# HP 95LX

> computer

**Wikidata**: [Q1037185](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1037185)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_95LX)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-95lx

## Summary
The HP 95LX is a palmtop computer released by Hewlett-Packard in 1991, notable for being one of the first pocket-sized DOS-compatible PCs. It featured a clamshell design with a full QWERTY keyboard and a small LCD screen, running MS-DOS 3.22.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1991 by Hewlett-Packard, an American information technology company founded in 1939
- Priced at $550 USD at launch, making it a premium portable computing device
- Runs MS-DOS 3.22 and is classified as a Palmtop PC computer model
- Features a clamshell design with full QWERTY keyboard and LCD display
- Manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, headquartered in Palo Alto, California
- Working title during development was "HP Jaguar"
- Followed by the HP 100LX model in Hewlett-Packard's palmtop lineup
- Compatible with various software including contact managers, games, and productivity tools

## FAQs
### Q: What operating system did the HP 95LX use?
A: The HP 95LX ran MS-DOS 3.22, making it one of the first palmtop computers to offer full DOS compatibility in a pocket-sized form factor.

### Q: How much did the HP 95LX cost when it was released?
A: The HP 95LX was priced at $550 USD when it launched in 1991, positioning it as a premium portable computing device.

### Q: What company manufactured the HP 95LX?
A: The HP 95LX was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, the American information technology company founded in 1939 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

## Why It Matters
The HP 95LX represented a significant milestone in portable computing by bringing full DOS compatibility to a palmtop form factor. Before its release, portable computers were either too large to be truly portable or lacked the software compatibility needed for serious work. The 95LX bridged this gap by packing a complete MS-DOS environment into a device that could fit in a jacket pocket. This made it invaluable for business professionals who needed access to their familiar DOS applications while traveling. The device's success helped establish the palmtop category and influenced subsequent developments in mobile computing, demonstrating that powerful computing could be made truly portable without sacrificing software compatibility.

## Notable For
- One of the first palmtop computers to offer full MS-DOS compatibility
- Introduced the clamshell design to the palmtop category, protecting the keyboard and screen
- Featured a full QWERTY keyboard in a pocket-sized device, unprecedented at the time
- Created a new category of portable computing between laptops and calculators
- Supported a wide ecosystem of specialized software including medical, aviation, and business applications

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The HP 95LX featured an Intel 8088-compatible processor running at 7.91 MHz, with 1 MB of RAM (512 KB base + 512 KB expandable). The device included a 40 x 8 character LCD display with an additional 240 x 128 pixel graphics mode. Storage was provided by a combination of ROM for the operating system and RAM for user files, with the option to expand via PCMCIA cards.

### Software Ecosystem
The palmtop came with built-in applications including Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, a calendar, phone book, and memo pad. Its DOS compatibility allowed users to run thousands of existing DOS applications, making it immediately useful without requiring new software development. Third-party developers created specialized applications for the platform, including medical software (Patient History and Physical), aviation tools (NAVMAP), and various utilities.

### Hardware Features
The clamshell design protected the keyboard and screen when closed, while the full QWERTY keyboard allowed touch-typing despite the device's small size. The 95LX included a serial port for connecting to external devices and a PCMCIA slot for memory expansion and modem connectivity. The device ran on AA batteries, providing several hours of operation.

### Market Position
Priced at $550 in 1991, the HP 95LX targeted business professionals who needed portable computing power. Its DOS compatibility meant users could run their existing software without conversion, a significant advantage over competing devices that used proprietary operating systems. The device found particular success in industries where portability and software compatibility were critical.

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## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. [HP Computer Museum](http://www.hpmuseum.net/display_item.php?hw=202)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [DOS Palmtop: HP 95LX Details and specs](https://gadgets.notjakob.com/DOSPALMTOP/hp95lx.html)
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File