX using only the gramming book, Swift!BASIC could Swift !BASIC a wise investment. palmtop. No other computer is need become your first programming lan In and of itself, Swift!BASIC is a ed. You'll even be able to create guage. remarkable product for the HP system compliant applications and If your plan is to write pro 95LX. It works as advertised and is add them to your APNAME.LST file. grams that may be distributed to a good value for the money. You can write quick and dirty other users, you should also be As with any new language prod uct, using the first edition is some hacks, or elaborate, structured pro aware of one of the restrictions of what risky. Undiscovered bugs may grams; take your pick. The only Swift!BASIC. lurk somewhere in the program. limitation is your imagination and a With any program you distrib These are the kind of bugs that 60K limit on the size of your code. ute, you'll need to include the 44K show themselves only to early users Swift!BASIC may also prove a SWIFT!.OVL file. This rather large of the language. However, if enough useful tool for professional system file contains the run-time library for people learn use the language, it developers. It's a great way to proto all Swift!BASIC programs. Without will grow and mature through sev type single, small applications or it, your program won't work. The eral revisions. Hopefully, you'll find parts of a larger application. It positive aspect is that several yourself growing along with it. might be especially useful for trying Swift!BASIC programs can all use out 95LX function calls to see how the same OVL file. Order Information they will behave before implement Even though there are no royal ing them in C or assembler. Since ty payments for the distribution of SwiftlBASIC - $179.95 Swift!BASIC is an interpreted lan the SWIFT!.OVL file, there's the BASIC programming language designed for the 95LX. guage, you can go directly from hassle of designing an installation Available in the USA through Sparcom coding to testing without compiling. routine. The installation routine Corp., 897 NW Grant Ave., CONal/is, OR On the other hand, I would not will have to make sure that the 97330; Phone: 800-827-8416 or 503-757- normally recommend Swift !BASIC SWIFT!.OVL file resides in the root 8416; Fax: 503-753-7821. for beginning computer users. For directory of the A or C drive on the Available in Europe through Swift!, one thing, the Swift!BASIC manual 95LX. Neustiftgasse 56, A-1070 Vienna, AUS TRIA; Phone: +43 (222) 526 12 71; Fax: is more of a reference booklet than +43 (222) 526 12 72. a user's guide. You can't use it alone A Question of Value to learn how to write programs in If you're looking for a quick way to [See Ed's bio at the end of BASIC. However, with create system compliant programs, "Looking Glass, page 29.]
. ~ ~~~UMN: Getting:Started card slot labeled "A:". Getting Started: If we store files in a file cabinet, DOS Fundamentals - Directories we can put them in either drawer. Files on the 95LX can be stored on either the C: drive or on the A: drive (if we have a RAM card). By Hal Goldstein guard your data. When you store a file in a file The analogy we made last issue cabinet, you give it a name (Le. you We mentioned in the last issue that (page 41) between a file cabinet and put a label on the file folder). In the the HP 95LX is an "MS DOS" ma a DOS directory structure is a good same way, when you store a chine. This means that it functions one. The 95LX, with its built-in C PHONE, MEMO, APPT, or 1-2-3 file, similarly to an IBM PC compatible drive and RAM card slot, is like a you give it a name. As we discussed computer in that many of the same two-drawer file cabinet in that you in the last issue, DOS lays out strict programs will run on both ma can store your files in two different chines, and the "file structure" on places. (If you don't have these machines are the same. a RAM Card, you're miss- This article will continue our ing a file drawer.) discussion of "file structure" from File drawers in a last issue (see pages 39-41, Mayl cabinet are analogous to ... June 92 issue). Remember, when the disk drives on a com :::::..... [!:J'• I~ ....." you save information created using puter. If we have a file ...... a built-in 95LX application such as cabinet with two drawers, :) FC:l, :> PHONE, APPT, or MEMO, that infor we could label one drawer mation is stored in files. Learning "C:" and the other drawer -:.:-~ how a DOS machine deals with files "A:". Likewise, the 95LX is really learning how to intelligent has an internal disk drive The file storage capability of the 95LX ly and efficiently store and safe- labeled "C:" and a RAM is like a two-drawer file cabinet.
34 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER .JULY I AUGUST 1992 FOR THE HP 95LX • Contact and client tracking ACT! for the HP 95LX lets you take control of your day while you're on-the-go. This powerful contact manager keeps all the details about your contacts and your calendar at your fmgertips. • Calendar management ACT! even tracks and reports your expenses. The innovative ZAPCARDS® feature lets you exchange business card and other • Expense tracking contact information wirelessly with other ACT! HP 95LX users. And, it's all fully integrated and easy-to-use. • PC Connectivity Cable included Based on best-selling ACT! contact management software, this for easy data integration powerful version was designed specifically for HP 95LX users like you. And, it's easy to upload and download information to • Report generation and from your desktop version of ACT! with the included PC connectivity cable. • ZAPCARDS® wireless business Take control of your day with ACT! for the HP 95LX! Order your copy risk-free for only $99, and save $50 off the retail price! Simply card exchange mail the coupon below, or call us toll-free at 1-800-365-0606. • International versions available! ,------"YES' Send me ACT! for the • ro~ ~~r: $99!csRP $149) To order ACT!for the HP 95LX at this discount price, complete coupon and mail to Contact Software Int'l., ACT! HP Offer, 1840 Hutton Drive, #200, Carrollton, TX 75006. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. The Portable Way To Name Control Your Day! Address City State Zip Daytime Phone Payment By: 0 Visa 0 MasterCard 0 American Express Card# Exp. Date CONTACT SOFTWARE Signature INTERNATIONAL o Check Enc. (payable to Contact Software In!'l.) 1840 Hutton Drive, #200 Discount Price $99.00 Carrollton, TX 75006 2141919-9500 or Toll Free 1-800-365-0606 Shipping & Handling $5.50 2141919-9750 Fax TX residents add $8.17 sales tax lnterSystems House, Tangier Lane Total: Eton, Berkshire SL4 6BB ENGlAND • Please Call for International Orders. • ©1992 Contact Software Inlemational +44 (0)753830727 Fax +44 (0)753833317 ... _------_ ..... COLUMN: Getting Started rules governing legal file names. A gave it the name NOTES. It turns out file name consists of 1 to 8 charac that although we just gave it the ters, followed by an optional period name NOTES, the "real" name of the APPLICATION and 1 to 3 more characters. These file is C:\_DAnNOTES.TXT. This gives BUILDER characters can be numbers, letters, you complete information about the and many of the special symbols, name of the file and its "path" FOR THE lIP 95LX such as underline or dash. (where you'll find the file stored). In With QAPaim you can create other words, the whole file name of custom data collection and Subdirectories any given file consists of the 8 char We can put a file in the A: drawer acter name you gave it plus its 3 viewing applications for your or C: drawer of our file cabinet. character extension (.TXT in the palmtop on your PC without Similarly, we can store a file on the case of MEMO files), plus its loca programming. Uses an easy tion or "path". 95LX in the A: or C: drives. We screen painting approach. store them in the "root directory", The path describes how you designated as A:\ or C:\ (note the would get from the main or root di Transfers data to dBase and backslash). rectory to the file. The main or root Lotus 123 formats. Demo avail- directory of a disk is designated We can create in a file cabinet a able. thick file with a number of differ with a backslash symbol (\). There fore, the main or root C drive direc QA SYSlEMS, INC. ent, but related files in it. The fat tory is designated as C:\ and the A file has a name and each of the drive root directory is designated as 220 East 42nd Street related files have their own name. A:\. Sometimes DOS lets you abbre New York, N.Y. 10017 We can do the same thing in DOS viate. So at times, you could desig 1800 945-1717 / 212 599-1717 by creating a "subdirectory" (some nate the root C drive as simply C: times simply referred to as a "direc and the root drive as simply A:, but tory"). A subdirectory is like the fat MS-DOS directory structure for until you understand how to use exactly these same two reasons. file among the normal files in our these abbreviations, it is much safer file cabinet. Understanding how files and direc to use the actual names (A:\ or C:\) tories are named and how they Subdirectories are given names when referring to a directory. under the same conventions as a relate to each other greatly increas The path traversed to get to es your ability to safeguard your regular file. That means that a NOTES.TXT is C:\_DAT. directory can have up to 12 charac data and how to find it. ters including a period and a 3 character extension. In practice you Safeguarding your data will seldom find directories more C:\ (Root DirectorY1 The best way to safeguard your than 8 characters long. data is to create backup copies of _DA T (SUbd Ir octor y) The 95LX comes with a built-in your files. For example, you could CO~AND . COM MEt.O ENV back up your phone book from the C drive subdirectory with the name CHKDSK.EXE APPTB~ . ENV _DAT. This is an arbitrary name. ~ TF . CDM MAIN . PBK _DAT subdirectory to either the root (HP seems to have named many of START WK' MAIN .ABK (C:\) directory, the RAM card (A:\) the HP 95LX's built-in files with the - NOTES . TXT directory, or a hard or floppy disk _ symbol as the first character. For l(moraf,las) I on your desktop computer. To back I (more fi 10.) example, if you look in FILER, at I I it up, you have to know where to the bottom of the list of files, you'll , , find it. You have to be able to tell see _STAT.WKl. This tells you that the computer where you want to it is a built-in spread sheet that send it. And you have to understand Hewlett Packard included as an Path Structure showing C:\ Root Directory with file naming conventions. unadvertised extra. We can assume files, _DAT subdirectory, and its files. Even before backing up a file that _DAT simply stands for data. you must understand the necessity Whenever you save a MEMO, So what! of saving your work to a file as APPT, PHONE, or HP CALC equa discussed in these past columns. tion file, by default you save it to All this may seem a bit tedious and the _DAT subdirectory. That means confusing, but it's worth knowing. Actually once you get used to the Finding data all your MEMO (TXT files), unless FILER provides an excellent means you otherwise designate, are auto whole notion of a tree structured directory, the whole thing is really for finding, renaming, and backing matically saved to your _DAT direc up files. You can also use FILER's tory. Similarly, your PHONE and quite simple. IMENU I Directory Create command to APPT files will be found in this When you develop a filing sys subdirectory. If you had a RAM tem for your filing cabinet, two create new subdirectories. Once card, you could choose to store 1-2- important considerations predomi created, you can store files in the 3, MEMO, APPT, or your PHONE nate. First, you want to make sure new subdirectory. Next time we'll go files on to the A drive. the information you store in your more deeply into FILER's capabili file cabinet is safe, and secondly you ties, and we'll see how to better The PATH want to be able to find it quickly. organize and safeguard our precious Suppose we saved a MEMO file and We are taking this journey into data with FILER.
