Re: HP48SX/GX vs. HP49G+ Message #3 Posted by Norris on 2 Oct 2004, 4:48 p.m., in response to message #1 by Jeff
There is a widespread perception that HP's current calculators do not match older models in terms of construction quality, appearance, or attention to detail. So the value of older models has steadily climbed. The market value of many old HPs (not just the 48GX) is now in the $200-400 range; this includes less powerful models like the 11C, 15C, or 32SII. A 48SX for $80-100 strikes me as a good deal.
There may be a couple of reasons why the 48GX is particularly valuable.
First, the GX is more upgradeable than other old 48 series models (S, SX, G, G+). If you have a GX, you can add more memory via expansion cards, and then you can also add improved operating systems (Java, Metakernel) and computer algebra systems (Alg48, Erable). With sufficient effort and expense, a GX can be upgraded to have most of the same state-of-the-art functionality as a 49G+, plus it offers a classic appearance, more robust construction, and superior keyboard. (In fairness, it should be noted that a new 49G+ would be much less expensive, with much more speed and a larger display).
Second, the GX remains irreplaceable for certain applications, because newer HPs have only limited backwards compatibility. If you are accustomed to using GX software cards, or using a GX to interface with other hardware, then the newer models may not be suitable substitutes.
For example, the GX was widely adopted by surveyors during the 1990s; it interfaced with surveying equipment via a standard serial port and ran commercial surveying software loaded on GX cards. But the newer models that replaced it (the 48GII and 49G+) have different ports, and can't use GX cards. So surveyors that work with GXs are still willing to pay top dollar for a used one.
Edited: 2 Oct 2004, 5:50 p.m.
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