The HP F1021A Connectivity Pack (also referred to as CPACK 100 in this article) lets you connect your HP 100LX to a DOS based PC compatible computer. CPACK 100 also gives you desktop PC versions of most of the 100LX built-in applications. It comes with a 9-pin PC- to-100LX serial cable and adapters that let you connect the 100LX to the following:
Although both 95LX and 100LX Connectivity Packs have similar functions, most programs in the 100LX version were completely rewritten. CPACK 100 comes with PC versions of most of the 100LX built-in applications on both 3.5" and 5.25" disks. The software includes Application Manager (the main screen), Appointment Book, Phone Book, HP Calc, Data Base, Memo Editor, Note Taker, Filer, and Setup. It also has two applications not on the 100LX: Xlate/Merge and Server.
XLATE/MERGE allows you to merge separate Appointment Book files or Phone Book files into a third file. It also lets you translate Appointment Book files or Phone Book files between 95LX Phone and Appointment, 100LX Phone and Appointment and Comma Delimited. In addition, it has a "Synchronize" function to make two Phone Book or Appointment Book files Identical.
SERVER lets the 100LX's built-in REDIRECTOR software treat the desktop PC drives like additional drives. That means that you can connect your Palmtop to your desktop and access your PC's drives as if they were additional drives on your 100LX.
Finally, the 100LX Connectivity Pack software may be run as a DOS application under Windows. HP supplies a PIF file and icon file to make the Windows installation easier.
Good Functionality With a Few Ragged Edges
The over all selection of software and its functionality is good. However, like a new suit finished in a rush, there are a few ragged edges, a few missing pieces and some last minute patches.
CPACK 100 is missing Stop Watch, World Time, and System Macros applications. (The equivalents to all these programs are included in the 95LX Connectivity Pack software.)
Both the 95LX and 100LX let you "task switch" between applications by pressing the blue hotkeys. It's one of the most convenient features of the Palmtops. The 95LX Connectivity Pack software lets you task switch, but the 100LX Connectivity Pack software does not. The lack of task switching between applications, makes using the 100LX Connectivity Pack software very different than using the same suite of programs on the 100LX.
Another feature missing from the CPACK 100 software is the ability to run System-Manager Compliant EXM programs on your desk- top. The 95LX Connectivity Pack software would let you create an APNAME.LST file on your desktop and run an .EXM program. You cannot do this with CPACK 100.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Comparison
The following list of strengths and weaknesses of the HP 100LX Connectivity Pack is based on our own experience and user reactions from CompuServe's HP Handheld forum:
STRENGTHS
The exclusion of System Macros and task switching is surprising. Many 95LX users make extensive use of System Macros to automate repetitive tasks and for switching files and applications. Also, the inability to run EXM programs (System-Manger Compliant software) on the desktop PC limits the users ability to accomplish the same tasks on the PC that they can on the 100LX.
The REDIRECTOR is part of the 100LX's built-in ROM software, and as such is always available. However, users are frustrated by its slowness, especially when compared with the transfer speeds of LapLink 3.0, ZIP .COM, and Interlink (see Ron Crain's timed tests in the Tips section of this article). The FS.COM program speeds up REDIRECTOR a little, but its slowest competitor is still three times faster.
Finally, requiring an EGA or higher monitor and a 286 processor to run support software for the 100LX, a CGA / MONO system with an 8086 processor, seems illogical. Some users of the HP Palmtops are quite happy with an older, less expensive XT class machine and will simply not buy the 100LX Connectivity Pack. The CPACK 100 sports a full-sized screen, but some of the flexibility found on the 95LX Connectivity Pack is missing.
Even with the above mentioned problems, the 100LX Connectivity Pack programs are still very useful to have on your desktop PC and many users have not run into any of the reported problems. The PHONE and APPOINTMENT book merge and synchronization capability will be especially useful to those who have an assistant entering information at the office while they are out.
The operating problems seem to appear most on desktop PC systems that have many TSR's running. I didn't encounter any problems installing or running on HP 100LX Connectivity Pack software on my system. I was also able to install it in Windows using the PIF and icon files provided with CPACK 100.
Filer works well for transferring files. I had no trouble with the REDIRECTOR. It is not fast, but if you don't have 4 megabytes of files to move or move them infrequently, it is neither difficult nor painful to use. The built in applications are useful to manage and merge files on the PC. For the average user it's a very useful package. If the problem areas or the missing features mentioned are important for your planned use, check them out carefully before you buy.
HP has generally spoiled us with great products. As an improvement on the 95LX, the 100LX went way beyond many of our expectations. It was natural to expect the same level of superiority in the add-on products like the 100LX Connectivity Pack. When we got less than that, we may have felt some disappointment.
Hewlett-Packard has said that they are aware of some problems with the HP 100LX Connectivity Pack. They are reportedly working on an upgrade that will fix the problems and provide more features.
To sum things up, the HP 100LX Connectivity Pack is a nice suite as is. However, a few alterations here and there will help to improve its fit.