First batch of DM15C Credit Card Sized Calculators Now Available

[rprosperi]

For folks that don't frequent the SwissMicros Forum, Michael posted an announcement on 31 Oct that the new credit card sized DM-15C is now available:

https://forum.swissmicros.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4120

Note that this a new design, not simply another production run of the original CC-sized models. The specs are on the linked site and several comments have been added to address the most common initial questions.

Though this new model is completely compatible with the DM15L (including forthcoming 2-line display f/w) and more portable (only 62g), individual keys (scaled down from the 15L) just aren't feasible, so this new design utilizes individual keys inside with a continuous membrane over it. So, better key ergonomics than the original CC models, but generally probably less satisfying than the full sized model (though of course all of this is subjective and you might like this better?).

Other Voyager model CC units will be coming in time... which do you want first, and why?

[AnnoyedOne]

(11-03-2024 02:18 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  For folks that don't frequent the SwissMicros Forum, Michael posted an announcement on 31 Oct that the new credit card sized DM-15C is now available

I've been checking the SwissMicro's site daily to "see" the new 2-line firmware and/or DM15L information posted. I'm still waiting...

(11-03-2024 02:18 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  ... which do you want first, and why?

A 2-line DM15L since it has a USB connector. I don't think that the CC sized models do.

A1

[vaklaff]

(11-03-2024 02:32 PM)AnnoyedOne Wrote:  

(11-03-2024 02:18 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  ... which do you want first, and why?

A 2-line DM15L since it has a USB connector. I don't think that the CC sized models do.

A1

I think you are mistaken. From the specs page:
USB-C port for firmware update and data exchange via CDC

[AnnoyedOne]

(11-03-2024 03:57 PM)vaklaff Wrote:  USB-C port for firmware update and data exchange via CDC

I saw that. However the DM15C isn't listed as a product on their main site page. Nor is any firmware except old (2021) stuff. However you can order it from the (taboo?) link

https://www.swissmicros.com/product/dm15c

It also says on that page

Quote:This initial batch of 70 units features a unique serial number below 100, making it a truly collectible item. These units are available at a special introductory price!

Note: Subsequent batches will feature graphical enhancements.

whatever that last sentence means.

A1

[Jase]

I was wondering that too.
What does this sentence mean?

"Note: Subsequent batches will feature graphical enhancements."

[naddy]

(11-03-2024 09:44 PM)Jase Wrote:  What does this sentence mean?

"Note: Subsequent batches will feature graphical enhancements."

Don't get too excited. I think this only refers to the case design.

From the announcement thread in the SwissMicros forum:

Quote:Some lookup tables will be added on the back in subsequent batches.

Like, you know, the TEST n and MATRIX n codes.

[rprosperi]

The DM15C does indeed have a USB-C connector, like other recent SM products. (confirmed on the DM15C product page, linked in the initial post)

Yes, the comment "Subsequent batches will feature graphical enhancements." refers to artwork painted on the back, not yet finalized, and the decision was to not delay launch any further.

From a collector viewpoint, of course this is great news, as buyers can now buy what will in the future be called "Rare, early production units missing artwork in the back".

[Jase]

(11-03-2024 11:18 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  From a collector viewpoint, of course this is great news, as buyers can now buy what will in the future be called "Rare, early production units missing artwork in the back".

Exactly. No owl for us early birds

[vaklaff]

(11-03-2024 11:18 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  From a collector viewpoint, of course this is great news, as buyers can now buy what will in the future be called "Rare, early production units missing artwork in the back".

I don’t think it will be hard to turn a regular unit into an early production one :-)

[LinusSch]

(11-04-2024 05:37 PM)vaklaff Wrote:  I don’t think it will be hard to turn a regular unit into an early production one :-)

Their normal method is to laser etch the powder coat, IIRC? That would require stripping and a fresh powder coat. If the check you're trying to fool is sophisticated, matching the powder coating exactly may prove very tricky - and the laser etch may have left some tell-tale marks in the titanium giving you even more difficulties. So... way harder than worth the money for the foreseeable future, would be my estimation.

If the markings are painted on top of the power coat, it would be a lot easier. Not at all a guarantee that it would be easy - you may damage the powder coat trying to remove the paint.

