HP 50g 1

[DaveAtkins]

Does anyone use the new HP 50g calculator? I am thinking about buying one, to replace my HP 33s with defective keys. Specifically, do the keys get "jiggly" after one year of use, like on the HP 33s?

DaveAtkins

 

[JAE]

I haven't used that calculator - most HP's that I've ever used (about 5) have never given me key problems.

Here's a link to the calculator on HP's website:

http://h10010.

http://www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/215348-215348-64232-30821-215350-3235173.html

 

[dimjim]

I did have problems with keys in the early
designs where they used bubble membrane
technology to act as springs or contact
points. My 11c has been going for 15 years
or more.

 

[rgerk]

DaveAtkins,

I am glad to here that I'm not the only one dealing with jiggly keys on the HP33s. I attempted to dismantle and investigate the problem, but was unable to pull the face off. I have determined that the keys are linked together in a grid with plastic ties between each key. I guess my keystroke style has broken a few links, mainly the enter and number 1 key.

Have you mentioned this to HP yet? I have been contemplating talking to them. I rather like the calculator over my HP48GX just for its size. I have had the HP48GX for over 10 years without problem. The HP33s is new so hopefully they can modify the design to fix this problem.

 

[DaveAtkins]

I sent HP an e-mail about a year ago (I think), and they never responded. Great customer service, no? If it weren't for the fact that they are the only company that makes RPN calculators...

DaveAtkins

 

[JAE]

dimjim - 11c's were one of the greatest calculators ever made in my opinion. Wish they still made them.

 

[PMR06]

Maybe you should try a TI? I mean; TI [ENTER] try a [ENTER] maybe you should [ENTER]

Just kidding! I love the old HP vs TI argument. I say whatever works best for you is the best calculator.

Anyway, my boss had his old HP repaired. I think he found a company on

http://www.hpmuseum.org/repair.htm

 

[aggman]

I am on my third HP 33s in two years. First two had the same problem. Broken (jiggly) decimal or enter key. I am also looking at the 50 and was wondering the same thing about the keys. I happen to really like the 33s, but I am getting tired of getting a new one every year because the buttons break.

 

[swearingen]

Before you buy, check out the price at the commercial link listed on

http://www.hpcalc.org.

They give discounts.

As for key problems, it is the reason I've stayed with my old 48GX. The 49G and 49G+ just didn't cut it and they are now collecting dust in my drawer. Can anyone compare the keys on the 49G, 49G+, 33S and 50G? Have they improved appreciably?

I just can't believe that they went away from the fantastic keys they had on the 11C, 41CV, and 48 series. You've already heard from the 11C guys - my 48GX was purchased in 1993 and looks terrible considering how many times it's been dropped and banged up. It has never let me down and the keys feel just as tight as the brand new 48G backup machine I bought off of Ebay a couple of years back.



If you "heard" it on the internet, it's guilty until proven innocent. - DCS

 

[lkjh345]

Have an HP15c thats still my everday calculator after 24 years.

They don't make them like that anymore!

 

[271828]

I've read great reviews about the 50's keyboard feel.

On a side issue, I bought a 33 to go along with my 48G and am extremely disappointed in it. The keys are too hard and that 4 register stack is retarded. I'm used to punching equations from left to right, regardless of size and this is simply not possible with 4 registers.

I'm planning to buy a 50 when I can come up with an adequate excuse.

 

[JAE]

271828 -

Some excuses for you:

1. The HP50g better matches the color of my eyes (my pupils actually).
2. I can use RPN, Textbook, or Agebraic entry depending on whether I'm a) calculating by myself, b) showing off to my kids, or c) explaining something to an Architect.
3. The dog ate my 33.
4. I can write the expense of the 50g off....I think.
5. Oops...I accidentally dropped my 33 out the window on the freeway.
6. I'm getting cross-eyed using the 33 with its "V" shaped key layout. Can't loose my eyesight now can I.
7. It's rumoured that the latest building codes do not accept use of the 33 in design calculations.
8. The 33 doesn't do 3D and everyone in the country knows that BIM and 3D are coming.

 

[271828]

LOL. I like 7 and the last part of 2 the best!

 

[Tomfh]

Apparantly the 50G is what the 49G should have been. The keys are supposedly much better. I have yet to hear of anyone who didnt hate the 49G keys.

 

[swivel63]

apparently i'm still the only engineer in the world who uses a TI.

well, geez...now i feel inferior.

LOL

 

[JAE]

swivel63 - you're the greatest.






(just trying to help)

 

[swivel63]

LOLOL, i just gave you a gold star for that "valuable post"

 

[271828]

swivel, don't feel bad. I taught a design class last semester with 37 students and NOT ONE student had anything other than a TI.

I made fun of their calculator skills because I gave them a fairly long equation on an exam and about 5 of them made it from one end to the other without catastrophe!

 

[Tomfh]

I currently use a TI-89. Having the 30 previous entries is very useful. The screen has a nice resolution too.

I am thinking about getting an HP 50G because I lost my old HP 48.

 

[swivel63]

for the PE exam in october i had to get used to the TI30. i could have basically used my cell phone for that exam, lol.