DOS Palmtop: Highscreen Handy Organizer Details and specs

Highscreen Handy Organizer

About this machine:

This Tidalwave PS-1000 clone is actually one of the best known palmtop PCs in Germany. Highscreen was the resident brand of German computer chain "Vobis" which was present in all larger cities. This and the fact that the version is localized with a German Keyboard layout, driver and localized applications made the device quite successful and even today you can still very often catch one on ebay Germany here and there.

Specs:

CPU: NEC V30 @ 7.15 MHz
Graphics: Monochrome CGA, 80 x 25 character text mode, CGA 2 color monochrome graphics mode
Display: 640 x 200 monochrome Supertwist LCD , 4 grey scales, 7.2 inch
Memory (RAM): 1 MB
ROM (Software): 1.5 MB
I/O ports: RS232 Serial (proprietary cable was included accessory), PCMCIA 1.0 Type I slot, Parallel port (proprietary cable included)
Sound: PC Speaker - Piezo
Operating System: MS-DOS 5.0
Software: MS Works 2.0, RacePen PIM (File manager, scheduler, phone book, etc), Microsoft QBasic
Size: Length 11.5 cm, Width 24.5 cm, Height 2.5 cm (4.5 inches x 9.7 inches x 1 inch)
Powered by: 2 AA batteries - rechargable or non-rechargable or AC adaptor (optional accessory), CR2032 Lithium button cell as memory backup
Weight: 590 gram (21 ounces) including 2 standard AA and CR2032 batteries
Special features: None
Released: 1992
Originally retailed for:: 599 Deutschmark
Clone of: Tidalwave PS-1000
Similar models: Tidalwave PS-1000, ZEOS Pocket PC and all other clones

Pros:
- Fully CGA compliant, so most CGA based DOS appz and games work
- Excellent keyboard
- Can use Flash cards with special driver (Draws much power in standby though)
- Can boot other OS with special "Volume Label" (See Tips and Tricks)
- Can bypass loading default drivers with secret Key Combo (Hold ALT + SHIFT during boot)

Cons:
- Not really the smallest Palmtop ever
- Power management is rather average

Collector Value:
5 of 10

Usage Value:
7 of 10

Verdict:
If you are not living in Germany then this one is quite hard to get hold of, but you won't miss much unless you always wanted a German keyboard and software.

See our Special Page "Tips and tricks and Drivers" for more:

Tidalwave Tools and tricks

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