Re: 42S discontinuation Message #6 Posted by Andrés C. Rodríguez (Argentina) on 25 Nov 2001, 10:40 a.m., in response to message #5 by Steve
I also am a loyal 42S user and advocate, but I am pessimistic about a reintroduction (I would be more than happy to accept my error if I am wrong!)
As almost all electronic products today, the issues are not only about design capability (the 42 is already designed) and production (all Pioneers should have the same manufacturing process), but of sourcing and support.
Reintroducing a model means that HP has to:
1) Obtain many components from third parties like the display, CMOS RAM, etc. It is very possible these components are no longer in production since the design is from almost 15 years back.
2) If some components are not available (sourceable), HP must find adequate replacements (similar functions, cost and mechanical features), and MAKE DESIGN CHANGES TO ADAPT FOR SUCH. The recent HP12C story, and the HP41 / HP42 display windows, are examples of this; as the HP41 FullNut/HalfNut, etc also is. A new design must also be recertified by many agencies, a costly process.
3) Plan to have a certain number of replacement units for servicing warranties and replacement policies for many years, probably they need to purchase components and manufacture them in advance right now (up-front), since it will be even more difficult to repeat this process, say, in 2010.
4) Modify the firmware, at least to remove the known bugs such as the PERM and COMB bug. Otherwise, a clever lawyer may file a class action or something like that against HP (This was not usual in the golden 80s, but now...). On the other hand, a review of firmware will allow for new functions like bidirectional I/O, directory structure... The current ACO story suggests this will not happen. Also, any new software needs extensive testing.
5) Print enough manuals and advanced programming books, to meet uncertain demand for them.
6) Replan a printer solution (optionally), perhaps supporting standard IrDA.
7) Decide to relaunch a product with "fratricide" effects, since the renewed availability of the HP42 will deter some prospective buyers from other models or PDAs
8) Retrain sales and support persons, and reestablish procedures for call-centers, to deal with HP42 questions. Prepare uncertain demand forecasts for the next years.
9) Do many of these things again, including logistics, in many countries.
10) Make, distribute the units, sell them, collect the money...
11) After all, let us allow for them to have some earnings (it is supposed HP is not a not-for-profit organization).
I suppose the still available models allow for a little-more optimistic view, but I would be satisfied if HP ports (or allows for someone willing) the software to a current PDA, simplifying many of the problems associated with specialized hardware.
Oh, those tall keys...
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