Is HP getting serious about calculators?
in [HP48]
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From: eddie_1970 on 3 Oct 2006 19:30 brad.barton(a)ccrtcblue.com wrote: > I've been lurking here a while, but not posting. I read a sort of > funny post dated last March begging the new CEO to revive the ailing > calculator division. Six months later, can anyone here (Jean-Yves, > cyrille, etc) say whether or not there has been a change in the way HP > approaches the calculator division, and the people they work with? Is > more money being spent? I wonder if the answer is "yes" could anyone > say anything without risking HP's legal department ripping them a new > one. > > I think that the introduction of the 50G is definitely a positive step, > and firm evidence that HP is beginning to see a bit of the light. But > are they just trying to clean up the 49G+ problem and let it go at > that, or is the 50G an indicator of better things to come? > > Any thoughts, hints, conjecture, evidence? > > Brad Hi Brad, I hope you're right that HP is again getting serious about calculators. Early in my career, I used TI calculators. Later I realized how much better HP calculators were. and purchased an HP48g. I stayed away from the HP49 because of the keyboard issues. Last week I did buy an HP50 that is a lot faster than my old HP48. One thing I wish HP would do is revive the HP15c. I'm an engineer & when I am in the field it would be nice to would to have something that size that, that fits in your pocke & does just the basics in RPN. HP are you listening ? If you can still make the HP12 why not the HP15C Regards. Eddie
From: John H Meyers on 3 Oct 2006 20:17 On Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:30:02 -0500, Eddie wrote: > One thing I wish HP would do is revive the HP15c. > I'm an engineer & when I am in the field it would be > nice to would to have something that size that fits in your pocket > & does just the basics in RPN. HP are you listening ? > If you can still make the HP12C why not the HP15C? This is what's in the current product line: http://www.hp.com/calculators/scientific/33s/index.html It's cheaper than a 12C, does some things more (and some less) than a 15C, has more memory, and probably requires less learning. Successful professional engineers can get a 15C on eBay, anyway :) [r->] [OFF]
From: TW on 3 Oct 2006 20:29 > I can't imagine he > fixes bugs or adds functionality, then sends the updates to HP and we > get a new ROM. Sounds like fantasy. Yet it isn't. Stange world we live in, isn't it? Would you like him to stop doing it? > HHC was just a few weeks ago. Anyone hear rumors while at the > conference?! Rumors no. . . but we all had to sign NDAs and hopefully everyone will respect them. TW
From: Howard Owen on 3 Oct 2006 20:53 Veli-Pekka Nousiainen wrote: > greenchile505(a)yahoo.com wrote: > I hope QOnos style machine with enough RAM & Flash > for full Linux & C-development system That would be cool. > > will a separate snap-in QWERTY keyboard (or calc keyboard) > or perhaps a dual keyboard where the "bottom" is calc KB The Qonos design had a version of the latter solution. The only reason I'm not happy with my clamshell zaurus as a calculator is the keyboard issue - and the power. Qonos had that licked as well, essentially incorporating two machines in one. The calc was low power and could go a long time on one charge. The PDA was more like a PPC. Palm or Zaurus in battery longevity. It's the best thinking I've seen so far that addresses device convergence AND the special needs of a calculating machine. Too bad they couldn't get over the economic energy barrier and into the marketplace with that one. Regards, Howard
From: eddie_1970 on 3 Oct 2006 20:54
John H Meyers wrote: > On Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:30:02 -0500, Eddie wrote: > > > One thing I wish HP would do is revive the HP15c. > > I'm an engineer & when I am in the field it would be > > nice to would to have something that size that fits in your pocket > > & does just the basics in RPN. HP are you listening ? > > If you can still make the HP12C why not the HP15C? > > This is what's in the current product line: > http://www.hp.com/calculators/scientific/33s/index.html > > It's cheaper than a 12C, does some things more > (and some less) than a 15C, has more memory, > and probably requires less learning. > > Successful professional engineers can get a 15C on eBay, anyway :) > > [r->] [OFF] John, I've not been able to see a HP33 in person, but everything I've read about it says that it won;t fit in your pocket. Plus the goofy chevron shaped keyboard sort of turns me off. Yes, I could get one from ebay but they are very very pricey with various defects.There are some engineers I work with that have HP 15Cs that I have offered to buy from but they would not part with it for any amount of money. They would sooner sell their souls than part with their HP15c. I love the HP50g in the office, but it would be very nice to have something small with RPN with basic a basic calculator (trig functions, etc) that I can do a quick & dirty calculation in the field. It doesn't have to have any programming capability. I have a Palm Pilot that with Creative Creek RPN calculator software that works great when it works but not that reliable. Especially in the winter, I don't care what Palm says they have a serious SUDS issue with static electicity in the winter. I just really would like to see HP bring back the HP15c. For a new HP15c I would be will to pay $100 - 150. Regards, Eddie |