DM32

[jonmoore]

(05-29-2022 12:48 AM)johanw Wrote:  

(05-25-2022 11:56 PM)Dave Britten Wrote:  It will likely also have the distinction of containing vastly more RAM than the 32SII, and that's a good enough feature for me!

As far as I can see that would be the only advantage it would have over the DM15. On the other hand the 32S has less complex and no matrix functionality compared to the DM15.

I won't start the argument about the form factor... But all in all, for larger programs I already have a DM42, for fast access a 15 and a 15L, I don't see a DM32 filling any real niche here.

That's my take too. And as for the 33s, not only is it pig ugly, when you add the congested faceplate of the 32S family of calculators to that horrendous mobile phone industrial design, the UX is seriously compromised.

Those HP collectors who simply have to have everything will see the DM32 as something essential for their collection. But for my needs, I prefer that each calculator in my collection has significant individual strengths. In 2022 I have no interest in complex/matrix math capabilities in a Voyager form factor, but if I want something lightweight for e.g. retail therapy sessions with my partner, I head for either my 11C or 12C (I sold my 15C as it sat gathering dust). If I'm wearing clothing with secure pockets, the DM41x is my 'pocketable' calculator of choice (I have a DM42 too, which I love, but it's simply not as flexible as the DM41x).

My most recent purchase was a 48GX, which was odd on the surface of things as I'd sold my original 48GX when I got a 50g. I only purchased it as 1.) I got it for a reasonable price here in Europe, and 2.) having explored different configurations in EMU48, I realised I could set up a SpeedUI configuration without the need for a 128K card in port 1 and still leave myself plenty of working RAM in port 0 (I used Meta Kernal back in the day, with Erable, ALG48 and suchlike).

Getting back to using HP calculators for their individual strengths, I don't use Erable on the 48GX (but I do use ALG48). If I want CAS features, I rather reach for the 50g or the Prime. But the combination of exceptional industrial design, coupled with thoughtful interaction design at a software level makes the 48GX a beast for numerical calculations. Plus, https://www.hpcalc.org/ has a large number of excellent programs that never made their way to the 50g.

Having sung the praises of HP's mature RPL calculators, I actually use my 28S and 19BII most often at home as I adore the form factor of the clamshell Pioneers. And this will seem bizarre to many, I also love their displays, which are optimised for typical slanted viewing angles that occur when a calculator is laid flat on a desktop 10-15cm to the fore. The 48GX and 50g are significantly more powerful than the 28S but the 28S covers most of my typical calculator use. I also like that the simplified set of RPL functions means that I tend to program the 28S more than the 48GX and 50g, as I have a better handle on its smaller set of RPL functions (programming the 48GX and 50g, relies on constant trips to their respective advanced user guides).

The 19BII is mainly used for its equation solver as it has all of the power of the 27S but benefits from the alpha keyboard on the left panel of its clamshell design. This makes entering equations significantly easier than with other Pioneer calculators that feature the same equation solver.

As mentioned earlier in this thread, the one itch that SM could scratch for me personally would be a modern take on the 48GX, with all the benefits of storage, processing power, and display technology that a modern design could possibly offer.

I can honestly say that outside of finding a 27s at the right price (here in Europe - the combination of VAT and import charges makes US purchases prohibitive), I'm happy with my existing collection of HP calculators. Well, a bargain HP-97 would find a loving home too, but I've more chance of winning the lottery than scoring that particular bounty!