"Pioneer" Overview (incl. HP-20S vs. HP-32SII) Message #48 Posted by Karl Schneider on 21 Mar 2005, 10:39 p.m., in response to message #1 by Marc B.
Marc --
No, even though the 20S and 32SII have the same processor and form factor (known as the "Pioneer" series that debuted in 1988 and was finally discontinued in 2002), the 32SII is more capable, and desirable to real HP fans for its RPN entry than is the Algebraic-entry (AOS)20C. That mainly accounts for the price difference.
The 32SII has better programming capabilities, with built-in microprocessor-coded routines for numerical integration, numerical rootfinding, and complex-number mathematics. The 20S has built-in keystroke programs for these three applications. However, these programs run slower, are unintuitive, and erase user programs when they are loaded in. This is the primary shortcoming of the 20S that makes it a compromised product, in my opinion.
That having been said, the Pioneer series as a whole is a remarkable achievement of thoroughly-planned product development. The series of calculators featured the following:
- Nine different original models plus two successor models, all utilizing the same basic packaging and the excellent "Saturn" microprocessor introduced in 1984:
- Three AOS business models (10B, 14B, 17B)
- One AOS/RPN business model (17BII)
- Four AOS scientific models (20S, 21S, 22S, 27S)
- Three RPN scientific models (32S, 32SII, 42S)
- These 11 models were based upon three distinct levels of sophistication and price, characterized by different kinds of LCD readouts provided:
- High end: Small-pixel, two-line, solid-grid, dot-matrix (17B, 17BII, 27S, 42S)
- Mid-range: Large-pixel, one-line, 12-character, dot-matrix (14B, 22S, 32S, 32SII)
- Low-end: 12-number, seven-segment (10B, 20S, 21S)
The above is a general overview of the Pioneer series. I expect that eventually, this discontinued series of models will have its own section in the Museum (several are listed now). However, it is a fair undertaking to fully document each of these models. Maybe some of us should chip in with some help for Dave!
-- KS
Edited: 21 Mar 2005, 10:48 p.m.
|