Compaq PC Companion

[Crystal Eitle]

I just bought a Compaq PC Companion (http://www.netsucces.nl/gadget/compaq/companion.html) at a charity garage sale at my job for $10. I know it's obsolete, but I'm pretty excited to have this "historical" device to play with.

Has anyone ever owned one of these? What can I use it for? What kind of software is still available for it?

I figure, if nothing else, it'll be fun to play with.

It's still in the box with all its original accessories. I don't think it's ever been used.

[trachy]

Hmmm....where have I seen a device like this (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11810) before? History repeats itself? :)

[Pony99CA]

I just bought a Compaq PC Companion (http://www.netsucces.nl/gadget/compaq/companion.html) at a charity garage sale at my job for $10. I know it's obsolete, but I'm pretty excited to have this "historical" device to play with.

Has anyone ever owned one of these? What can I use it for? What kind of software is still available for it?

That's a Windows CE 1.0 device, right? It sounds similar to my old Hitachi Handheld PC (http://www.svpocketpc.com#HISTORY).

You can probably find software on some of the software archives, like Tucows (http://pda.tucows.com/windowsce.html), but I don't know. Check out my list of Windows CE software archives (http://www.svpocketpc.com#ARCHIVES) for more.

Steve

[Crystal Eitle]

That's a Windows CE 1.0 device, right? It sounds similar to my old Hitachi Handheld PC (http://www.svpocketpc.com#HISTORY).

Hey yeah, it looks a lot like your old Hitachi. Except there's no built-in modem (but at a BLAZING 28.8 kbps, not that it matters anyway), and it only has 2 megs of RAM, not 4. It does have a PC card slot. (I'm wondering if I can put the wireless card I bought for my laptop in there??)

Come to think of it, I might not be installing any extry software in this thing. I mean, with only 2 megs of RAM, where would I put it?

Those links look useful, though.

[Crystal Eitle]

UPDATE:

I played Solitaire (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11340) on it :wink: (C'mon, isn't that the first thing everyone does with their new machines?)

Impressions: Even though this machine isn't very powerful (not to mention the fact that it's obsolete), there are a few things worth mentioning:

I very much like the form factor. I think it would be cool if handheld PCs made a comeback. The wide, landscape screen is especially nice.

I can see why people complained about the keyboards on these things. However, I think the problem isn't so much in the size of the keyboard as the "feel." It's this touchpad-style thing that doesn't give enough tactile feedback. I think a small keyboard could be enjoyable to use with the right kind of engineering behind it. It needs to be made to feel as similiar as possible to a standard computer keyboard.

The interface of the OS is very very similar to Windows 95 (similar File Explorer, with Detail View, etc., Recycle Bin, similar menus and controls). I think this is a good thing, as it makes the unit appear to be more powerful than it is. It seems like the unit can do a lot (whether or not this is actually the case!)

[Pony99CA]

I very much like the form factor. I think it would be cool if handheld PCs made a comeback. The wide, landscape screen is especially nice.

I can see why people complained about the keyboards on these things. However, I think the problem isn't so much in the size of the keyboard as the "feel." It's this touchpad-style thing that doesn't give enough tactile feedback. I think a small keyboard could be enjoyable to use with the right kind of engineering behind it. It needs to be made to feel as similiar as possible to a standard computer keyboard.
I loved my Sharp Mobilon HC-4500. It used Windows CE 2.0, had a color display, 16 MB RAM and looked like Windows. The keyboard wasn't great, but it was still faster than using the Pocket PC's SIP keyboard.

However, check out the Jornada 720 keyboard (http://h40054.www4.hp.com/pressrel/images/bigsize/728_offen_vorn.jpg). I don't know how good the tactile feedback is, but the keyboard looks like it uses almost standard keys. (WARNING: That image is very large.)

Steve

[Crystal Eitle]

However, check out the Jornada 720 keyboard (http://h40054.www4.hp.com/pressrel/images/bigsize/728_offen_vorn.jpg). I don't know how good the tactile feedback is, but the keyboard looks like it uses almost standard keys.

Cute!!! I want one. What is the vintage on this thing? Is this an old handheld PC, a prototype, or what? (I assume HP isn't making Jornadas anymore? And no one is manufacturing handheld PCs. Well, almost no one).

[Crystal Eitle]

Oh - never mind - I just Googled it. Looks like in 2001 (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/Jan01/jornada720.stm) it was "Still King of the Handheld."

Sigh.

They just don't make 'em like they used to....

[Pony99CA]

Oh - never mind - I just Googled it. Looks like in 2001 (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/Jan01/jornada720.stm) it was "Still King of the Handheld."

Sigh.

They just don't make 'em like they used to....
Actually, they were still making Handheld PCs until last year, I think.

You might also check out the NEC MobilePro 790 (http://www.necsolutions-am.com/mobilesolutions/products/MobilePro/790/), which may still be available.

The downside is that these Handheld PCs were fairly expensive at one time -- around $1000; hopefully, they're cheaper now. A quick scan of eBay found several of each available.

Steve