challenge

[mapet]

Find the HP calc which has the highest % of 1-function keys !

[Mike]

There may be more than 1 answer but the HP-70 is 100% 1 function keys, isn't it?

[Ernie Malaga]

So is the HP-35, although one might object that the [arc] key gives [sin], [cos] and [tan] two functions apiece.

-Ernie

[Mike (Stgt)]

It depends on the point of view.

An IBM host is event driven where you may write several commands on a command line (or in a fullscreen application at several places) and only if you press ENTER (or a PF or PA key) the CPU starts working. Every calculator I know (HP-41) is a "key-per-function" machine where for every key hit the CPU clock starts. AFAIK this even holds true for a PC.

From the point of view for a normal user who interacts with a command line system like DOS (or a HP-71B) this looks like an event driven OS. But if you install on DOS some typing aids (like QuickLX from www.DAsoft.com) you will easily see that a HP200LX is a "key-per-funktion" from some point of view.

Ciao.....Mike

PS: was this the expected answer to your challenge?

[Mike]

Not really. The question was 1-Function per key.

"key-per-function" is not the same as "1-function per key"
All calculators can be called "key-per-function but not all calculators can be called 1-function per key.

Context comes into play.

A key per function means that everytime you hit a key "some function is executed." That function does not have to be the same, to be called a "key-per-function." Context may be important. The function executed, may depend on what was pressed prior to the key being pressed.

Both the HP-67 and the HP-70 can be called "key-per-function." You press a key and something happens.

Ex: SIN executes the function to display a '4' on the HP-67 but if the 'f' is pressed first, a sine function is executed. Context may matter and still be a "key-per-function" machine.

In the question asked, only 1-functions per key was the topic. Context does not matter. No matter when you hit the key only 1-funcction is executed.

A 1-function per key means that everytime you hit the key, "the same function" is executed. Context is not important. It does not matter what occurred prior to touching the key.

[Mike (Stgt)]

But if I hit SIN it depends on the contents of the X-register what happens. ;-)

Ciao.....Mike

[Mike]

Sorry, but we are speaking of function, not answer:-) The same functions is executed.

However, I was prepared for a different response from you:-) I figured you'd come back with, "depends on whether you are in radians or degree mode."

I would have responded, "no trig functions on an HP-70"

It's been a fun discussion, though.

Mike

[Mike (Stgt)]

Oh yes, I forgot RAD/GRAD/DEG. What I had in mind was, that depending on the contents of the X register SIN is calculated in a different manner. In other words if you hit the key a different branch in firmware is executed. This is easily seen on early HP-35 or HP-41 with a bug.

Of cause, for the end user it is allways SIN what is executed, but from my point of view: with a different function (started with the same key).

Ey! How you remarked that my appends are not to be taken too serious?

Ciao.....Mike

[Greg Harris (Sydney Australia)]

I dont have one to check...
How about the HP10 adding machine?

Greg