Re: HP 49G+ keypad fixed? Message #2 Posted by James M. Prange on 24 Oct 2004, 10:28 p.m., in response to message #1 by Jake
As for the ON key being lower than the rest, I think that it's
safe to assume that that's by design. The same is true of all the
48 series, the 49G, 16C, and I suppose many other HP calculators.
The idea is that with the ON key being lower than the rest, the
calculator is less likely to be accidentally turned on when it's
stored in its case. Note that the 28 series, with its folding
design, has the ON key the same height as the others.
Regarding serial numbers, the newest ones have a sticker on the
back of the package with a serial number on it. The serial on the
outside of the package doesn't match the serial on the back of the
calculator, but I expect that there should be some correlation
between them. My second replacement 49g+ came with a package
serial of CNA423xxxxx, a serial of CNA419xxxxx stamped in the back
of the case, and an internal serial of CN424xxxxx.
Regarding the keyboards, the newer ones aren't as bad. The keys
seem quieter, perhaps a little easier to press, and I haven't seen
reports of some keys seeming poorly attached on them. There's
still a problem of keystrokes not always registering if I press
only until I feel the click. My first 49g+, serial CN331xxxxx was
very inconsistent in registering keystrokes; some keys were much
worse than others. My first replacement, CN402xxxxx, was
noticeably better, but one side of the hinge for the ENTER key
eventually broke. My current replacement seems the same, but
whether they've corrected the problem with key hinges breaking, I
suppose that time will tell.
Regarding the missing keystroke problems, I'm used to the 48
series keys, where when I feel the "click", I can be sure that the
keystroke has registered. On my 49g+, if I press until I feel the
key definitely "bottom out", then I can be sure that the keystroke
has registered, but if I type "normally", perhaps 5% of the
keystrokes will be missed. When I realize that some keystrokes
have been missed, I remember that the "just press firmly" method
is required for the 49 series, and all is well for a while, until
I forget and revert to my normal typing style. All keys seem about
the same on both of my replacements.
Some users write that their 49g+ doesn't miss any keystrokes. I
expect that it's a matter of individual typing styles.
Turning on the "Key Click" in MODE causes a short beep when a key
registers. If you're in an environment where it's quiet enough to
actually hear the beep, and it's not annoying to others, this may
help to alert you to missing keystrokes. Other than that, watch
the display, especially for the shift and ALPHA keys, and before
any "execution" keys. Of course, "just press firmly".
Some insist that the missing keystrokes are due to a software
problem that can be fixed in the next ROM. I suppose that there
could also be a software problem, but I'm sure that there's a
hardware problem.
For the problems you describe with your CN334xxxxx, I'd say that
it would be worthwhile to ask for a warranty replacement. The new
one may not completely satisfy you, but it won't be as bad.
For my second replacement, they offered me the option of giving
them my credit card number, and keeping my current 49g+ until the
replacement arrived with a prepaid return shipping label. The old
one had to be returned within ten business days to avoid having my
credit card charged for the replacement.
The replacement came with a postcard to receive a free
subscription to a business magazine, but the fine print says that
there's an alternative of receiving $9.99 instead, provided that I
send the UPS barcode and the original receipt within 90 days of
the original purchase. I didn't qualify, but as long as you still
have your original purchase receipt, you may be able to get the
$9.99.
Regards, James
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