36 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 Using MEMO as a spreadsheet of this size HP and Lotus Should built-in communications a Phone Book (smaller spreadsheets are Publish 95LX Specs capabilities of the Filer that My heart went out to the better) is that it takes 17 I wish HP and Lotus could are used by Connectivity cop who wrote in asking seconds to save it and 12 be a bit more responsive to Pack. how to break the 47K seconds to retrieve it. On the specific requests and Rick Kapur PhoneBook limit. His expe the other hand, the 8 sec feedback of end users. I DataViz, Publishers riences were mine exactly. I onds that it takes to find an would like to see more coor of Macintosh to 95LX would never have switched item is relatively accept dinated efforts between HP Connectivity Software from my CASIO to the able. A wonderful thing and Lotus to support their 95LX if I'd known about about the spreadsheet, be proprietary command inter Yeah, you and all of us pro this limit, and that would sides the very important preter system (SYSMGR). I grammers whose heads are have been a shame. fact that it can hold all my don't have any scoop on now sore and flat from the My own solution to the data in one single place, is either company. I am just a stonewalling. PhoneBook limit has since that it can be pro regular user who needs a Dave Goodman been to use MEMO instead grammed... and I find that good sysmgr-compliant Software of PHONE. I would have very useful. I originally Editor and "can't get no Engineer had to break PHONE into tried to figure out how to satisfaction". Programmers at least 3 or 4 parts to ac divide the PhoneBook infor can't get the info they need Psion hampers its users and commodate my info. Using mation among the columns from Lotus and users get developers by sharply limit MEMO, I only have to in order to make proper use caught in a run-around be ing the available tools. break it in 2. Its only defect of LOTUS, and it took me a tween Lotus and HP. Unfortunately, HP and is that it doesn't insert while to realize that it's R. Williams, MD Lotus are nearly as bad. items in lexicographical okay just to put all the data They hamper us by sharply order. I solve that by put into cells Al, A2, A3, ... in The reason why there are limiting the available infor ting a header on all items order and not to use any few System Manager appli mation. There should be no that begin with the same other cells for data. cations available is the lack restrictions on who has letter, for example, HHH as [Most people use Lotus 1- of support that HP and access to the technical ref header for all items that be 2-3 as a data base by allot Lotus has shown to SYS erence manual, and the gin with H. Then do my ing 1 row of cells per record. MGR since the 95 came out. technical reference manual own insertions. (Inserting So, for example, you might I thought HP and Lotus needs to be complete. roughly in order is all that set up your phone book as would push developers to Ted Dickens one needs to do since the follows: Column A - Last create system compliant (HP Forum Sysop) Find key lets one find what name, B - First name, C - programs by giving them ever one wants anyway.) Company, D - Address, E - whatever tools needed to Thank you for recently After you pointed out ZIP, F - Country, G - Codes, make it happen. speaking out more strongly that LOTUS might be a H - Comments. Using the · The 95LX is so similar about the LotuslHP failure good place to put large files Menu Data Sort command, to the HP-110 in terms of to make available to talent in order to have a single one could sort the names by concept, hardware, and now ed programmers, the infor "PhoneBook," I imported my any field such as Last support that it scares me. mation they need to write files into a spreadsheet and name, ZIP, Country, or Bob Berardino applications which make discovered that 75K of text Codes - Hal.} Materials Engineer this little machine even files turns into 93K of Manuel Blum more valuable. spreadsheet. U.C.Berkeley I have run into a stone wall Fred Kaufman A major annoyance with California, USA trying to get specs for the Admin. Law Judge CIS ID: [72560,36J
Print to Parallel BOllds • OptiOIlS • •lIBS Printers from the Analyze Investments on HP95LX Your Palmtop with Paralink 3 is for those limes you need to @ Function Add-Ins for MEMORY print to a parallel printer from lhe HP 95LX. Just connect one end of the Lotus® 1-2-3® Store up to 2 MB of data Paralink 3 adapter to your printer's 36- on your HP95LX pin female parcillel Wrt, and the other to bond @nalyst the 95LX via the serial cable from the us and Foreign Bonds, Bills & CD's. Price/yield, Duration, with High performance, Connectivity Pack. Convexity, Accrued, Val32, VaffiP, CBOTIFINEX Factors, credit card sized Para link 3 IS battelY. powered and works Carry, Forward, Tails, Strips, Date and After-Tax Static RAM IC cards with most parallel printers. Irs light, small, Calculations. MOREl SIA & A1BD Compatible. and easy fo carry. available from 64KB to 2 MB. options @nalyst Am.erican & European options on stocks, futures, com Call or FAX Paralink 3 retails for £59.95. modities, foreign exchange & bonds. Black-Scholes & To Order Binomial Models. Holding cost & dividend adjustments. Ai)t=tOn CORPORATION Call: 011-44-438-815444 Sensitivities. Historical & Implied Volatilities. mbs @nalyst (602) 926-9324 Fax: 011-44-438-815222 Mortgage-backed securities. Price/Yleld, Duration, W AI., (Am Ex, Vis., MasterCard Accepted) Implied Speed, Factors, Components. CPR, PSA, FHA & FAX (602) 926-9359 Custom Speeds. WIDgET _-'- -_-= Tech Hackers Inc. ~~/~ 50 Broad Street SOFTWARE ! "/7 -F (J / New York, NY 10004 121 London Road, Knebworth, / ~! 212-344-9500 CARDS Hens SG3 6EX United Kingdom
JULY I AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 37 -. . . - ,. ~~':r~IIRD PA~rY·fR0D.UCTS: What's New?
Phone: 800-825-9977 or 408-428-9722; Fax: New Non-HP Products designed 408-428-9721. to work with the HP 95LX Memory Cards By Richard Hall and Hal Goldstein 12240 Indian Creek Court, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.; Phone: (301) 498-5400; Fax: 301-498-6498. Dual Battery Memory Cards In the last four issues we have listed SRAM memory cards for the HP 95LX over 130 hardware and software prod manufactured by Magic RAM. Cards ucts, and other 95LX-related services Batteries come with dual battery protection, already available from third-party preventing loss of data during replace manufacturers and developers. We ment of the primary battery. will continue to list 95LX hardware Nickel Metal Hydride In a one battery card system, in and software as we discover it. Ven Batteries for the HP 95LX correctly inserted or defective batter dors of 95LX-related products should Nickel Metal Hydride (NMH) batteries ies can cause the loss of data. This send us information about their prod stores twice the capacity of standard dual battery card system allows ucts and services. NiCd batteries, does not have a checking of the new battery without "memory" problem and is nontoxic to fear of data loss. Available in 256K, Hardware our environment. 512K and 1MB capacity. NMH batteries can be recharged Availability ...... NOW over 1,000 times and provide up to Pricing ...... Call for price Accessories 80% of an alkaline's capacity on every CONTACT: Magic RAM, 1850 Beverly Blvd, charge. With ACE's BATTman battery Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA; Phone: 213-413- management software, a pair NMH 9999; Fax: 213-413-0828. TimeBoss Leather Case batteries provides you with years of Exclusive leather case for your HP use on your 95LX. 95LX Palmtop PC from TimeBoss DoubleCard includes: HP 95LX case with Velcro Availability ...... NOW RAM Memory Cards (TM) fastener; Note pad; TimeBoss Pricing (pair) ...... $18 DoubleCard memory cards use a pencil; Three packets for credit cards; CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., 2880 built-in Stacker LZS data compression Pocket for HP 95LX card; Pocket for Zanker Road. San Jose, CA 95134, USA; algorithm to provide users twice the paper money. Availability ...... NOW Pricing ...... $Call CONTACT: Libro Forlag A/ S, Sinsenveien 47 C, P.O. Box 110, Refstad, 0513 Oslo 5, NOR WAY; Phone: (+47) 2/710200; Fax: (+47) 2/7710480. Name Plates These solid brass personalized iden tification plates securely fasten to your 95LX with a self-adhesive backing. Plate can have up to 4 lines of information. Availability ...... NOW Pricing One plate ...... $10.95 Two plates ...... $19.95 CONTACT: IBB Limited, P.O. Box 568, Chappaqua, NY 10514-0568, USA. Bar Code Readers
ScanPlus Bar Code Scanner The desktop ThinCardDRIVPM transfers data effortlessly ScanPlus attaches to the 95LX serial between Palmptops and MS-DOS® or MS-Windows® PCS. port allowing users to enter sales or Plugs right into the printer port. Pass-thru feature retains printer ders, inventory control information, 1 operation. Model TMD-SOO reads and writes SRAM cards, time and attendance data, and other ." ! TMD-SSO SRAM & FLASH cards. Fully PCMCIAIJEIDA bar code data. . ~., compatible, wIth the industry's broadest range of card Comes with 9 volt battery box, ~~.,. .. supplier and platform support. It's quick and easy. Isn't it time special serial cable, software, and you put one on your expense report? users manual. Call (716) 889-4204 for further information. ThinCardDRIVE is a trademark OEM/Dealer inquiries welcome. Availability ...... End of July, 1992 of Databook, Inc. Pricing ...... $990 CONTACT: United Barcode Industries, Inc ..
