HPE0-S57 benefits - Designing HPE Hybrid IT Solutions Updated: 2023

It’s been almost 20 years since HP purchased the boutique computer maker VoodooPC, bolstering both its gaming and design offerings. And in 2009, that purchase bore fruit: The company’s “Blackbird” design was refined into a super-powered, super-modular microtower called the Firebird 803. On the latest PCWorld YouTube video, we’re joined by VoodooPC founder Rahul Sood (currently CEO of Irreverent Labs) for a personal tour of this incredibly unique desktop design.

Despite being incredibly compact and featuring several parts designed for laptops, the Firebird is designed to be modular in every way, with easy user access to all parts. That includes the dual mobile graphics cards, a pair of Nvidia GeForce 9800S GPUs in SLI. Both MXM cards were slotted into the motherboard under massive watercooling blocks, almost like oversized RAM DIMMs, user-accessible with no soldering.

The unique case deserves some attention. Despite visually resembling the Blackbird, it’s a complete custom design integrating a laptop power supply for a relatively tiny interior volume, though today the slot-loading Blu-ray drive seems a little dated. Around back you can see relics like Firewire and eSATA ports.

Sood had hoped that the Firebird would be the first in a series of designs focused on modularity and user customization, including a possible collaboration with LEGO on a full DIY build-a-PC kit. Alas, HP went in a different direction, switching to more conventional desktops and sleek laptops for the Voodoo sub-brand. Today, the Firebird’s reliance on MXM mobile graphics cards and a custom liquid cooling setup means your upgrade options are limited, even if you can track one down in working order.

But arguably, the Firebird’s very existence inspired a new generation of small form factor PCs that refused to compromise on gaming performance. For more deep dives on the history of computer design, subscribe to PCWorld on YouTube.

For years now, the likes of Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft have been manufacturing 2-in-1 laptops that offer consumers the benefits of having a touch display and a multi-mode form factor. Despite that, Apple’s stance on the convertible form factor has remained resolute.

More than a decade after consumer laptops touting the 2-in-1 design hit the shelves, and there isn’t even so much as a shadow of a hybrid MacBook or iPad. And that’s for good reason.

We can all pretend that Apple’s main motivation is the fact that it will be quite an undertaking to make the macOS touch-friendly, but we all know that won’t keep the brand from creating 2-in-1 MacBooks if it really wanted to. It really boils down to one thing: Apple wants consumers to keep buying all of its devices, and having a 2-in-1 option will disrupt both its MacBook and iPad sales.

But tides have been turning against Apple for quite some time now. Its products, even the newer ones, are really starting to feel derivative. It hasn’t really done anything game-changing in a while. Even the look of its products have sort of gotten dated as the world is moving away from that minimalist aesthetic and looking to maximalist designs. And, even in the AI race, Apple is getting left behind.

This means that it needs to do something massive at WWDC 2023 to fix its fortunes. And rolling out one of the best 2-in-1 laptops might just do the trick, however late it may be in the game.

It makes economic sense

Now before you get it in your head to send me hate mail because there’s been no indication that Apple will do that… I mean, obs! I’m not saying that it will, and at this point, all signs point to a 15-inch MacBook Air and the next-generation iMac anyway.

What I’m saying is that it will behove Apple to throw its hat in the 2-in-1 ring, and soon. After all, PC sales have dropped drastically this year, affecting pretty much every single manufacturer. Times have been hard, especially with all the mass layoffs, and it no longer makes sense for people to spend money on a laptop and also purchase a tablet separately, which has always been Apple’s business model.

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A MacBook Air already costs a small fortune, while the cheapest of the best iPads on offer is the older generation $329 / £369 / AU$549 one. That’s a hefty sum if you need both for work or in your home. By offering less premium products and more solutions that help consumers save money, Apple not only encourages customer loyalty, but it might even help with its decreasing sales dilemma.

Adding versatility to the MacBook

People’s biggest reason to go for a convertible laptop rather than a conventional clamshell one is versatility. I’m a Mac person, but if I’m being honest, I haven’t owned a MacBook for about two years now (though I do still rely on my iMac for my editing needs). Instead, I’m relying on hybrids like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and, more recently, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9 whose dual-screen setup expands its functionality even further. And, I have not been missing the MacBook. At all.

