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johnb · (This post was last modified: 10-02-2023 11:03 PM by johnb.)

(10-02-2023 08:38 PM)Peter Klein Wrote: Here's my "stash" of working HP RPNs:
11c, 32s (three!), 32sii, 33s (two), 42s, WP34s

My top criteria are very readable display (for aging eyes), keyboard suitable for my big hands, robustness and reliability, a decent equation solver.

So, what would you do if you were me?

I understand the Search for the Perfect Calculator all too well. As you can see from my daily drivers in my .sig, you and I have a lot of overlap in our collections. (Though, for the life of me, I cannot fathom your preference of the 32s over the 32sII, LOL!)

The reason why I enjoy having a bunch of different models as my daily driver is precisely because of The Search... if I can't find the One Calculator of Power (apologies, J.R.R.!) then the "Best Calculator for the Moment" does nicely.

IMHO, the only reason(s) to pare down your collection are:
(a) make space for other things you'd rather have;
(b) sell, to better afford other things you'd rather have.

So... hmm... some random suggestions, perhaps?

Maybe look for a 35s?
It's pretty cool and pretty readable, and if you don't need a powerhouse you won't run afoul of its quirks/bugs/limitations. (I haven't.)
Maybe keep your eye out for another 11c in very nice "like new" condition?
You already know it has a very clear display.
Either that, or buy one of the new 15c Collector's Editions.
Same display as an 11c, but a new-in-box machine.
Perhaps try to find a reasonably priced 41-series. (Or splurge.)
Those have NICELY clear displays. But they have the older -/+/x/÷ operators stacked on the left, unlike the newer ÷/x/-/+ ordering on the right, which might throw you. (It does for me from time to time.)
Maybe splurge on the SwissMicros of your choice?
If your 32s is your favorite then maybe go for the DM32?

If your goal is to have a friendly tool always at hand for the rest of your life, instead of that of increasing your collection, my one real piece of advice would be to spend the effort and $$$ to get ones in NICE condition from now on. (And/or, you perform careful restoration work and cleanup.) It's worth it to have nice, clean, pretty tools.