I've been told that HP always builds the first calculators of each new model out of clear plastic in order to check the fit of the internal components. I guess they are used for promotional use after they're finished checking everything. I expect all the manufacturers do the same thing. Joe At 03:07 PM 7/11/98 -0700, you wrote: >> What is it with Apple and clear plastic cases anyways? I think I remember >> clear plastic Apple ]['s at dealers. Did Apple do this for all of their >> models? > >I remember clear plastic Apple ][ lids. In fact I think I remember >seeing them for sale in Computerland in Rockville, MD way long ago, >but can't recall whether they were made by Apple or just made to fit. >Just the thing to show off your new computer inside its boring beige >case. > >Apple is not alone in the clear-plastic business. I've seen clear >cases for some older HP calculators from the mid-to-late 1970s. > >-Frank McConnell >

I'd heard that they used to do this (clear HP71's have been spotted, for example), but with the improvements in CAD systems they no longer do so. -tony