From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!ihnp4!ixn5c!pcl
Newsgroups: net.info-terms
Title: Re: relative merits of hp terminals
Article-I.D.: ixn5c.512
Posted: Sat Nov 20 00:36:43 1982
Received: Sun Nov 21 03:24:58 1982
References: uwvax.690


According to our HP sales rep, both the HP2621a and 2621p have
been dis-continued, and are replaced by the 2621b (with optional
printer).  The 'b' model, however, was a re-design of the a/p models
done by some people in France, who thought they were doing the world a
favor by changing lots of little things.  One of the main (intended)
points of the re-design was to eliminate the battery-circuit that
remembered your terminal configuration while the terminal was turned
off.  This circuitry was reportedly a major reliability glitch.  (I say
reportedly, because this explanation does not fit my casual observations
of the numerous 2621a's & p's I & my co-workers have, which seem to have
few problems).

Another goal of the re-design was to lessen the cost of the terminal,
which WAS achieved, according to the price$ our sales rep quotes (I think
this contradicts a prior message on the subject, however).

The 2621b initially had several significant points of brain-damage (as
alluded to in a previous message), and HP has devised an upgrade kit
that sells for about $150 (U.S.) (price includes installation by HP).
It was supposed to become available about now, so any HP sales rep
should be able to tell you about it.  The newer models of the 2621b
(starting a couple months ago) have the upgrade kit installed at
manufacture, so you may not need one.  Among other things, the kit fixes
the high-baud rate problems & the caps-lock-turned-on-at-powerup
default.

If you have a choice between a 2621a & a 2621p, be advised that the 'p'
model includes a fan WHICH IS ALWAYS RUNNING, even when you aren't using
the printer.  The fans range from soft to deafening white-noise levels,
which is what led me to pick the 'a' I have over a 'p'.  I don't know
about the 'b' model, but the fan may be part of the printer option.

				Paul Lustgarten
				ixn5c!pcl
				Bell Labs - Indian Hill