Re: design "your" HP calculator Message #5 Posted by Karl Schneider on 14 Jan 2007, 5:42 p.m., in response to message #1 by Jan
Hello, Jan --
As Maximilian stated, these discussions have taken place in the past, usually under "OpenRPN".
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My personal calculator would be a remake of the HP-41 series, primarely for their form factor, color scheme and it's exclusive yet still modern looks.
Of course it would be an RPN only calculator.
A disadvantage that I encounter from time to time when I work with the 41 is the fact that some of the functions of its total function set (which itself is somewhat limited according to modern standards) are accessible only by typing their names in full. I would [address] this problem partially by introducing a 2nd shift key (of course in blue) and write additional functions on the slopes of the keys instead of the alpha characters.
I, too, find the HP41 aesthetically pleasing, but it's too chunky for modern tastes. Of course, it had to be, in order to accommodate the four ROM ports and four "N" cells or rechargable pack.
For non-graphing calc's without Equation Writer, I agree that RPN is the way to go. But I'm biased, and in the societal minority...
I agree with the concept of using two shift keys and beveled keys, but there would still be too many functions -- menus are needed, as well.
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The alpha characters would simply be printed to the right of their corresponding keys in the same (creamy) white colour as the main key-functions. I don't think this will result in an "overcrowded" keyboard, after all the 34C and the 67 also have 4 function for one key.
W.r.t. the function set I would copy some if the functionality of the 15C such as solve and integration tools.
Furthermore a complex mode, also like the 15C, but handling complex numbers rather in a 42S/48xx manner (displaying something like (0.0000;1.0000) rather than using the "hidden" imaginary stack of the 15C).
Of course this requires a matrix dot display.
We wouldn't want to use the HP-67 and HP-34C as an example. Those are non-alphanumeric, non-menued models. The alphanumerics of the HP-41 were developed in part to eliminate the clutteredness of the HP-67.
The successor HP-32S, HP-32SII, and HP-33S have SOLVE and INTEG, which of course should be available. What was missing from those models that the HP-15C had was matrix functionality, as well as complete and convenient complex-number math.
Speaking of complex numbers, I think you mean the ability to handle complex numbers as a single object instead of two separate parts. The 42S' display of complex numbers is ideal -- different and better than the parenthesized-pair of the HP-48 you cited. E.g., 2.71818 -i3.14159 instead of (2.71818, -3.14159) For more, please read my post from yesterday ("P->R and complex numbers"). It includes a link to an archived post of mine on the topic of complex numbers.
Absolutely -- the dot-matrix display makes possible the alphanumerics, meaningful prompts and error messages, and menus.
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For the mathematical purist there would also be hyperbolics in a 15C fashion (just a simple HYP prefix).
Furthermore ABS, INT, FRAC, N! (combined with gamma-function) and maybe calculation of combinations and permutations, all directly accessible via the blue shift key.
That's how it was on the HP-15C, by necessity of its limited 7-segment display. All of these functions (except perhaps x!, which combines n! & gamma) are seldom used, or are more useful in programming.
The HP-32S and HP-32SII put most of these into menus. Annoyingly, the HP-42S lacked positions or menus for the hyperbolics, even though the HP-27S had a hyperbolic-function menu and the same display.
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Expandibility would be maintained, allowing for connection to a PC and modular extension of the function set. Some graphing functions can be added via a separate plug-in (matrix-dot) display approximately the size of the 41's card reader. You plug it in when you need it or leave it at home when you just need a calc for simpler calculations. Graphing functions accessible from the keyboard through a menu (invoked via blue shift key)
Well, this is my 1st suggestion for an ideal HP calculator. Everybody feel free to come with ideas of their own.
It's fine to develop a concept that includes everything one finds "cool", but a target should be chosen and boundaries must be imposed.
I'd find the development of a brand-new, high-end calculator of limited value. The HP-50 and TI-89 are already out there and well-established. As PDA's continue to improve, I'd say the best platform for a new super-capable calculator is downloadable software for a PDA. Take advantage of the speed, RAM, and multi-color, high-resolution LCD.
Still, I'd still like to see the perfect non-graphing calculator that is easy to use and which combines the best functionality and attributes of the HP-15C and the HP-32SII, but adding more speed, RAM, and excellent complex-number math -- in short, what the HP-33S ought to have been.
My concept would start with the HP-32SII paradigm, with each letter of the alphabet serving as a variable name or label. The HP-32SII also includes equations and fraction math (not included on the HP-32S from which it was derived). The Pioneer-series models -- even inside their slipcover -- fit inside a man's shirt pocket, although they protrude slightly.
- A longer (and higher-resolution) LCD unit would accomodate at least 18 large characters -- enough for both components of a complex number, longer equations, and more menu items.
- Full matrix capability with complex-valued entries and easy editing (a la HP-42S) would be included.
- Complex numbers would be easy to enter in either rectangular or polar coordinates: e.g., 3.14159[i][+/-]2.71828 or 6.3[shift][angle]30. A menu of complex-number operations would be provided (real, imag, conj, R->C, C->R, P->R, R->P).
- The equation editor would include insert/delete editing, implicit multiplication, and syntax checking.
- The keyboard and menus would be well-organized, unlike those of the HP-33S and HP-32SII (to a lesser extent), which evolved from the HP-32S' menu-driven concept.
All of this would probably require a landscape layout, like the Voyagers. Size and shape would be like the Pioneers, to accommodate the wider keys for numbers and arithmetic. The landscape layout is better-suited for desktop use than for handheld use. This is good for students in class -- and for others whose computer keyboard tray isn't pulled out...
Some unresolved issues: How would a matrix be distinguished from a letter variable? How would "SHOW" work for a complex number using a one-line display? It's certainly not easy to develop a complete functional specification for a commercial-grade product!
-- KS
Edited: 14 Jan 2007, 11:32 p.m.
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