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HP Forum Archive 14

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P form factor concept
Message #1 Posted by Hugh Evans on 8 Nov 2004, 1:53 p.m.

Here is yet another one of my OpenRPN design concepts-- This time in the portrait (pioneer) configuration. I will be updating both of the art concepts soon with accurate representations of the LCDs. Comments/criticism are appreciated!

      
Re: P form factor concept
Message #2 Posted by Jeff O. on 8 Nov 2004, 4:23 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Hugh Evans

Hugh,
Your P form factor concept looks pretty good. Is it intended to be the same nominal 3" x 6" as your L form factor concept? It looks a little taller than that. It has 49 keys (same as a 48). We could probably get by with one (for 43 keys) or two (for 37 keys, same as a 42S) fewer rows to keep the size in the "shirt-pocket" range. Any way you go, it looks like you are on the right track. Please keep up the good work.

NO60hzSPAMatFORieeedotMEorg (remove NO SPAM FOR ME and change the at and dot.)

            
Re: P form factor concept
Message #3 Posted by Richard Garner on 8 Nov 2004, 5:15 p.m.,
in response to message #2 by Jeff O.

I agree, this looks great, but in keeping with the idea that this is a pocket calculator, this is a little long. This one appears to be about the size of the 48G in length. I check the 48G for pocket-ability and found it protruded about 2.5 inches above the pocket. If one row of keys were removed it would reduce the size by 0.5 inches and two rows would reduce it by 1 inch and make it close to the size of the 42S and fit the pocket better. Anything greater than 5.5 to 6.0 inches or checkbook size, as the 48G and 49G are can really no longer be considered a pocket calculator. Suit pocket yes barley, but shirt pocket no. All in all the designs are looking good. They're looking like calculators are suppose to look like.

                  
Re: P form factor concept
Message #4 Posted by Veli-Pekka Nousiainen on 9 Nov 2004, 6:11 a.m.,
in response to message #3 by Richard Garner

hmmm
why not the HP-28 design (or Qonos)
[VPN]

                  
Re: P form factor concept
Message #5 Posted by Hugh Evans on 9 Nov 2004, 9:54 a.m.,
in response to message #3 by Richard Garner

This actually is the same size as a 42s right now, so shrinking it a bit would bring it into the same size as a voyager. That's a concept that I like *a lot* since I know that the pioneers are only questionably pocketable. I'll put together a revision and scale it back to 5"x3".

Before I start work on the graphing model: I should be able to do it as a 3"x6" (only slightly larger than the P type in this thread). Does this sound about right?

Once all of the initial form factors are deemed acceptible I'll get started on LCD specifications so I can get some quotes.

Thanks again to everyone for your input.

                        
Re: P form factor concept
Message #6 Posted by Richard Garner on 9 Nov 2004, 12:44 p.m.,
in response to message #5 by Hugh Evans

I misunderstood the size. Looking at the key configuration I jumped to the conclusion that the P-Type was the same size as the 48G. If it is the size of the 42S and the added keys do not detract from the labeling, I can deal with that. The image and key configuration made it appear to be larger than it has now been indicated to be. It would be nice to have more of the commonly used functions on the keyboard than hidden in a menu somewhere.

      
Re: P form factor concept
Message #7 Posted by Walter B on 8 Nov 2004, 5:12 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Hugh Evans

Hugh,

thanks for your design work. I fully agree with Jeff. Shirt pocket size is a must for me - no fun carrying a large and heavy calc bar. It seems you want to use the good old big keys (last used in voyagers). I welcome this very much, since it will help to keep the keyboard clean.

Thanks and keep on designing!

      
Re: P form factor concept
Message #8 Posted by bill platt on 8 Nov 2004, 6:11 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Hugh Evans

Hi Hugh,

Again, looks great. But, for size, I think, in HP terms, that the Pioneers are the absolute largest you can go and be pocket---marginally. The voyager is much more pocketable--that fraction of an inch makes a big difference.

And, note that even the voyagers were much bigger than machines in the same general class at the time, produced by other makers such as Sharp.

We should be able to be small--and that, today, is what it is all about---when not at your computer-----etc.

But, looks good!

Best regards,

Bill


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