HP48SX vs HP48G

[edryer]

Hi Guys

I did use an HP41C for many years but unfortunately lost it so am looking for a replacement preferably one that can view the stack (larger LCD) and having used a work colleagues 48GX a few years ago was quite happy with it.

I now have the choice of one of the following Calculators from a friend and am not sure which one to choose. Both are in almost Mint condition, flawless LCD and come with original cases.

1. HP48G, soft case.
2. HP48SX, Original (82215A) 128K RAM Card, Aide memoire booklet, soft case.

I'll be primarily using the Calculator for probability to graduate level. I don't need anything fancy and the old 48GX I used was fine so I am assuming the 48G will be. However I like the look of the 48SX (might be silly but love the keyboard colors) and I guess being expandable the 128K card could store some RPL if I write it for solving some problems.

Also the 48GX I used a while ago was a bit sluggish at times (not annoying though just an observation) so I assume the 48SX will be somewhat slower?

Build Quality? I notice the 48SX has a proper HP inlayed label, whilst the 48S, 48G and 48GX are just printed!

thanks!
--ed

[RMollov]

In the given circumstances I would go for the SX unless the G has one of those high contrast B/W display, which I doubt.

[walter b]

I fullheartedly agree on your assessment of the keyboard colors. The display quality, however, may outweigh that: the 'blue' LCD of the SX is just ... ummh ... left a lot of space for improvement. Since I don't have a working 48G at hand I can't tell you if it's any better. I can just confirm that the so-called 'black' LCD of the last production runs of the 48G/G+ was a significant improvement.

d:-/

[aurelio]

Except from the keyboard colour matter (I'm perfectly agree), I should opt for the newest one, 'cause I think that the 48G-G+-GX menu is more confortable, no words about the black display (not always available), this is obvious.

[edryer]

Many thanks for the replies.

I will have a look closely at both calculators in the next few days but although the lcd contrast may not be as good there is one issue that makes me feel the 48SX is likely a better option.

I probably will develop programs and am paranoid that the 48G might lose them unlike the 48SX where I can put them on the card and feel a little bit more confident they'll be safe.

Also one day if I move to the GX I can take the ram card with me.

Will keep you updated with my observations when I have looked at both closely.

[John Smitherman]

Another option is to buy a 50G. They are currently selling for $80 at amazon.

Regards,

John

[edryer]

In the US yes
UK minimum price is £90 on ebay around $150.

If truth be told I am also a nostalgic fellow so any of the new HP's would be heresy.

After the 48GX it seems HP lost a lot of calculator credibility at least if you believe much of what the forums say!

[Raymond Del Tondo]

(12-21-2013 10:21 PM)edryer Wrote:  Also the 48GX I used a while ago was a bit sluggish at times (not annoying though just an observation) so I assume the 48SX will be somewhat slower?

The SX is slow in comparison to the GX, so if you think the GX was "sluggish", then you may find the SX rather "lame". And for the GX/G+ a software Turbo called SpeedUI ist available.

(12-21-2013 10:21 PM)edryer Wrote:  Build Quality? I notice the 48SX has a proper HP inlayed label, whilst the 48S, 48G and 48GX are just printed!

Even the "low quality" units from Indonesia are well built. The HP logo of the SX looks best, but in the end it's the least important thing on the calc;-)

Much more important IMHO is the readability of the display. In this respect even the GX with the green/blue LCD is much better than the SX. Hard to believe that anyone likes the SX LCD at all...

Below is a comparison of all 3 LCD types. From left to right: Blue/green LCD , Blue SX LCD, Black/White LCD .Yes, there exists at least one early GX with the old SX LCD;-)

[Raymond Del Tondo]

(12-22-2013 01:37 PM)edryer Wrote:  I probably will develop programs and am paranoid that the 48G might lose them unlike the 48SX where I can put them on the card and feel a little bit more confident they'll be safe.

RAM cards are generally not a good place for backups. I'd recommend to store backups on a PC.

[edryer]

Quote:RAM cards are generally not a good place for backups. I'd recommend to store backups on a PC.

