... As an engineer of 30+ years, and now an engineering professor, I truly believe the HP 48G series of calculators is one of the best calculators ever developed....even if it is not the most intuitive. I remember starting college with a TI calculator (an SR-50). At some point, someone turned me onto the HP calculators of the day. After using one for a short period, I knew this was the way calculators were suppose to work. Very fast, very logical, very easy to use!

The major reason most persons do not like the HP is due to the RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) logic and RPL (Reverse Polish Lisp) language employed by the HP; generally because they do not understand it. RPN logic is how math is done, even pencil on paper. It is extremely logical. Even algebraic entry calculators, when not set to textbook entry, employ RPN logic for functions (ie: logs, trig functions, etc.). RPN logic forces the user to start from inside and equation and work outward. Of course, this is exactly how one solves anything pencil on paper! As a simple example, the sum of 5 and 8 in algebraic logic AND in textbook entry is 5 + 5 = ??
In RPN, there is no equal key. Instead, there is an ENTER key. So one would press 5 [ENTER] 5 + To the unitiated, this appears confusing on the surface. However, when one understands how the mind processes information, and when one truly understands how mathematics is performed, one realizes this is exactly how one handles math without the calculator. This is why there are no parenthesis on an RPN calculator. They're unneccessary. The advantage of RPN logic becomes readily apparent when handling very long/complex algebraic expressions (ie: Bernoulli, Principal Stress Equations, Certain Thermodynamic Expressions, etc.).

Although I have no problem with algebraic entry logic, Textbook entry is something to be despised. I truly believe this entry method has done more to degrade the mathematical abilities of our students than anything else! Textbook entry is exactly what it sounds like. You enter the equation as it appears in the textbook, then press equals (or exc). Although this sounds like a good thing, I can tell you that the vast majority of mathematical errors made by my students are made due to the lack of understanding of basic mathematical heirarchy. This is lack of understanding is propogated by the textbook entry format. Even students who have calculators with algebraic logic generally make fewer mathematical errors than those using textbook entry! It is also an extremely slow method. When lecturing on a given topic, and solving long algebraic expressions, I (and students using HP's) solve problems far more quickly than those with algebraic and textbook entry calculators. This time factor is rather substantial. Generally, those with textbook entry calculators are left so far behind those using even algebraic only entry, they stop participating and allow others to perform the calculations!

I have three high-end Casio's, every TI from the 83 through th 89, and most HPs from the 25 through the 50. I own so many so I can help my students. I hate to say it, but I never have questions from students who own HP or Casio calcualtors, only those that own TI's. Never thought about that before now. I wonder why?

I have also done extensive programming with the TI's, somewhat less extensive with the HP's, and minimal programming with the Casio's. Most of my programming is for use with data loggers. The HP is somewhat more difficult to learn overall, but the learning curve is not that much greater than the TI or Casio. However, the HP pays dividends in the end, especially in terms of speed of calculation and in terms of available professional software. I have always thought the HP SOMEWHAT more powerful and with a much more close-knit support group than the TI, although I suppose that could be debated. The Casio is easily the most intuitive of the three and I believe far superior to the TI in most areas. Anecdotally, I've had a number of students go the Casio route when purchasing a new calculator and they've all preferred it over the TI. (did you know Casio is the calculator of choice outside of North America?) In my opinion, the TI falls in between the HP and Casio. All three are very fine calculators. All three will do the job. But the HP is unique in that it actually improves ones understanding of mathematical concepts and heirarchy to the RPN logic.

By the way, I have a number of friends who like the HP, but use the TI or the Casio. However, they seldom use it in textbook entry (they also deem it illogical). However, they usually use it becasue the department has selected TI's. This is especially true in K-12. But this is generally due to a difference in the business models of Texas Instruments vs. Hewlett Packard. Unfortunately, HP caters to the professional market, not the educational market.

