kerns@iwu1c.UUCP (John Kerns - AT&T BL) (08/02/84)
I recently had a HP150 placed on my desk, to use as a computer or terminal I guess. It works fine as a terminal but I don't have the right termcap entry for UNIX, saying it's a HP2621 works most of the time but a few full-screen applications seem to freak it out, DOES ANYONE HAVE THE RIGHT TERMCAP ENTRY ?? Also, I didn't get any software, or a compiler (cheap boss maybe), and would like to know: a) what languages other than BASIC are available (C ??) b) what else is worthwhile, DSN/LINK, GRAPHICS, outside vendor software ?? c) how in the h--- do you read the touch sensors ?? FLAME for HP: I called the toll-free HP number several weeks ago, the lady sounded nice and said someone from HP would call me about the touch-screen, and info on software would be mailed, but I have yet to see it. Send replies to: John Kerns AT&T Bell Labs (312) 979-7734 ihnp4!iwu1c!kerns
johnson@saturn.UUCP (08/07/84)
Almost any MS-DOS application that doesn't do anything fancy with the
display should run on an HP 150. This includes virtually all compilers,
but alas excludes most editors.
I believe the entire Microsoft line of languages is available. I know
many people who use the Lattice C compiler. I personally use and prefer
the CiC86 C compiler from:
Computer Innovations, Inc.
980 Shrewbury Ave. #310
Tinton, NJ 07724
201/542-5920
I don't recall off-hand the price; somewhere around $400, I think. I've
used this compiler for several years now, on an HP 150, an IBM PC, and
(in my innocent youth) on an S-100 CP/M 80-86 system.
If you're serious about writing software that uses the HP 150's touchscreen,
graphics, keyboard extensions, etc., I strongly suggest you purchase the
"HP 150 AGIOS Library" from:
Micro Techniques, Inc.
2001 E. Prairie Cir. #B
Olathe, KS 66062
913/764-1342
The cost is $100 postpaid--and well worth the money. It is a library of
about 100 CiC86-callable routines for controlling the unique features of
the HP 150. This library also contains windowing routines that provide
a higher-level interface to the HP 150 display than is supported by the
hardware.
In the way of diversions (my nonserious uses of the HP 150 are minimal),
I recommend "Winning Deal", a collection of about half a dozen card games.
The interesting feature of these games (which HP sells directly for about
$40; product number 92248CA) is that they can be played EXCLUSIVELY with
the softkeys and touchscreen. The author suggests that skeptics disconnect
the keyboard before playing. (Like all HP 150 software that I've seen,
however, use of the touchscreen is not manadatory. You can also turn off
the touchscreen and use the keyboard exclusively.)
DISCLAIMER: I have no financial interest in any of the companies
mentioned above (other than HP, of course). I am writing as an
HP 150 user (home computerist). The fact that I also work for
Hewlett-Packard is irrelevant.
--
Mark Scott Johnson
CSnet: Johnson@HP-Labs
ARPAnet: Johnson%Hp-Labs@CSnet-Relay.arpa
USENET: {allegra,decvax,Shasta,ucbvax}!hplabs!johnson