22 Dec 2005, 01:38
Been lots of HP-01s on eBay in the last ten days, goldfill, stainless, even boxed. All working, several in very nice condition. Prices have even been within reason, too. If you're really looking for one, this is the spot to keep your eye on...
I recently got one of these, just to have one, and I must admit, it is an impressive piece of engineering. The manual is a bit intimidating, as it runs nearly a hundred pages.
Still, my overall bias is for the Pulsar calculators [especially the 18K ones], as they were the first [and since Pulsar is my collecting specialty]. If you can find one now in good, working condition, chances are, it has escaped the usual problems and/or abuse, and in all probability, will last for many years to come. Most of all, you should consider what you would simply like to own, and buy what you like...