A calculator for the well-connected
Apparently, even scientists need to network.
Hewlett-Packard introduced its most robust graphing calculator on Tuesday with more connectivity options than any of its other models. HP says it's targeting engineering, math and science students and professionals (um, who else would buy this?) with the HP 50g graphing calculator that's been loaded up with features destined to send geek hearts aflutter.
Data and applications can be transferred to and from a PC via a USB cable, SD card, serial port and infrared, though since the device is priced at $149, the data cards and the PC will have to be bought separately. It can also talk with other 50g calculators along with the 49g+ and 48gll models from HP. And, like seemingly everything today, you can customize this number-crunching machine by writing and saving programs and assigning key functions.
The 50g also speaks more than one language. Not only can it calculate in standard Algebraic mode, but also in Reverse Polish Notation, which is a shortened way of entering calculations that saves time (yeah, I definitely had to look that up), and HP's own Textbook data entry mode that uses the same symbols for calculations you would use if solving a problem on paper.
Though it comes stocked with 2.5MB of memory, you can pop in an SD card to add as necessary.
Erica Ogg is a CNET News reporter who covers Apple, HP, Dell, and other PC makers, as well as the consumer electronics industry. She's also one of the hosts of CNET News' Daily Podcast. In her non-work life, she's a history geek, a loyal Dodgers fan, and a mac-and-cheese connoisseur. E-mail Erica.