The brilliance of 2-in-1 laptops is that they don’t just come with a touch screen and stylus support, which already allows you to do more on them, but they also offer different modes for different needs. If you need to organize your day on your digital planner, take notes, or read a book, the tablet form makes it convenient for you. If you want to unwind after work, you’ve got the tent mode. If you present a report to your teammates, there’s a mode for that too.

Not that the iPad isn’t capable of being Apple’s 2-in-1 alternative. Hook it up to a Magic Keyboard, and you’ve got yourself a decent tool for doing work on the go. But the mobile apps for iPadOS are simply not the most seamless to use – even the Google Docs suite are a little annoying to use.

We need a MacBook that will let you seamlessly go from typing emails and documents to editing your video with a stylus without the mobile app limitations you get on the iPad.

Tired of the same derivative MacBook design

Besides, no matter how hard Apple is innovating its MacBooks’ design, things are really starting to get boring. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this minimalist MacBook look now feels a little dated – especially when comparing it to what Apple’s rivals are putting out in the world lately, as if Apple has simply forgotten to have fun.

Not that I don’t appreciate Apple bringing back more ports to the MacBook Pros, but apart from slight design changes, we’re getting the same general MacBook aesthetic as before. And it’s all starting to look and feel derivative – not a good sign from a company that used to be the leader in innovations.

That isn’t to say that rolling out a MacBook 2-in-1 is going to be its saving grace, but it’s a start. If nothing else, if might just get Apple off of this slump it’s been in for a while now.

Here's how to watch Apple's WWDC 2023 keynote, if you want to sit watching in hope with us.

With new additive manufacturing machines hitting the market from HP and GE, Autodesk is ramping up generative design software that works directly with the new printers. The company has developed a comprehensive design-to-print workflow for additive manufacturing—based on Autodesk’s Netfabb and Fusion 360—that connects Autodesk generative design technology with HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers.

The goal is to streamline the conversion of digital design to physical part. The workflow is designed to increase accessibility to rapid prototyping to accelerate production-ready 3D printed parts. Autodesk is also collaborating with GE Additive to create a design-to-print workflow to bring end-to-end generative design to GE 3D printing machines.

3D Printing Reaches Production Value

At the heart of the design-to-print workflow and the HP collaboration is the build-out of production-based 3D printing that delivers feasible, cost-effective additive manufacturing. “The HP multi-jet fusion printers are changing the value equation when it comes to 3D printing for production. The plastic printers are now becoming cost-efficient versus injection molding for part counts in excess of 10,000 parts,” Robert Yancey, director of manufacturing industry strategy at Autodesk, told Design News. “The new metal printers promise to have similar value benefits compared to metal injection molding. HP is helping move the additive manufacturing market from prototyping to production applications.”

The shift in 3D printing production comes from the capabilities of the new machines and materials. “HP multi-jet fusion printers promise higher volumes and higher customization than plastic printers that have been in the market for some time,” said Yancey. “To unlock the full value of HP MJF printers, you need a good design, a good material, and a good print process. Autodesk develops the design tools and technology, HP develops the print process, and HP with their material partners develops the materials. All aspects are required to achieve maximum efficiency.”

Proving out the Workflow

Penumbra Engineering, a generative design company that is a customer of both Autodesk and HP, was recently enlisted by a client to design and additively manufacture a new state-of-the-art ultrasonic sensing device that delivers the accuracy and durability to withstand use in extreme environments. The company used Autodesk generative design and HP Jet Fusion technology to meet stringent performance requirements while producing a design that is lightweight and balanced enough to ensure proper stability and ease-of-use in the field.

“The Penumbra case study uncovers the value of HP working with Autodesk generative design technology,” said Yancey. “We’re supporting HP printers in Fusion 360 and Netfabb so that HP multi-jet fusion customers have the design and print prep tools they need. We’re working with HP to provide support for the new metal printers they recently announced.”