38 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 capacity of a standard memory card. GPSPac data input, and sends keystrokes to Also, with version 2.0's new Double Global Positioning System (GPS) the 95LX, and text to an on-board RAM feature, 95LX users can now transforms the 95LX into a portable synthesizer for audio prompting, veri compress their internal RAM disk in satellite receiver for the GPS system, fication, or other user-specified action. addition to doubling their RAM card allowing the user to determine posi MicroDyn II can be battery powered, capacity. See "DoubleCard Software," tion, direction, speed anywhere in the or operate off a standard AC adapter. page 40, for upgrade information. world. GPS includes complete satellite {See .dvertislng, Inside front cover.} Availability ...... NOW receiver with own antenna and batter Runs under SysMgr ...... na Availability ...... NOW ies. The GPS software integrates with Pricing ...... $1,995 Medium ...... RAM Card the built-in applications of the 95LX CONTACT: Voice Dynamics Corporation, Pricing 17835 Skypark Circle, Suite C, Irvine, CA DoubleCard 1M w Double RAM . $299 to display the signals received. For marine, aviation, surveying, and expe 92714, USA; Phone: 714·252·1211,' Fax: 714· DoubleCard 2M w Double RAM . $469 261·8563. DoubleCard 3M w Double RAM . $599 dition application. DoubleCard 4M w Double RAM . $749 In development for GPS Pac is CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., 2880 mapping integration software that SOFTWARE Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134, USA; Phone: 800·825·9977 or 408-428-9722; Fax: will allow you to graphically display a 408-428-9721. map on the 95LX screen, and show your current position on the map. Battery Utilities PalmTree will customize product Modems for specific uses. BATTman Battery Availability ...... NOW Management Software PalmModem 2400IPalmFax Runs under SysMgr ...... no BATTman 1.1. is a real-time battery This PCMCIA-compatible 2400 baud Pricing ...... $1500 management software for the 95LX CONTACT: Palm Tree Products Inc., 145 modem card fits in the card slot of the Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061, that will safely turn off your 95LX 95LX. Resident in the PalmModem is USA; Phone: 617-871·7050; Fax: 617·871· when your batteries are low. This PalmTerm, a terminal emulation pro 6018. prevents sudden data loss and allows gram optimized for palmtop computer users to use rechargeable batteries in use. A variety of upload and download EUROPEAN CONTACT: Gessa, 45a, route des Acacias, 1227 Geneve, SWITZERLAND; their 95LX. Rechargeable batteries protocols are provided with the termi Phone: +41 (22) 427806; Fax: +41 (22) 4278 nal emulation program. 05. PalmModem comes with resident facsimile processing and transmitting Protective Cocoon software. 128K of on-board RAM is RAM Card Drives available on PalmModem for conver for the HP95 sion of text to fax transmittable data without using the 95LX's resources. MEL·PCJ Station MEL-PCJ Station is a universal card Availability ...... Sept 1, 1992 drive for PCMCIA standard 68 pin Medium ...... Memory card memory cards. It may be used to read S1.q·q~ Pricing ...... $269 CONTACT: New Media Corporation, Irvine from or write to RAM, EEPROM, and Spectrum, 15375 Barranca Pkwy, Building B Flash EPROM cards and can be used IOI, Irvine, CA 92718, USA; Phone: 800-453- for data exchange between the 95LX 0550 or 714-453-0100; Fax: 714-453-0114. and a desktop PC computer. The data transfer takes place via standard RS -232 interface with 115,000 baud. Wireless Products The MEL-PCJ Station comes with software that allows it to be installed • Neoprene & Nylon. DataPulse as an additional DOS drive for the PC • Belt Loop. Wireless financial market monitor or the 95LX. with automatic graphing/trending. CONTACT: CSM GmbH, Morikestrasse 58, • Security Strap Automatically tracks incoming news 7024 Filderstadt, GERMANY; Phone: (+49) wlVelero Closure. and financial data and displays it. 711/773071; Fax: (+49) 711 /7776666 DataPulse includes the Motorola NewsStream receiver, a 1MB HP 95LX, the HP Mobile Data Link cra Voice Recognition dle, the DataPulse software, and a The PoUch subscription to the Global24 wireless 535 Suffolk Dr. computing network. MicroDyn II This small, stand-alone voice recog Tucson, AZ 85704 Availability ...... Aug 1, 92 nition and synthesis system provides Runs under SysMgr ...... NolYes voice recognition of 1,000 words with Pricing With 95LX ...... $1,695 1-800-7Z7-68Z4 Without 95LX ...... Call better than 98% accuracy, and unlim Leasing option ...... Call ited text-to-speech synthesis. Micro CONTACT: Metriplex, Inc., 25 First Street, Dyn II connects to the 95LX via the Cambridge, MA 02141; Phone 617-494-9393; serial port. It listens to command or Fax: 617-494-8735.
JULY! AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 39 THIRD PARTY: What's New? have a very sharp drop off at the end of their discharge cycle. As a result, the 95LX does not have enough time to provide warning for the users to save their work before valuable data HP95LX PalmModemtm is lost. BAITman uses a proprietary Predictive Discharge Algorithm (PDA) which predicts the drop off point long before this happens. This allows users ample time to save their work and replace their batteries. Once BATTman is installed, a pop-up window appears every time you power-up your 95LX. The pop-up window reports your real-time battery status. BATTman also monitors your backup batteries, both inside your HP 95LX and on your RAM card. In addi tion, BATTman's PDA supports Ni Cds, NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride), Alkaline and Lithium batteries. {See Advertising, page 5.} Availability ...... NOW Medium ...... Floppy disk Pricing BATTman ...... $49 With 2 NiCds and Charger...... $59 With 2 Nickel-Metal Hydrides ... $49 o PCMCIA Credit Card Size Format 02400, 1200, and 300 bit/sec Data Rates CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., 2880 lm Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134, USA; o Integrated Terminal and Facsimile Software o 4800, 2400 bit/sec PaimFax Phone: 800-825-9977 or 408-428-9722; Fax: o Compatible with CompuServe, Genie, Dow o Ufetime Guarantee 408-428-9721. Jones, and MCI
15375 Barranca 6-101 Co~uServe, Genie, Dow Jones, and MCI Database Irvine, California 92718 are trademarks or tradenames of their 1 800 252 0550 respective entilies QAPALM A database application builder for the HP 95LX and other DOS compatible In addition, users will also be able to loan amount, as well as buyer's costs palmtop computers. The system con double their 95LX's internal RAM and seller's net proceeds. LoneSTAR sists of an application generator disk with the unique DoubleRAM produces reports on Buyer Qualifica which runs on a PC and a runtime feature. For example, users of a 1MB tions, VA Prequalification, FHA Pre program for the 95LX. Once installed, 95LX with a standard 1MB RAM card qualification, and Qualifying Income. the runtime module can run any num will be able to store up to a total of The program also compares Rent vs. ber of QAPALM custom applications. 3MB of data on the 95LX and memory Purchase price, Fixed vs ARM loans, QAPALM files can be translated card. and Amortization schedules. into Lotus file format at the touch of {See advertising, inside front cover.} A demo disk for desktop PCs is a hotkey, allowing you to use the Availability ...... NOW available free of charge. 95LX's built-in version of Lotus to Medium ...... Floppy disk Availability ...... NOW analyze data collected with QAPALM Pricing Medium ...... Floppy disk applications. Retail ...... $149 Runs under SysMgr ...... No Upgrade ...... $89 Pricing ...... $295 Availability ...... NOW (If you already own an ACE card) CONTACT: Personal Computer Systems, 505 Medium ...... Floppy Disk CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., 2880 S.E. 15th Street, Gresham, OR 97080, USA; Runs under SysMgr ...... No Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134, USA; Phone (503) 655-6990. Pricing ...... $495 Phone: 800-825-9977 or 408-428-9722; Fax: CONTACT: QA Systems, Inc., 220 East 42nd 408-428-9721. Street, New York, NY 10017, USA; Phone: Lane Bond Trader 800-945-1717 or 212-599-1717; Fax: 212-599- Provides professionals access to the 2614. tools needed to calculate bond prices I Financial I Real Estate I and yields, and manage portfolios. File Compression LoanSTAR Availability ...... NOW This mortgage finance program for European version end of third quarter mortgage originators or real estate Medium ...... RAM Card DoubleCard 2.0 Software Runs under SysMgr ...... No sales personnel sets the 95LX up to do Pricing ...... $399 This software allows users of the a number of useful loan calculations. CONTACT: Lane Business Systems, 87 Hiber 95LX to upgrade their RAM card to a LoanSTAR calculates total monthly nia Ave., Rockaway, NJ 07866, USA; Phone DoubleCard providing them twice payment and maximum allowable 800-444-5263 or 201-586-9760; Fax: 201-586- their original storage capacity. 0929.
