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DM 42 credit card size
04-30-2020, 06:57 PM
Post: #1
DM 42 credit card size
Does anyone her know if there are any plans by SwissMicros to make a credit-card sized version of the DM42, like the DM41?
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04-30-2020, 10:45 PM
Post: #2
RE: DM 42 credit card size
They are totally different platforms inside (CPU, etc.) so it's unlikely; nothing has been announced.

Also, it seems the demand would not be huge... would it?

--Bob Prosperi
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05-01-2020, 01:23 PM
Post: #3
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(04-30-2020 10:45 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  They are totally different platforms inside (CPU, etc.) so it's unlikely; nothing has been announced.
I understand that it is more work than just adding a new faceplate and firmware to the DM41.

(04-30-2020 10:45 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  Also, it seems the demand would not be huge... would it?
Ever since I bought my Casio FX98 credit card sized calculator I've loved this format. I would be in the marrket for it. With a graphing calculator it will be difficult to use that format (maybe all touchscreen? But then you could just as well use a small formfactor phone) but there are usable landscape skins for Free42 so it should be doable.

Qua market demand, is there anything known about the sales of the DM1xL vs DM1xCC?
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05-01-2020, 06:04 PM
Post: #4
RE: DM 42 credit card size
I think the first prototypes of DM42 were based on the DMxxL platform.
But the community did not like the landscape format.

It should be doable to compile Free42 for the credit card platform, but you’ll need the specifications to use the boot loader and flash the rom.
Also note that, unlike the FX98, the SwissMicro cc platform doesn’t have a comfortable keyboard.
But I would also be on the market for a cc DM42!
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05-01-2020, 06:43 PM
Post: #5
RE: DM 42 credit card size
The main reason that the DM42 appeals to me is the large screen and the additional information that can be displayed over and above the original HP-42S. The landscape format using the single line display from the 1X series would be a huge step backward. Maybe SM could incorporate a two line display that would at least match the functionality of the original HP-42S?
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05-01-2020, 07:29 PM
Post: #6
RE: DM 42 credit card size
I have a 15cc and compared to a regular 15c and would offer this. A multi line Voyager size (no need for a full display - think 28s) would be easier, and compact enough to allow for a better key press while having a compact format.

The 15cc buttons require one to pay attention and go slower. But honestly, it is a fine companion while sitting in the car, doing some math, waiting for the grocery shopping wife.

Just $0.02,

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05-02-2020, 01:48 AM
Post: #7
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(05-01-2020 01:23 PM)johanw Wrote:  
(04-30-2020 10:45 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  They are totally different platforms inside (CPU, etc.) so it's unlikely; nothing has been announced.
I understand that it is more work than just adding a new faceplate and firmware to the DM41.

There is no DM41, just a DM41L. Only the DM12, DM15 and DM16 are available in a credit card size. I have a DM15 and hardly ever use it due to the extremely difficult keyboard. I now carry all my calculators on my iPhone when I leave home, and leave all my physical calculators at home. What makes the DM42 so exceptional is the large multi-line display, which would be impossible in credit card size.
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05-02-2020, 01:52 AM
Post: #8
RE: DM 42 credit card size
A dm41 has been available in credit card size. I have one.
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05-02-2020, 08:53 AM (This post was last modified: 05-02-2020 08:55 AM by Massimo Gnerucci.)
Post: #9
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(05-02-2020 01:52 AM)ctrclckws Wrote:  A dm41 has been available in credit card size. I have one.

Ditto (alas).

And also a CC10 and a CC11, among the rest.

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05-02-2020, 01:34 PM
Post: #10
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(05-01-2020 06:43 PM)twoweims Wrote:  The main reason that the DM42 appeals to me is the large screen and the additional information that can be displayed over and above the original HP-42S. The landscape format using the single line display from the 1X series would be a huge step backward. Maybe SM could incorporate a two line display that would at least match the functionality of the original HP-42S?
The single line would be no option of course. But a 2 line display should be readable in that format, for people with good eyes (or good glasses) a font selector like the current DM42 uses could be used as well.
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05-02-2020, 01:37 PM
Post: #11
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(05-02-2020 01:52 AM)ctrclckws Wrote:  A dm41 has been available in credit card size. I have one.
Yes, it was this picture from the SwissMicros website that got me the idea: at least 2 lines should be no problem on this display:


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05-02-2020, 02:05 PM (This post was last modified: 05-02-2020 02:06 PM by pinkman.)
Post: #12
RE: DM 42 credit card size
Here is the demo of the first prototype:
https://youtu.be/314JMYJEh6k

The screens of the « cc » and « L » versions are the same, so it is more than feasible, it has been done.
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05-02-2020, 04:39 PM
Post: #13
RE: DM 42 credit card size
That's a 132x16 pixel screen, then, which is enough for the 131x16 pixels used by the HP-42S (or by vanilla Free42), but something clever would be required to deal with the seven annunciators.
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05-02-2020, 09:12 PM
Post: #14
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(05-01-2020 06:04 PM)pinkman Wrote:  Also note that, unlike the FX98, the SwissMicro cc platform doesn’t have a comfortable keyboard.
Is it that bad? After the original case died I put my FX98 in a leather pouch for credit cards so I had to operate it through a plastic layer. Would that not work with a DM CC format calculator?
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05-02-2020, 09:41 PM
Post: #15
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(05-02-2020 04:39 PM)Thomas Okken Wrote:  That's a 132x16 pixel screen, then, which is enough for the 131x16 pixels used by the HP-42S (or by vanilla Free42), but something clever would be required to deal with the seven annunciators.

For sure, particularly for the shift and up/down arrows annunciators, the others being less mandatory on the screen.

If possible, one could use the 1st column of the display (because you only need 131), and write the labels on the case, like on old LCD watches.
The only strange behavior would be during use of GRADian mode, because both Rad and Grad would be turned on, but it is acceptable.

See picture below (quickly drawn on the phone, not really beautiful and I did not create all icons, but you might understand the idea).
   
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05-03-2020, 01:51 AM (This post was last modified: 05-03-2020 01:52 AM by Mark Hardman.)
Post: #16
RE: DM 42 credit card size
There is an extensive (13 page) thread over on SwissMicros' forum that discusses the possibility of a landscape DM42. You might be interested:

Landscape DM42?

While the discussion focuses on using the full-sized DM1xL hardware, it is still applicable to the smaller DM1x hardware.

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05-03-2020, 08:52 PM
Post: #17
RE: DM 42 credit card size
(05-03-2020 01:51 AM)Mark Hardman Wrote:  There is an extensive (13 page) thread over on SwissMicros' forum that discusses the possibility of a landscape DM42. You might be interested:

Landscape DM42?

While the discussion focuses on using the full-sized DM1xL hardware, it is still applicable to the smaller DM1x hardware.
Thanks for the link, I just read it all. I had no idea this subject was the domain of a holy war.

It seems that for a small landscape calculator I'll have to order a DM15.
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