In the end, the HP-48/49/50 series of calculators are GREAT calculators. I tend to prefer the high end 49/50's over the 48 series due to their use of SD cards, thus the ability to store high quantities of data. However, the 48G and 48G+ can still be found at a reasonable cost, thus comes highly recommended. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on HP HP48G PLUS Graphic Calculator

... This calculator is not like your typical 2 decimal one. It leaves the numbers in 8.5 instead of $8.50 format. I found no why to make it calculate normally. Wouldn't by it again. I should return it but it just a hassle to do so. I really, really hate it. If you are look for the normal adding machine type circulator you will be very disappointed with His one as well. I like that it prints on paper like the ad says but there is more to being a good adding machine than that. You have been warned. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Casio HR-8TEPlus Printing Calculator with Adapter

... THE BUTTONS ON THE CALCULATOR ARE NOT SMALL, THE BRAND BRINGS IT UP ANOTHER NOTCH. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sharp EL531WBBK (Black) Scientific Calculator

... Though a little expensive, these work great for my class (I had to buy 3 to have enough for the whole class) ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Texas Instrument 1062946-8920 TI Class Set for K4

... I bought this as the price was good and it had the hexidecimal converion built in which I wanted.

The buttons are a little small but after a few uses was easy to get acustomed too.

The item was delivered, well packaged and promptly. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Aurora SC190 8+2 Digit 150-Function Hardcase Scientific Calculator

... I love the fact that it is not as loud as a lot of them and it prints clearly. Having the date and time on it is great for your records. ...
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... I have an old casio that I have had for more than a decade, so I bought this calculator. I have no complaints. Casio makes great calculators. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Casio Scientific Calculator FX260SLR-SCHL-IH

... Bought the critter in 1987, over 20 years ago. It still functions wonderfully. The display is clear and crisp and the writing upon the buttons and the body of the calculator are fade-free.

I do not know if the units made today or in the recent past or made as well, designed to last as long, but if the same tooling and components are used one could assume the newer units would last as long as mine has.

I am still amazed, pert' near astounded, at the battery longevity. The original three round button-style batteries dwell within the case. I peek at them occasionally to say "Hi" and ensure that no corrosion is swarming and multiplying upon them akin to bacteria within one of Petri's dishes.

So far, no corrosion or any indication of leakage. Reminds me of an electrically powered faux rabbit operating a percussion instrument... you know the refrain... going and going and going.

Will these batteries never die? Will they outlive me? Could I possibly possess the sought for lusted-after perpetual motion machine or its electronic equivalent?

I never bothered to spawn so I have no progeny to pass this mini electronic brain to when I pass beyond this plane of existence. Sniff. Maybe this calculator and its awesome batteries is capable of providing multi-generational operation.

Hopefully others of the human herd will obtain the same or similar satisfaction I have obtained from this product.

And may your batteries live long and prosper as mine have. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on HP 10B Financial Calculator

... This calculator, though it doesn't have RPN(reverse polish notation, just a superior entry method), is still an excellent scientific calculator. I have several(3 I think), and they are very durable. I once dropped one from 10 ft up onto a concrete floor and it is still working now(this was about 10 years ago). The features are great on it, for a scientific calculator. I didn't care for the solar model as much, since I want to be able to work no matter how much light I can get on the screen, but this one is great and the batteries seem to last a very long time. In short, this one is easily worth the 15 dollars I paid for it and then some. Great calculator. ...
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... Inexpensive and just the right size; display and buttons large enough for my "barely over 40" eyes, but still small enough to be handy. ...
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... i bought this to replace that giant 10 key on my desk that is taking up space so I can shove it out the way when I need space. The beauty is I can throw it in the briefcase when I go into the field to see a client, and it's still full sized like my 10 key. Solar power has preserved the battery nicely, it's still ticking after a couple years of use on the orig battery. ...
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... I teach Middle school Ind Tech and purchased 17 of these calculators for different areas in the classroom. They work great. I have six classes of 30 or more students. Each student must use a calculators daily. I consider this a great little calculator for the cost. ...
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... Great calculator. I've been using this same model at work for several years. Decided it was time to replace the one at home (different brand). It was a no brainer. In my opinion, the feel of the keys is just right, and I like the Tax Rate and Margin functions, as well as the Date and Time. The display is large, bright, and easy to read. ...
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... I love how it shows you in "type" format what exactly you are typing into the calculator. That way, if I lost track of where I was in my checkbook, I would take a look at the last two entries and figure out where I was. And I have to say TI is all I've ever used since high school... It's good and dependable. If I hadn't lost the previous one, I would have continued to use it til it died (not likely in the near future) or broke. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on TEXTI30XIIS Calculator, Scientific, Dual Power, 3-1/3"x6-1/3"x4/5"