40 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 Property Mate ROM Card & Floppy ...... $149.00 allows your 95LX to memorize and This software program can hold full CONTACT: Lighthouse Software, 3001 Red store commands from any compatible Hill Avenue, Building 4, Suite 213, Costa information on all properties listed by Mesa, CA 92626, USA; Phone: 714-850-1767; remote. MyREMOTE's programmable an agency as well as a listing of po Fax: 714-850-0843. macro commands allow you to operate tential buyers. The listings can be many components with a single key searched and selected according to a Personal Food Analyst press. A built-in timer function pro combination of criteria. Property Mate Consumer oriented software program vides for unattended operation. lets you cross-link buyers to proper that helps you track, analyze and Availability ...... NOW ties, and vice versa. modify your eating habits. Create Medium ...... Floppy disk Property Mate uses about 214K your nutritional profile based on your Pricing ...... $29 on the C drive, and a file of about 300 age, height, activity level, sex and CONTACT: ACE Technologies, Inc., 2880 properties and 40 potential buyers desired weight. Records what you eat Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134, USA; occupies another 128K. Property Mate during the day and continuously re Phone: 800-825-9977 or 408-428-9722; Fax: works on the 95LX or a desktop PC. calculates how many calories (and 408-428-9721. nutrients) your have remaining. Availability ...... NOW Medium ...... Floppy disk Personal Food Analyst uses a Other Products Runs under SysMgr ...... No database of 4,127 food items to ana and Services Pricing ...... Call lyze what you eat. It lets you preview AUSTRALIAN CONTACT: John Thompson, food for nutritional content before you c/o Tarion Agencies, P.O. Box 1632, Cabo· eat analyzes food for 27 different olture. 4510, AUSTRALIA; Phone 074 958 nutrients, including calories, protein, Publications 131; Fax: 074 958 633. fats, carbohydrates, and cholesterol. The Forth Corner: Availability ...... NOW The UTIL Newsletter HP Calc Related Medium ...... ROM Card Runs under SysMgr ...... No This newsletter provides a forum Pricing ...... $289 where UTIL users can find answers to My Best Solvers Iii CONTACT: Mirical Nutrition Corp, 4606 everyday questions, and other useful A Solver (EQN) file containing what Northpark Drive, Colorado Springs, CO information about Forth in general, the author considers the "missing" fi 80918, USA; Phone: 800-732-7707 or 719-598- and specifically UTIL Forth on the HP nancial functions from the HP-19BII 5276; Fax: 719-598-5790. 95LX and Atari Portfolio palmtop financial calculator. The functions computers. Text will be uploaded from include cash flow analysis, deprecia Thoroughbred Handicapping tion calculations, bond yield and price on the 95LX calculations, and temp conversions. PONIES.WKI Iii is a 95LX/Lotus 2.2 This is a shareware program worksheet for handicapping thorough available on CompuServe in the 95LX bred horse races. Input raw data from Library of HPSYS .. the Daily Racing Form in less than Availability ...... NOW five minutes - between races. Pro Medium ...... Floppy Disk gram outputs an odds-line, which you Runs under SysMgr ...... Yes use to select profitable betting oppor Pricing ...... $25 tunities. Registered shareware version CONTACT: Dr. Richard L. Taylor, 3505 Old includes detailed hardcopy documen Post Drive, Baltimore, MD 21208·3012, USA. tation, advanced handicapping advice, and telephone support. Available in Library 7 of Compu Specialized Serve's HP Handhelds forum, or di MAIL ORDER MEMORIES rectly from the author. Palm Reference Guaranteed Lowest Prices Journal reference tracking for medical Availability ...... NOW professionals. Palm Reference is a Medium ...... Floppy disk MOM will beat any documented full-fledged relational database which Runs under SysMgr ...... Yes Shareware registration fee ...... $25 price by at least 5 % and stiD provide: organizes articles for instant retrieval (Add $5 if you need a disk.) and allows a search by any field. The CONTACT: David Marans, 877 NE 195 • NAME BRAND CARDS search feature allows you to select Street, #218, Miami, FL 33179, USA; Phone: "AND" & "OR" type functions on these 305-651-2580. • FULL HP9SLX COMPA llBILIlY • LASTEST REVISION LEVEL fields. In addition, the product allows • ALL CARD TYPES AND SIZES you an area for brief annotation. This • FREE BATTERY product requires 70K disk space and Utilities • ONE PRICE (CASH OR CREDIT) lOOK of RAM. Both a PC and 95LX version are myREMOTE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED provided with order. The HP version This software program lets you use CALL 800-497-9152 uses 100K of System RAM. your 95LX as a universal remote con All. MAJOR CR.I!DIT CARDS HONORED Availability ...... NOW trol for infrared-controllable audio Medium ROM card or Card and floppy disk and video equipment. MyREMOTE HP is • registered tradoawlt of Hewlett Packard Compony Runs under SysMgr ...... No Pricing Floppy disk only ...... $95.00 ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk, JuVAug, 92.
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 41 THIRD PARTY: What's New? time to time on CompuServe at no Write, dBASE III Plus, DAC-Easy charge (Library 7 of the HP Handheld Light, Grandview, PC Anywhere, forum, issue #1 is UNEWS1.ZIP). A Microsoft Works, Turbo Pascal, MCI PALM REFERENCE printed subscription is also available. Mail, ACT! (HP version + pop-up), Availability ...... Issue #1 NOW Memory Mate, and more. Pricing (on CompuServe) ...... Free Users are required to send their PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL Hard copy, per year ...... $10 original disk to Palmtop Resources CONTACT: Uri Thier or Chris Smith, Essex and the program is customized and PROFESSIONALS Marketing Services Inc., 272 Old Farms Rd., placed on a RAM card, One Time Simsbury CT 06070, USA; Fax: (203) 651- Programmable ROM card, Flash card, Now!- There is a tool that -7926, CompuServe: [70413,2546). or a floppy disk with instructions on copying the program to the internal RAM disk or memory card. Services Many older versions of popular software work better on the 95LX. EMBARC Palmtop Resources works with a deal This is a nationwide, wireless infor er of pre-owned older versions of mation transmission service that many software programs. If the pro PALMREFE CE-Take provides data delivery via a Motorola gram you want is not available, call control of yo , references NewsStream Receiver to remote lap us and we will try to locate it for you. top, notebook, or palmtop personal The price of the service varies, today for onl computers located within an EMBARC but listed below are the base prices: t $95 (disk version) service region. To receive messages on your HP Customizing DOS program...... $159.00 '(- $149 (ROM version) 95LX you will need the EMBARC (returned on floppy disk) To order, call or FAX subscription package, which includes Customized DOS program with loader ...... $199.00 a Motorola NewsStream receiver, (pop-up) and/or 80 x 25 driver HP's Mobile Data Link cradle (HP# 1MB OTP Program Card ...... $195.00* FlO06A), EMBARC software on RAM (Allows loading up to 1MB prograrnlROM) card, an EMBARC User's Manual, and 1MB Flash Card ...... $349.00* a cable. In addition, you will need the basic EMBARC subscription, which * Pricing and availability subject to change without notice (probably lower). (714) 850-1767 • FAX (714) 850-0843 costs $15 per month. This allows you 3001 Red Hill Ave. Bldg. 4 Ste. 213 to receive unlimited E-mail. Usage Palmtop Resources is also a dealer of floppy Costa Mesa, CA 92626 fees for sending messages are billed disk drives, MemorylFlash card drives, serial on a monthly basis and vary depend printers, fax modems, software and books. CONTACT: Palmtop Resources, 5910 ing on number of messages you send, North Central Expwy #1000, Dallas, Texas cradle and software. For a more thor priority and length of message, num 75206, USA; Phone: (214) 891-2218. ough description of the receiver, take ber of receivers message sent to, and a look at page 4 of the Fall 1991 issue requested geographic coverage. As an Publish Card of The HP Palmtop Paper. example, a 300-word message sent This service is available to software Once you have SkyStream and nation-wide in the USA within 3 manufactures and others needing to Mobile Data Link, you have to sub hours would cost approx. $2.00. Infor store large amounts of data on me scribe to SkyTel's nationwide messag mation Services may be added to the mory cards. These custom Flash RAM ing service. (See SkyTel ad, page 13.) basic service at flxed monthly rates. cards come with advanced data com EMBARC is available in over 70 pression/decompression technology, Availability ...... NOW Pricing ...... $525 market areas, including most major allowing them to store up to 100 MB cities and metropolitan areas in the CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard Co.: Phone: 800- of data on a single card. Publish 443-1254. United States. Cards are conflgured at the factory, Availability ...... Fall, 92 utilizing the optimal compression Pricing algorithm based upon the type of data Training Basic package ...... $458 it will store. CONTACT: For more information contact {See Advertising, page 40.] Brad Davis, Strategic Marketing Manager, Palmtop Training Classes EMBARC / Motorola, 1500 N. W. 22nd Street, Availability ...... NOW Learn 95LX tips, techniques, and Boynton Beach, FL 33426, U.S.A.; 407-364- Medium ...... Memory cards short-cuts in these compact one day 2000; Fax: 407-364-3683. Pricing ...... Varies, Call seminars: CONTACT: New Media Corporation, Irvine Palmtop Resources Spectrum, 15375 Barranca Parkway, Build Introduction to the HP 95LX - ing B-I0l, Irvine, CA 92718, USA; Phone: Overview of System Manager, APPT, Palmtop Resources provides a service 800-453-0550 or 714-453-0100; Fax: 714-453- to convert standard DOS applications 0114. PHONE, MEMO, Lotus, HP CALC to run on the HP 95LX, and has and connectivity. achieved varying levels of success SkyStream Receiver and Lotus 1-2-3 for the Palmtop - with close to 100 of the top DOS pro Mobile Data Link Create spreadsheets, what-if scenar grams, including WordPerfect, Quick SkyTel's new wireless data receiver ios, formulas, graphs, databases, and en, Foxbase Plus, PFS: Professional bundled with HP's Mobile Data Link macros.
