In the ASE labs for many years we've used a particular line of basic
56 function scientific calculators identified "under the badge" as
the model SC107A. These were originally purchased in the late 1990's
for the princely sum of $4.95 from the "office products" section of a
major supermarket chain! (we've had an unofficial contest running
since then to find an even cheaper hex-capable calculator.. yes, I
know, but it's a case of so much time, so little to do.. :-)).
Last year, wanting to buy some more of these durable and functional
little things, and not having seen them on sale for years, we used
the Internet to locate the manufacturer of the SC107A. The Truly
Electronics Mfg. Ltd, ( <http://www.truly.net>www.truly.net ) very
kindly quoted us a price, FOB Hong Kong, USD1.85 each, minimum order
of 1000 pieces. We actually thought about going ahead..! The
"Christmas morning" atmosphere of opening up a parcel of 1000
calculators (actually 10 packs of 100 units each) would be
intoxicating! Of course with (sea) freight and insurance the unit
price would rise to about $2.50. And then, while we were still
prevaricating we found the SC107A again! This time re-badged as
"Office One 720", in the local K-Mart store for $9.95 ea. In snazzy
dark grey with high-visibility white markings on keys and a hinged
hard cover to protect its tender bits, it instantly drove a stake
through the heart of the idea to purchase 1000 of the beloved items!
So, I'd expect that you can find this hardy little workhorse, under
whatever badging, somewhere in chain stores that carry office
products just about everywhere in the world. And if you can find one
for a lower price than AUD9.95 (about USD8.40 today) then you will be
winning in the "cheapest Truly" contest!
Cheers to all,
Graeme
At 02:43 AM 4/06/2010, you wrote:
I am not looking for a Software Hex Calculator. I would like a "hold in
your hand" hex calculator.
My old Casio no longer displays and I will need to replace it.
Does anyone have any favorites? My Casio was very inexpensive and very
capable.
I have seen the TI programmable but I think they are more cost and power
than I need. I would like something with dual power source, solar and
battery
Thanks
Lizette
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