My intention was to store the programs on the 48SX and the backups on the RAM card. kinda duplication reassurance

It seems the RAM card itself is worth more than the 48SX! Crazy.

Quote:Below is a comparison of all 3 LCD types. From left to right: Blue/green LCD , Blue SX LCD, Black/White LCD .Yes, there exists at least one early GX with the old SX LCD;-)

Amazing, I never knew there was s such a variance. I have seen the 48G's display and it looks very good (and the unit according to the serial number was manufactured early 1994 so it can't be a black one) but it looks almost black.

I have noticed the 48G's soft pouch is almost junk, whereas the pouch for the 41C was pretty nice as I recall.

[Nick_S]

(12-22-2013 03:19 PM)edryer Wrote:  I have noticed the 48G's soft pouch is almost junk, whereas the pouch for the 41C was pretty nice as I recall.

My cover has faded a bit over 19 years, but it has protected the calculator fine.

Nick

[edryer]

(12-22-2013 06:25 PM)Nick_S Wrote:  My cover has faded a bit over 19 years, but it has protected the calculator fine.

Nick

Nick

Perhaps Junk was too strong a word as it seems still in good condition. Just much "thinner" material than the 41C's was, perhaps there is also a variance in cases however.

It was so long ago the 41C maybe my memory is playing tricks.

[Raymond Del Tondo]

(12-22-2013 06:33 PM)edryer Wrote:  Perhaps Junk was too strong a word as it seems still in good condition. Just much "thinner" material than the 41C's was, perhaps there is also a variance in cases however.

It was so long ago the 41C maybe my memory is playing tricks.

The soft cases for the HP-41 were made of some kind of vinyl with foam padding inside. The early versions with the small right-angled zipper handle are prone for dissolved black foam granulating into sticky dust, the later ones seem to have a longer decay time;-)

The 48 soft cases are made of nylon fabric. The first SX cases have a flap lockable with a velcro strap. The "newer" ones (SX from ROM Rev C or D on) have a similar case with zipper. That one is really thin fabric, therefore I usually put either an HP 48 QRG or a Synthetix Synthetic QRG into the inner slide bag to protect the LCD of the calc. If you align the QRG to the upper edge, the LCD will be protected very well.

[edryer]

Just got the 48SX and also purchased the 48G as well and I have to say the 48G screen is a vast improvement on the SX which seems really hard to read in low light especially but even in bright light!

I'll post some photos when I get home but one other thing I noticed is the 48SX and RAM card together are noticeably heavier than the 48G.

Both pouches are similar although the SX one is much darker in colour.

The SX keyboard is also firmer than the G in operation and feels nicer in tactile feel.

SX is 1992 week 48.
G is 1994 week 11.

[W_Max]

As for me - 48sx looks and feels a bit more solid, closer to 42s. However, screen contrast looks the same, as 42s too ("off" pixels looks grayed, when machine is on). This is pretty acceptable, but adds a little discomfort for user. Anyway I use both (48sx and 48GX) machines from time to time

Photo of my Saturn's:

http://www.maxes.ho.ua/Pics/Calcs/HP10s2.jpg

[edryer]

Agreed.

The 48SX does also seem to me more solid and better build than the 48G. It just feels a lot nicer in the hand.

I have started using the SX over the G and got use to the SX LCD pretty quickly to the point if doesn't bother me really.

I would do an LCD transplant but it doesn't look easy.

Still I'm on business but when I get home I'll post some pics.

Nice pic by the way.

[W_Max]

Nice pic by the way
Thanks! And machines are nice too

I would do an LCD transplant but it doesn't look easy.
This procedure can be destructive for that machines. I do the same (swapping LCD's from faulty 48G to 48GX with bleeding screen) once. The main difficulties are getting overlay off (you must do it with care) and getting LCD out (you can broke it easily too, while unglued it from metal plate). Hair dryer, sharp-edged plastic credit card can helps a lot. Anyway, I do not recommend to disassemble 48's, while they works fine - as risks of damaging are too high.