HP Forum Archive 05

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In a Quandry Message #1 Posted by Harvey on 4 Feb 2001, 8:22 a.m. I just found this great site and suddenly I'm worried. I have an 11C which I bought almost 20 years ago and I worry that if it goes kaput then I'm fscked! I have only ever replaced the batteries TWICE in 19+ years. No wonder HP can't make a decent profit on them. Heck, if I had 2 more in the closet at this rate they'd last me until I was 80 years old! I had 2 HP calcs prior to this one, but this 11C is my bread and butter calculator. I'm not going to pay 200 on ebay for a new one. I might consider paying more than that for a 42s but I wonder if a 32sii would be better? From what I've read here the 32sii would probably be OK for my needs, but if the 42s is the last, best hope for HP then maybe I should look for one or two of those for posterity's sake. What say ye?

Re: In a Quandry Message #2 Posted by Juan-J on 4 Feb 2001, 2:21 p.m., in response to message #1 by Harvey The most 11C-alike machine available is the 32sii. The 42S is no longer made and is sold at very high prices ($120 apiece at the least on eBay.) The 32Sii is much like the 11C, and includes an equation solver and fractions. You will also feel comfortable with a 32S, which has a simpler equation solver and does not make fractions. It is no longer made but prices are more reasonable.

Re: In a Quandry Message #3 Posted by Todd Garabedian on 4 Feb 2001, 8:45 p.m., in response to message #1 by Harvey Harve, What do you use your 11C for? I assume you like RPN entry (?). If so, the best (and virtually only) choice for a NEW calculator would be the 32SII. Alternatively, you can find used 11C units on eBay for reasonable amounts of money ($50-75). You just have to be patient. The Classifieds on this site are a good source too. Of course, there are some individuals selling HP calculators on eBay that ask outrageous prices for the opening bid (you know who you are). You can pass on those, or pay the asking price. Best of Luck! Todd

Re: In a Quandry no more? Message #4 Posted by Tom (UK) on 5 Feb 2001, 7:57 a.m., in response to message #3 by Todd Garabedian The HP32Sii should be fine as an HP11c replacement. If you only use the calculator as a 4 banger (-+/x) the 12c could be useful if you like the horizontal format - see the HP web pages for the functions. As the 32Sii is still made and are available cheaply second hand you can use/abuse it for the next 10 or so years and put your 11c on the back burner.

Re: In a Quandry Message #5 Posted by Frank on 5 Feb 2001, 4:19 p.m., in response to message #3 by Todd Garabedian No Todd, who am we? ;+}

Can't be me! Message #6 Posted by Gene on 5 Feb 2001, 5:28 p.m., in response to message #5 by Frank I always start my auctions at $0.99 or $9.99. It's not MY fault if people then bid the price up to a couple of thousand dollars (if only...) ;-) Gene

Re: Can't be me! Message #7 Posted by Jim L on 5 Feb 2001, 9:26 p.m., in response to message #6 by Gene That's the way to do it. It seems very consistent to me that high starting prices and reserves discourage bidders. I remember when Educalc was having its closeout sale and selling HP-IL adapters for $9. Several people were reselling these on ebay. People who started under $10 usually got around $75 - 100, but people who started around $50 usually got $50 - 60. Of course, your mileage may vary but I think a little risk is worth it.

Thanks for Responses Message #8 Posted by Harvey on 5 Feb 2001, 7:44 p.m., in response to message #1 by Harvey Thank you to all who responded. I can't use a calculator that doesn't have RPN anymore so, yes, that's the primary reason I want to stick with HP. I do use it for the occasional programming when I'm on the road. I think I'll try out a 32sii for starters. I saw 11Cs on ebay going for $200 which is a bit too much, IMO, but I'll keep looking. Some of the ebay prices seem insane but like one respondent said, it's not the seller's fault if they set low opening bids and would-be buyers bid it up to stratospheric levels. Thanks again for the advice.

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