Just ordered my first SwissMicros... DM42n

[34C]

(09-21-2024 09:56 AM)Steve Simpkin Wrote:  The DM42 and DM42n use the same firmware codebase which allows you to choose different font sizes.

So I understand that in the product photos I only see two different size settings and the display is actually the same on both calculators.
Thanks!

[lach]

(09-21-2024 06:17 AM)msw Wrote:  Me too. Took a few days to decide whether to go for the DM42n or DM32. Seems as if it's the same hardware but the keyboard layout is different. Ended up going for the DM42n because the DM42 has been around longer so there's more alternative firmware and keyboard bezels available. Also bought a C47 bezel. I like that the DM32 ischock full of functions but I managed to convince myself that the simpler looking DM42n would be more utliitarian. Now I'm like a kid waiting for Xmas. Pathetic in an apparently grown adult. And yet I don't care.

I am really hoping that it will be possible to run the DM32 firmware on the DM42n and gain access to all of those handy functions, as well as all of the alternative firmwares. I have heard that C47 currently supports the DM42n, and DB48X should work, albeit with maybe the wrong keyboard layout? I sent a message off to Swissmicros support to confirm that the DM32 firmware can be loaded on the DM42n. I wonder if I can just buy a DM32 bezel from them directly?

I'm this close to pulling the trigger on the DM42n. It's a lot of cash for a piece of obsolete tech but it would be a fun toy.

Don't sell yourself short too - the waiting for the toys is half of the fun or more.

[DA74254]

There's a DM42n on it's way to Latvia as well

[rprosperi]

(09-21-2024 08:29 PM)lach Wrote:  

(09-21-2024 06:17 AM)msw Wrote:  Me too. Took a few days to decide whether to go for the DM42n or DM32. Seems as if it's the same hardware but the keyboard layout is different. Ended up going for the DM42n because the DM42 has been around longer so there's more alternative firmware and keyboard bezels available. Also bought a C47 bezel. I like that the DM32 ischock full of functions but I managed to convince myself that the simpler looking DM42n would be more utliitarian. Now I'm like a kid waiting for Xmas. Pathetic in an apparently grown adult. And yet I don't care.

I am really hoping that it will be possible to run the DM32 firmware on the DM42n and gain access to all of those handy functions, as well as all of the alternative firmwares. I have heard that C47 currently supports the DM42n, and DB48X should work, albeit with maybe the wrong keyboard layout? I sent a message off to Swissmicros support to confirm that the DM32 firmware can be loaded on the DM42n. I wonder if I can just buy a DM32 bezel from them directly?

I'm this close to pulling the trigger on the DM42n. It's a lot of cash for a piece of obsolete tech but it would be a fun toy.

Don't sell yourself short too - the waiting for the toys is half of the fun or more.

The DM32 f/w would run on a DM42n device, however the keyboard (and the bezel) are so different, that it's effectively unusable, unless you're willing to make and install small labels that stick onto the keys themselves.

Also, if by "all those handy functions" you mean calculator functions, the DM42n (being Free42 in device form) has as many and more than the DM32, plus more powerful programming features, however the DM32 offers a debugger and interstate Fn-calling which the 42 lacks.

Different (key) strokes for different folks.

[carey]

(09-22-2024 12:10 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  …however the DM32 offers a debugger and interstate Fn-calling which the 42 lacks.

So I can be in New Hampshire and call a function in Vermont! :)

All joking aside, I didn’t realize the DM32 could call functions from saved states — it sounds like a great way to create libraries of functions. Thank you Bob for pointing out this feature!

[JimP]

I'm thinking of buying a DM42n. Does anyone have any idea how much the shipping cost and delivery time would be to Australia? (Or somewhere equally distant)?

[johnb]

(09-21-2024 06:17 AM)msw Wrote:  Now I'm like a kid waiting for Xmas. Pathetic in an apparently grown adult. And yet I don't care.

Not at all! If you can make it past your 50th birthday without growing up... you don't have to!

[johnb]

(09-23-2024 12:21 AM)carey Wrote:  

(09-22-2024 12:10 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  …however the DM32 offers a debugger and interstate Fn-calling which the 42 lacks.

So I can be in New Hampshire and call a function in Vermont!

We've had that for years now.

Remember CORBA?

[Now, where is that "cringe with horror" emoticon?]

[msw]

(09-23-2024 06:16 AM)JimP Wrote:  I'm thinking of buying a DM42n. Does anyone have any idea how much the shipping cost and delivery time would be to Australia? (Or somewhere equally distant)?

The shipping cost to Australia for the DM42n I ordered 4 days ago is CHF 25 (about 43 AUD). Can't say what the delivery time is but can tell you what I wish it was : 4 days! (Are we there yet?) I'm expecting it to be several weeks (4 to 6) from the odd reference in emails I've seen.

