Not meaning to open a can of worms, but I'm wondering if the Chinese-built 12Cs (which are routinely slammed on these boards) are actually improving? Could it be HP has listened to the criticisms and have improved the build quality?
I only say this because I recently bought a vintage 12C made in Brazil in 1990. According to the archives, these are supposed to be just as good as the USA-made calculators -- both of which are supposedly superior to the Chinese models.
Admitted I may have had unrealistic expectations, but I have to say I'm not blown away. Several of the Brazil model's keys are mashed down and the clicks are dull. Some may say that's because the unit is old. Maybe -- but isn't standing the test of time supposed to be the hallmark of the classic 12C? And the unit is no studier than my chinese 12C. Also, when I shake the Brazilian unit, there's some key rattling (a top gripe held against the Chinese model).
This isn't a criticism and I don't have any proof to back it up. I too have seen the early Chinese 12Cs. They were relatively flimsy and the buttons were weak. It might be interesting to compare quality based on serial numbers.
Is it possible the new 12Cs have returned closer to the "good old days" quality of H-P in the early 1980s?