Hypothetical WP 35S

[jebem]

Halo, Walter.
Danke for this new thread and project.

I believe SwissMicros have the right technology and know how to create a new fully customizable hardware calculator for DIY projects, sporting adequate specs (cpu, memory, keyboard, display, etc.).

In this way, there would be no need for sticky labels on the keys, and this alone would be a great improvement against the WP-34S.

The big question is if they are willing to do it and at what cost.
If this new hardware can be made as generalist as possible, I believe this can generate sufficient interest from SM to drive them to produce it and eventually supporting part of the costs.
Are you planing to call and propose a business plan to them?

I have contacted SM in the recent past concerning their new keyboard design and from their answer I understand that a customized keyboard would have a low cost per unit but requires a large batch to the produced in order to pay for the mold costs.

So, the big (7000USD) question is:
Are there enough people here interested in such a project to raise sufficient money to pay the keyboard relabeling and new PCA with a better processor?

Please note that the mold already exists, we do not need a new one.
We just need new printed labels on the keys, so our production costs would be significantly lower!

Your list of candidate buyers can have my name included.