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If you need more power and more screen contrast than your 48xx you should consider buying an HP49G.
If you just need the best non graphic programmable calculator your choice is the 42S. It has a nice screen contrast, power and portability.
Regards,
Marx

You know, the HP-42S is my favorite all-around calculator, and god knows (like everyone else here) I have a ton of HPs to choose from.

The bummer is that it seems like everyone else in the world, except for HP, agrees with my choice. Whenever I go looking for a new 42S for my collection (rather than to be the one I spill coca cola on every other day), I see that on eBay, they're all going for higher prices than what they cost new.

It seems pretty clear to me that I'm either going to have to raise my price point, or do without a second one.

Two words: Flea Market. If you've got a flea market or other large swap meet kind of thing that happens anywhere near you, it's a great source for HPs. Without really scouring the one near me, I've gotten a 21, a 91, and a 12C, all in great cosmetic condition for 5 bucks apiece, and the only one that has a _real_ problem is the 91, and that should be easy to fix once I've got the schemtics. Once, I missed getting a red dot 35 in great condition for $20 by about 3 minutes. Sure, you might not get the original box and/or all original documentation (though anything is possible), but unless you're trying to build a museum-quality collection, that stuff is sort of superfluous anyway.

-c

I might also suggest pawn shops. I have managed to find 2 42s in pawn shops for the combined cost of $70. One even included the original box and all of the documents. I also found a 82240B IR printer for $35 with the manual. It works perfectly. And, I found a 15C with case and manual for $20. The best way to buy in pawn shops is with cash. It does not bounce like a check and it doesn't have service fee for the business like a credit card. You may be able to find some of the things I have if you try this. Good luck! Randy

Pawn shop's a good idea. Flea market probably is, too, but I can't stand flea markets. They make me itch.

Now, someone just tell me how to find the willpower to stay away from eBay...

Turn off your computer! ;-)

Matt's Top-5 List of acquiring used HP's:

5) Ebay - generally too expensive for me, but it's how I got some of the more desirable ones (41CV Blanknut, 32S 50th Anniversary, and got lucky on boxed 42S for $40!).

4) Trades/Classified Ads - Picked up some good ones both in the US and around the world (16C, 71B, 97, 14B 50th Anniversary, 41CX), but have had to pay/trade more than I really wanted in order to get them (I'm fair, but hey, I hate to part with more money than I have to! I'm CHEAP!)

3) Pawn Shops - Can get some good deals, but some shops are now keen on the value of HPs (thxs a lot Ebay ;-). I have bought a 17B and 28S for $7 each, both 15C and 16C for $35, both a 48S and 41CV for $25, a 48SX for $5, and an 11C for $2).

2) Garage sales/co-workers - These finds are few and far between, but I bought a boxed 45 for $5, and have been given a 41CV (my first HP!) and 11C for free from co-workers.

1) Thrift stores/Goodwill stores - By far the most frequent and generally least expensive way I pick up good HPs. I have bought a 41CV and card reader for $0.50 each, a 17BII, 21, 25, 45 for $2 each, and a boxed 21 for $1.

Oh, there's one more way I have come into newer HPs: educational services: I have been to classes/HP seminars where I have received a free 49G, a 39G and 49G for $40 and $50 each, respectively (R.I.P. Math Learning Center - HP dropped the funding), and a co-worker had 50% of his 48GX, leather case, and a math card paid by our company as college reimbursement (considered required books and materials.. well maybe not the leather case).

Deals are out there, go get'em!
Matt