I just got my first new Hp33s and want to input my thoughts to the Hp community.
First I bought from Eric at Hpcalc.org and am always pleased with dealing with him.
The calculator is in a blister pack and always dangerous to open, but that is actually a side note.
It is an okay, above average calculator with the Hp tactile keyclick. I suspect (and expect) it will last 3-5 years with fairly heavy use (I don't expect it will last 10-20 years like the 41, Pioneer, or Voyager series). But I also suspect it is every bit as tough or rugged for field work ie dropping and beating up in a travel bag.
It really isn't as good as an Hp20s or Hp32s for overall quality, but manufacturing costs probably prohibit a return to those types of calculators for price and sale. I feel the upper selection modes keys at the top are going to be the high failure areas of this model (hence the 3-5 year lifetime).
However, I don't disdain it as I imagined I would. I would have liked better and the comments about the decimal point are valid. If you have weak eyes, you won't see it.
It is available and the only RPN calculator now allowed for the EIT or PE exams here in the USA.
Putting things in perspective, I would say it is an okay working RPN calculator. Also note, it is an AOS/RPN selectable (not EOS like everyone else) calculator. I like AOS better, but I suspect most new users won't if they choose algebraic.
If you are really selective in your calculator use, not worried about theft or loss, you can buy an Hp classic at twice or thrice the cost. However, if you use your calculator at work and/or in a high risk environment, the Hp33s will certainly give you a decent RPN calculator to expose to the real world.