HP 50g Graphing Calculator (F2229AA#ABA) Reviews

• Significant improvement but...

  
  By A3JUHP1E3WUHEA on 2006-08-30
  It's 10/5/06 and I'm editing this review right up front with the first paragraph, because this little calc has a problem that I hadn't noticed initially. The new HP keys, as I describe below, are great. They have a solid click and a good rollover ability - meaning that you can push the number 1, then push the number 2 before letting go of the 1 entirely, and you'll still get "12" on the screen. That's perfect. Here's the downside: Rapidly enter the number "1100." Click-click-click-click. And yet my screen says "10." Why? Because a rapid double-click of a numeric key results in the calculator noticing only the first click. If a typewriter worked that way, I'd be attending metings every day instead of meetings.
  
  **UPDATE - 10/14/06** One of the commands available, not documented in the 50g material, but documented for several earlier HP calculators, is a KEYTIME command. Quite simply, replacing the default keytime with "500" eliminates missed keystrokes. This corrects the problem I described above.
  
  And now back to my original review:
  
  First, the keypad issue has been addressed with this model, and each key has a feel that is similar to the HP41 - just about perfect for data entry without needing to look at the keypad. Now all that's necessary is for HP to return to the complex keys that allowed for print both on the top surface and the beveled edge; that would allow for some improvement in the user interface. But overall this is a major step forward from the HP49 line.
  
  Next, the display is bright and legible with good contrast. These multiline displays still aren't quite as good as the single line displays from years past in terms of visibility at odd angles but we're coming close. There's plenty of information here with a seven line stack in the default mode.
  
  The manual is where the calculator loses a star. While the new manual is an improvement over the HP48/49 series (though it has less information, it is more understandable), it is nowhere near as complete and useful as the HP41 series manuals were. HP needs to bring back a well-written manual series with use of color, high-end paper, and quality typesetting. For example, the calculator comes with a user's manual; on page 1-20, it says that additional references can be found in Chapter 1 and Appendix C of the calculator's user's guide. What user's guide? They don't mean the manual since that doesn't have any Appendices (or an index, for that matter). Where would I get the user's guide? Then I discover that it is included, and is on the CD-ROM in pdf form. Apparently it is a larger version of the user's manual, with additional information, including an index. Much of the information in the Guide is duplicated from the Manual - but we still don't have complete programming and functional command discussion. Don't get me wrong - everything you need for standard operations is here; but if you really want to get into the capabilities of the calculator (and that's why you're spending $129, right?), we want the full manual. Oh, and bring back the manuals that are spiral-bound so we don't have to weigh the book down with something each time we turn to the calculator to try something.
  
  Here too is a connectivity kit of software, none of which runs on my Mac. I tried plugging it in to the Mac using the standard USB connecting cable (included) but nothing happened. Since I didn't buy the HP with any need to hook it up to my Mac, it's not a problem, but what good is connectivity if noone bothered with the Mac software?
  
  There are a few little nits that still need to be picked. For example, the stack is right justified but data entry is left justified. It is much easier to quickly review an entered number and compare it to numbers on the stack if they are similarly justified. The enter key needs to return to double-width just above the numeric portion of the keypad, and HP should finally pick a standard numeric/operator layout and stick with it. The HP41 had the major operators on the left. The HP48 put them on the right and changed the sequence. The HP50 keeps them on the right but bumped them all up by one key. For those of us who essentially touch-type on calculators, this relearning is a pain.
  
  I must admit that if HP simply rebuilt the HP41C series with more memory, they'd have a clear winner. And given the prices that those models sell for on eBay in new condition, HP could clearly do well with such a product.
  
  The connectivity issue would have cost another star, but the overall build quality, computing capabilities, programming capabilities, and incorporation of RPN on the 50g make it clearly worth 4 stars.
  
  

• The most powerful calculator available.

  
  By A132W39BU2ZE6X on 2006-07-28
  I just received mine in the mail today. I do not think that it is officially even released in the US; at least, it is not on HP's English language website yet.
  
  This is the first HP calculator I have ever owned and my impressions so far have generally been very positive. It seems just like the 49g+, but with a fully plastic case and keyboard, a serial port, and a four cell battery compartment.
  
  Compared to the TI-89, the HP-50 seems more powerful. The CAS seems a little stronger, it has a lot more built-in mathematical, scientific, and engineering applications, and the hardware is far superior. The calculator runs on a ARM processor similar to the speeds on low-end pocket PCs, unlike the TI-89's slow custom processor, but the CAS runs on an emulated processor, so it is not as fast as it could be. The HP also has an infrared port and a SD expansion card, so it has no realistic memory limits.
  
  Its liabilities are that the screen seems a little smaller than the TI-89's, the calculator is not nearly as user-friendly as the TI-89's, the calculator only comes with a basic manual of about 100-200 pages while the full 900 page manual is only available on CD, and there does not seem to be as much third party support as for the TI-89.
  
  But if you want the most powerful portable mathematical system available in a handheld calculator, this is definitely a must-buy.
  
  

• Three words: keyboard, keyboard, keyboard!