Building out a Workflow for GE Additive

Autodesk is also working with GE Additive to simplify metal additive manufacturing. The companies have agreed to collaborate on an integrated workflow for GE Additive machines. Based on the Fusion 360 platform, the workflow will connect all phases of additive manufacturing—from design and simulation to printing processes and machine analytics.

Autodesk is using GE Additive software algorithms, interfaces, and specialized data models to offer predictive insights. The workflow is also designed to provide cost and timeline projections in the early stages of design so that design engineers can make engineering and business decisions without first having to physically produce the parts. “Working with Autodesk will provide a powerful design-to-print environment for our customers, helping lower the barriers of additive adoption while accelerating a customer’s time to first good part,” said Lars Bruns, software leader at GE Additive in a statement.

One-Stop End-to-End Workflow

For GE, the goal was to develop a complete end-to-end workflow for the GE Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) systems within Fusion 360. GE and its customers presently have to use multiple software products and multiple data formats to go from concept to printed part. “The GE and Autodesk collaboration has the goal of providing a single platform and environment for users to conceive of a part design using Fusion 360, which includes generative design,” said Yancey. “The platform will simulate that design, print the design, and capture all of the relevant print data to store with the design file so we have a single source of truth for each printed component.”

GE will also share preliminary cost data to generative design studies so users can compare cost variations between the options, versus just engineering and weight variations. “This will significantly increase the value of generative design by giving users an environment to quickly assess both engineering and business tradeoffs for the many options generated,” said Yancey.

Rob Spiegel has covered automation and control for 17 years, 15 of them for Design News. Other Topics he has covered include supply chain technology, alternative energy, and cyber security. For 10 years, he was owner and publisher of the food magazine Chile Pepper.

Since its introduction in the 1980s, the M1 Abrams has reigned as the United States' main battle tank and one of the best tanks ever made. Designed by General Dynamics and bearing the name of General Creighton W. Abrams, this tank pays homage to its namesake, a distinguished commander of the 4th Armored Division who led tank operations during the height of World War II.

Continually evolving, the M1 Abrams adapts to enhance combat effectiveness, integrating cutting-edge equipment like Combat Identification Panels (CIP), Tank Urban Survival Kits (TUSK), and active protection systems. Battle-tested and refined, these advancements position the Abrams as one of the world's most impressive tanks of all time.

While the latest version, the M1A2 Abrams, takes the spotlight, the dependable M1A1 variant remains active in diverse theaters and is loaned to allied forces by the US government. Armed with a 120mm smoothbore cannon that lacks rifling inside the barrel and is supplemented by a .50 caliber alongside a 7.62mm machine gun, the M1A2 Abrams delivers devastating firepower.

Propelled by a 1500 HP engine, the Abrams maneuvers its 55-ton frame at a maximum speed of 42 mph. To ensure crew safety, it features Chobham armor. As a vital component of the US military strategy, the Abrams has continually evolved through major operations, refining its capabilities. The current incarnation, the M1A2, is filled with advanced electronics and defense systems, making it one of the deadliest tanks on the battlefield today.

© Provided by HotCars

Pickup trucks are an intrinsic part of American culture, there is simply no denying it. Few other countries have embraced these practical and versatile vehicles in quite the same way the US has. Combining a high driving position and the benefits of both on and off-road capability, it is easy to see why pickups are so popular. They are the perfect accompaniment for everyday life, an indispensable tool. Many are excellent haulers, boasting large towing capacities and ample space within their load bays. From everyday shopping and domestic duties to vacation and farming purposes, there really is no other vehicle that can match the versatility of a pickup truck.

In the current economic climate, living costs are going through the roof. Buyers are looking to get good levels of bang for their buck. And while many new cars continue to be incredibly overpriced for what they offer, the pickup trucks on this list combine affordable price tags with all the features and functionality a truck buyer could ever want. Let's jump in.

Related: 5 Ways The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Will Be Better Than The Ford Maverick (5 Ways It Won’t)

2023 Ford Maverick - $22,595

The mightily compact Ford Maverick proves utility can come in small packages. Sharing a platform with the Ford Bronco Sport, this is a truck that is easy to navigate in the urban environment. The Maverick can tow between 2000 and 4000 pounds, depending on the powertrain selected. Interestingly, the base model option is actually a hybrid. Comprising a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, 191-hp is produced.

