Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 21-25 of 154
 Maximum power available in a hand-held computer November 18, 2007
L. G. CHARLOT (California, USA)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
The HP-50G is Hewlett Packard's latest offering in the line of top-end calculators stretching back through the HP-49 and HP-48, all the way to the "dawn-era" of scientific calculators in the 1970's, when the HP-65 and 67/97 defined "high-end" calculators. This device is so powerful, and has so many potential capabilities, that in many ways it is much more than a "calculator"; better to call it a handheld "computer", one dedicated to mathematics, rather than general purpose use like a PDA. The HP-50, at only $115, is a lot more affordable than most PDA's too.
In fact, the HP-50g is so powerful that most owners will never tap it's full capabilities. Programing it in SystemRPL or Assembly language opens up an instruction set of some 3000 commands! Even if you don't write software for it, the HP-50g has enormous capabilities to solve complex algebraic and calculus problems right in the built in Equation Solvers and Computer Algebra Systems (the CAS).
For users of more traditional calculators, the HP-50g may seem intimidating , if not overwhelming. One problem that I had right off the bat is that much of the keyboard is dedicated to programming and equation solving, rather than simple math functions. Unleashing the potential of this beast requires programming, whether you do it yourself or buy commercial software. The HP-50g can of course be used to do simple math, but that would be like using a 12 pound sledgehammer to set finishing nails.
Noteable features:
-Programs and user data can be stored on SD flash cards, up to 2 gigabytes. Accessing the calculator's various memory areas is not unfamiliar to anyone who has ever used a PC computer: anything stored in the calculator is an "object" with a name, whether it be a data file, executable program, or program library. Objects can be separated and stored in discrete subdirectories. There are three memory "ports": Port 1 is located in RAM (this is volatile memory that requires maintenance of the CR-2032 memory battery), Port 2 is located in the HP-50g's built-in non-volatile flash memory, and Port 3 is your SD card if one is installed. Programs and program libraries can be executed from any of the three ports; with a 2 gig SD card, this means that the capacity of the HP-50 to store programs and data files is virtually unlimited.
-The RPN Stack shows 7 levels visible, compared to only 2 for lesser calculators like the HP-33s and 35s.
-Graphing capabilities. Not sure whether I will ever actually need this myself, but it's there.
-Connectivity: Comes with a USB cable and software to connect the calculator to your PC for uploading/downloading. Also has a serial port to allow the HP-50 to connect to other devices that use RS-232 comm protocol. For example, with the appropriate cable and software, the HP-50g can be used as a Survey data collector/controller with many brands of Total Stations, digital Theodolites, and digital levels.
CONCLUSION- This is the "ultimate" calculator, and probably "too much" calculator for most people who are not nuclear physicists or aerospace engineers. The learning curve is very steep, and even the "simplest" of the three available programming languages (UserRPL) is not "easy" to learn. For general use by engineering or surveying students, or anyone else who just needs a good general purpose algebra and trig machine with good programmability, the HP-33s and 35s are much easier to learn and make use of right out of the box. The HP-50g is not allowed in the National (NCEES) Engineer or Land Surveyor exams (it is allowed in some of the State-Specific exams). The HP-33s and 35s are allowed in NCEES exams, as of November 2007. Be sure to check the NCEES website for changes in their calculator policy before you walk into one of their exams, as the policy does change occasionally (the HP-35s was just added to the "Approved" list in Nov. 2007)
 Fantastic Calculator - Horrid Documentation August 17, 2007
C. Chambers
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I bought my new 50g because I missed out on all the other great calculators from HP through the years and I wanted something to use to work alongside my kids as they go through their HS math classes (with their TIs).
First let me say the quality of the calculator is excellent with a keyboard that I like a LOT better than my kid's TI-84s. Even my kids noticed the difference immediately and have enjoyed trying it over their TIs - although given all their classmates have the TI I don't expect to switch anytime soon.
That said the SINGLE biggest problem with the 50g is the user documentation. Its without question some of the worst technical documentation I have seen written - especially for such a complex device. No wonder HP has NO shot at the HS math market (not that they are even trying) as TI and their entire education system makes the HP offering seem pathetic.
Which is a REAL shame given that the underlying calculator is quite fantastic and a real powerhouse. The inclusion of the SD slot was a great touch - all at a very reasonable price.
There are some aftermarkets books that have been written on this series from HP so I guess thats where I am headed next - such a shame.
Great Calculator Overall October 18, 2006
W. Myint (Pittsburgh, PA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
This is a pretty powerful calculator that's in the same league as the TI-89. And if you prefer RPN, like I do, then you'll have to go for this one. The build of the calculator is much improved from the HP 49g+ and the feel of the keyboard is similar to that of the HP 48g, although the keys are harder to press and the legends are painted on instead of double shot molded. The calculator does feel sturdy but the plastic makes it feel cheap. The symbolic integration and differentiation doesn't always work well and some nasty integrals will give nasty results. The TI-89's table lookup might work better for some integrals but I'm sure this calculator can integrate some integrals that the TI can't handle. However the calculator is much faster then the older 48's and the CAS is much improved in terms of usability. 3D graphing is so smooth and fast... although I doubt I'll be doing anything heavy on a small calculator when computers are prevelant. This is not a perfect product, but neither is the TI-89 or the HP-48G. Highly recommended for any scientist, especially the chemists out there who hate math, like I do.
An exemplar of the scientific calculator. September 3, 2006
Arne W Flones (Ontario, CA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
First, one must understand that HP is the company who invented the scientific calculator. HP calculator owners have a fierce loyalty to the brand, not just because of the HP calculator heritage, but because of the fact that these machines have a long history of accuracy and indestructability. Recent models have suffered somewhat in the latter attribute, however HP has attempted to make good on complaints and have come out with the 50G to address the problems with the previous top-of-the-line, the 49G+.
In short, this is the most powerful calculator in the world. It has a fairly wonderful CAS (computer algebra system) which can solve both numeric and symbolic problems. It does so better and generally faster than the main competitor from Texas. But the best features of this HP go far beyond its basic capabilities.
The 50G, like its predecessor HPs, is programmed in RPL, not BASIC. BASIC is just plain inefficient. On top of that, SysRPL is also available for those wanting to get into the calculator and make it do incredible things at incredible efficiency. Not for the faint of heart, SysRPL really flies. If that isn't fast enough, there's a freely available C compiler, which extends the machine's efficiencies further.
HP calculators use what is called RPN for basic arithmetic. Although there's a learning curve, shallower than many newbies would claim, this makes the calculator a powerhouse for solving quick-and-dirty calculations, even complex ones. Once one learns how to use RPN, one will never go back to the much less efficient algebraic. For those wedded to algebraic entry, this HP does that, too.
If you are serious about mathematics, this is the only machine you should consider. Forget the Texas products and get the real deal. You won't be sorry you did so.
Another Great HP Calculator January 29, 2007
Michael J. Miller (Shelby, OH)
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
I've been using HP calculators since 1974 and they just keep getting better and better. The HP 50g is the culmination of superior design, ease of use, durability and value. RPN may take a bit of training to get comfortable with, but once one does one forgets that all the others have an "=" key. I have bolstered my career with HP calculators and continue to do such even today. If you want a product that can handle any rigor of math engineering, finance etc. this is the machine. there are few products I've owned that match the HP reliability and that is why I stay with the best.
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