HP35s's Parentheses

[Walter B]

Hi, all,

Any idea why parentheses are placed so prominently on this "ultimate RPN" calc? Even 2 kinds of them! And we agreed so far there will not be a matrix functionality... :-?

Since it seems the keyboard will remain as seen first completely (i.e. with the blue shift arrow pointing up, and "->KM" instead of "->km"), it may be worth some speculation.

[DaveJ]

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Hi, all,

Any idea why parentheses are placed so prominently on this "ultimate RPN" calc? Even 2 kinds of them! And we agreed so far there will not be a matrix functionality... :-?

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Well, I guess an "Ultimate RPN calc" wouldn't have selectable algebraic mode now would it? ;-)

Once you decide to have algebraic mode, you gotta have a primary parentheses key.

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Since it seems the keyboard will remain as seen first completely (i.e. with the blue shift arrow pointing up, and "->KM" instead of "->km"), it may be worth some speculation.

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Yes, that Blue arrow key really bugs me. Someone left their brain out of gear on that one.

Dave.

[Gene Wright]

There is also equation mode to consider. Parentheses do figure rather prominently in a few equations.

These days, you probably can't have parentheses be a shifted function and be taken seriously as an ALG machine.

Who needs ALG users? HP does to sell enough units to make these goodies viable.

So be glad there are ALG users out there.

[DaveJ]

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There is also equation mode to consider. Parentheses do figure rather prominently in a few equations.

These days, you probably can't have parentheses be a shifted function and be taken seriously as an ALG machine.

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It ain't just these days. Every ALG calculator bar a 4-banger needs parentheses as the primary keys, always has. Just as vital as say ROLL and SWAP on an RPN calc.

HP did the right thing in the case of the 35S, the parentheses key is good and it's in the right spot.

Dave.

[Walter B]

Hi Dave,

FYI: the "ultimate RPN" was a quote of HP's data sheet for the 35s :-)

[Paul Brogger]

And, don't be surprised if "the Ultimate RPN Calculator" boots to ALG by default.

I wonder how many 33s' were returned to Wal-Mart because they "didn't work" when first turned on?

If they want the thing to be sold via a big-box retailer, they'll want it to default to ALG.

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... the blue shift arrow pointing up ...

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That is quirky, but hey: they've returned to printing functions on the 2nd, angled faces of the keys! That's a MAJOR step forward (or backward, to where they used to be, or wherever . . . ) Too bad they didn't do that on the 50g.

Edited: 11 July 2007, 10:24 a.m.

[Walter B]

Hi, Paul, I didn't complain, I just wonder ;-)

Anyway, you're right, printing on the angled faces of the keys is a major step (in any direction whatsoever) I welcome for sure. Nevertheless, I can imagine even nicer, cleaner arrangements still (see here, for example).

[Paul Brogger]

Walter, I do hope H-P consults you if/when they design the layout of their next calculator. Leaving aside of alpha mode, graphical screen, and other major feature enhancements you've suggested, your choices for colors and placement of the keyboard legends have obvious merit.

(H-P: I suggest you immediately contract with "the Walter B. Design Bureau" and save yourselves much pointless distraction and diversion.)

[Giancarlo (Italy)]

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(H-P: I suggest you immediately contract with "the Walter B. Design Bureau" and save yourselves much pointless distraction and diversion.)

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Amen, brother!

Best regards.

Giancarlo

[Walter B]

:-D Ok, ok, I'll keep quiet in this matter ... for some days at least ;-)

[Dave Johnson]

Not that I ever use the algebraic mode, but it would certainly be nice if HP abandoned the postfix nature of the algebraic entry on the 33S and converted to a prefix algebraic entry for the 35S.