TECHTALK Messages for 1999: The new HP 620LX

The new HP 620LX

From: Edward M. Zabrek, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

stork@flash.net

Mon, 02 Feb 1998 08:20:58 -0600

I am a longtime user of handheld devices. I started with a 64k Sharp Wizard about ten years ago, and currently use the HP 200LX with 6megs of ram. I have tried the Palm Pilot, and numerous HPC's with the CE 1.0 operating system. Nothing ever was good enough to replace my 200LX. I beta tested CE 2.0 for Microsoft last summer and felt that it offered significant improvements over CE 1.0, it still could not outdo my reliable 200LX for my daily routine. On any handheld unit, I will utilize the scheduler, contact manager, and task manager/to do and calculator functions quite often throughout the day. I have become so dependent on my 200LX, that my wife has nicknamed it, my "accessory BRAIN". Thus, any unit that was going to "replaced my brain", had to function at least as well, and hopefully better that what I am currently using.

The 620LX, while not perfect, is getting close. I certainly could not have created this document as easily on my 200LX. So add another portion to my "brain", Word for Microsoft Windows CE. I will tell you how well it commutes over to the PC after I transfer it. The 256k color screen is incredible! It beats the 16 shades of gray on the non-backlit 200LX. The screen is always bright and sharp (even when you elect to have it autodim--user definable battery conservation setting). Speaking of batteries, the unit comes with its own Lithium ion, rechargeable battery pack (a longer life Li ion pack is a future available option). The battery life is about 4-6 hours of continuous use. There is no option for standard alkaline or AA batteries, which is too bad. I do not know how long the "long life" optional battery will last, but unless you have one charging all the time (and with you), you could easily run out of juice, unable to access your "brain". Chalk up a good reason not totally give up my 200LX. (I plan to keep dual records on both units until I am thoroughly comfortable (or uncomfortable) with this unit.

When I first received the 620LX, I liked, but did not love the Personal Information Manager (PIM) interface. In fact, were it not for Odyssey Computing (http://www.odysseyinc.com), I could not recommend the 620LX. Their software program is called "Pocket OnSchedule" and the version for CE 2.0 was just released. A 30-day, fully functional trial is available for download from their web site. You can also download a trial of their incredible desktop version, OnSchedule 97, whose drag and drop capabilities along with many other unique features, make it my choice for a scheduler, contact manager, PIM. It's user interface rivals other programs currently available (MS Outlook, MS Schedule, Goldmine, etc.) at a fraction of their competitor's cost.

The 620LX appears to be very well constructed (though I highly recommend you keep the unit in a padded, fitted case.) There is a company out of Dallas, TX making industrial strength padded cases with a rechargeable battery built in. They claim that you could get a week of use from this additional power source. The unit has a well-spaced keyboard that is fairly functional for small word processing jobs. The 620LX come pre loaded with MS Pocket Word, MS Pocket Excel, MS Pocket PowerPoint, Quicken ExpensAble(tm), B-Square Fax Professional, a world clock, Landware's Fiscal Pro(tm) Calculator (try Odyssey's Pocket MBA-Calc free 30 day trial download from http://www.odysseyinc.com), and full Email capabilities, MS Internet Explorer(tm) for WinCE, ActiveSync(tm) PC synchronization.

Pocket Word(tm) is more robust with a much needed, (and much missed in CE 1.0) spell checker. They claim that presentations can be made only using your CE 2.0 HPC, and a VGA adapter! When linking the 620LX with your PC with the supplied docking/charging station, synchronization between the two systems is nearly seamless. The HPC desktop becomes a part of your windows explorer and functions like any additional drive on your Windows 95, 98, or NT machine, with all of the same drag/drop, cut/paste capabilities. The only caveat is, WinCE is not a true windows operating system and all files you drag onto your PC will most likely require some sort of "conversion". This Pocket Word document flew seamlessly into my MS Word 97 folder, and was undistinguishable in format and design from its HPC appearance on the 620LX. The time it reminded me that this was not a native Word 97 document, was when I shut down Word 97. I was prompted to either save the document as a new Word 97 text, or keep it in the Pocket Word format. I chose the former. It worked without a hitch, leaving me with a new word doc, and my original Pocket Word doc on my PC.

All documents created on the 620LX can be faxed or emailed by adding a PCMCIA card modem. I have received various explanations as to why HP elected to not have a modem built in, like so many of their competitors. The responses vary from cost savings, to no international modem standard, to the desire to not away any of the processing power with a built in modem. What ever the reason, the is one feature that I do miss, but from a convenience stand point, and my dislike of carrying around any additional super specialized cables, batteries, or adapters. (The fewer the better!) A built in modem only requires that you find a standard phone jack and cord. The Sharp Mobilon 4500 has many of the same features of the 620LX, with a built in 33.6 modem. There are eight soft touch icons above the QWERTY keyboard that allow for quick, easy access to the most commonly used applications. The are also four silk screened "touch" buttons on the right side of the LCD giving you instant access to 1.) Volume, mute, screen contrast, and remaining battery life; 2.) Instant access to your "InBox"; 3.) One-Touch access to B-Fax Professional, and finally , 4.) A true, user defined search button that allows you to search names or words, extensions, etc. throughout the majority of the applications present on the 620LX. A digital dictation module is standard, and will store voice data on the ram card. It functions with the unit opened or closed, and stores the voice data in a file format that is exportable. 3rd party software companies are working on speech recognition, voice navigation and handwriting recognition (SmARTwriter Technologies http://www.artcomp.com

). In addition, there are many medical software developers and companies out there trying to break into the healthcare field with an HPC loaded with their logo to fit into your labcoat pocket. (See the current issue of Pen Computing’s February, ’98, Vol. 5, No. 20, PP 18-30 for examples of current HPC applications for healthcare professionals.)

To conclude, the 620LX is a solid performer that is loaded with features To call this unit "robust" is only beginning to describe what will undoubtedly be my next accessory "Brain". I am looking forward to reviewing the Sharp Mobilon 4500 color HPC, and the NEC 750C, that sports a full size keyboard, true VGA output in a footprint approaching that of a subnotebook. When I get this unit, I will report on it, and compare it with the 620LX. As I receive the next wave of these HPC's, I will keep you informed on the uses and comparisons with previous the units reviewed previously.

Ed Zabrek, M.D. stork@flash.net TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT obgyn.net

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