... I love how it shows you in "type" format what exactly you are typing into the calculator. That way, if I lost track of where I was in my checkbook, I would take a look at the last two entries and figure out where I was. And I have to say TI is all I've ever used since high school... It's good and dependable. If I hadn't lost the previous one, I would have continued to use it til it died (not likely in the near future) or broke. ...
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... This was a good purchase for the price. Printing speed is great. Does everything I need it to do. It arrived days earlier than expected. I would recommend this for anyone that uses a calculator on an everyday basis. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on 12-Digit Heavy-Duty Print Calculator with Fluorescent Display (CNMCP1213DII)

... This calculator/calendar is just what I was looking for. It is even nicer than the one I owned before. It is small enough to be carried. Works great. ...
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... This calculator is the best I've ever used. It functions like a printing desktop calculator, just no tape. It is really good. ...
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... Do not buy this from Polsteins Home & Beyond (They are the default)! They don't even carry them, but instead try and slip you the far inferior model 8510 Home Project Calc. They then promise to e-mail you a return label, and then don't do anything at all. I have just reported this company to the FTC for fraud. If you have been scammed by Polsteins Home & Beyond, either by the old Bait and Switch, or another unethical and illegal business practice, report them to the FTC at: www.ftc.gov. Be aware of your rights, the FTC says that if they send you something other than what you ordered YOU DON"T HAVE TO RETURN IT! They must still refund your money. ...
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... My wife has a home business. When she does home shows and uses this to calculate amount due, her clients are impressed with its size. It is BIG, lightweight and easy to use. ...
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... I used the HP12C Platinum for about a year. I lost it. Someone recommended the Victor V12. It looks much nicer. The display is huge compared to the HP. The calculator works the same. The wallet is very nice. I can't believe how much better this is than the HP for less price. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on VCTV12 - Victor V12 10-Digit Financial Calculator

... I've been a mortgage broker and user of 3 calulator for over 9 years. It is simple great! The other "reviewers" here that are whining about having to "hit the keys in the center" or their views about HP vs TI are babies and need to find a chat site where they can cry their woes with other losers.
Great product, buy it! Easy to use! ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Texas Instruments BA Real Estate Financial Calculator

... I really apreciatte this seller, because I didn't have much time to receive the purchase and he did comply the delivery time. Besides that, the product arrived in great conditions.

Thanks a lot!! ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on CSOFX115ES - FX115ES Advanced Scientific Calculator with 2-Line Textbook Display

... I am a Realtor, this is exactly what I needed and so easy to figure out and use. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Calculated Industries 43430 Desktop Qualifier Plus IIIFX DT Real Estate Finance Calculator

... Bought this calculator for my home office. It's perfect size is perfect for the perfection of its job. ...
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... Recieved it within two days, brand new and at very low prize compare to other sellers. Thanks ...
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... The calculator is good but the thing is when I press one button, the one next to it is somehow pressed too, so I never see on the screen what I have to see. Maybe it is just this particular one. I ended up using a TI-83 for my financial calculations. It is more complicated, but it works much better. ...
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... The touch screen is very useful, between the ti89(very useful too) and the classpad, the touch screen makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE,it makes easier the work... ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Casio ClassPad 300 Touch-Screen Graphing Scientific Calculator

... This calculator has tremendous capabilities; however, it gives up a lot in usability and good design. No complaints about quality and feel, this is a Mercedes-Benz of a calculator, it's just not easy to use!! If you were stranded on a desert island without a PC, it would be a must-have, but most of its features are found in modern PC software. Having owned and used various HPs since 1972, I have to say this is not HP's finest hour. It isn't as hideous as the HP-49G, but it just doesn't "flow". It's also noticeably slow to respond to user input. Multiple key presses are needed for even the simplest functions. Let's take statistics for an example. On most HPs, you clear the statistical registers and enter your data using the "sigma+" key (one key press for each entry). Then press "mean" or "xbar" (usually a shifted key needing two key presses). On the 48GX, you go into the STAT routine and then have to go into the MATRIX editor to enter your data set. Then you select the values you want, using arrow keys and soft keys, and finally get your answer. What a pain, for a basic calculator function. I think you'd have to be some kind of autistic savant in order to use the HP48GX without constantly consulting the manual. Here in order are my favorites of the HPs I own right now (without regard to price or availability): HP-41CX, HP-35s, HP-42s, HP-33s, HP-48GX is last on the list. If you want a modern RPN calculator that's well designed and highly usable, I suggest you go take a look at the new HP-35s. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on HP HP48GX RPN Expandable Graphic Calculator

... CAUTION ADVISED: June 3, 2009 (New rating-1.5 stars)

After further detailed testing of the most basic function of this machine, namely adding a series of numbers in sequence in COMP mode, I have found that ~10-15 % of the time that this machine had missed keystrokes (regardless of how fast the keys are typed in unfortunately and this can also happen for any key on the keyboard- it is not key specific at all!). I have also tried 2 separate HP 300s units in my testing as well so it is not a single machine problem either. I also tried removing the battery for 24 hrs to let the units capacitor fully discharge and then I completely reset the machine, but with no improvement in this COMP mode problem at all.