[Ren]

(09-23-2024 09:47 PM)johnb Wrote:  

(09-21-2024 06:17 AM)msw Wrote:  Now I'm like a kid waiting for Xmas. Pathetic in an apparently grown adult. And yet I don't care.

Not at all! If you can make it past your 50th birthday without growing up... you don't have to!

"You're never too hold to have a happy childhood!"

(seen on a trucker's baseball cap in 1988)

[Johnh]

On shipping Europe to Australia, for me (near Sydney) it's about 12 days recently, and I use Auspost tracking to watch the progress of parcels once in the country.

[c3d]

(09-18-2024 12:19 AM)toml_12953 Wrote:  

(09-17-2024 11:18 AM)c3d Wrote:  As the author of DB48X, I was curious too, so I asked SwissMicros, and they told me that anything that runs on a DM32 should run on the DM42n. So that would be DB50X (DB48X is the exact same software at the moment, but built for the DM42).

Please report your findings.

Doesn't DB50X require the DM32 keyboard with two shift keys, yellow and blue? The 42n still has the 42 keyboard with only the yellow shift key. To run DB50X on the 42n would require key stickers and a new bezel (or a memory much better than mine!)

No, the keyboard layout of DB50X is the same as DB48X, and only uses one shift key. The reason, discussed more extensively in this thread, is that two unshifted and shiftable arrow keys are absolutely necessary for a good RPL user experience.

This is why an overlay is almost indispensable when running DB50X on a DM32. On a DM42, you can probably live without an overlay, although be aware of one primary change, which is that instead of LOG and LN, DB50X has EXP and LN.

[c3d]

(09-19-2024 04:51 AM)lach Wrote:  I'm also deciding between a DM32, DM42n, and a second-hand DM42 for a bit cheaper.

Pros of the DM32:
* Faster hardware
* Unit conversions easily available (e.g. °F to °C, lbs to kg)
* DB50x target with 2 shift keys

That's incorrect, see my previous response for details. DB50X uses the exact same keyboard layout as DB48X, and without an overlay, it's almost unusable on a DM32. The overlay-less experience should be much better on a DM42n.

Quote:Pros of the original DM42:
* Cheaper
* Supports C47 as well as DB48x
* Matches free42
* Classic

Pros of the DM42n:
* Faster hardware
* Matches free42

Is it possible to buy a DM42n or a DM32 and cross-flash it to the other firmware, with just a new keyboard overlay? Also, has anyone actually used DB48x on the DM42n yet?

Technically that would be DB50x (the version with more memory).

Quote:Thanks!

[c3d]

(09-21-2024 08:29 PM)lach Wrote:  

(09-21-2024 06:17 AM)msw Wrote:  Me too. Took a few days to decide whether to go for the DM42n or DM32. Seems as if it's the same hardware but the keyboard layout is different. Ended up going for the DM42n because the DM42 has been around longer so there's more alternative firmware and keyboard bezels available. Also bought a C47 bezel. I like that the DM32 ischock full of functions but I managed to convince myself that the simpler looking DM42n would be more utliitarian. Now I'm like a kid waiting for Xmas. Pathetic in an apparently grown adult. And yet I don't care.

I am really hoping that it will be possible to run the DM32 firmware on the DM42n and gain access to all of those handy functions, as well as all of the alternative firmwares. I have heard that C47 currently supports the DM42n, and DB48X should work, albeit with maybe the wrong keyboard layout?

That's the opposite. DB50X, the version targeting the DM32, would be much more comfortable to use without overlay, see my previous answers. (I'm trying to play a game of whack-a-mole with this incorrect rumour about DB50X matching the DM32 keyboard layout: it does not).

Quote: I sent a message off to Swissmicros support to confirm that the DM32 firmware can be loaded on the DM42n. I wonder if I can just buy a DM32 bezel from them directly?

I'm this close to pulling the trigger on the DM42n. It's a lot of cash for a piece of obsolete tech but it would be a fun toy.

Don't sell yourself short too - the waiting for the toys is half of the fun or more.

[dholenstein]

(09-16-2024 11:57 AM)Jase Wrote:  I've owned HP 28C and 28S, and 32S - but those are sadly gone.
I currently own HP 48GX, 50g, 12C, and two 15C CEs
But this will be my first SwissMicros. I've been waiting for the 42 release with the better hardware specs.

Can't wait...
Much to learn...

A very similar situation here...
These are my calculators: HP 12C, HP 48G, HP 50g, and the HP 17bII+ while the HP 48G is my all-time favorite.

I am missing the 80ies and 90ies of the last century when we could expect (and buy) new HP calculators every year (yes, I am 54 years old).

But thanks to Swissmicros I am back on the calculator addicts boat again and I will order the DM 42n next week.

[msw]

Hi All,

I received my DM42n yesterday. Ordered it on 21 Sept. 2024 and arrived on 24 Oct. 2024 (34 days) to Melbourne, Australia.