42 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 Want to connect your HP 95LX to a Macintosh???
MacLinkPlus for the HP 95LX
" ... makes file transfer between the machines trivially easy and includes all the regular DataViz translators." -David Ramsey, MacWEEK (6/29/92)
" ... automates conversions of 95L.X Lotus 1-2-3 WK1 and Memo.TXT files to and from a number of Macintosh formats including MacWrite, MS Works, MS Word, WordPerfect, and Excel. Once connected, your 95L.X appears as if it were another MAC drive and with a few clicks, you can back up, transfer, and translate files." -Hal Goldstein, Executive Editor The HP Palmtop Paper (May/June 92') NOW WITH NEW TRANSLATORS FOR HP 95LX PHONE AND APPOINTMENT BOOK FILES
MacLinkplus for the HP 95l.X is the complete solution for backing up, transferring and translating files between your 95L.X and the Macintosh. It provides conversions for your 95L.X lotus 1-2-3, MEMO, APPT and PHONE to and from over 40 file formats for the Mac and IBM PC compatibles. It even allows you to share your files with PC users by accessing DOS disks in your Mac FDHD SuperDrive.
LIKE ALL GOOD THINGS, THIS SPECIAL OFFER WILL NOT LAST LONG ••• Order your MacLinkPlus for the HP 95l.X today at a SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE of $99.00 (shipping included if within the US). You'll get the award-winning, tried and proven, MaclinkPlus technology with the additional HP 95L.X connectivity capabilities. We accept Visa/MasterCard or Check. (All checks must be in US currency and drawn on a US bank). Just fax or mail us your order.
MacLinkplus for the HP 95LX includes: Direct connect cable for the HP 95LX to the Mac Direct connect cable for the Mac to the IBM DATAlIZ Software for the HP 95LX and Macintosh Software for the IBM and the Macintosh THE DATABRIDGE SPECIALISTS DOS Mounter software for the Macintosh
55 Corporate Drive • Trumbull, a 06611 USA • Telephone (800) 733-0030 or (203) 268-0030 • Fax (203) 268-4345 All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks af their respective halders. THIRD PARTY: What's New?
of the Jan/Feb 92 issue. TV VCR Stereo New features in this release in Non-English clude Ymodem Batch and Ymodem-G Introducing internal protocols, swapping to disk, The following products are available more macro control during dialing, in non-English form only. They are improved screens for the HP 95LX described in the language in which and many other new features and they are available. myREMOTE improvements. Specify 95LX version Audio/Video Remote when ordering. Control Software ADFIN Availability ...... NOW For your HP95LX (French - financial functions for Lotus Medium ...... Floppy disk 1-2-3) Runs under SysMgr ...... No ADFIN est un bibliotheque de Features Pricing fonctions financieres pour Lotus 1-2-3 License only ...... $35 ~ Let your HP95LX replace all qui permet aux professionnels des License and disk ...... $40 your remote controls Printed manual, license and disk . $53 marches financiers de realiser des ~ Creates multiple remote CONTACT: Fred Brucker, P.O. Box 9103, calculs sur les obligations et les op control files with up to 100 Santa Rosa, CA 95405, USA; Phone: 707- tions. ADFIN est operationnel sur une commands per remote 573-1065. large gamme de supports financiers ~ Programmable macro francais et europeens et propose les commands methodes de calcul les plus utilisees. CONTACT: Marvin S.A., 3, rue Mont ~ Timer control for unattended Fall HP Handheld Users' auban, 75015 Paris, France, Tel: (+33) 1/42 operation Conference Confirmed 503434, Fax: (+33) 1/45301933. ~ Works with a wide variety of The Fall, 1992 "Anniversary Confer remote controls ence" will take place in London, Eng land, on the weekend of September 19 ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on Disk, JuVAug, 92. To Order: and 20. Conference fee will be £35 for call Toll Free k..@ ~ ® two days and £20 for one day. (See (800) 825-9977 ACE TechnologieS. Inc. page 44 of the Jan! Feb 92 issue for more information.) PALMTOP DATABASE myREMOTE Remote Control Software (C 1065) .... $29 CONTACT: Handheld and Portable Computer Club, c/o Dr. Wlodek Mier-Jt:drzejowicz, Space & Admospheric Physics, Imperial hnprove your productivity with ACT! for the Palmtop College, London SW72BZ, United Kingdom. palmtop software built to Track your contacts and clients. Inte satisfy your specific needs. We grate your sales force using ACT!. create database solutions for Beeps to remind you of calls, meet Pocket Sales Force ings, and things to do. Looking for VARs the tracking of products, people Bring your own 95LX or try one CM Software is looking for specialist Value and resources on the HP 95LX. out at the seminar (purchasable after Added Resellers to work with them in devel Our relational database is so class if you desire). Classes run 9 a.m. oping specific project-oriented solutions small, you won't need a RAM to 5 p.m. with one hour for lunch. involving their sales management software. card! Customized training classes avail CM is currently working with a number of We provide: able for your company upon request. international corporations in this capacity. (See Advertising, page 9.) CONTACT: Richard Hill or Andrew Cook, Rapid development; usually under a month Availability CM Software, Business Unit 1, 33 Sanford, Aug 24 - Washington, DC Sept 7 - Boston, MA Littlemore, Oxford, OX44XT, UK; (+44) 865- Custom reports Aug 26 - Baltimore, MD Sept 9 - Orlando, FL 748875; Fax: (+44) 865-748873. ',- User documentation Aug 31 - Philadelphia, PA Sept 14 - Chicago, IL Sept 2 - New York City Sept 16 - Dallas, TX ,- Training & support WorldPort Palmtop Fax/Data Medium ...... Seminar For a free demo disk, Pricing (per day) ...... $295 Modem Now Shipping CONTACT: Computer Instructors Company; We described this portable, battery call or FAX: Phone: 800·487·5040 or 202·829-4444; Fax: powered modem on page 43 of the 202-722-5195. Mar/Apr 92 issue. U.S. Robotics in Upgrade/Update forms us that it is now shipping. Information; Special Availability ...... Now Pricing ...... $249.00 (714) 850-1767 • FAX (714) 850-0843 Notices CONTACT: U.S. Robotics, 8100 N. McCorm 3001 Red Hill Ave. Bldg. 4 Ste. 213 ick Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076-2999, U.S.A.; US Costa Mesa, CA 92626 COMMO 5.3 Iii - New Version phone: 800-342-5877; or 708-982-5010; Fax: This full-featured communications 708-982-5235. program is described fully on page 24
44 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 ---BASIC TIPS---
This section focuses on the 95LX's built-in applications, giving tips of a more basic level. We are interested in your feedback on this section. Is it useful? Do you have any tips? Please write: The Editor, The HP Palmtop Paper, Thaddeus Computing, 57 E Broadway, Fairfield, IA 52556.