Fuel economy figures are one of the Ford Maverick's strengths, with an EPA-rated 42 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. The cabin is nicely put together, bridging the gap between comfort and utility. Infotainment is provided via an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard fitment.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado - $29,200

All-new for 2023, the Chevrolet Colorado looks significantly fresher than its predecessor. The cabin is also a big step up, featuring an updated center console and a new steering wheel. As standard, the Colorado is equipped with a fairly large 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The screen is easier to see while on the move than the previous model, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used wirelessly.

Just one engine option is available, a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four. Power output varies depending on the trim selected, with the base model producing 237 hp. Towing capacity ranges from a fairly average 3500 pounds, up to a mighty 7700 pounds, making it one of the best in class.

2023 Ford Ranger - $27,400

The mid-size Ford Ranger sits in between the diminutive Maverick and the mighty F-150. As standard, the Ranger is two-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is also available. Under the hood, the Ranger is kitted out with a turbocharged 270-hp four-cylinder engine. In combination with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2.3-liter engine generates 310 lb-ft of torque, helping to provide plenty of pulling power. Impressively, the Ranger can haul up to 7500 pounds.

Ground clearance ranges from 8.4-8.9 inches, depending on the drivetrain selected. Opt for the Ranger's "Terrain Management System," and it should be able to perform on almost any surface. For those in the market for an off-road capable truck, the Ranger Raptor could make more financial sense than the significantly more expensive F-150 Raptor.

2023 GMC Canyon - $36,900

Benefiting from a full refresh for the 2023 model year, the GMC Canyon is the best it has ever been. The Canyon line-up kicks off at $36,900 for the entry-level "Elevation" model. GMC has kept things refreshingly simple regarding the powertrain, with just one engine available. The 2.7-liter inline-four produces a decent 310 hp and 430 pounds-feet of torque.

GMC has made the decision to continue using a body-on-frame chassis design, the preferred choice of off-road enthusiasts. In the same vein, a brand new dedicated off-road trim known as the "AT4X" has been introduced. With a mighty 10.7 inches of ground clearance and a range of driving modes including "Baja Mode," the Canyon is more capable than it ever has been. The competition has also upped its game, meaning you should explore all your options before committing to buy the Canyon.

2023 Toyota Tacoma - $28,250

Created in response to the infamous "Chicken Tax," the US-focused Tacoma has been a big hit. The current third-generation model has been in production since 2016, and an all-new Tacoma looks set to be unveiled soon. Despite being replaced imminently, there is still plenty to like about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The model occupies a mid-size position in Toyota's line-up and starts at an accessible $28.250.

The Tacoma is powered by a 159-hp four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual as standard fitment. However, for those desiring more power, a V6 engine producing 278 hp is also available. Every Tacoma benefits from an infotainment touchscreen, with the majority of specifications including an 8.0-inch version. Entry-level models have to make do with a smaller, but equally usable 7.0-inch version instead.

Related: 5 Ford F-150 Model Years We Stay Away From (5 That Are Amazing)

2023 Ford F-150 - $33,695

The iconic Ford F-150 is a pickup truck that certainly needs no introduction and dominates the market. There is a diverse range of trim levels and body types on offer. Equally diverse is the price tag, with the entry-level "XL" starting at an affordable $33,695, while the range-topping "Limited" starts at a hefty $84,910.

Many engines are available, with the base model being kitted out with a 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6. In this configuration, the F-150 can tow a solid 8200 pounds. Should you need more than this, the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 can haul a mighty 14,000 pounds. Interestingly, the larger displacement 5.0-liter V8 can only manage 13,000 lbs.

2023 Jeep Gladiator - $38,775

First launched in 2020, the Jeep Gladiator combines the Wrangler's iconic looks with all the practicality of a pickup truck. In many ways, the Gladiator can be considered a modern-day replacement for the Jeep Comanche of the '80s and '90s. The Commanche is arguably one of the best classic pickup trucks.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is powered by a solid 285-hp 3.6-liter V6, which also generates 260 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator's cabin is very similar to that found in the Wrangler. There is a rugged look and feel, with chunky buttons and several storage cubbies. Touchscreen infotainment comes as standard fitment, and there is a good provision of power outlets within the vehicle.

