I've bought a HP-50G through Samson Cables as I couldn't find one in Switzerland. My first impression was: we're almost there. The keys are ok now - not as good as eg. a HP-41 but I'd rate them usable - still a tad hard though. The screen cover is now of anti glare type which I find good. But they have changed the LCD module (I think a cheaper one). The contrast of the HP-49G+ was a lot higher and better readable. Here we're back to say a HP-48G+ with black LCD. Also I've noticed that the 16 contrast levels are totally decentered. This means you have to adjust it to one end of the scale. The colors and layout is really good now.
The connectivity software on CD wouldn't work on my two machines. According to forums it doesn't work many other machines. I had to go back to an older version.
So HP are you listening? We're not even talking quality here but the stuff you sell is hardly usable.
It has now a serial port but no such cable can be bought and the manual doesn't say a word about it. I still feel like I've bought beta stuff. Well really I just bought it out of curiosity. My biggest worries are regarding future software enhancements. HP doesn't seem to have any plans on this. They seem to be extremely reluctant on spending any non recurring costs.
What is your opinion will HP ever develop any new stuff? I'm a HP fan but I must admit that TI are a lot more innovative.
Just my 2 cents.
Daniel
Edited: 7 Sept 2006, 1:02 a.m.