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PORTABLE
HP-94 handheld co~mputer
introduced at Scan-Tech
Pete Lawson/HCCO
For North America only
Hewlett-E'ackard entered an exciting new market with the
introduction of the HP-94 at the Scan-Tech tradeshow for
bar code users held in Baltimore, December 2,1985. The
HP-94 is I-IP's first bettery-operable handheld computer
designed specifically for the industrial marketplace. It's a
rugged compact computer to be used for remote data collec-
tion, information processing, and data communications in
manufacturing environments and route accounting
applications.
The market
Handheld computers are replacing manual forms of data
collection that typically involve a clipboard and pencil. The
market is growing rapidly due to innovations in handheld
computers such as: extended battery life, larger non-
volatile memory, increased processing capability for remote
data analysis, and communication to a host computer.
Typical applications include: collec1.ing inventory informa-
tion in a factory warehouse, tracking work in process on the
factory floor, or collecting sales and delivery information in
the field.
HP is the first major computer company to offer a complete
hardware solution in this market. The market opportunities
fit well with HP's current manufac1:uring customer base
and extends to new markets such as route accounting.
There is significant sales potential for both multiunit sales
of the HF'-94 and HP computer sys1:ems.
Customer benefits
With the HP-94, workers in manufacturing, distribution,
sales, ancl route accounting realize 'benefits such as:
Quicker and more accurate data collection through
elimination of the need for filling out forms, mailing,
keypunching, and verifying data.
Increased productivity - data entry and computation
errors can be eliminated because mistakes are corrected
as they are entered, through built-in error-checking
routines.
Faster availability of data and inlproved communications
with features such as bar code wand and RS-232-C
interfaces.
The HP-94
The HP-94 weighs less than two pounds and can be carried
in one hand or attached to a clipboard. It features an 8-bit/
January 1.. 1986
Personal Computers
16-bit 80C88 compatible processor; two standard program-
ming languages - 8088 assembly language and BASIC;
four-line, 20-character LCD display; compatibility with the
HP Vectra PC and IBM PCIXTI'AT; flexible RAM options
starting at 64 Kbytes, expandable to 256 Kbytes; flexible
ROM or EPROM options for 64-Kbyte or 128-Kbyte ver-
sions; RS-232 interface; and data communications at up to
9600 baud.
Data is entered into the HP-94 using the alphanumeric
keyboard or one of three optional bar code wands. Each
wand features a durable metal case, a replaceable sealed
sapphire tip, and high-ambient performance for use in
direct sunlight.
The HP-94 reads popular bar codes including 3 of 9 Code,
Interleaved 2 of 5 Code, and UI'CIEANIJAN.
The HP-94, together with other HP portable computers,
minicomputers, personal computers, printers, bar code
scanners, and software, provides all the components of a
remote data collection and processing system for use on the
factory floor or in route accounting.
The HP-94 will be available in April. For more information
on the HP-94, ask your literature coordinator for the HP-94
flyer, PIN 5954-1328. Or call Sten Andersson, OEM pro-
gram manager at 503-757-2000, ext. 3016, or Jim Bye,
major accounts manager, at 503-757-2000, ext. 2343.
New Dual HP-IL Adapter for the
HP-71
Pete Lawson/HCCO
Two loops instead of one - that's what you get with the
new Dual HP-IL Adapter from the Handheld Computer and
Calculator Operation (HCCO). The adapter is a plug-in
HP-IL module that expands the range of manufacturing
and portable data acquisition applications for the HP-71 by
allowing two HP 82401A HP-IL modules to be plugged into
the HP-71 simultaneously.
With the adapter, the HP-71 treats each HP-IL module as
an independent interface. The HP-71 operates as a con-
troller on both loops; a controller on one loop and a device
on the other, interfacing with a local area network; or a
device on both loops.
Plugging two HP-IL modules into the HP-71 is especially
useful in manufacturing situations where control and com-
munications functions must exist simultaneously, yet
independently.
The Dual HP-IL Adapter allows control of instruments and
peripherals at the same time that data is sent to a super-
visory computer. This capability makes the HP-71 an ideal
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