Re: Does Chinese 48G+ have better screen? Message #2 Posted by Jonathan Busby on 7 Feb 2002, 6:44 p.m., in response to message #1 by Norm B.
To the best of my knowledge there have been four "versions" of the 48 G/GX with regard to the lcd display. The first version (back in 93) had the well known "blue on light green" display. The second was similar in color but had significantly higher contrast. I purchased a GX in 94 with this display so they must have been introduced around then.
This is the display that was used in all 48's until recently. In 2001 I believe, HP began manufacturing 48's with a new "black on light tan display" . These calcs were made in Indonesia and seemed to have some quality problems. Particularly, after buying one I noticed what one might call a "defect" although I think a better term would be "design flaw" since this was characteristic of all the new 48's manufactured in Indonesia. Specifically the lcd had discolorations near the bottom left and right corners.
( See this posting for more information :
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=4go9utgj14ihr753sajnraepdo95efj9is%404ax.com )
Every model manufactured in Indonesia around the same time that I saw had this same problem.
Also, the construction seemed to be of a lesser quality ( ie. the calc weighed less than earlier models and had a less "solid" feel ) and the keys were painted. Recently HP has performed a switcheroo again and started to produce all of its high end graphicals in China. I've heard that these use yet another display version that has corrected the problems of the previous ones. Specifically, it is a higher contrast "black on white" (or light gray) display. Indeed, I think it is the same as the newest lcd version used in the 49. ( the model used in recently manufactured Chinese 49's )
All of the big consumer electronics chains I've been to ( eg. Fry's Electronics ) seem to only carry 3 year old 1999 Indonesian calcs. If you want a better chance of getting a recently manufactured calc may I suggest Samson Cables ( www.samsoncables.com ). You might try e-mailing them about this since they've put an effort into stocking new Chinese 49's .
Hope this helps...
Jonathan
( Remove the random permutation of NOSPAM before replying )
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