Syntax errors trying to use CONVERT

[Han]

(11-15-2014 06:13 AM)mbeddo Wrote:  I'm playing with my brand new HP Prime. I read a recent post about trouble using convert, so I thought I'd give it a go. Weirdness ... I want to convert 5 m to ft. Here's my steps:

1) on the entry line, type "CONVERT(5"
2) then Shift + space key (between decimal and + keys) - hoping to get an underscore character, but instead get "_(<box>)", where <box> is a small box character with blinking cursor.
3) go ahead and try to enter "m", hoping to get "CONVERT(5_m" but instead get "CONVERT(5_(m)". Anyway, I go ahead and finish
4) CONVERT(5_(m), 1_(ft)) gives syntax error.

I find that I have to use single quotes: CONVERT('5_m', '1_ft') to get 16.4041994751_ft

It seems if an underscore character follows a number, I get the box inside of parentheses where I'm to type the units character(s).

The only way I was able to type "CONVERT(5_m, 1_ft)" without single quotes was to enter the underscore and "m" FIRST, then back up to enter the "5", then enter the comma followed by another underscore and "ft" SECOND, then back up to enter the "1". Then it works.

Seems awkward.

- Mike

UPDATE: The above was my trying to do everything on the entry line. If instead I use the various units menus, entering "CONVERT(5" then Units->Length->m it pastes _(m) on the entry line, giving me "CONVERT(5_(m)" (which is what I originally tried but failed), and if I keep using menus instead of keys to complete the expression "CONVERT(5_(m), 1_(ft))" then it works!

Beats me.

Are you in RPN mode? Was this done in CAS?