18 Oct
2011
18 Oct
'11
9:14 p.m.
-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org [mailto:cctalk-
bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Josh Dersch
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 7:09 PM
To: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Subject: Re: hp calculators
On 10/18/2011 6:27 PM, Dave McGuire wrote:
I love my 48-SX, which I bought shortly after I started my Masters program, in 2003. I
haven't changed the batteries yet. One thing I like about it is that it has the blue
and gold keys and legends. One thing that's a bit frustrating is that it sometimes
requires a keystroke sequence to do what I'd like to do in one, but on the other hand
it handles symbolic calculation very nicely and I just have to get used to the idea that I
have to collapse the symbolic representation to a numeric one at some point. :-) I
recently picked up a 41-CV and, while I think it's very cool, I like the
'tall' display of the 48-SX that lets me see four registers at a time. -- Ian
On Oct 18, 2011, at 9:14 PM, David
Griffith<dgriffi at cs.csubak.edu> wrote:
> I'm about to get something to replace my old TI85 I had from high school.
Lots of you here rave about the HP's offerings. Indeed, I wanted to get, but
couldn't afford an HP48g when they were new. I don't have much need for
graphing now, but I do need scientific calculation. The HP35s seems good for
that. Or should I just jump in and get the HP50g?
If you'd be ok with a used calculator, I
tell ya, I just couldn't love a
calculator more than my HP28S. I use it pretty
much all the time.
If you'd prefer a one-piece design, the 48SX and successors are a pleasure
to use, even if the keys are a bit too overloaded with alternate functions.
Honestly I'd recommend going for one of those models.
I love the 28 series (it's a great form factor sadly abandoned), but the
lack of I/O options for backup/restore of programs is kind of annoying.
And N-cells are more expensive than AAA's :).
I do have a 50G, and I find it to be pretty nice. The build quality is
good (not as good as the good old days) and the key-click is *almost*
right.
But then again, a used HP 48-SX/GX shouldn't run you too much either --
probably about the same as a new 50G. And if you want a nice used calc
of the non-graphing variety, the HP-41 series are lovely calculators
and you can find a nice used one for about the same price. (I'm basing
this on current eBay prices, your mileage may vary.)