HP Forum Archive 14

[ Return to Index | Top of Index ]

Re: HP 33s Message #1 Posted by Sunny on 1 Dec 2003, 4:36 a.m. Looks like the keyboard layout is an attempt to help identify the key columns more easily. The "V" shape vertically divides the keyboard into two sections both visually and by touch. This may help in locating the desired function quicker. Also, by alligning the keys in an angle, the width of the keyboard would be slightly reduced but with an increased length. I suppose it is easier to move the fingers vertically than horizontally - as further evidenced by the traditional more rows than columns keyboard designs. I own an HP-48S and have been waiting for a more ideal calculator. i.e. one that is much smaller and can do STO and RCL with a minimum number of single finger keystrokes as the 41CX gave us. The darn HP-48 series forces you to "create" variables even for those times when you just want to store a number in a register (i.e. a global one that does not care which directory you are in and does not require a manual garbage collection). Having to write a program to do this basic capability is a shame. My ideal calculator is a thinner HP-41 with an updated display and faster processor (with all the functionality of a HP-16C built in). The 33S is close but I need to witness its look and feel in real life to tell.

Re: HP 33s Message #2 Posted by Raymond Del Tondo on 1 Dec 2003, 5:20 a.m., in response to message #1 by Sunny Just take a 42S;-)

Re: HP 33s Message #3 Posted by Arnaud Amiel on 1 Dec 2003, 11:59 a.m., in response to message #1 by Sunny From the specs, the 33s is very slightly bigger than the 32sii. I have preordered one as I want to spare my 32 and 20. I will have them both in one calc. I will keep the forum informed when I get it. Arnaud

Re: HP 33s Message #4 Posted by Thomas Radtke on 1 Dec 2003, 1:15 p.m., in response to message #1 by Sunny 48G: Instead of creating variables, you can just leave your values on the stack. I do this all the time with my 48G. And yes, the missing 'traditional' constants storage capability was really annoying when I got that calc but now I stick to this method (used the 32SII for more than a decade:). 33S: I can't follow you. It is not plausible that you can move faster vertically. Even then, why not stretch a rectangular keypad? And if it's about saving some microseconds, why not designing a hexagonal keypad. Besides, the legends as shown on the pictures are very hard to read since they are not horizontally aligned. Allthough I like the idea of a 32SII with 32kB memory (even with only 26+1 labels, at least now you can store actually some equations;) nobody can force me to use such a childish keypad. I know my constitutional rights!;) Thomas

Re: HP 33s Message #5 Posted by Masao Kinoshita on 1 Dec 2003, 2:04 p.m., in response to message #1 by Sunny I agree with you about the storage registers on the wonderful HP 48's. However, one way to overcome this is to set aside a "CALC" directory and pre-create several "storage registers," e.g., store the value zero in variables called "A" through "F" or "OO" (2 capital letter "O"'s) through "O5" (capital letter "O" followed by a five), whatever you want. I also have a simple counter program, since the HP 48's stack cannot be used as a counter. I do miss the HP 41CV emulator ROM card for the HP 48SX. IIRC, it did everything except anything HP-IL related and the "7 commands" in the card reader. It was like having both RPL and RPN in one machine, albeit in two separate "environments." :-)

Re: HP 33s Message #6 Posted by Ben Salinas on 1 Dec 2003, 7:04 p.m., in response to message #1 by Sunny Perhaps it is to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (I have never heard of anyone getting it from a calculator, but some people really use their calculators). On a more serious note, I believe the shape is actually partially an attempt to appeal to a younger generation, and partially an attempt to make a keyboard which is easier to use 2 hands with. I use 2 hands with my 32sii and at times one hand gets in the way of another. Well, who knows -ben

Re: HP 33s Message #7 Posted by Masao Kinoshita on 2 Dec 2003, 9:37 a.m., in response to message #6 by Ben Salinas I get it! Sort of like the Microsoft's v-shaped qwerty keyboard, but handheld. I have been playing around with Royal's eNova PIM (10 bucks!) with a two-thumbs keyboard, so I can see the logic in this. Now, I will have to buy an HP 33S and see if I can two-thumb it. If only HP would open up all of its memory for programs, the v-shaped keyboard might be worth it. ps: And I thought the HP 33S's v-shaped keyboard might have had its roots with HPCC's triangular calculator concept a few years back. I guess, be careful what you wish for! :-)

Re: HP 33s Message #8 Posted by Paul Marin on 2 Dec 2003, 7:23 a.m., in response to message #1 by Sunny Can someone please show me what this 33 looks like? Curious one Paul

Re: [VPN] HP 33s @ hpcalc.org Message #9 Posted by Veli-Pekka Nousiainen on 2 Dec 2003, 7:50 a.m., in response to message #8 by Paul Marin http://www.hpcalc.org/hp49gplus.php [VPN]

[ Return to Index | Top of Index ]

Go back to the main exhibit hall