I also found this problem (but not as severe) when entering a series of data points in STAT mode. I have now contacted HP directly and told them about the problem and they are looking into what may be wrong with the early productions of this unit.

The serial numbers of my HP 300s calculators are:
4CR 91602514 and 4CR 91602534

May 29, 2009 Comments (Rating- 4 stars):

It is very ironic that for many years people have complained that HP calculators have been way too complicated. In this case, in comparison to the two main competitors to this model by Sharp (EL-W516B) and Casio (FX-115ES) the reverse is actually the case. On the HP Smartcalc 300s, you will NOT find:

1) Numerical evaluation of integrals or derivatives
2) Imaginary (complex) number mathematics
3) Vectors, lists or matrices
4) No single variable solver (ironically this has been HP's standout trademark of success for many years)
5) Scientific unit conversions
6) Lists of scientific constants
7) Linear equation system solver, etc.

On the other hand the new bright blue and quite sleek HP 300s model (which was designed as a high school level machine and which strongly resembles the HP 10s machine previously introduced for middle school students) does evaluate the logarithm to any base and allows a recalculation of 8 types of curve fits of statistical data which can also include the frequency of occurrence of any of the 1 or 2 variable entry types (in STAT mode) without reentering the data completely over again (as must be done on the Sharp and Casio models, presumably due to memory limitations). For paired statistics you are limited on the HP 300s to only 40 (x,y) data points however, compared to 100 points for the Sharp for example. It also has a very fine and fully editable, multi-line screen (with a maximum of 3 lines) that is effectively managed using a separate, 4 key navigation pad. With this added tool, a very useful fully scrollable display of equations is available as they would be written on paper algebraically as well as a history of operations (it is a limited buffer however and when it becomes full it simply throws away the oldest entry with no warning to the user) that can be recalled for backtracking numerous past operations. As with the other two competitive calculator products mentioned above, results can be displayed in either algebraic or in decimal format with a single key press and can also be readily converted to hours, minutes and seconds format with a separate single key press as well.

The new HP is a solar powered calculator with a very nice and completely adjustable contrast control available in the set-up (as on the competitor's models) with an AOS (algebraic operating system with up to 24 levels of pending parentheses, but with no Reverse Polish Notation operations- RPN or even any RPL- Reverse Polish Logic) and with a long lasting internal back-up battery (and which is very easy to change when needed after 1-2 years of heavy use). It is also a very clean, light and small pocket sized unit (with a very nicely fitting slip-on plastic, protective cover) with a very uncluttered keyboard that also does polar and rectangular conversions and that can also generate random numbers and also (in TABLE mode) can produce a table of up to 30 values (in STAT format) of functional values, etc. It also has a claimed total of 249 available functions (compared to ~400-460 on the Casio and Sharp models) with 8 separate memories (the M memory is also retained when the machine is turned off, just like on the Sharp). I personally prefer the "feel" of the keys much better on the HP compared to those on the Sharp and Casio models as well with the latter keys being too easy to push (soft) in my opinion.

In summary this is a good machine that has a lot to like, but it is surprising that HP, who has provided a powerhouse of mathematics innovation over the years, both to NASA as well as to the public, has not made a more complex and more scientifically useful model overall. It has all of the fundamental and traditional scientific functions available (trigonometric, hyperbolic, factorial, powers, roots, etc.) on most scientific calculators, but lacks many useful more complex functions now available on the competitive models from other companies. What it does however it does well and for beginning students this machine may even be less of a struggle for learning mathematics (due to fewer bells and whistles and an uncluttered keyboard as stated earlier!). Sharp has covered the scientific calculator market by producing several machines each with a different level of scientific difficulty. Maybe this is the approach HP will now try too if this machine becomes as popular as its Sharp and Casio competitors? ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on HP SmartCalc 300s Scientific Calculator (F2240AA)