Graphing Calculator

[Flatbed]

Good morning,

Recently I have been contemplating purchasing a graphing calculator. More or less to become a little more efficient.
I was wondering how many people enjoy using these tools, and possibly their pros and cons.

Thanks folks,

Flatbed

 

[spsnyder]

Re: Graphing Calculator

What do you do that you'd need a graphing calculator? Beyond school I have absolutly no use for one. If you do need one, and you are an HP guy and are used to RPN do not get the HP 49g. I bought it and hate it. It is not set up for RPN in most of it's functions/programs. Sucks at matrices, is comberson, etc. Big waste of money. I bought a hp33s for $50 and couldn't be happer. If you have to get a graphing calculator and need RPN go with the HP48g's. They're still the best calculator out there IMO. Best of luck.

 

[steve66]

Re: Graphing Calculator

If you haven't used RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) before, you will hate it.

I got a Casio on closeout at Radio Shack for $20. But I had to download and print the manual off the internet.

Unless you are in school, I doubt you will use the graphing function much. But I like having a graphing calculator just for the other functions they have.

Anything more than a quick calculation, I prefer to use my computer (usually microsoft excel). I don't think I would ever try to write a program to run in a calculator again.

 

[Flatbed]

Re: Graphing Calculator

Yes it will be mainly used in school. More curious if I will ever use it again in th etrade. Or simply put... Is it nothing more than a waste of money?

 

[sceepe]

Re: Graphing Calculator

More curious if I will ever use it again in th etrade.

Note sure what part of the "trade" your talking about. Since your in the engineering forum, I can tell you as an engineer I don't use any of the graphing functions in My Hp and I haven't since graduation. If I needed to graph something I would probably use Excel anyway.

 

[Flatbed]

Re: Graphing Calculator

I think that pretty much answers it. Mainly in the field I would be using it for voltage drops, and derates. But I already know the math, so a simple calculator, pencil and paper should suffice.
Thanks guys.