price. Move the cursor two lines up to "Total g Appointment Book amount... .. " Type in the total, say 97 dollars, and 1'1 Lotus press~. Now simply press !!!I (PART) and IMPORTANT KEYS you'll see that the part of the total (the actual sale PRESS F1 FOR HELP ~, !!!I, and ~ are the most important and price) is 77.60. You should really get used to pressing!!!l to use most used keys within APPT. ~ switches Try another item. Say the original price is the help facility built into Lotus 1-2-3. Once you (toggles) you between your schedule of appoint $52.95. Type 52.95 in at the Total amount line and have leamed the Lotus basics, Help will enable you ments and your to-do list. Press !!!I to insert new again press (FS). You'll see the new total: 42.36. If to accelerate your speed of learning. Pressing 1!!1 items in your to-do list and your appointment list. you don't have two decimal points showing, press not only gives you immediate, specific help, but it Press ~ to see a calendar. IMENU I Options Format Fix 2. also exposes you to Lotus capabilities you might not have known were there. Press !!!l for help. Appointment Book 07.07.92 12154 pm ----IBusiness PercentagEss__-- rich.abk Todo Old value ••••••••••••• OLD = 200'10 Hew value ••••••••••••• NEW = 250. 0 Tuesda~ Jul~ 7th, 1992 Percent change •••••••• %CHG 25. 0 1st Priorit~1 = ~m'ff~oTquote P · . Develope agenda for meeting 2 n d rlorlt~1 Go over list of contacts Percent of total •••••• %TOTAL = S0.00 Call Robie for tickets PART = 42.36 tlDI FAFT tk·,': Hel OLl· ·.CHC TOTAL ·.TOTAL Highlight a topic and ~ress ENTER. To exit Help, press ESC. APPT's Todo list Figuring a discount in HP Calc Lotus F1 Help screen
Insert Todo 07.07.92 12:55 pm Enter the Todo item IIPhone iii Memo Pad Item: CUTTING AND PASTING Priorit~: 1st KEY WORD IN ADDRESS AREA HELPS FIND INFORMATION Copying or cutting text in MEMO is easy. Simply Carr~ forward: ~es When entering new names and addresses in your move your cursor to the point right before the Date: 07.07.1992 Phone Book, be sure to include a key word or two beginning of the text you wish to cut or copy and in the address area. This is an especially good idea press I!!I to Mark the beginning. Now move the if you feel you might forget the name of the person cursor down to the point right after the end of the or company. For example, suppose you were text you wish to cut or copy. When you have found shopping for a new automobile. You could enter the that spot, press I!!J to COpy or I!!J to CUT the Todo list insert screen contact and his phone number and company and block of text. put the word ·CAR" in the address field. The text that you just cut or copied remains in Appointment Book 07.07.92 1:23 pm 07.07.92 12:22 pm the 95LX's memory (in an area called a "buffer") rich.abk Calendar until you replace it with other cut or copied material, M T W T F S S 1992 Jul~ or until you reboot the 95LX (press ~~ 1 2 3 5 9 10 n 12 ~. To retrieve that buffer of text, simply move 1~ >fl< 1~ 17 IS 19 CAR the cursor to where you want to put that information 20 ~~ 24 25 26 27 30 31 contained in the buffer and press (!:!) to (PASTE) 1992 August ~~ ~~ it back into the document.. As long as you do not quit MEMO, or cut or copy again, that same text remains in the buffer. That means you can press (!:!) to PASTE the APPT's Calendar screen contents of the buffer into the current file, into Put key word in Phone address area another MEMO file, or in a new MEMO file. You HP Calc Similarly, suppose you did a lot of business with can paste the contents of the buffer as many times II Hewlett Packard. Every time you entered an HP as you wish by pressing I!!l again and again. name in your Phone Book, you would be sure to FIGURING A 20% DISCOUNT Memo 07.07.92 12:45 ~m Suppose you walked into a store that advertised include "HP" in the address field. =,TEST.txt+ , ,Mrk Ins, Line:6, , Col:37, Now you could use either the I!!l (FIND) This is a test document for the MEMO that all items could be sold for 20% off its sticker built-in application to show how ~ou price. Rather than trying to compute the new price command or the ~ (ONLY) command to find can use the CUT and PASTE functions. 15 IS::' €!~ 'OClJf'lE'rl tor- IE' Ij in your head, pull out your trusty 95LX and go into instances of what your looking for. If you typed bUllt-ln :;.ppllC :,t lc,r. to .=:hOI,1 hOI .. '....jc,u ~ HP IENTER I you would find all instances of C 3n u.=e t he CUT ::.nd PA':. TE t'unct 1 or.= . HP CALC. Now press ~ Bus% (Business . ... ". Percentages) and use the up arrow key to move Hewlett Packard employees. If you typed I!!l the cursor to "Percent oftotal... ., the last line on the CAR, you would find the first car salesman you screen. Type in 100 • 20 and press ~. encountered in the data base. To find the next one "Percent of totaL .. " will now = SO%. You want to just press I!!l again, or ~ (ONLY) to find all in find SO% of the marked price to determine the sale stances of CAR. Cutting and pasting in MEMO
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 45 ...... QUICK TIPS ......
data showed that the three different and ~ to emulate the full TURNING SERIAL PORT OFF ~Appt cards were very similar and only VT100 keypad. The new 1 MB units will always tum had a small effect on battery con Victor O. Roberts the serial port on when ANY pro FINDING sumption in the 95LX. CompuSeNe 10: [70413,1423J gram is executed from within the APPOINTMENTS QUICKLY FILER (highlight and press !!!l). If This technique lets me quickly find Power Consumption Comparisons USING DCS95 TO TRANSFER you go to DOS, run SERCTL 10, to APPT items relating to a specific (all measurements in milliamps) FILES BETWEEN A COMPUTER turn the serial port off. So it seems individual. Whenever I enter an Card Off Lije File WITH WINDOWS 3.1 that I now can no longer run any appointment, I end it with a "r fol Sleepf2El My favorite file transfer software for program directly from within the lowed by the initials of the individual the HP 95LX is the DC95/DCS95 FILER without first turning the serial the appointment relates to. For None 0.7 30-37 software that comes with the HP port off. In other words, it is now example, if I had to review a mar HP 512K 0.7 3240130 rna ACE 1.5MB 0.7 3642142 rna Connectivity Pack. I have recently necessary to execute all programs keting plan with Victor Matkins I Sparcorn 2MB 0.7 32-39130 rna started using DC95 along with Win from within the FILER with batch might enter the following: dows 3.1. This allows me to trans files that begin with SERCTL 10! Review Marketing Planlvm Victor O. Roberts fer files from the 95LX to my PC (or Michael Ashman CompuSeNe 10: [70413,1423J vice versa) using the Windows File CompuSeNe 10: [76010,543J Whenever I wish to find all appoint Manager program. ments relating to Victor, I press CHANGE MAIN BATTERIES The way I do this is to run DC95 F7 (FIND), type in Ivm and press WITHOUT BACKUP BATTERY on the PC and DCS95 on the 95LX iii Memo ENTER • I use the Note (F6) fea You can accomplish this without in the normal manner, as if I was ture to provide further details on the losing the contents of your C drive. going to conduct a normal file trans LINE DELETE MACRO item. Just keep the 95LX connected to fer session from DOS. I then run FOR MEMO I have found that this approach an AC adapter (and the AC adapter Windows on the PC, and bring up MEMO is one of my favorite func eliminates the need to use the in plugged in) while you change the the File Manager program. The HP tions of 95LX. Since I am using it built priority system to track to-do's. batteries. 95LX A: and C: drives appear as frequently, I need the standard Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace Matthey Ueff the D: and E: drives within the function of a word processor. Line Nassau, BAHAMAS American Society for Windows File Manager. I can then delete is one of the most usable Testing and Materials transfer files using the normal File functions of a word processor. How Philadelphia, PA, USA Manager techniques, or even use ever, in MEMO there is no line Lotus the Notepad to examine files on the delete function. I wrote a small II AVOID OVERNIGHT 95LX. macro by using the MARK and CUT However, there are a couple of functions of MEMO. It works well. CHANGE 1·2·3 DEFAULT BATTERY DRAIN caveats. Some people have report Whenever you need to delete a line DIRECTORY The 95LX turns itself on momentari ed having trouble making this DC- just place the cursor on the line and To stop those built-in Lotus spread ly every night at midnight to do some internal housekeeping chores. 95IWindows combination work at press the defined [CHAR) F-key. sheets from showing up every time all. Some have had success only You can place the cursor wherever you are in Lotus 1-2-3, move your It will automatically tum itself off when finished with these chores, when Windows is running in Stan you like on the line and you can spreadsheets to the C:\ DAT subdi dard mode (startup Windows by assign this function to one of the rectory. Then go into- Lotus and except in one case! typing WIN IS), but not Enhanced ten macro keys. issue the following keystrokes to If you were running a DOS pro mode (Enhanced mode works only Here is the procedure; change the default directory for gram earlier and did not exit the program prior to pressing ~), on 386 and higher machines, and Lotus files: Press MENU Work 1. Enter into SETUP and then I 1 allows multiple DOS sessions and sheet Global Default Directory. the 95LX might fail to tum itself off. CHAR. If this happens, your 95LX will run background processing). Type in _dat and press I ENTER 1 2. Choose one of the functions all night, draining the batteries in I have had good luck using the Quit. From then on, Lotus will only keys (my preference is F9). the process. above mentioned procedure with "see" the files in the C:\ DAT subdi 3. Fill the COMMENT line with a Larry Lefkowitz the Windows File Manager, but rectory that have .WKfextensions. descriptive information such as CompuSeNe 10: [76137,155J when I tried accessing a file on my MEMO LINE DELETE. Robert S. Williams, MO 95LX with Microsoft Word 2.0, my CompuSeNe 10: [76167,2773J 4. Write the below macro to the whole system froze and had to be CONTENTS: {HOME}{F9} ~ Connectivity turned off to get it working again. I {END}{F3} would recommend experimenting 5. Exit with INDEX and quit the @Battery with your own system to see what SETUP menu. BETTER VERSION OF KERMIT will work for you and what will not. When using COMM's built-in VT100 6. Enter into MEMO to use your WHAT RAM CARDS DRAW Larry Lefkowitz emulation, the terminal cursor keys new function. FROM THE MAIN BATTERIES CompuSeNe 10: [76137,155] are provided by 1!!1 through 7. Write or retrieve a text and I recently examined a number of choose a line to delete. Carry RAM cards to see the amount of ~. (Strange but true.) MOVING CONNECTIVITY PACK'S If you need better VT100 emula the cursor to that line. Simply current being drawn from the 95- MERGE TO YOUR 95LX press the defined macro key tion, download KERM2.ZIP Ii from Go to the directory on your desktop LX's main batteries. combination such as ICHAR 1- Data was taken in 3 modes: Off, Library 7 of CompuServe's new HP PC where you installed the HP ~ for line delete in MEMO. Lite sleep, and during a file copy Handheld forum (HPHAND). This is Connectivity Pack. Find MMERGE The line is deleted! from C: to A: . A large file was used Kermit 2.29 from Columbia. It has .EXE and MERGE US.HLP and to allow the ammeter (measuring VT102 emulation, uses the cursor transfer them to your 95LX. device) to stabilize. keys to control the cursor (how Ted Dickens (HP Forum Sysop) The 95LX does not power the nove!!) and allows you to use 1!!1 CompuSeNe 10: [76701,272] Ii On The HP Palmtop Paper on RAM cards when it is off. The other to ~ in combination with IALT 1 Disk, JullAug, 92.
