Accessing CompuServe Automatically With The 95LX
Larry discusses his automated MESSAGE program for sending and retrieving
of CompuServe messages using the HP 95LX.
By Larry Lefkowitz
If you read the article on page 26 of the March/April 92 issue of The HP
Palmtop Paper, you have learned that it is relatively simple to access
CompuServe with your HP 95LX. You may have learned a couple of other lessons
as well:
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1. Reading and replying to forum messages and mail while connected to CompuServe
can be an expensive proposition.
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2. You must know and remember the necessary CompuServe commands to perform
the functions you want.
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3. A "convenience" factor is missing; to read or reply to a message, you
must be directly connected to CompuServe over a phone line. You cannot
accomplish this at times or locations that may be more convenient.
I used the HP 95LX to access CompuServe manually. However, I have used
a program on my desktop to automate CompuServe, and I felt that there must
be a better way for the 95LX. This led to the creation of a program called
MESSAGE *.
MESSAGE is written specifically for the 95LX and lets you automatically
retrieve your CompuServe forum messages and Cmail.
MESSAGE also lets you read and reply to messages while disconnected
from CompuServe. This is not only much more convenient, but it greatly
reduces your CompuServe connect charges.
The HP 95LX / MESSAGE combination affords an additional advantage over
similar programs that run on desk-top systems; it's small enough to work
on the 95LX. This lets you carry a portable messaging system in your coat
pocket and conveniently communicate from anywhere in the world. MESSAGE
will be of interest to you if either of the following holds true:
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You own an HP 95LX and use CompuServe frequently, or would like to, or;
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You travel frequently and need a simple, portable way to retrieve your
CompuServe Mail
The following describes a typical on-line session with the MESSAGE program.
(NOTE: To use MESSAGE with the HP 95LX, you will need a properly connected,
95LX-compatible modem. For advice on setting up a modem with the HP 95LX,
see "How Do You Use DATACOMM," on page 33 of the January/February 1992
issue of The HP Palmtop Paper.)