HP Forum Archive 17

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HP35s's Parentheses Message #1 Posted by Walter B on 11 July 2007, 3:18 a.m. Hi, all, Any idea why parentheses are placed so prominently on this "ultimate RPN" calc? Even 2 kinds of them! And we agreed so far there will not be a matrix functionality... :-? Since it seems the keyboard will remain as seen first completely (i.e. with the blue shift arrow pointing up, and "->KM" instead of "->km"), it may be worth some speculation.

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #2 Posted by DaveJ on 11 July 2007, 4:07 a.m., in response to message #1 by Walter B Quote: Hi, all, Any idea why parentheses are placed so prominently on this "ultimate RPN" calc? Even 2 kinds of them! And we agreed so far there will not be a matrix functionality... :-? Well, I guess an "Ultimate RPN calc" wouldn't have selectable algebraic mode now would it? ;-) Once you decide to have algebraic mode, you gotta have a primary parentheses key. Quote: Since it seems the keyboard will remain as seen first completely (i.e. with the blue shift arrow pointing up, and "->KM" instead of "->km"), it may be worth some speculation. Yes, that Blue arrow key really bugs me. Someone left their brain out of gear on that one. Dave.

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #3 Posted by Gene wright on 11 July 2007, 8:12 a.m., in response to message #2 by DaveJ There is also equation mode to consider. Parentheses do figure rather prominently in a few equations. These days, you probably can't have parentheses be a shifted function and be taken seriously as an ALG machine. Who needs ALG users? HP does to sell enough units to make these goodies viable. So be glad there are ALG users out there.

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #4 Posted by DaveJ on 11 July 2007, 8:54 a.m., in response to message #3 by Gene wright Quote: There is also equation mode to consider. Parentheses do figure rather prominently in a few equations. These days, you probably can't have parentheses be a shifted function and be taken seriously as an ALG machine. It ain't just these days. Every ALG calculator bar a 4-banger needs parentheses as the primary keys, always has. Just as vital as say ROLL and SWAP on an RPN calc. HP did the right thing in the case of the 35S, the parentheses key is good and it's in the right spot. Dave.

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #5 Posted by Walter B on 11 July 2007, 9:34 a.m., in response to message #2 by DaveJ Hi Dave, FYI: the "ultimate RPN" was a quote of HP's data sheet for the 35s :-)

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #6 Posted by Paul Brogger on 11 July 2007, 10:16 a.m., in response to message #5 by Walter B And, don't be surprised if "the Ultimate RPN Calculator" boots to ALG by default. I wonder how many 33s' were returned to Wal-Mart because they "didn't work" when first turned on? If they want the thing to be sold via a big-box retailer, they'll want it to default to ALG. Quote: ... the blue shift arrow pointing up ... That is quirky, but hey: they've returned to printing functions on the 2nd, angled faces of the keys! That's a MAJOR step forward (or backward, to where they used to be, or wherever . . . ) Too bad they didn't do that on the 50g. Edited: 11 July 2007, 10:24 a.m.

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #7 Posted by Walter B on 11 July 2007, 1:26 p.m., in response to message #6 by Paul Brogger Hi, Paul, I didn't complain, I just wonder ;-) Anyway, you're right, printing on the angled faces of the keys is a major step (in any direction whatsoever) I welcome for sure. Nevertheless, I can imagine even nicer, cleaner arrangements still (see here, for example).

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #8 Posted by Paul Brogger on 11 July 2007, 2:19 p.m., in response to message #7 by Walter B Walter, I do hope H-P consults you if/when they design the layout of their next calculator. Leaving aside of alpha mode, graphical screen, and other major feature enhancements you've suggested, your choices for colors and placement of the keyboard legends have obvious merit. (H-P: I suggest you immediately contract with "the Walter B. Design Bureau" and save yourselves much pointless distraction and diversion.)

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #9 Posted by Giancarlo (Italy) on 11 July 2007, 4:52 p.m., in response to message #8 by Paul Brogger Quote: (H-P: I suggest you immediately contract with "the Walter B. Design Bureau" and save yourselves much pointless distraction and diversion.) Amen, brother! Best regards. Giancarlo

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #10 Posted by Walter B on 11 July 2007, 5:36 p.m., in response to message #8 by Paul Brogger :-D Ok, ok, I'll keep quiet in this matter ... for some days at least ;-)

Re: HP35s's Parentheses Message #11 Posted by Dave Johnson on 11 July 2007, 11:14 a.m., in response to message #1 by Walter B Not that I ever use the algebraic mode, but it would certainly be nice if HP abandoned the postfix nature of the algebraic entry on the 33S and converted to a prefix algebraic entry for the 35S.

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