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HP Forum Archive 12

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Are these books worth getting?
Message #1 Posted by Rick on 4 May 2003, 5:57 p.m.

Hi all,

Like most here my interests are hp calcs. I was wondering if anyone has any of these books "Collector's guide to pocket calculators" and "A guide to HP handheld calculators and computers" and if so what do you think of them. I'm thinking of getting one or both if they are worth while. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks Rick

      
Re: Are these books worth getting?
Message #2 Posted by John Smith on 4 May 2003, 6:39 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Rick

Hi, Rick:

This is a very personal comment, others might agree or disagree. For what is worth, I have both books, and find "A guide to HP handheld calculators and computers" an absolute must. I've read it from cover to back many, many times, and I still enjoy it immensely. I would definitely recommend you order a copy as soon as you can, you won't be dissappointed in the least. It's full of both accurate data, historical facts, and lots of very interesting and amusing trivia about HP calculators and related products. The only thing is that it is a little outdated by now, but perhaps its author, Wlodek Mier-Jedrzejowicz, would consider publishing a 4th, updated & improved edition soon. Meanwhile, get the 3rd edition (or even the 2nd), you'll certainly be more than happy.

As for the other book, while interesting it is an altogether different kind of beast. It's more a catalog of old calculators, all brands (1,500+ models featured), with minimal information on particular models. Besides, only LED calculators are featured (with some exceptions), and so you won't find the HP-41C or any newer HP model there (including HP-11C, 15C, etc, not to mention HP-48/49). Due to its broad coverage, the information given for any particular model is really minimal. For instance, the entry for the HP-55 doesn't even mention this model's outstanding feature, namely that it has a quartz-controlled timer (with split capability, 1/100th-second resolution, etc). So, it really doesn't make for interesting reading, it's obviously intended mainly for reference. If you are into general calculator collecting, this will be valuable. If you are just interested in HP models, you'll find the coverage in this book minimal.

            
Re: Are these books worth getting?
Message #3 Posted by Katie on 4 May 2003, 8:38 p.m.,
in response to message #2 by John Smith

John, I'm in agreement with everything that you said about both books. Although I haven't read Wlodek's book as many times as you have :)

      
Thanks for the reviews
Message #4 Posted by Rick on 5 May 2003, 5:58 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Rick

Thank you John and Katie for your inputs.


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