HP-12C Platinum Version 02 calculator from 2010 week 21?

[Tim Wessman]

(08-07-2015 08:53 AM)BartDB Wrote:  I think it just uses a common back for ease and cost of production.

I think that is probably the case as well. While I was not around back then, being able to reduce cycle times from switching molds, reducing maintenance to a single set of tools, and reduction of storage costs when not in use are always goals manufactures have to reduce costs. Moving very similar products to similar production processes and components is always a goal.