Hewlett-Packard's new entries in the Windows CE handheld market are
the 360LX and 620LX Palmtop PCs. Both use the Windows CE 2.0 operating
system and both are larger and heavier than the 200LX. Although you can
still fit the 620LX in a coat pocket, it's now a bit of a squeeze.
Palmtop PC
Size
Weight (with batteries)
200LX
6.3 x 3.4 x 1 in (16 x 8.64 x 2.54 cm)
11 oz
360LX
7.2 x 3.67 x 1.1 in (18.3 x 9.4 x 2.9 cm)
15.6 oz
620LX
7.8 x 4.1 x 1.4 in (17.8 x 10.4 x 3.6 cm)
20.6 oz
CPU and Memory
On paper, the newer Palmtop PCs look more powerful, with faster
processors and larger amounts of internal RAM. But they are running a more
complex operating system and applications. These more powerful processors
don't necessarily mean faster operation. For example, the 620LX is powered
by a 75 MHz processor, while the 200LX's processor runs at about 8MHz.
But many 200LX users who have compared the two say that they can access
information faster on the 200LX.
Palmtop PC
CPU Speed
RAM Memory
ROM Memory
200LX
8 MHz
2-4 MB
3MB
360LX
60 Mhz
8 MB
10 MB
620LX
75 Mhz
16 MB
10 MB
Additional hardware features and battery life
Both of the new Palmtop PCs have a standard PC Card slot, a CompactFlash
slot, and IrDA-compliant infrared port and a serial port. The 200LX comes
with a standard PC Card slot, an IrDA infrared port and a serial port.
The 620LX comes with a backlit color screen, which is easy to read and
looks nice, but drains the batteries quickly. The 360LX has a monochrome
screen and has a better battery life, but it is still considerably less
than the battery life of a 200LX.
Palmtop PC
Battery life (hrs of continuous use)
200LX
25-40 hrs (lithium batteries)
360LX
10-15 hrs (NiMH rechargeables)
620LX
5-7 hrs (Lithium-ion battery pack)
Operating system and software
The 360LX and 620LX both run v. 2.0 of the Windows CE operating system, and come with the standard Windows CE applications, including Pocket Outlook (Calendar, Contacts and Tasks), Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket PowerPoint, World Clock, Calculator (basic), Pocket Internet Explorer, Pocket Windows Explorer, Inbox, various setup utilities, Solitaire.
The 200LX runs the MS-DOS 5.0 operating system and comes with an Application Manager and standard PIM applications, including Appointment Book and PhoneBook. In addition, the 200LX has the following applications built-in: Memo, NoteTaker, Database, Pocket Quicken, Lotus 123, HP Calc, cc:Mail, Filer, World Time System Macros DataComm, LapLink Remote, Stopwatch, and a setup utility.
Synchronization
The 360LX and 620LX come with a connectivity cable and Windows CE Services, a desktop PC program that lets you connect to and synchronize with Outlook and a desktop PC, as well as transfer files back and fourth and convert them. Third-party solutions are available to synchronize with other desktop PIM programs.
The 200LX has an optional connectivity pack that includes a connectivity cable and software that lets you transfer files back and fourth between your 200LX and desktop PC. Third-party synchronization solutions are available for the 200LX.
Price
HP 620LX Palmtop PC - $889
HP 360LX Palmtop PC - $599
HP 200LX Palmtop PC (2MB RAM) - $495
HP 200LX Palmtop PC (4 MB RAM) - $595