Does the HP 12c Platinum use mask ROM?

[AnnoyedOne]

The OP seems to want to buy a HP model "that will last forever" (or more accurately their lifetime). Personally I'd pick a model based on features, size, price and other factors and not worry about lifetime (unless it is known to be limited).

(09-26-2024 07:03 AM)brouhaha Wrote:  I think the masked-ROM microcontroller used in it either has gone or will soon go end-of-life...

You could be right. That part was designed at least 20 years ago. And ARM Soc's are coming down in price, are much faster, etc.

I have noticed that new 12C/12CP calculators seem to be NOS (new old stock) possibly made years ago. So HP may've stockpiled them in anticipation. Or perhaps they negotiated some deal to keep buying the chip. Who knows?

(09-26-2024 07:03 AM)brouhaha Wrote:  Note that very nearly ALL consumer electronics now contains floating-gate memory cells that have this issue.

Exactly. Everything eventually dies. Humans, animals, plants, electronics, etc. Then there's "change". Will we even require calculators/computers in 20 years?

A1