WTB: "An Easy Course in Using the HP-16C" by Edward M. Keefe

[badacktor]

Want to buy: "An Easy Course in Using the HP-16C" by Edward M. Keefe
For reference: https://literature.hpcalc.org/items/1462

It would mean a lot to me to have an original copy, not just a reprint from TAS or a pdf. (Although a huge thank you to Eric for making this and so many other books available.)

(For those who do not know, Ed Keefe died in 2011. However, at least in one little goofball's thoughts, his legacy lives on.)

[HPing]

That is a rare one. You might put automated watch alerts on places like: biblio, abebooks, bookfinder, ebay, etc.

Alternatively, you could ask a research librarian for some assistance (esp from a university science library or large city library).

I think the ISBNs are
0931011167
9780931011160

Grapevine Publications
Corvallis, OR

[John Ioannidis]

(11-06-2024 10:55 AM)badacktor Wrote:  Want to buy: "An Easy Course in Using the HP-16C" by Edward M. Keefe
For reference: https://literature.hpcalc.org/items/1462

It would mean a lot to me to have an original copy, not just a reprint from TAS or a pdf. (Although a huge thank you to Eric for making this and so many other books available.)

(For those who do not know, Ed Keefe died in 2011. However, at least in one little goofball's thoughts, his legacy lives on.)

I understand how you would want an original copy.

However, I don't understand what the purpose of this book was. I skimmed through the .pdf; it's just a rehash of what was already in the manual.

And what's the point of explaining what number systems or logical operations are, let alone waste more than half the book on these subjects? One wouldn't buy an hp16 if one were not already know all this!

[badacktor]

You know, that reminds me of the story* William Kahan has told about his Solve and Integration algorithms first seen on the 34C. Specifically about the manual and how it was written to explain things at a more granular level, with lower expectations of the user. Evidently HP brass didn't feel that tone was appropriate for their "Professionals Only" customer base, but after the release and the dust settled, the response to the manual was overwhelmingly positive.

I think even the most seasoned professional should always be delighted by a refresher course on a topic they "credentially" (not a real word, don't care) know extraordinarily well. You never know when someone's explanation of something will give you just a slightly different enough perspective to build an even deeper understanding in your mind. Like my dad always tells me, "everyone and everything can always teach you something new if you're willing to learn."

Besides, Ed Keefe's writing in a wonderful and delightful thing alone. I dunno. I feel like a copy of that book should be chained to every unit.

*(Sources: https://history.siam.org/%5C/pdfs2/Kahan_final.pdf pages 144-159, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mBw7tnRx1c&t=284s)

[rprosperi]

(11-14-2024 07:54 AM)badacktor Wrote:  You know, that reminds me of the story* William Kahan has told about his Solve and Integration algorithms first seen on the 34C. Specifically about the manual and how it was written to explain things at a more granular level, with lower expectations of the user. Evidently HP brass didn't feel that tone was appropriate for their "Professionals Only" customer base, but after the release and the dust settled, the response to the manual was overwhelmingly positive.

I think even the most seasoned professional should always be delighted by a refresher course on a topic they "credentially" (not a real word, don't care) know extraordinarily well. You never know when someone's explanation of something will give you just a slightly different enough perspective to build an even deeper understanding in your mind. Like my dad always tells me, "everyone and everything can always teach you something new if you're willing to learn."

Well stated and personally I could not agree more. IMHO, the fact that this book is rather rare is not because it wasn't needed, but rather a reflection that the 16C was a niche product in the first place and that most original buyers probably would never get rid of it, at least partially for the reasons stated above.

[AnnoyedOne]

(11-14-2024 07:54 AM)badacktor Wrote:  I think even the most seasoned professional should always be delighted by a refresher course on a topic they "credentially" (not a real word, don't care) know extraordinarily well.

I've found that true in many cases. Not just calculators. Plus I've learnt tips/tricks from post here and elsewhere.

In the case of this book the PDF is free and can be kept as a reference whether or not it is very useful. Or as a replacement manual.

A1

[LinusSch]

(11-14-2024 01:49 AM)John Ioannidis Wrote:  And what's the point of explaining what number systems or logical operations are, let alone waste more than half the book on these subjects? One wouldn't buy an hp16 if one were not already know all this!

Or you might be buying one specifically to learn these subjects, like students generally buy calculators. I pretty much did! If there was a modern calculator with this set of features it might find a place in university courses on computer architecture and microprocessor programming and such.