HP HP49G Graphing Calculator

There's no getting around the cool styling of the 49G: complete with a sleek metallic blue exterior and a groovy translucent blue hard slide cover, the 49G commands attention. When we were using it in public, it received plenty of looks and inquiries.

But how does it measure up in terms of power? Competing with the notorious Texas Instruments TI89 advanced graphing calculator is tough business, but HP pulls it off with some success. This graphing calculator has all the bells and whistles, including a whopping 1.5 MB of user memory; 2 MB of flash ROM, which enables future software upgrades; a built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS); math, scientific, statistical, financial, and 2-D/3-D graphing capabilities; programming capabilities with reverse Polish notation, assembly, and HP Basic languages; and a unit-to-unit and PC/Macintosh connectivity feature. It also features an equation solver, vectors, lists, arrays, matrices, expressions, and object storing.

One key feature we liked is the history screen, which displays what you've already input, so you can reference it to determine what went wrong and correct it. Another notable function is the 49G's alarm function. You can set the date and time on the calculator, and program the alarm along with a text message to remind you of appointments. You can also set control alarms, which perform functions such as automatically running a program when you're not using the calculator. Additionally, the calculator emits beeps when you enter an incorrect function, which can be annoying at times--especially when you're already frustrated.

One of this calculator's flaws is that it is hard to read the second and third functions above each key. In keeping with the calculator's sense of aesthetics, the print is in blue and red, which is difficult to see, especially in low lighting situations. It also has a one-touch X-variable key, but no Y- or Z-variable keys.

We wished the manual had gone into greater depth and provided clearer examples, but this might be a concern only to those who don't immediately get the full functionality of the 49G. Unlike some manuals we've seen, the 49G does not show both the necessary keys needed to input an equation along with how they appear on the screen. We also would have liked for the manual to include more examples.

If style is just as important to you as functionality, the 49G is the coolest looking calculator we've seen. But if it's pure power you're looking for, you'll probably be just as pleased with any one of the 3-D graphing calculators currently on the market.

Pros:

• Sleek exterior
• Lots of memory
• Full functionality

• Alpha and second functions somewhat hard to read
• Manual not fully fleshed out

The large 1.5 MB memory (512 KB RAM and 1 MB Flash ROM for data storage) encourages taking full advantage of the comprehensive library of third-party calculator programs, games, and software applications. The HP49G doesn't just give you the answer to your equation; it can walk you through the process of finding that answer by using the CAS step-by-step mode for dynamic derivation, integration, and other linear algebra problem-solving techniques. All steps and results are displayed in textbook mode on the 131 x 64 pixel, high-contrast screen. If you aren't fond of textbook mode, try traditional algebraic or RPN input modes.

With its smooth edges, streamlined curves, and light blue metallic exterior, the HP49G is a sleek and modern tool for professionals or students in the sciences, math, and engineering. --Dana Van Nest

Power users may decide to live with its negatives because they can't find a portable alternative with equivalent math function and memory.

For all other potential customers, the HP49G gives new meaning to the marketing phrase, turning point.

Warnings: worst HP keystroke-touch for any HP Scientific Calculator; display harder to read than contemporary hi-end graphing calculators from TI or Japanese companies; documentation shipped with product would be comical if you could forget that you had just paid over a hundred dollars for it; first HP Scientific Calculator to be released with major reliability problems that caused it to crash repeatedly (but credit is due to programmers and engineers who have spent the last four years on bug fixing).

Friends show me that new versions of the 49G have improved. But it is sad to see the company throw away a reputation earned over three decades.