DOS Palmtop: HP 200LX Details and specs

Hewlett Packard 200 LX (HP 200LX)

About this machine:

The Hewlett Packard 200LX is surprisingly nearly exactly the same machine as the older 100LX. While from some points of view the 100LX was a small quantum-leap in tech over the 95LX the 200LX only offers updated software versions plus Quicken in the ROM. Technically the HP 200LX is otherwise identical to the 100LX, the only difference from the hardware is that later models were available with 4 MB of RAM. So instead of a copy and paste of the 100LX introduction i challenge you to take a look at my 100LX page. Still the 200LX is the most popular and most wanted palmtop from HP as of 2011. The 200LX was discontinued by HP in december 1999, so it was probably among the longest produced/supported DOS-based handhelds. The HP 200LX was exceptionally successful in Japan where a large community of enthusiasts has formed. The case color changed from black to dark green. A version with a korean keyboard was produced for a korean insurance company.

Specs:

CPU: Intel 80186 @ 7.91 MHz
Graphics: Monochrome CGA, 80 x 25 character text mode, CGA 2 color monochrome graphics mode
Display: 640 x 200 monochrome STN , 4 grey scales, 4.8 inch
Memory (RAM): 1 MB, 2 MB or 4MB (1 and 2 MB at initial release, 4MB model in february 1997)
ROM (Software): 3 MB
I/O ports: RS232 Serial (proprietary 10 pin cable was optional accessory), PCMCIA 2.0 Type 2 slot, Infrared (SIR, NOT IrDA)
Sound: PC Speaker - Piezo
Operating System: MS-DOS 5.0
Software: Lotus 1-2-3, basic word processing, phone book, calculator, file manager, database, CC:Mail, Pocket Quicken and much more
Size: Length 8.5cm, Width 15.9cm, Height 2.6cm (3.4 inches x 6.3 inches x 1 inch)
Powered by: 2 AA batteries - rechargable or non-rechargable or AC adaptor (optional accessory), CR2032 Lithium button cell as memory backup
Weight: 340 gram (12 ounces) including 2 standard AA and CR2032 batteries
Special features: Key-Combination to invert display, SIR infrared (HP JetEye Infrared printer port compatible). RAM can be configured as additional RAMDISK space for saving user files.
Released: August 1994 (1 and 2 MB Versions. 4 MB version released February 1997)
Originally retailed for:: 550 USD (1 MB version, the 2 MB Version retailed for 720 USD. 4 MB version retailed for 599 USD on release)
Clone of: Not a clone. Successor model of HP 100LX
Similar models: HP 95LX, 100LX, 1000CX, Omnigo 700LX

Pros:
- Quite easily available
- Excellent for easy printing on JetEye compatible HP printers
- Contains Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet, database, CC:Mail, Pocket Quicken and word processor
- Outstanding battery life
- PCMCIA 2.0 Type 2 slot: Can use flash cards or compact flash (With PCMCIA Adapter)
- Fully CGA compliant, so most CGA based DOS appz and games work

Cons:
- Keyboard extremely small, not comfortable for really typing a lot
- Infrared not fully IrDA compatible
- Among the most expensive HP models depending on RAM

Collector Value:
2 of 10

Usage Value:
9 of 10

Verdict:
Give it a usability value of 10/10 if you love the tiny keyboard. This is probably the best known HP palmtop and also usually the "most wanted" by novice users, always driving the ebay value to the max. If the price scares you off then take a look at the 100LX and 1000CX models which only differ a bit from the software included on the ROM but are basically the same. While enthusiasts still always drive up the prices on ebay this is definitely one of the most common palmtops available and due to the long production with high quantities of machines produced this is anything else but "rare". So if you can agree that "collectable value" is more of a "rarity" factor than the price on ebay this is rather low. Probably the best DOS based palmtop ever made (besides the obvious other successor and predecessor models). Many accessories like backlight kits, custom hardware upgrades like upgrading the memory (Up to 128 MB have been reported) and even a headphones port (For the PC speaker sound) are available through enthusiasts around the world.

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