[Pierre]

(11-03-2024 02:32 PM)AnnoyedOne Wrote:  A 2-line DM15L since it has a USB connector. I don't think that the CC sized models do.

I have a DM-16 Silver Edition in Credit Card format.
It has a USB port!

So is there a particular reason why the DM15C doesn't have one?

[vaklaff]

(11-05-2024 01:17 AM)LinusSch Wrote:  

(11-04-2024 05:37 PM)vaklaff Wrote:  I don’t think it will be hard to turn a regular unit into an early production one :-)

Their normal method is to laser etch the powder coat, IIRC? That would require stripping and a fresh powder coat. If the check you're trying to fool is sophisticated, matching the powder coating exactly may prove very tricky - and the laser etch may have left some tell-tale marks in the titanium giving you even more difficulties. So... way harder than worth the money for the foreseeable future, would be my estimation.

If the markings are painted on top of the power coat, it would be a lot easier. Not at all a guarantee that it would be easy - you may damage the powder coat trying to remove the paint.

You are of course right, I didn't mean it seriously. For some reason I thought the backs were merely painted but just checked my SMs now and whoa, the backside graphics looks more durable than the yellow paint (or whatever it is) on the faceplate!

Anyway, I don't plan to buy this very cute 15, with or without the graphics. I already have 5 or 6 various HP and SM fifteens - unreasonably many when measured by my life expectancy :-) Accidentally, I've been using my HP-16C more and more recently but have no stash of them so I'll probably buy a new CC-sized SM 16 if they appear. Or maybe a standard sized one, depending on reactions to the redesigned CC keyboard.

[Sylvain Cote]

(11-05-2024 07:51 AM)Pierre Wrote:  

(11-03-2024 02:32 PM)AnnoyedOne Wrote:  A 2-line DM15L since it has a USB connector. I don't think that the CC sized models do.

So is there a particular reason why the DM15C doesn't have one?

Actually, it does, it has been changed to a physical USB-C connector.

[AnnoyedOne]

(11-05-2024 01:44 PM)Sylvain Cote Wrote:  Actually, it does, it has been changed to a physical USB-C connector.

According to the above webpage yes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB-C

Of course a "physical USB-C connector" is ok if you have one or more cables. I don't.

The older DM15L uses a (larger) USB mini-AB connector. I have many USB A to mini-B cables (which will work) laying around.

https://www.swissmicros.com/product/dm15l

Quote:USB Mini-AB port for firmware update and data exchange via CDC

I suspect that the older SwissMicros CC Voyager models used a Micro-A or Micro-B connector often found on mobile phones.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardwa...connectors

A1

PS: My "dumb" mobile phone uses a USB A to micro-B connector for charging. I may have a micro-A (or another micro-B) cable in storage.

[Pierre]

(11-05-2024 02:33 PM)AnnoyedOne Wrote:  I suspect that the older SwissMicros CC Voyager models used a Micro-A or Micro-B connector often found on mobile phones.

On my DM-16 it's a mini-B.

[AnnoyedOne]

(11-05-2024 03:12 PM)Pierre Wrote:  On my DM-16 it's a mini-B.

FYI the DM16 page at

https://www.swissmicros.com/product/dm16

says

Quote:USB Mini-A port for firmware update and data exchange via CDC

A1

[Pierre]

(11-05-2024 03:19 PM)AnnoyedOne Wrote:  

Quote:USB Mini-A port for firmware update and data exchange via CDC

would I have confused ?

[AnnoyedOne]

(11-05-2024 03:39 PM)Pierre Wrote:  would I have confused ?

I don't know. Clearly whatever cable you have is working.

Did your DM16 come with a cable? Some things I've bought did. Other didn't.

A1

[Pierre]

(11-05-2024 03:55 PM)AnnoyedOne Wrote:  Did your DM16 come with a cable? Some things I've bought did. Other didn't.

Bought second hand without cable.

[AnnoyedOne]

(11-05-2024 05:25 PM)Pierre Wrote:  Bought second hand without cable.

Your photo of the cable connector looks like a mini-B. Perhaps the SwissMicros page is wrong and it has a mini-AB like the full sized models or was changed.

Either way the DM15C probably requires a USB-C cable/adapter. I have no idea if it comes with one.

A1