Re: Reality check Message #8 Posted by Vassilis Prevelakis on 10 Oct 2005, 11:44 p.m., in response to message #7 by Namir
Namir wrote:
> For those who want to see the HP-15C back, I say contact Eric
> Smith. My guess is that you will have better luck convincing
> eric to bring back a "version" of the 15C. Of course be prepared
> (assuming Eric says yes) to pay something like $400, $500, or
> even a $1000 per unit [...]
I am sure this has been discussed before, but since the HP12C form
factor and display is identical to that of the HP-15C and the HP-15C code
is (I think) available, then by changing the CPU chip in a 12C with
one emulating the 15C (or even the 16C) you can have your 15C.
The main problem is (of course) the keyboard. But the current 12C models have painted keycaps, so perhaps they can be painted over with the new assignments. E.g.
Modifying the keyboard is tricky but it can be left as an exercise to the new owner, so the real cost in producing a 15C would be the development of the CPU mod (one off) and the cost of retrofitting it (per unit).Given that retrofitting the 12Cs is probably too labor intensive, the mod will be provided as an upgrade kit installable by the end-user (who may even buy the 12C separately)
Assuming a small production run (about 1k units?), then charging $100 over the cost of a 12C would provide a development and production capital of $100k.
Some kind of agreement with HP would be necessary to ensure that no copyright issues are raised. I am sure that for a 1k production run (i.e. not smth that would create competition with the main HP calculator production, PLUS the fact that it WILL sell HP-12C calculators) there may not be any real problem. If this is dressed up as some kind of publicity stunt (resurrecting the 15C in time for its 2xth anniversary) HP may actually provide token support for the project.
**vp
Edited: 11 Oct 2005, 12:25 a.m.
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