2023 Toyota Tundra - $38,965

The vast and imposing Toyota Tundra was completely redesigned in 2022, and it remains a great-looking vehicle to this day. The Tundra's grille is absolutely massive, giving it a purposeful stance and making your presence known out on the highway.

Compared to many of its competitors, especially full-size trucks, the Tundra provides a surprisingly comfortable ride. Toyota made the decision to integrate a coil-spring suspension system onto the rear axle in 2022, taking the place of more traditional and uncomfortable leaf springs. There is no V8 engine option, with a twin-turbo V6 providing the propulsion instead.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning - $59,974

To the uninitiated, there is very little to differentiate the fully-electric "Lightning" from any other F-150 on the road. Every version of the Lightning is powered by two electric motors, and these are in turn powered by a battery. Two different capacities are available, providing an EPA estimated range of 230 miles, or an impressive 320 miles in the extended range model. The Lightning is not short on power, with a whopping 580 hp generated from the larger capacity battery.

On the inside, the F-150 Lightning is slightly more futuristic looking than a regular F-150. Dominating the dashboard, is a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, while a mammoth 15.0-inch version is also available on higher trim levels. One of the greatest things about the EV version of the F-150 is the new, large front trunk. The redundant engine bay has been repurposed, and a good amount of extra gear can be carried. Buyers will need to thoroughly think through their individual usage requirements, as cold climatic conditions can have a big impact on range.

2023 Honda Ridgeline - $38,800

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is arguably one of the best pickup trucks for those who prioritize on-road handling. Constructed using a unibody chassis rather than a traditional body-on-frame design, the Ridgeline handles more like an SUV than a truck. Similarly, a coil-sprung independent rear suspension setup is used, helping provide a more comfortable ride.

The model comes with all-wheel drive as standard and is available with just one engine option. Power is generated by a 3.5-liter V6, which produces 280 hp, and 262 pounds-feet of torque. The cabin is more refined than many on this list, with a modern-looking design and better-than-average materials. The "Black Edition" is the range-topping model, and has some clever and desirable features included.

Siemens PLM and HP Inc. have created a partnership to advance their 3D printing tools for industrial design and production. Siemens has created an HP-certified additive manufacturing (AM) software module. The module, Siemens NX AM for HP Multi Jet Fusion, is now an extension to Siemens’ solution for additive manufacturing.

Earlier this year, Siemens announced a partnership with Stratasys on 3D print technology. Clearly Siemens wants a major role as 3D printing moves into manufacturing. “To industrialize additive manufacturing technology, we have to become a major vendor in design and manufacturing. We have to manage and distribute 3D print technology in a secure way,” Andreas Saar, VP of manufacturing engineering solutions at Siemens PLM, told Design News. “That’s why we’re intensively investing in it, and that’s why we partner with 3D printing companies. It was clear from the beginning we have to partner with strategic vendors who have the know-how from the technology side.”

The NX AM module will let users develop and manage parts in a single software environment for their HP 3D printing projects. The goal is to avoid costly and time-consuming data conversions and third-party tools while improving design-to-finished-part workflow efficiency. Siemens and HP are also aligning for future technology in order to escape the limitations of traditional manufacturing to produce new products at faster speeds.

Game-Changing Technology

Siemens views additive manufacturing as a technology that will alter the world of design and manufacturing. “This technology will change how products are imagined and designed, and it will change how we tool our factories,” said Saar. “It is having a major impact on how products are designed and manufactured. It’s important that Siemens PLM is heavily involved.”

Saar noted that additive manufacturing has traversed the hurdles that have previously held back 3D printing as a production technology. “In order to bring AM into production, you have to be capable of replacing a previous technology in both time and cost. You have to produce parts in amounts at better or lessor costs, and at greater speed. That’s the advantage of HP’s technology,” he said. “On the plastics side, you can print 30,000 or 40,000 parts cheaper than producing a mold. Also, you can print the same quality. You didn’t have that before. The quality has improved.”

