HP 50G Scientific "Framing" Calculator

wallmaxx

My wife has been away for a week in east Texas, so for fun, I ordered a new calculator. (I am STILL a geek)

I bought the HP 50G.

It is a choice between HP and TI. I have never owned a TI and as such have always favored the HP types. I am especially fond of the Reverse Polish Notation method of data and command entry. I'd like to know if the TI calcs are as good or better than what I have. (Not a chance)

I am currently reworking my main roof program for a simple 2 pitch hip style roof. I will post it in the framing section soon.

Anyone have experience with the HP49/50 or the TI-89? What things can they do that make them stand out in your mind?

E.C

no idea. Keep us informed

mdshunk

You building the Space Shuttle out of framing lumber ?

orson

TI basicaly invented the graphing calculator. We used them in calc class almost 20 years ago and they were awsome then. Can't say I've picked one up since college though.

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Cole

You can't go wrong with TI.

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Dan_Watson

I have the TI 84 plus and have no major complaints but I dont like the transfer program for programming, its very cumbersome. I have never used a HP calc so I can not compare.

Static Design

Never used the HP, the TI calcs are all we used in high school and college.

72chevy4x4

ouch! I bought a hp 48gx for engineering school ages ago. they're tough to get the hang of b/c the entry system is RPN-reverse polish notation. For instance, if you want to add 47 and 13, you enter 47, press enter, plug in 13 and then hit the addition button for the result. If you understand a queue, that's how the 48 series works-not sure about the newer HP calculators. They've always been known for adaptability-the ability to add additional programs to make them do cool things like a roof calculator.

Last time I needed a cool function, spindle spacing, I found the website on my laptop right next to the stairs-was fortunate w/ a network nearby but otherwise get a SPRINT card for internet access on the roam.

good luck and if you want to buy a mint 48gx, send me a PM.

rick.price

TI uses algebraic notaion for data entry (3 + 5 =) and is easier for most people. The HPs mostly used RPN which is the way computers process the data and can be simpler for those of us that spent time at that level of IT.

The HP-50 is nice in that it allows you to use either RPN OR Algebraic notaion and to change on the fly.

Having used both I find the HP to be built for working people and the TI for students and have used my HP-50 for 3 years without any problems - and my hp-48 for at least 6 years before I upgraded.

HP is a hard brand to beat for quality.

Lubs

Why not just get a construction master calculator that is already programed. It is a lot easier to use than a scientific.

wallmaxx

I have 2 CMs and the Jobber 6........for construction.

To use them you have to remember what equations are for what.

With my custom written RPN equations, my calculator prompts me with a word or phrase asking for specific numbers to be entered. That way I don't have to remember every equation that I use.

Like for stairs, here's a link to Sci Calc use for Framing.pdf

rick.price

I have a CM (that I use constantly and have in my bag) but have used the HPs for around 25 years. My earlier life had me in engineering (electrical) and before TI got serious about making something more advanced that the SR-51, the HPs were the best you could get. All my equations for Six Sigma quality work were available as an HP-48/50 set of programs and I could find none for the TI. For many calculations, its just easier to use the HP rather than dig the CM out of my bag that is in my truck.

Again it seems as if TI has pursued the market for the JR High, High School and early college and HP the market for the more advanced users. As far as using calculators before college ... don't get me started on that. I still feel you should understand the math first. Learn to plot a curve and understand why the line takes on that shape. Then do it the fast way. Batteries fail and you need to be able to continue working.

Lubs

I still think that the CM is easier. I guess it is what you get used to using. We all have our preferences.