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Many computers are becoming smaller but no less powerful, and newer electronic organizers offer sophisticated features that rival those of many portable computers. The technologies are converging and the resulting hardware and software products put information, analysis, and communication capabilities easily at hand. The following reviews examine two of the best handheld (or "palmtop") computers and organizers. Note that both of the units already have extensive software built in that suits most business needs. However, I also review a program for one of the units that is designed for market research applications.
HEWLETT-PACKARD 95LX
RATING: 5 OF 5 (EXCELLENT)
This interesting product from the Corvallis (handheld products) Division of Hewlett-Packard is a multifeatured productivity tool in a tiny package. About the size of a checkbook, though 1-inch thick, it is an organizer. an IBM PC-XT compatible computer, and a programmable financial and scientific calculator. Built in applications include the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet (release 2.2), appointment scheduler, phone book, memo writer and text editor, calculator, utility file manager, timer and world clock, communications terminal, and DOS 3.22 operating system. The applications are hardwired into read-only memory (ROM), so that most of the 512 kilobytes of random access memory (RAM) is available to partition between a RAM disk and system RAM as the user sees fit. If an optional card is inserted for storage or programs, the RAM disk is unnecessary. The built-in applications. most importantly Lotus 1-2-3, run from their own chip so little system RAM is needed for them.
The machine runs on two standard AA batteries, has serial and infrared ports, will take an AC adapter, and has a slot for industry standard RAM and ROM IC (integrated circuit) cards. The cards are about the size of a credit card, 1/8-inch thick, and have a built in backup battery. They contain either dedicated software in ROM (such as a contact manager) or user-available RAM for program or data storage. With an optional card drive on your desktop or portable PC, you can read and write to the IC cards. Card capacities for the H-P 95LX range from 128 kilobytes to two megabytes, although larger industry standard ones are available; it is not clear whether or not these are or will be compatible with...