Until recently, 3D printed parts were consider sub-standard in strength. Advances in materials have dramatically changed that equation. “Developments in the materials side is the main difference in part strength,” said Saar. “We’re working with major material vendors to really stabilize the digital package – a combination of material process and printing.”

So far, individual industries are turning to additive manufacturing to solve very different and specific needs. “Each industry has a different focus for additive manufacturing. The goal for aerospace is performance and light-weighting. You can build 3D parts you could not produce before,” said Saar. “This is a major breakthrough in aerospace. You can develop powder combinations to build material recipes that you couldn’t before. On the medical side, the goal is individualization; for consumer products, it’s mass customization.”

Partnership Brings Ease of Use

The Siemens AM software module was designed to let NX users combine design, optimization, simulation, and preparation of print jobs while bringing in the inspection processes for HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printed parts in a managed environment. Users can load multiple 3D part models into NX, and auto-nest and submit them to an HP 3D printer in a single environment and with a minimum of steps.

Rob Spiegel has covered automation and control for 17 years, 15 of them for Design News. Other Topics he has covered include supply chain technology, alternative energy, and cyber security. For 10 years, he was owner and publisher of the food magazine Chile Pepper.

When picking out the best laptop for your budget, you don't want to spend big money on features you don't need. The best budget laptop models can handle all your everyday tasks like checking emails, scrolling through social media, typing up documents and more, and they can be available for less than $500. 

The chip shortages of the past couple of years have made finding a good budget-friendly laptop a little trickier. With fewer chips available, PC makers made more midrange and premium laptops than lower-end models to handle essential, day-to-day tasks. Inflation has driven up prices, too. So while it's possible to find a good laptop under $500, you may need to shop around and wait for a discount. Otherwise, you may need to spend closer to $700 to get a laptop that'll last several years. Also, you won't find any current MacBooks at these prices: a new entry-level MacBook Air is $1,000. You'll have to hit a good sale or pick up a refurbished one to get a MacBook for less.

The good news is, we're here to help. If you're searching for a laptop under $500, we've tested and reviewed the best budget laptops you can buy right now. Not sure what to look for in a good budget laptop? Jump to the buying advice right below our recommendations. This advice is based on our years of testing and review experience if you want to continue your budget laptop hunt on your own. 

Use these picks to sort through the competition. Because there are a lot of cheap laptops that aren't worth it, try not to make rash decisions when buying. 

Best budget laptops

Budget laptop FAQ

Fifty years ago, Hewlett-Packard introduced the first handheld scientific calculator, the HP-35. It was quite the engineering feat, since equivalent machines of the day were bulky desktop affairs, if not rack-mounted. [Rob Weinstein] has long been a fan of HP calculators, and used an HP-41C for many years until it wore out. Since then he gradually developed a curiosity about these old calculators and what made them tick. The more he read, the more engrossed he became. [Rob] eventually decided to embark on a three year long reverse-engineer journey that culminated a recreation of the original design on a protoboard that operates exactly like the original from 1972 (although not quite pocket-sized). In this presentation he walks us through the history of the calculator design and his efforts in understanding and eventually replicating it using modern FPGAs.

The HP patent ( US Patent 4,001,569 ) contains an extremely detailed explanation of the calculator in nearly every aspect. There are many novel concepts in the design, and [Rob] delves into two of them in his presentation. Early LED devices were a drain on batteries, and HP engineers came up with a clever solution. In a complex orchestra of multiplexed switches, they steered current through inductors and LED segments, storing energy temporarily and eliminating the need for inefficient dropping resistors. But even more complicated is the serial processor architecture of the calculator. The first microprocessors were not available when HP started this design, so the entire processor was done at the gate level. Everything operates on 56-bit registers which are constantly circulating around in circular shift registers. [Rob] has really done his homework here, carefully studying each section of the design in great depth, drawing upon old documents and books when available, and making his own material when not. For example, in the course of figuring everything out, [Rob] prepared 338 pages of timing charts in addition to those in the patent.