46 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER JULY / AUGUST 1992 Since the CUT function of MEMO is LEFT HINGE LOOSE drive. It is easy to have a 40K used, you can paste the deleted Iii HP Calc If you open the 95LX and wiggle phone book and 40K Appt book if line to somewhere else afterwards. the display screen you'll notice that you use the To-Do list and Note If the cursor is at the first column, a ADDING NON·CURRENCY the left side seems looser than the function extensively. What I've done beep sound will be sounded indicat FACTORS TO CURRENCY right. This is normal. so far is: ing the border of the screen. CONVERSION Larry Lefkowitz Ahmet G. Oezisik The 95LX is weaker at converting CompuSeNe 10: [76137,155] • Move my data over to A:, Istanbul, TURKEY technical units than the HP 48SX • Set up macros to automatical Calculator. However, you can im MAKE YOUR OWN LOADER ly open files on A:, WORDSTAR 4.0 WORKS prove the situation by using HP A "loader" is a program that lets • From SET UP increase Sys ON THE 9SLX CALC's Currency Conversion func you run an EXE, COM, or BAT file tem RAM leaving room for I'm running Wordstar 4.0 on my tion.lnsert your favorite non-curren while the 95LX's built-in applications .ENV &.CNF files on C:. 95LX. Leave off the print overlay to cy conversion factors into the cur are open. You cannot use a loader Mark Scardina save space - keep the dictionary. rency conversion menu of HP to run a program on top of Lotus, CompuSeNe 10: [71551,467] Victor O. Roberts CALC. From HP CALC press and you may not start one of the CompuSeNe 10: [70413,1423] MENU Conv Currency. Then built-in applications on top of a DIFFERENT MEMORY CARDS press F2 to Edit the list and (!l2) loader-run program. The 95LX can readlwrite to SRAM for More. You can add up to 5 more You can make your own load (RAM) cards just like you would .Filer conversion factors to the list. If you er by using LoadMaker by David write information to, or retrieve still want to add more conversion Goodman.1»M1Ioad LDRMKRZIPij information from, a floppy disk. USING FILER WITH factors, you can replace some of from Ub 7 of CompuServe's HP SRAM cards have batteries inside MODEM TO COMMUNICATE the existing ones that you don't use Handheld forum. I used Dave's of the card that apply power to the WITH PC RUNNING APP95 (e.g. Peseta, Yen, etc.). program to make a loader to run memory circuit. Power (a small A little known and even less docu [Editor's Example: I like to be Infoselect from MicroLogic. My amount) must be applied to the mented capability within FILER is able to convert the number of loader calls IS.BAT, instead of memory cells in order for the cells the ability to use a modem to com words in a submitted article to the IS.EXE directly. This batch file then to retain the data written to them. municate with a PC running the number of formatted pages the calls Infoselect. The contents of my SRAM technology has been around APP95 software contained in the article will take up in The HP Palm IS.BAT are as follows: since the beginning of time (well, HP Connectivity Pack. This feature top Paper. This lets me keep a run maybe not that long). allows all functions within Filer to be ning count of how much material dispetl-c Flash ROM memory technolo used across phone lines. we have for each issue. The normal a: gy is new, cheaper, and due to Making the connection is 3-column layout for the majority of ed \is decline in price even further at a surprisingly easy, but requires that the newsletter has an average of is n very rapid pace. The current prob your PC to be left on, running AP 850 words per page. The +Column ed \ lem with flash memory and the P95. On your PC, do the following: layout for the Letters and Quick dispel +e 95LX is that in order to "write" data 1. With a communications pro Tips sections have an average of The loader is created as an EXM to the flash card you must have gram, put your modem in the 1,170 words per page. file. I named the loader IS.EXM and access to 12 volts (the 95LX is a 3 auto-answer mode. I have added the following put it in the C:\DEV subdirectory. volt system). At this time, the only 2. Start APP95 on your PC and three conversions to my Currency The line in my APNAME.LST way to use flash in the 95LX is if the card has been programmed enter FILER. Conversion screen: file reads: 3. Press AL T Remote with data by some other system. I I-f!!£) Pages .... RATE = 1.00 e:\dev\is.exm,2400,infoseleet The flash card is then a "read only· Set Config and set the port 3-Column .. RATE = 850.00 2400 is the scan code for IALTI-J, card, you can not add data to the and baud rate to your modem. 4-Column .. RATE = 1170.00 card. 4. Press and return to so starting Infoselect is as simple ~ When I get an article, I use my In the future (next year) you FILER. as pressing the IALTI-J hotkey. word processor to do a word count, will see 3 volt flash cards (at a Victor O. Roberts premium price to start out with). Perform the following steps on your and enter the number of words in CompuSeNe 10: [70413,1423] 95LX: the 3- or 4-column items to see Your choice of technologies de how many pages I have. pends on what you will be using the 1. Hook up 95LX to a modem. liKES GERMAN VERSION OF card for, but a card that is read only Some meaningless conver POCKET SALES FORCE 2. Open FILER, press I MENU I sions take place with this arrange seems like a real waste. Remote-Set Config Baud. I have used a German language Tim McCloskey ment. 850 words equals one page, version of Pocket Sales Force for 3. Set the baud rate of your but according to the conversion CompuSeNe 10: [75230,1026] 95LX's modem the same as more than 5 months now and I love table it also equals $2.45 (US) - it. I have over 900 addresses in it. your PC's. Rich.J NO REASON TO USE 4. Enter the telephone number Even on my 1MB Card with Stacker A RAM CARD'S WRITE· Hermann Schmitt compressed files, a search through that your PC is hooked up to. Winnweiler, GERMANY PROTECT SWITCH 5. Set Tone/Pulse as applicable the 250K file is very fast. There is not a compelling reason to and retum to FILER. A main advantage for me is leave the switch on write-protect as 6. Press (!!) to split the screen. DMisc that it's in German! (See Pocket the only threat to the security of the 7. Press I!!l (Remote). You will Sales Force review, page 8, May/ card, dead battery, would not be connect in about 20 seconds. INTERNATIONAL 95LX EASIER Jun 92 issue. PSF is available in avoided with the switch. Nothing TO GENERATE SPECIAL English and German.) that I have ever done on the 95LX At this point your PC will be in CHARACTERS Tom Bergemann (and I have digitally abused it) has Server mode and you can perform I like the intemational version of the CompuSeNe 10: [100034,3643] ever caused data to be lost that a all of FILER's tasks except remotely HP 95LX better than the English write protect switch would have running a program. version because it has the special (ilMemory prevented. Please note, if you use FILER characters described on page E-3 Mark Scardina later in a direct connection mode, of the HP 95LX User's Guide indi STORING FilES ON CompuSeNe /0: [71551,467] don't keep a number in the DIAL cated on the keyboard, above the THEA DRIVE option. This will increase the time to appropriate key. If you like to push your 95LX to the make a connection. Jay Siena limit, the A drive (Memory Card) is Mark Scardina JapanlPacific Environment Monitor a lot safer place to store files. I a On The HP Palmtop Paper on CompuSeNe 10: [71551,467J Miyagi, JAPAN have never lost a file on the A Disk, JuVAug, 92.
JULY / AUGUST 1992 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER 47 HOW TO CONTACT US Products Advertised in The HP Palmtop Paper ~ Page number There are a number of ways to get in ~ ACE (RAM Memory Cards) ...... • ...... inside front touch with The HP Palmtop Paper (Switch) ...... •...... • • •.....•.... <4 staff. You can write; mail us a disk (BADman Battery Monttoring Software) ...... 5 with your comments; send Compu (myREiMOTE) ...... • ...... •...... •.••.•.... • ... . 44 Serve mail; fax; or call. Our address is: Active Data (RAM Memory Cards) ...... outside back Adlron (Card Drive, RAM Memory Cards) ...... • ...... •. 27,37 Thaddeus Computing, Inc. CM Software (Pocket Sales Force) ...... •. • ...... •. . .•. 16 Computer Instructors (95LX, Lotus, ACT! Training Classes) ...... • .•...... •. . 9 The HP Palmtop Paper Contact Software (ACT Contact Management Software) ...... • . •.....•..... 35 PO Box 869 or 57 E. Broadway Databook (Memory Card Drive) ...... 38 Fairfield, IA 52556, U.S.A. DataVIZ (MacLink Plus) ... .•...... • ...... 43 Essex Marketing Services (UTIL - Forth Programming) ...... •...... • .. ...•..•.• • ... • ... 32 Fax #:515-472·1879 EduCALC (95LX Accessories Catalog) ...... •...... •. ... • .• • 29 EI Dorado Trading (HP 95LX and Accessories) ...... •...... •...... • ...... 7 Phone: 515-472-6330 Greenwich Instruments (Seriai-to-Parallel con\lljr!er) ...... , ...... • . . . . • ...... 23 or 800·373-6114 IBB (Nameplate for 95LX) ...... 1 Imaging Supplies Express (RAM Memory Cards) ...•...... •...... •...... 31 CompuServe 10: IntelliLink (VvIndows/95LX Connectivity Software) ...... •... . • . ... •. .. 14 Hal Goldstein, [75300,2443J Lighthouse (Palmtop Database) ...... • ...... •...... •...... 44 (Palm Reference) ...... •...... • .. . .••... • ...•. . 42 Mirical (Personal Food Analyst Software) ...... • ..• . ...•.. . .. 18 To advertise in The HP Palmtop Pa New Media (Card Modem) ...... •• ...... 40 per, contact advertising sales director, Pouch (Carrying Case) ...... •...... • . ..• ...... •...... 39 Brian Teitzman. OJASystems (OA Palm custom database builder) ...... ••••. 36 Silicon Disk (RAM Memory Cards) ...... 41 To subscri, change address, or clear SkyTel (SkyTellMreless Information Service) ..••...... •... •...... • 13 up any pro lem with your subscrip Sparcom (RAM Memory Cards, software & hardware) ...... 24-25 tion, contact our subscription depart Tech Hackers (Investment Analysis Software) ...... • . • ...... • . . . • 37 ment (Director, Kelly Johnson). Thaddeus Computing (The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK) .. • ...... • ...... inside back IMdget (Para link 3 SeriaVParaliel Adapter) ...... 