***CLEAR*** HP-85 FS on E-bay

From: Bryan Pope <bpope_at_wordstock.com>
Date: Thu Sep 25 12:45:27 2003

And thusly Tothwolf spake:
>
> On Thu, 25 Sep 2003, Michael Nadeau wrote:
>
> > This is probably more aptly called a demo model rather than a prototype.
> > Computer makers would sometimes create a handful of a model prior to
> > launch to privately show it off to the press, retailers, investors, etc.
> > Compaq once gave me a laptop to preview for BYTE that was in a clear
> > case. It was essentially a production unit on the inside.
> >
> > My guess is that HP made fewer than 10 of these HP-85s in a clear case.
> > This is a way cool find.
>
> Clear cases are usually made just prior to any texture being added to the
> production molds. Usually they are used for engineering purposes (making
> sure it all fits), but sometimes they will also use those cases for
> demo/promotional purposes too.
>

Just a thought....

        Is there any *other* way to tell that this is an original? What if
somebody went and made a new clear plastic case and replaced a normal
case? How much does a normal cased HP-85 go for?

        The 3D printers out there are getting cheaper... (relatively!)

Cheers,

Bryan Pope

P.S. But I would like to see a device come out that could make exact
copies of older computer chips... :) Great to keep our systems running.
Received on Thu Sep 25 2003 - 12:45:27 BST