OK, perhaps I'm just an ignorant student who's been lulled into the security of using algebraic calculators, but I think I have a legitimate question that others may benefit from.
One of the key selling points for HP versus other companies among communities like this seems to be RPN. Why is it considered so much better? I have seen that you can make the same calculation in less key strokes than in an algebraic mode. So, it saves memory in programs, providing more room for other programs, and may even save a few seconds in solving a problem during an exam. But honestly, in these days with cheap memory, is that really that important? What other benefits does RPN provide that you can't get from an algebraic calculator?
Here's another question: I'm betting that RPN is exclusive to HP for a reason, perhaps something related to copyrights or patents. But if another company were able to produce an RPN calculator, say TI, would people in this community take it seriously? Or do we just hold on to HP calculators out of nostalgia or something like that?
I think you can see my confusion, anyway. I've followed some of the threads here, and it seems to me that there's a real demand for a powerful scientific calculator out there that's just not being provided for. I know I'd love to have this "dream calculator", and I keep hoping perhaps a group of people could make a case to any of the companies (either HP or TI or anything else, for that matter) to produce that calculator. Maybe someday. Who knows, maybe this hydrix calculator I've heard about might become what we're looking for.
Edited: 26 May 2004, 2:09 p.m.