Although I am a long-term HP user, quasi-collector, and a dedicated RPN fan, I just bought a half dozen TI-36XII's for use in a lab environment that has, historically, been hazardous for calcs. (Yes, I know that it is heresy, but I don't want to fork over a ton of money if the unit will be trashed in a few weeks. Not everyone appreciates the finer things in life!)
My point is, what are the most noticable features that you would need to make you buy something other than an HP if no new models emerge ?
I have to admit that given the number of features on the TI36XII's and the price of $9.99 each, I could easily get along with it if:
1. ...it's keys had more tactile feedback than an over-ripe grape. and
2. ...it used RPN rather than algebraic entry.
...so, for me, it is the feel of the keys and RPN. I have had several calcs for 10 - 20 years and they still work, (TI's included) but if they were even 3X the cost of the calcs I just bought, and included the features above, I would buy a bunch of them and spread them around the house, office, car, briefcase, nightstand, etc. - OK, I made that part up about the nightstand. (I'd buy more if they were the right color - brown!)