WP34s 20b Repurposed

[MarkHaysHarris777]

Greetings, my 20b came in the mail today, so it is the first time I've actually had my hands on that baby/ repurposed it this afternoon including crystal and caps; woke up and runs well.

I thought I might give a contrast and comparison, since there has been some discussion about it, and since I was somewhat surprised by what I found myself. First, the machines are identical; same weight, same board(s), same keys, same bezel(s). From the back and from the side the 20b and the 30b cannot be differentiated. Both machines weigh in at +/- 111g. Both are the same size and shape (trapezoidal bezel) grey upper, glossy black lower (the back plates are identical)

The differences between the 20b and the 30b are noticeable, but not drastic. Both machines have a recessed LCD; however, the 30b has a mylar coating over its brushed metallic look which covers the LCD recess... in other words there is a 'space' of about 1.5 mm on the 30b between the mylar clear top coating over the LCD recess. On the 20b the recess is open. The 30b has a little more protection over the LCD. The 20b has the LCD exposed to touch, scratch, etc. The 30b has a brushed metallic top bezel, while the 20b has a glossy (classy) black finish... the HP emblem is more distinct (metal) on the 20b. The keyboard is the biggest difference between the 20b and the 30b. The keys on the 30b are classic rotate and click metallic dome HP style buttons (with beveled front edges as one might expect). The keys are also beveled on the 20b but ARE NOT rotate and click metallic dome (even though they look like it) but are modern plastic key tops over silicone bubble dome mat (confirmed through disassembly). The keys are NOT bad. If you are used to the keys of the 36x Pro, or the fx115es plus, then you'll be right at home with these keys... they are standard modern calculator key buttons (and they DO NOT fail, no missed key strokes, no double keys, no dead keys). For those of you expecting 'real' HP rotate and click keys, well, you'll be disappointed because they will feel mushy to you. Also, and this affects everyone, because the front edges of the 20b are also beveled (like the 30b) the tendency is to try to rocker them forward (which feels strange).

The LCD displays of the 20b and 30b are a slightly different type (perhaps different vendor). I have provided photos for reference:



The 30b LCD is a softer grey tone, nice clarity, with good viewing angle; the 20b has a slight yellow|green tint, very distinct clarity (but only from one viewing angle). Looking into the 20b LCD directly is fuzzy (needs angle of 75-80 deg to normal). The 30b LCD is very clear from a wider viewing angle, and IMHO is the slightly better display. Having said that, the 20b display is not BAD; in fact, without a direct comparison side-by-side its very nice too.

The previous pic(s) was posted to show contrast with each display (angle) in its best light, for color and clarity.

The following pic is posted to show both units at the same angle; as noted, the clarity of the 30b is consistent at a range of viewing angles, while the 20b is clear only for one viewing angle +/-



In practice, the difference between the two displays is very minimal; really.

The second time of installing caps and crystal went three times faster; the flash-box worked on the first shot, and I have now three functioning units, counting the 30b I gave to my son. I'm probably going to be transitioning to the 20b since I don't have to fight the keyboard (my 30b key clickers miss too frequently for my liking). I bought the 20b used on ebay for $12, so I didn't get a case with it (not to worry, have a clam-shell case from an old disc unit that just fits)

CONCLUSION: Don't be afraid of the 20b, its really very nice (looks great, feels great, has a modern keyboard).


Cheers
marcus