HP-35S Discontinued?

[Jeff O.]

(10-27-2021 10:57 PM)bbergman Wrote:  By the way, there's a Walmart Seller (Photo4Less) that's still selling NIB 35's for $54. That's a good $10+ less than the eBay and Amazon prices right now. Just got mine the other day and it was in perfect condition, including sealed HP theft detection strip still in place.

I have two 35s units from 2007, each with a key or two or three that require extra pressure to register, so I figured I'd go ahead and buy one more, especially if it has been discontinued. I ordered one from the Walmart seller, it arrived in about 4 days. Some general observations:
- made in the Philippines
- S/N is PHA030_ _ _ _ , I assume that means made in 2020, week 30?
- compared to my old units, the new keys feel a little more "poppy", i.e., a little better. No real way to tell if that is due to the old keyboards being old, or some inherent difference, but it is a real difference.
- the left-shift (or up-shift) legends above the keys are are bolder and more gold than the yellow of the old units. I think this is an inherent difference, i.e., not that the old ones have faded.
- the packaging proudly proclaimed "Bonus! Protective case included". Not the zip-up clam-shell of the originals, instead is a slip-on with elastic sides, like came with the 30b if I recall correctly. At least there is no zipper to break.

I know that many have no love for the 35s, but, I give it much credit for being the only RPN model to have an "i" key. And almost certainly the last RPN (scientific, not counting the 12C which will apparently live forever) to be produced by HP, so, I guess also credit for being the end of an era. Worth $55 to me to get one more, but your mileage may vary of course.