37 Technical Support HP offers these options: • 90-DAYS FREE SUPPORT- is of fered to all 95LX users and is available Software on The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK (July/August 1992) by calling (503) 757-2004. • FREE AUTOMATED SUPPORT- is Product Function ~ Page offered 24 hours a day by calling (800) 443-1254. COMMO.ZIP Application: latest PC version of this Shareware 44 • 6-MONTH SUPPORT CONTRACT small. robust communications program for $149 you get a toll-free number and COMMOO.ZIP Application: Latest 95LX version of COMMO Shareware 44 6 months of unlimited support. Call FREYJA.ZIP Application: UNIX-based EMACS-type editor for the 95LX Free 26 (800) 443-1254. with 600K of C source code and tools • 900-NUMBER SUPPORT- available KERM2.ZIP Application: Comm program with VT102 emulation Shareware 46 on a pay-as-you-go basis (first minute BACKUP.ZIP Batch Files: Backup routines Free 29 free, $2.00 per minute thereafter). Call SOLVERS ZIP HP CALC Files: Solver equations Shareware 41 (900) 288-0025. MEDSTF.ZIP Spreadsheets and PhoneBook: Medical related Free 17 PONIES.ZIP Spreadsheet: Thoroughbred handicapping Shareware 41 The HP Palmt0ft Pa~er is not staffed PTR95.ZIP Utility: Prints out Phone Book in variety of formats Shareware 5 to answer yourP 9 LX questions by 95BUDDY.ZIP Utility: Fixes problems. adds useful functions Shareware 6 phone. If you send us a letter describ LDRMKR.ZIP Utility: Run EXE. COM. or BAT files without Shareware 47 Ing your problem we may publish and closing built-in applications respond to it. UNZIP.EXE Utility: decompresses .ZIP files Free na HPSL14.LlS Text: latest HP 95LX CompuServe library files listing Free na How to submit an article HPSL15.lIS Text: latest library listing for programmer's section Free na The richness of The HP Palmtop Paper ADVERT.ZIP Text: in-depth descriptions. products advertised this issue na na comes from the contributions of 95LX PTP2.l1P Text: The HP Palmtop Paper, May/Jun, 1992 na na users. We and your fellow users wel README.ZIP Text: cover letter for HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK na na come your submissions. (We do not offer payment for articles; your reward Software mentioned in this issue and included is knowing that you've helped others.) in other issues of The HP Palmtop Paper On Disk If you have a good idea and want to "go for it," send it in via Compu or the 1992 Subscribers Disk. Serve EMail or send disk or hard copy to Hal Goldstein or Rich Hall at the KLON.ZIP (Mar/Apr 92) 7-pile Klondike solitaire Shareware 8 above address. Alternatively you can MENU95 (92 Subs Disk) run DOS programs without Shareware 9 send an outline of your idea. We will exiting built-in applications try to guide you as to when and UMA10.ZIP (May/June 92) Macro key program Shareware 11 whether we would use the article and UN013.ZIP (May/June 92) Database program Shareware 10 contact you if we need clarification or WEEKABK.EXM (92 Subs Disk) gives weekly view of APPTs Freeware 8 have any suggestions. We may want to ZIP.COM (92 Subs Disk) file transfer program Shareware 26 use an article but for a variety of rea sons you may not see it for many The Fall 1991 HP PalmlrJp Paper ON DISK consisted of over 20 files, including those mentioned on page 36 of the Fall 1991 months. Also, please understand that issue of The HP Palmtop Paper. The JanuarylFebruary 1992 HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK consisted of over 24 files, including those mentioned on page we cannot promise to run any article. 43 of the JanuarylFebruary issue of The HP Palmtop Paper. If you can, especially if you write The MarchlApriI 1992 HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK consisted of 28 files, including those mentioned on page 44 ofthe a Palmtop Profile, send us a black and MarchlApriI issue of The HP Palmtop Paper. white photo of yourself. The MaylJune 1992 HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK consisted of 29 files, including those mentioned on page 48 of the MaylJune issue of The HP Palmtop Paper.
48 THE HP PALMTOP PAPER MAY / JUNE 1992 You've read it in print now get it on diskl S q The UP Palmtop Paper ON DISK: 5 great benefits even the printed version doesn't have!
Now you can receive The HP Palmtop cost of equivalent commercial programs. Paper ON DISK with every printed issue. 2, We are unable to support you in using Here are the benefits: The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK software. 1. Locate items of interest fast 3. Saves you time and money Each issue of The HP Palmtop Paper ON Dozens of man-hours go into collecting, DISK contains the entire editorial content of organizing, modifying, and documenting the the corresponding printed issue. The text is programs in each HP Palmtop Paper ON stored in ASCII format, and is readable by DISK Having the disks saves you the time any word processor. and expense of doing all this work yourself. To locate an item of interest, just do an TREMENDOUS VALUEI automated search for any keyword. The 4. In-depth descriptions of Each issue of The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK contains the complete editorial content of the printed issue, deSCriptions of information you're looking for will appear advertised products advertised products, and virtually all the freeware and on your screen instantly. Each issue of The HP Palmtop Paper ON shareware mentioned in the issue. But fast access to items of interest is only DISK also includes detailed descriptions of To give you an idea of the tremendous value this the beginning, because you also get: represents, here are just a few of the hi~hli9hts of the software some of the products advertised or listed in included in recent issues of The HP Pa mlop Paper ON DISK: 2. Access to almost every freeware the printed issue. This helps you learn more Instructions and utilities for accessing all programs are about products of interest without having to included on each disk. and shareware program mentioned call the manufacturer. in the printed issue WORD PROCESSING That's right - virtually every freeware and 5. It costs so little! VDE: Compact, powerful text editor - a great altemative to shareware program mentioned in each The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK consists MEMO. printed issue is included in the of 2-4 360K floppy disks that you will receive VDE-LX.ZIP: Makes VDE work like WordPerfect. corresponding HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK, along with each printed issue of your regular along with documentation. subscription to the newsletter. (The HP COMMUNICA TlONS These programs are useful! Many of them Palmtop Paper ON DISK does not include have been written or specially adapted just printed issues.). COMMO.ZIP: Full·featured communications program - richer scripting language than the 95LX's built-in program for the HP 95LX. A year's subscription to The HP Palmtop - easier to automate your activities. To give you an idea just how useful these Paper ON DISK (6 issues) is just $139. programs can be, we've summarized the Shipping is included for North American UTILITIES contents of recent issues - see box at right. customers. Please note: That's less than $24 per set of disks. It's a 95BUDDY: Lets you launch an application by selecting its data file in FILER, change default directories, and more. 1. If you decide to use a shareware great buy even if you only use one program program, you are required to pay the per disk! OUTLINE PLUS: Outliner and text editor. shareware author his fee. Fees usually Individual issues of The HP Palmtop Paper LOADMAKER: Run EXE, COM, or BAT files while in a built·in range from $5 to $45 - a fraction of the ON DISK are $33 within North America so a application. year's subscription saves you $92 ~~ 38 FINISH ZIP: Completes word after you type first few letters. r------, ou can ltJonal~by ATO: Automates CompuServe activities. Allows you to perform FREE BONUS! subscribin for two ears for ~ lO,C( functions off·line, saving you line charges. Each 1992 subscription to The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK includes Issue #1 (Fall 1991 ) - absolutely FREE! Satisfaction guaranteed! GAMES If you have already purchased Issue #1, you may deduct $33 Should you ever become dissatisfied from the price of your I-year or 2-year subscription. (Outside AG.ZIP: Chess and Space Invaders (good graphics). U.S. and Canada, deduct $38.) with The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK, just let us know. The unused portion of KLONDIKE: 7 pile game of Klondike Solitaire yuur payment will be promptly refunded. DIVDSK: Checkers, Go·Moku, Tetris, Othello, Mastermind, Customers outside North America: Adventure, and 9 other games. Enjoy! Please add $30 shipping for a one-year subscription, $60 for two TO SUBSCRIBE years. Add $5 shipping for each issue ordered individually. You may Plus travel organizer, language compilers, screen printing utilities, other games, and lots more! (See Issue #1, p.36, Issue pay by ored~ card, check, or money order. Check or money order USE THE ENCLOSED #2 p.43, Issue #3 p.44, Issue #4, p.4S, and Issue #5, p.4S for must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. complete listings.) Or orderfrorn one of our European distributors: (Contact them for CARD OR CALL US pricing in local currency.) TOLL-FREE: 1_·,1 fZl Countl)' f!lE!!! f!! HOW DOES IT COMPARE WITH luxembourg & (800) 373·6114 THE SUBSCRIBER DISK? Belgium (BYTECOM) +32 (0)10 223455 +32 (0)10 241730 The HP Palmtop Paper ON DISK is not to be confused with the France (PalmSoft) 1.44.76.11.00 1.40.26.94.32 Thaddeus Computing, Inc. Subscriber Disk that you receive free in June with each year's Germany rN&W Prods) 0 22 02 I 42021 0 22 02 I 32794 Box 869, Fairfield, IA 52556 subscription to The HP Palmtop Paper. Netherlands (ElOATA) +31(0)20 6247284 +31(0)206325111 p.o. The annual Subscriber Oisk is one or two 360K floppies containing UK (Supplyline) 081·744-0022 081·744-0045 (800) 373-6114 (515) 472-6330 some of the best freeware for the HP 95LX (no shareware). FAX: (515) 472-1879 MEMORY CARDS
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