Very happy with the calculator. I can only pity people who don't have one. Very solid and high quality construction. Nice display, once I worked out that more light equals more contrast. No contrast adjustment, just shine more light on it. The graphics are really crisp and professional. I've never owned a HP42S so I've got a lot to learn but first impressions are very positive.

It's smaller than I'd expected, say 20-30% less than my HP48G and/or HP-35s (roughly). I'd prefer it to be bigger but this could be seen as a pro or a con depending on individual preferences.

The button action is firmer than the HP's. I don't have a particular preference so I'm very happy with it.

I have a keyboard overlay for the C47 with a sticky backing. It would be nice to have some small cutouts in the DM42n case either side of the keyboard so the keyboard overlay could be temporarily mounted. I refuse to stick the overlay to the calculator permanently, it's just too nice. I'd like to mix and match firmware on a whim so I'll figure out something temporary for this, but it could be a good idea for future models. I'm sure either HP or TI have done this in the past, just can't remember what calculator I saw this feature on.

To reiterate though, I'm very happy with my purchase and look forward to many hours playing with it. Would not hesitate recommending it to anyone.

Mike

[dm319]

(10-25-2024 05:01 AM)msw Wrote:  I can only pity people who don't have one.

Fair but harsh!

(10-25-2024 05:01 AM)msw Wrote:  It's smaller than I'd expected, say 20-30% less than my HP48G and/or HP-35s (roughly). I'd prefer it to be bigger but this could be seen as a pro or a con depending on individual preferences.

It's the same size as a HP-42s, but makes use of the physical space better.

It's funny but I really don't like larger calculators - the further the screen gets away from the buttons, the less direct the machine feels. The voyagers feel the most responsive to me, irrespective of processor speed.

[rprosperi]

(10-25-2024 05:01 AM)msw Wrote:  Hi All,

I received my DM42n yesterday. Ordered it on 21 Sept. 2024 and arrived on 24 Oct. 2024 (34 days) to Melbourne, Australia.

[snip]

I have a keyboard overlay for the C47 with a sticky backing. It would be nice to have some small cutouts in the DM42n case either side of the keyboard so the keyboard overlay could be temporarily mounted. I refuse to stick the overlay to the calculator permanently, it's just too nice. I'd like to mix and match firmware on a whim so I'll figure out something temporary for this, but it could be a good idea for future models. I'm sure either HP or TI have done this in the past, just can't remember what calculator I saw this feature on.

Glad you like it, but you really, really will once you learn it all.

The DM42n actually does have small slits in the sides of the rails along each side of the keyboard, to accept temporary (thin paper) overlays for situations just like yours (want to try alternate layout but not ready to commit to new system yet) and a member here sells many types of overlays, including paper C47 style with tabs (for the slots), so I suggest trying one of those (when you're ready) and then if you like it enough to change, you can install the one you own now (with peel/stick back). When you do that, I advise you to remove the original bezel and install the new one, as it feels much better while in use, and it's frankly easier to swap bezels than removing the C47 bezel from the original DM42 bezel. The paper overlay ordering info can be found here:

https://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-20113.html

[DA74254]

(10-25-2024 05:01 AM)msw Wrote:  Hi All,

I received my DM42n yesterday. Ordered it on 21 Sept. 2024 and arrived on 24 Oct. 2024 (34 days) to Melbourne, Australia.

That is one of the reasons I've decided not to order anything more from SM. Mine arrived after 29 days from Switzerland to Latvia (ca 1.500km as the crow flies). Extremely slow, and expensive, postage. No, it was not stuck at customs. That took abt 16 hours (including my online customs pyment), as soon as it landed in Latvia.
That also goes for everyting I've ordred, my original DM42, my DM32 and also the DM32 book. More than 4 weeks delivery. On top of that; expensive and no tracking.
I've ordered other things both from within EU and outside with far less shipping time and cheaper, with tracking. Just sayin'.

[Pierre]

When I read that delivery times are long when it comes to a month's delay...
I burst out laughing!
Having had the opportunity to order many calculators all over the world, I have had the opportunity to see that some countries are worse than others!
My records? Mexico: 48 hours, China: 3 days, Spain, Germany: 5 days, Canada, England: 12 days and the worst USA: between fifteen days and... six months!
Thanks to USpostal tracking, I saw a package visit at least ten different states (passing through one already "visited") before leaving for Spain then Switzerland and arriving in France after six months! (a TI : Tourist & Itinerant)
Two calculators that left on the same day, one from New York, the other from California, arrived 2 weeks apart... It was the calculator that left California that arrived first after taking the plane from Chicago to Holland and finally France.

So I end up finding that a month can be quick...
In French: Tout est relatif !

(PS: I have about 250 calculators today... many years of waiting)
...and I have all the DM !