The Museum of HP Calculators

HP Forum Archive 17

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48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #1 Posted by Frank Rottgardt on 15 Aug 2007, 5:11 p.m.

I am into buying a used 48GX for 50 USD. But the manuals are missing. I asked the seller to send me a picture of the serial number. I couldnīt believe it. But if Iīm right this calc must be one of the very first GX batches ever produced? Please confirm that this one is made year 1993 week 25.

Recently I read in this forum that 48 made before mid 1994 does not have a reinforced LCD (additional plastic sheet underneath display). So the risk that the LCD might break is somewhat higher compared to later models. Is that true?

When was the 48GX SOP in Singapore? June 1993 ?

      
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #2 Posted by Randy on 15 Aug 2007, 5:33 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Frank Rottgardt

Why worry about manuals when it is $50?

While it is an early GX, the Museum lists 3321 as the earliest non-prototype GX's. Yes, the LCD lacks the reinforcing plate but that is a relative thing - you'd have to hit the screen for it to make a difference. Honestly, I don't think the margin of safety is that much better with the reinforcing plate simply because that is a mighty big, thin piece of glass. The real issue IMO is the fact that those early LCD's have lower contrast than later displays.

But for $50, it's still a bargain.

            
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #3 Posted by Frank Rottgardt on 15 Aug 2007, 5:47 p.m.,
in response to message #2 by Randy

Thanks Randy,

yes, 50 bugs is a strong argument. I really hope I can get hold of this baby. Tomorrow I should know.

I only have a 1990 28s LCD as reference. Will an early GX display have a similar contrast level or better/worse?

// Frank

                  
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #4 Posted by Seth Morabito on 15 Aug 2007, 6:42 p.m.,
in response to message #3 by Frank Rottgardt

Good luck!!!

I have two 48GX's and one 48G myself. One of the GX's and the G are from 1994, made in Singapore, and the other GX is from Indonesia, made in 1999. The Singapore calculators are significantly nicer feeling, for what its worth. The Indonesia made GX has painted keys and the plastic is of very slightly different and poorer quality.

And I got all of them for under $50 each, which makes me very happy indeed -- yes, they are out there, and if you're patient you can find good deals on G and GX's!

                        
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #5 Posted by Juan J on 15 Aug 2007, 8:02 p.m.,
in response to message #4 by Seth Morabito

Hello,

From my experience, 48GX's made in Singapore before 1996 were solid and almost inmune to static electricity.

48GX's made from 1997 on in either Singapore or Indonesia need frequent static electricity discharge. Otherwise, they reset themselves and you lose all memory contents.

My first 48GX's serial number was 3330S... After this I had one with serial number 3720S... and an Indonesian model. Both had this nasty behavior ocurred when I least expected it, and it was not until when Luiz showed us how to make an ESD that I was able to get rid of that.

You are lucky. The 48 you got is a very good bargain.

                  
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #6 Posted by Randy on 16 Aug 2007, 8:32 a.m.,
in response to message #3 by Frank Rottgardt

Worse. The 28 series used a black polarizer that provided better contrast than the 48's blue color. The GX and G+ finally switched to black in 2001 - to match the 49G.

                        
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #7 Posted by Chan Tran on 16 Aug 2007, 4:31 p.m.,
in response to message #6 by Randy

I found my 48SX version C and 48GX version P are of very good quality but the display is low contrast especially the 48SX.

                              
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #8 Posted by Seth Morabito on 16 Aug 2007, 8:02 p.m.,
in response to message #7 by Chan Tran

Yes. I think of all my calculators, my 42S and my 48SX have the worst contrast.

They're still quite usable, just not as good as what we have today.

                        
Re: 48GX serial number - Build quality
Message #9 Posted by HrastProgrammer on 17 Aug 2007, 1:11 a.m.,
in response to message #6 by Randy

I don't think that contrast is everything and I actually prefer the green LCD with blue pixels. When I was buying my three 48GXs few years ago, I asked for green LCDs because I like them much more than gray LCDs with black pixels.

Regarding Singapore vs. Indonesia quality: I am looking at 1997 SG HP-48G model and 1999 ID HP-48GX model, side by side, and I really cannot decide which one is of a better quality. Key paintings/moldings are different a little but I cannot say that SG keyboard is better or that SG model feels/is better overall ...

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