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HP Forum Archive 19

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Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #1 Posted by hpnewbie on 6 Mar 2009, 5:23 p.m.

Hi. I'm new here and to hp calculators. I'm considering purchasing a hp 50g in lieu of a ti 89 or ti-nspire CAS. One of the things I've read about the 50g is that it has a relatively steep learning curve. Another is that it does not have a good printed manual. Since it's relatively impractical to be constantly looking up functions of a calculator on a computer, I was wondering whether or not it was possible to load the documentation onto an sd card in a usable format and therefore access it from the calculator itself. It just seems so logical to me - since you have like a gigabyte of storage with the sd card, you could load the entire 800 page manual onto the calculator.

Also, is the 50g limited to using 1 gigabyte of storage on a sd card?

Thanks for helping.

      
Re: Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #2 Posted by Don Shepherd on 6 Mar 2009, 5:28 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by hpnewbie

If you intend to use the calculator to solve all types of equations easily or program in a BASIC-type language, you will be happier with the NSpire CAS.

      
Re: Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #3 Posted by Egan Ford on 6 Mar 2009, 5:46 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by hpnewbie

Quote:
I'm considering purchasing a hp 50g in lieu of a ti 89 or ti-nspire CAS. One of the things I've read about the 50g is that it has a relatively steep learning curve.
Try a 50g emulator. There are emulators for Win/Mac/Lin for the 50g.

Windows: http://www.debug4x.com/

Mac/Linux: http://x49gp.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/x49gp/README.QUICKSTART

As for learning curve, I started with HP RPN/RPL calculators, the 50g was easy. I still struggle to use my kids 83, I just do not get it. Learning curves are relative.

Quote:
Another is that it does not have a good printed manual. Since it's relatively impractical to be constantly looking up functions of a calculator on a computer, I was wondering whether or not it was possible to load the documentation onto an sd card in a usable format and therefore access it from the calculator itself. It just seems so logical to me - since you have like a gigabyte of storage with the sd card, you could load the entire 800 page manual onto the calculator.
You can printout the AUR. That is a great manual. You can also store it on the SD card, but the limited screen resolution would make for difficult reading and navigation.

The 50g CAS system has online help/reference. For the non-CAS commands install this: http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=5973. This is a library + reference (to be stored on SD). It's not a manual, but a lifesaver as a reference.

Quote:
Also, is the 50g limited to using 1 gigabyte of storage on a sd card?
No, 2GB cards work just fine, but appear as 1GB to the filer. Just ignore.

IMHO, get an emulator, give it a try before you buy.

P.S. C programming on the 50g is easy.

Edited: 6 Mar 2009, 5:54 p.m.

            
Re: Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #4 Posted by hpnewbie on 6 Mar 2009, 7:02 p.m.,
in response to message #3 by Egan Ford

Thanks all of you for your input. I'm installing the emulator now, and I'll definitely get the reference program if I get the hp.

      
Re: Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #5 Posted by Tim Wessman on 6 Mar 2009, 6:50 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by hpnewbie

Yes. http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=5973

No. Up to 2 GB works. Don't get an SDHC card as those aren't really SD cards. Poor decision on the SD alliances part.

TW

            
Re: Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #6 Posted by Mike Reed on 6 Mar 2009, 10:05 p.m.,
in response to message #5 by Tim Wessman

Just a side note, Tim; I regularly use 2gb MINI-SD cards in an SD adapter in my HP-50g. Works just fine. The mini's are about the size of a postage stamp.

polarbear Mike

                  
Re: Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #7 Posted by Tim Wessman on 6 Mar 2009, 10:59 p.m.,
in response to message #6 by Mike Reed

Yup. They work fine. I just wish the stupid SD group hadn't made SDHC the exact same form factor. I know why they did it, but it causes a lot of consumer confusion. . .

I guess now that everything pretty much includes SDHC capable slots the issue will go away sooner rather than later. I have had to explain why my mom's fancy new memory card doesn't work at least twice now though. Got myself a few cards out of the bargin, so I guess it is ok. :-)

TW

      
Re: Is it possible to load documentation onto an sd card onto the hp 50g
Message #8 Posted by David Hayden on 6 Mar 2009, 10:01 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by hpnewbie

Having downloaded the Emulator, grab a copy of the Users' Guide from HP's web site: www.hp.com/calculators. Click on "graphing calculators" on the left, then click the 50G, then "HP Support and Drivers", then "Manuals" and finally "HP Users Guide"

The User's Guide is a greatly expanded version of the printed manual that comes with the calculator.


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