How do you like the Woodstock calculators?

[Maximilian Hohmann]

Hello!

Another vote from me for the Woodstocks as my favorite calculators from HP. All of them are equally nice. At least if you don't need them to calculate orbital parameters of potentially ISS-threatening pieces of space junk.

They are small ("petite" even, compared to other calculators) but have an excellent and smartly laid-out keyboard and feel very solid. The LED display is crisp and with a set of modern NiMH rechargeables the battery life is good enough for occasional use.

The downside is the lack of internal corrosion protection against leaking batteries which results in contact problems in many of the surviving calculators. Both the keys and switches as well as in the contact springs that hold together the PCBs and display can be affected by this problem. And of course the infamous lack of voltage stabilisation in the wall chargers which instantly kills the calculator when recharged without a battery in place (or a bad battery or even bad battery contacts). Never use the charger with a Woodstock. Always charge the batteries outside the calculator.

Regards
Max