One section called the “Micro-Programmed Controller” is presented as just a black-box in the patent. This is the heart of the systems, and is essential to the calculator’s operation. However, all the other parts that talk to the controller were so well-described in the patent that [Rob] was able to back out the details. The controller, and all sections of the calculator, was implemented in Verilog, and tested on an instrumented workbench he built to test each module.

Once everything was working in the simulations, [Rob] set out to build a working model. TInyFPGA models were used, one for each custom chip. A few understandable departures were made from the original design. An 18650 lithium ion cell powers the board, kept topped off by a modern battery charging controller. The board is larger than the original, and yes, he’s using the Hackaday-obligatory 555 chip in the power-on circuit. In this short demonstration video, you can see the final prototype being put through its paces side by side with an original HP-35, working through examples from the owner’s manual.

This is an incredibly researched and thoroughly documented project. [Rob] has made the design open source and is sharing it on the project’s GitLab repository. [Rob]’s slides for Remoticon are not only a great overview of the project, but have some good references included. Its clear he has a real passion for these old calculators and has done a fantastic job exploring the HP-35. But even after three years, there’s more to come. He’s thinking about making a PCB version, and a discrete implementation using individual logic gates may be in the works.

We wrote about the history of the HP-35 before. And if you like hacking into these old calculators, check out our writeup of a similar dive into the Sinclair scientific calculator.

© Vigilante

If you want a restomodded Jeep, few places can do a better job than Texas-based Vigilante 4x4.

The firm has worked hard on a new project and has finally revealed its latest piece of art. Based on a '77 Cherokee S, this elderly Jeep has received a new lease on life thanks to the 485-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8.

Mated to a 4L80E automatic transmission from Bowler Performance, this 46-year-old off-roader moves like a modern Jeep. With all that power under the hood, the driver will be pleased to know the braking system has been uprated, with Baer Vigilante six-piston brakes on all four corners.

The Cherokee S used a rather rudimentary leaf spring suspension setup from the factory. While durable, it can't be described as comfortable. Vigilante 4x4 has ripped this out and replaced it with a Front Dana 44 front axle, Rear Dana 60, and Eibach coil springs. The cherry on top has to be the adjustable Fox racing shock absorbers.

This classic Jeep should be far comfier, more controllable at speed, and genuinely unstoppable off-road. Vigilante has also fitted the Jeep with an Advance Atlas II transfer case, which provides a fine blend between highway driving and competition use.

While the oily bits have been thoroughly reworked and upgraded, the exterior has been left as is. The Cherokee benefits from a delightful two-tone paint job comprised of Midnight Blue and white. This fresh combination has been teamed with 17-inch wheels fashioned from billet aluminum. This old Jeep looks excellent with chrome details and Vigilante rear badging.

The Cherokee S appears to have been upholstered in regular Slate Grey leather. Look closely, however, and you'll notice the gorgeous floral design embossed into the seats and door cards. It's subtle, but, as they say, God is in the details.

Other than that, the interior is perfectly straightforward. There's seating for two up front and three additional occupants in the second row. Vigilante has fitted a helpful center console for those in the front row. Notably, the interior has been fitted with three-point seatbelts.

The owner of this particular vehicle has kept the cabin as close to factory specification as possible. You won't find power windows and locks here; it's a truly analog experience. Seeing an old American off-roader get this special treatment is lovely, but it does come at a cost. Vigilante says all its builds start at $295,000, which is seriously steep.

Then again, that's what some people pay for an electric Range Rover Classic.

Vigilante has the potential to build just about anything for classic Jeep enthusiasts. Earlier this year, the certified previewed an iconic Grand Wagoneer with the 707-hp Hellcat motor. If, for some reason, that's not extreme enough, the company also offers a Hellephant conversion with more than 1,000 horses.

In exact years, resto-modding has become extremely popular. Those with big bucks and no interest in new cars can get just about anything, be it a battery-powered Bentley or a classic Mercedes 300 SEL with a 638 hp engine.

If you want a modernized classic off-roader but Jeeps aren't your thing, ECD Automotive can build a superb Land Rover restomod.

This article originally appeared on CarBuzz: Restomodded Jeep Cherokee S Gets Modern Suspension And 485-HP Hemi V8