Print

Calculator blog


Musings and comments about our common interest

 

Published on by

New Product: True leather Pioneer case

We have now launched a new product: a true leather case for the Pioneer series of HP calculators. 

These cases are produced from dark brown Ubirque leather - same color as the original product, just much better. This is valid for all the Pioneer calculators: HP17bII, HP10b, HP14b, HP27s, HP22s, HP32s, HP42s. Excellent tactile feeling!

image2-37

Read entire post
Published on by

Leather cases for most significant calculators

We have planned to sell a range of calculator cases for several models - all of them made from Ubrique cow leather. You have seen the tests of the HP12c - which was the easiest of all possible cases. You can see the test below. A question would be which other colors may be interesting. We have seen samples of Burgundy (nice) and Brown (very, very nice). If the original black model sells well, then the brown is next, and the burgundy will follow.

The next model will probably be the Pioneer case, also in leather. It is just slightly longer than the HP12c's, but the same profile - and it also can be used with the newer HP17bII+ (tested with the originals). The factory has already the original samples and could start production if we see that the Voyagers sell well. The original 12c vinyl case had a better texture than the Pioneer cases - although there has been an evolution to a very plasticky version over time - I am thinking about the cases I receive with the HP42s. Also these "plastic" cases break much more often - it is difficult to find a really "complete" unit. However, finding a replacement is quite easy, easier in fact than with the Voyagers: you just need to buy a second hand HP10b off Ebay, and you have it. (you can even drop the calculator later :-)). 

Third in line is a case for the HP41. The original case is one of the ugliest I have seen. What were the HP guys thinking? The shape: I can understand that they thought that everybody would buy the card reader to have it included in the standard case. However, the color was ridiculous! Compare it with any other case built before, even for the humble Spices (hp31, 32, 33, 34, 37): much better!!

Here there are some questions to answer before ordering it, and I would like your input:

  • Sized for the calculator or for the calculator + card reader?
  • Color: Black? dark Brown? light brown (closest to the original)? Burgundy?

 

Read entire post
Published on by

True leather cases?

 

 

We are planning to introduce three leather cases for the most typical HP calculators. We will start with:

  • The ubiquitous HP41 case. We will use the exact same shape as the one we know. We are using as template the original one, loaded with a 41c+card reader, to make sure it fits. We will have to find also the yellow sponge for those that do not have a card reader.
  • A Voyager case (hp12c, hp10c, hp11c, hp15c, hp16c). The original case was in vinyl, but later versions were in PE and had a very bad behaviour - including the anniversary versions of 12c and 15c. There have been previously leather cases by HP very well made, with a burgundy leather external and a cream leather internal, with upper cover; but it was so nice and thick that it could not really be used for your jacket pocket - which is for me the original intention of the Voyager line. (also the later HP12c Platinum units were far too thick for jacket use)
  • A Pioneer case. This is also a thin calculator that can fit in a jacket pocket. I don't know who was in charge of selecting the cases for the latest HP17bII+ - again, they won't fit comfortably on the jacket pocket. 

The key for both the Voyagenr and Pioneer cases is that they fit quite tight - and do not slip out immediately. Normal fabric is ruled out, while suede- or felt-type may work well. Also, in my opinion, the suede-like feeling of the inner part of a leather may work, too.

We will keep you updated. Meanwhile, let me show you 4 different types of HP41c covers, 

IMG_2794

And also a Voyager Burgundy leather case, and a similar case for the Clamshell type:

image0

Read entire post