Re: Basic RPN Calculator Market Size Message #2 Posted by John Gustaf Stebbins on 25 Aug 2006, 9:05 p.m., in response to message #1 by Timespace
I think the perception is that RPN needs to be learned and algebraic entry is "natural." This is particularly considered to be the case for students, although if anything it is the teachers who need to be educated, and TI hit that market early smearing RPN calculators because they sold algebraic calculator. (See the Edison/Westinghouse--AC vs. DC controversy for an earlier example of the same marketing strategy.)
Whether there is any truth to the hype I can't tell. I was introduced to RPN by my father with his first calculator (a Sinclair) and it always made sense to me. I had also used adding machines at that time, which are essentially RPN as well. At this point the only reason RPN requires to be learned is that the market has left it behind. Doesn't make sense to me but then I use RPN calculators, Dvorak keyboards, and a stick shift cars. (Didn't buy a VCR of my own until after betamax was dead.)
I'm preparing for a certification exam that will not allow programmable calculators. I would love to have a mass market basic unprogrammable calculator using RPN as there is a bit of math on this exam.
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