I have found the following behaviour:
Set display to FIX 4 (This is good for reading complex numbers)
Execute .3658, XQ (Example in AUG p14-68)
Result given is: 'v/(19/142)' (Example gives result as 1829/5000)
The HP49G seems to be assuming that because I have set the display to FIX 4 it only needs to compute the answer to the same accuracy. It also assumes that I would like the answer in the root format rather than a simple fraction. ALL my previous HP calcs do things to the greatest accuracy THEN diplays the result in the way the user wants, e.g. HP32SII does fractions to the maximum accuracy what-ever the 'FIX' number. Is the HP49G trying to save a few instructions and thus appear faster? I would much rather wait a few extra milli seconds and get the correct answer!
As I am an engineer I need results I can trust. It's no good saying to my boss: 'Well my new calculator assumed I wanted a less accurate result so that is why the product doesn't work.'
Just who is the calculator aimed at? It seems it's being too clever for its own good. What is most frustrating is that I can't find any explanation in the user guide or advanced user guide to say 'accuracy of calculations is reduced if the user chooses to display less digits of the answer'. I only found this 'fault' by accident, imagine how I would feel if this error crept into one of my new designs.
The box says 'For those who want more than just the right answer', however I would like the right answer, the HP49G doesn't seem to give it though.