HP 28 misc...

[burkhard]

(06-21-2018 12:31 PM)mdunn Wrote:  1. Is the 2-cell tube supposed to be so tight? I really have to whack the calculator to get the cells out. There's a thin strip of diagonally-applied foam in there causing the problem. Opinions?

I have a 28S and the batteries might need a tiny shake, but nothing violent. I certainly would not "whack" the calculator anywhere around the battery compartment because the clamshell models are so fragile there. I don't see any foam on my 28S.

(06-21-2018 12:31 PM)mdunn Wrote:  2. The 28 seems to be the cheapest "serious" HP calc to be found on eBay...by a long shot. Weirdly interesting. Cheaper than LED calcs. Cheaper than the 32 & 42, both of which I wouldn't mind having, but not at those prices. Is it because it's such an unusual machine?

The LED calcs tend to be expensive because with special batteries and (usually) no continuous memory, many of them have gotten tossed over the years. And, there's a nostalgic market for them.

The 28C is not unusual. It's quite common, which helps it being cheap. Also, the 28S is the same machine in every respect except a few very important improvements (gobs more memory and the ability to use directories). So everyone really prefers the 28S. The advantage of the 28C is price.

For just doing calculations on your desk though, the 28C is as capable as the 28S. Everything else is the same. Neither one is very I/O capable though.

I like this series, especially because of their "right there" alpha keyboard. But they are fragile (especially that battery door opening...be gentle opening it; they are designed to chip and crack!) and the display isn't very high contrast. The size / form / LCD character font I like a lot better than the 48 series.