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Reviews (2)
24 June 2009
Hewlett Packard 50g Graphic Calculator - a Book
6 of 6 found this helpful I am graduate of the HP41CV/CX school of programmable calculators and waited for a calculator with a multi-line screen and more muscle for large programs. I thought the HP48 was it, but was disapointed that text and data operations in the 48 were too anemic for me. I wanted to have prompts (or function keys) for input and at least four lines of "labelled" outputs at a time for the results. Now, twenty-plus years after the demise of old faithful HP41, along comes the HP50g. Glad I waited.
Now let's get to the book review. Just bought an new HP50g and the documents provided leave much to be desired. I bought this guide to learn how to use the calculator. It has 110 pages and is well written for a guide that is not produced by a professional publisher. I am about one-third of the way through the book and find some of the new concepts tough to grasp. I have to read a portion two or three times before understanding it. Don't get me wrong, this calculator ain't no four-function toy. It is one son-of-a-gun to learn and this guide makes it easier. Pros: the guide organizes the information in a meaningful way (HP take note). It also explains the whats ('and whys') of the calculator pretty thoroughly. Cons: not enough examples (at least in the early sections) to illustrate the lessons being explained, and it needs a glossary of new terms for those of us new to the HP 48/49/50 calculator. Also, an index would be good. One last nit to pick: The guide is published using one-column per page. I would have preferred two columns per page. Most of us only grasp about 40 characters at a time while reading. e.g. newspapers and novels. Text lines six-plus, inches long are harder to read. Added to a difficult subject matter, I need all the help I can get.
Bottom line: Next to the guide's Table of Contents, is an aviators/sailors, Wind Triange program with prompts and annotated (labelled) outputs. My quest for the right calculator and this guide are vindicated. If you have an HP50g, get this guide and a copy of the HP49 Advanced User's Reference Manual (free online). The reference manual describes the calculator and its command set. This guide explains 'how' to use the calculator.
05 July 2009
Uprint CD/DVD Label Printer
This printer fits right in between making paper stick-on labels and high-dollar infinite hue and photo image label printers. If you usually make your labels with sharpie pens, this is the right unit for you. The labels look almost professional. At under $100, it is the best bang for the buck for those who only print five disks or less. Basic package has a black ribbon, but red, blue, and green ribbons are also available. So with a little care you can print multi-colored labels. I haven't tried graphics with it yet so I don't know how good it will do with graphics. Labels created with this printer will present a professional image to whoever receives your disks.