HP-71B: 82490A or 82441A

[smp]

Hello all,

I am happy to have a good working HP-71B in my collection.

One of my hobby things is to get the Forth language working on each of my vintage computers. I understand this is achievable with the HP-71B: one needs to acquire the 82441A Forth/Assembler ROM. Of course, these occasionally become available, usually for an outrageous sum on eBay (a recent link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Forth-Assembler-...true&rt=nc).

I also understand that there is another route: acquire the 82490A 41CV Translator ROM. These also occasionally become available, sometimes for a somewhat less outrageous sum on eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/391234244435?_tr...EBIDX%3AIT).

I understand that the 82441A ROM is available in order to specifically make the HP version of the Forth language available, but I also understand that the HP version of Forth is also fully available in the 82490A ROM.

My question to the group is this: If I were to drop an outrageous sum of money to acquire one of these ROMs, which one should I choose? My desire is only to be able to use the HP version of the Forth language. I really do not intend to use the assembler in the 82441A ROM or the 41CV translator in the 82490A ROM.

Is one of these obviously "better" that the other? Is the 82490A ROM more limited in any way? Do both ROMs have the same capabilities?

Your thoughts and advice are very welcome.

smp