In this issue we continue our discussion of HP's new Windows CE palmtop PC. By the time it ships in June, you should have a clear idea of whether you want to stay with the HP 200LX or move to the new HP 300LX or HP 320LX palmtop PC. First read about the latest on the new HP palmtop. Then check out Mark Scardina's objective point-by-point comparison of the two HP palmtop platforms.
To augment the comparison of the two HP palmtops we published two thoughtful essays on the HP 200LX. Our 1-2-3 columnist Carl Merkle, along with David Shier, put on their analysts' hats and look at the palmtop as an intranet-reader, a true Network Computer (NC). Then Larry Dickson makes a strong case that the DOS-based HP 200LX represents the high-point in palmtop development and that future "progress" is probably a step backward.
In other news, the HP OmniGo 700LX Communicator is now available in the U.S. We've written about the HP 700LX (an integrated unit of a Nokia digital cellular phone with an HP palmtop) which has been available in Europe and Asia for the past year. Data Critical has renamed the unit, calling it an HVO1000, and is making it available through several U.S. phone carriers using the GSM protocol.
Also in this issue, I lament about the closing of ACE Technologies. We offer information on former ACE products and services. Plus, throughout the issue, you will read about new freeware and shareware that will make your palmtop more useful.
Elsewhere you will find fascinating profiles. Toby Lawrence interviews British M.P. Paddy Ashdown who tells how he uses the palmtop in Parliament. Contractor Randy Polumbo discusses his high-tech edge as he takes his palmtop and wireless modem everywhere. Further, he outfits his employees and colleagues with palmtops.
Ed Keefe has a loyal following among our readership as his articles describe interesting and innovative technical uses of the palmtop. This time Ed revisits powerful HPCalc. He takes us through statistics, equations, and graphics on the palmtop.