Hewlett Packard 49G+ Solves Complex Math Problems
Written: Feb 03 '05 (Updated May 10 '05)
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Pros: Good screen display and computer interface
Cons: Buttons are tight; Instruction manual not the best
The Bottom Line: This is a very good calculator in terms of what it can do, but it is more complicated to use than its competitors.
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| Bryan_Carey's Full Review: Hewlett Packard HP 49g+ Graphic Calculator |
Calculators have made life much easier for everyone, both students and non- students alike. They quickly compute simple and complex mathematical problems with few if any errors, provided we input correctly. They save us valuable time and ensure greater accuracy in our daily lives and/or schoolwork.
For students, calculators are sometimes necessary to solve more complex problems. Even when they are not necessary, they are still valuable as a means to check answers. One calculator that is a little more complex and also a little more expensive than others is the Hewlett Packard 49G+, an advanced graphing calculator.
Features of This Calculator:
This calculator is designed to be held in the hand. There are a total of 51 keys on this device, including the usual numbered keys, square root, sine, cosine, tangent, and several others. There are also some second functions on the keys that you don’t normally see on a calculator, like copy, paste, undo, and others that are similar to a computer.
HP 49G+ uses a liquid crystal display that is 131 by 80 pixels and holds up to nine lines of text. If you need to see more lines, there are four arrow keys that can be used to scroll left, right, up, and down. The unit measures approx. 7 inches (18 cm) in length, 3.5 inches (9cm) in width, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in thickness.
This calculator comes with a USB cable and is powered by 3 AAA batteries and one CR2032 battery. If purchased new, Hewlett- Packard includes a set of batteries. The total memory available to the user is 1.13 MB with 330KB of RAM.
Pricing:
This calculator carries a high price. The base MSRP is $175, but it is easy to find it selling for less than this. Whether you shop on- line or visit an electronics store or college store, you can expect to find this calculator selling for between $120 and $140.
Customer Service:
Any questions about this HP calculator can be directed to the customer support line, 800-474-6836, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. If you prefer, you can also check the company’s web site, hp.com or more specifically, hp.com/calculators, where you can find specific answers to your questions.
Final Thoughts:
Hewlett- Packard 49G+ is a graphing calculator designed mainly for mathematics students, science students, physics students, statistics students, and engineers. This calculator contains more than 2,300 functions and can be used for trigonometry, calculus, algebra, etc. Specific features include polynomial root finders, matrix solving, histogram, areas under curves, standard deviation, mean, weighted mean, interpolation, confidence intervals, and much more.
The graphing features of this calculator are just one of its many appeals to students, but it’s also the main reason people purchase this type of electronic device. I like the larger than average viewing area of this calculator. In many cases, the graph you need to view will not fit within the screen and you will have to use the arrow keys to look at different parts of it. But the area is still large enough for a hand- held calculator.
Entering data into this calculator is generally easy, with a few exceptions. If you are performing standard functions, like square roots, mean, standard deviation, etc., then it’s easy to input because you are basically just plugging in a string of numbers. Where it can get a little tough is when you are trying to enter a series of equations with multiple variables. First of all, it is very easy to make an input error and the user’s manual isn’t very good at explaining how to get out of a jam. I have entered functions from textbooks into this calculator and then compared the resulting graph on the calculator screen to that in my book only to discover that they are not identical. Looking back at my input on the calculator, it seems correct but obviously isn’t. It can take time to get the sequence just right to make these functions accurate. HP really needs to improve its documentation in this area with more troubleshooting advice and not just a simple list of examples.
One other thing that really bothers me about this calculator is the keys themselves. The problem with them is that they are a little too tight. When you press them, it barely feels like they are moving at all and if you press too quickly, there is a good chance one or more of your key strokes will not register. I am accustomed to using the 10- key pad that you find on adding machines and on the keyboards of computers and I can input numbers at a fast rate with few errors. This will not work on the HP49G+. You have to be very careful and input slowly, making sure to look at the screen as you type to ensure that everything is properly input.
There is one nice thing about entering data that should be noted here. On most calculators, there is only one available mode of input that must be used at all times. But HP 49G+ gives you the option of using algebraic, textbook entry, or Reverse Polish Notation. Most people are used to using algebraic entry or textbook entry and will prefer those methods. Reverse Polish Notation requires fewer keystrokes and can save you time, but fewer people are familiar with it. The nice thing with this calculator is that you can switch modes to suit your tastes. You’re not stuck using one mode due to lack of choice.
This calculator comes with a CD that can be loaded on your PC to install the USB, upload manuals, etc. This is pretty easy to follow and once completed, it works pretty well, allowing you to interface with your PC. As far as the power is concerned, this device uses three AAA batteries and one CR2032 battery. To help save power, the unit will power off in about five minutes if not in use. The battery life is pretty good, lasting about three months depending on usage level.
This model of calculator is a good one, but it’s not quite as simple to understand and program as some other graphing calculators, like the Texas Instruments TI-89 model. It is a little more advanced, not so much in the functions it can perform (TI is just as good), but in the complications involved in the input and use. It does seem like a more sophisticated device than the TI-89, but this is mostly due to the more scientific look and the more advanced level of knowledge needed to understand and properly utilize the HP 49G+.
Overall, this is still a very good calculator. It performs all sorts of calculations and it will quickly become the best friend of science, math, statistics, and economics students who need/want a calculator that can help them solve complex problems and check their work for accuracy. It could use a few improvements (especially with those keys), but it is still a pretty good electronic device.
Be Sure to Click the Links Below to Read More Reviews on Other Calculators:
Texas Instruments TI-89
Hewlett- Packard 10bII
Texas Instruments BA-II Plus
Hewlett- Packard 12c
Texas Instruments TI- 83 Plus
Recommended:
Yes
Purchase Price: 130
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