  
  By A20YIR5B3E5Z7K on 2006-08-18
  At first I was somewhat disappointed with the HP50G, since it essentially has the same form factor and functionality as the HP49G+ (which I also own). Just changing the color doesn't justify a new model designation, IMHO. Wait a tick... the keyboard seems a bit better... played with it for awhile... switched back to the HP49G+... ack! I never noticed how horrendous the keyboard was on the HP49G+. The keyboard on the HP50G is velvet in comparison. If you have been frustrated by the clunky, clicky keyboard on the HP49G+, then the HP50G is the answer. Otherwise, stick with the HP49G+, since it is essentially the same calculator.
  
  

• HP hit a home run!

  
  By A1MDVNHB3T8KO7 on 2006-09-05
  I've owned a number of HP calculators-- from the 32s to the 49g+. In general I like HP equipment. I like reverse polish and that keeps me coming to HP. I liked the functionality of the 49g+, but alas! it seemed as if it were an HP calculator in a Casio body. Hated the color and the cheap feel of the keyboard. With the HP 50G the HP touch is back! GREAT calculator; getting the user's guide (on line from HP, .pdf format) is a MUST. The 50G has a number of built-in math functions lacking in the 49G+. It has easier connectivity and formats an SD card! (Instructions in the manual supplied with the 50G for formatting are not quite right, but it's easy to figure out!). I down loaded Tetris and a C-compiler for the 49G+, I'll port those to the 50G,and I doubt if I'll ever use the 49G+ again. I've learned to program a bit using RPL and this makes the calculator quite powerful. This is the calculator I expected from HP.
  
  

• Much better

  
  By A1L6NWSIV7DK0W on 2006-08-26
  I have used HP calulators since 1973. I own a 49G and a 49G+. The keyboards of these products left a lot to be desired. Even though the 50g is virtully identical to the 49G+, the keyboard and display are much improved. The 50g also has a better look and feel than th 49G+. It reminds me of the old HP quality.
  
  
• Best High-End Calculator
  By A3VA0BY5UEKYHD on 2006-08-20
  The HP50G eliminates the keyboard problems that plagued the 49G+. With this change, this unit runs head-to-head with the TI89. But if you like RPN as I do, the 50G is the only one to choose. The 50G has powerful programming capabilities. The infrared transmitter and SD card capability is compatible with the 49G+. The manual included is brief, but you can download pdf manuals from HP for the 49G+ that serve well for the 50G. These include the 175-page user's manual, the 862-page user's guide, and the 635-page advanced user's reference manual.
  
  HP calculator quality is back! I expect to be using this model as long as I have the HP11C (still running and in use since 1982) and the HP48G (since 1994).
  
  
• What the HP 49 series should have been from the beginning (fantastic calculator)
  By A1WX58HCDX46EN on 2006-11-21
  I received my HP 50g as a warranty replacement for an HP 49g+. Whilst I was extremely impressed with the number of functions the HP 49g+ offered, along with the computational speed, I was not impressed with the keyboard. The keys were stiff, the backing hollow sounding, and the impression was that it wouldn't last. Well, it didn't. After a key breakage, it was sent back to Hewlett Packard and replaced with the HP 50g. I should add here that the HP calculator customer support section was wonderful. Once the problem was reported to HP, I was advised that the calculator would be replaced, I sent it to HP and received the replacement a few days later. Great service!
  
  The HP 50g has all the functionality of the HP 49g+, which is a very good thing, as I couldn't fault the HP 49g+ on this score. However, the keyboard is a world apart from the HP 49g+. The keys are not as stiff, the hollow sound is gone, missed key strokes are a thing of the past (provided KEYTIME is set to 500), data entry is now quick and easy (and accurate), and the look and feel of the calculator is now that of quality. Also, even though I liked the gold paint on the HP 49g+, I have to admit that the HP 50g colour scheme is more impressive. As stated by another reviewer, the HP 50g looks like a serious mathematical computing device (which it is).
  
  Yes, like the HP 49g+, it does require a bit of learning to make full use of the functions, but it's worth the effort. Operation of the calculator does become quite intuitive, making the calculator a joy to use, and of course the ability to use RPN is a godsend - so superior to algebraic data entry (which of course you can still use if you want, as the calculator has the choice of RPN or algebraic data entry).
  
  Provided the HP 50g has the build quality that it appears to have (and I don't have any doubts at this stage), then I can see myself having this calculator for many years, just like the HP calculators of old. As another reviewer said - HP is back! And it's a welcome return!!
  
  
• 5 star calculator with 0 star documentation
  By A10KZY39SVHUXD on 2007-07-22
  This is very powerfull, complex calculator, much according to old HP spirit and quality. Unfortunately, manuals are below of ANY acceptable quality standards. There is short (150 pages) User Manual, very poorly written, not even explaining the concept of RPN and stack manipulations. There are some keys that perform stack manipulation (DUP, DROP) but they are not described; I discovered these keys just by accident. It is not clear for me how person new to RPN can start using this calculator if basic concepts are not explained.
  
  Manual is extremely poorly printed. Reading keystrokes sequences needs strong magnifying glass.
  
  More complete User's Guide is abaliable only in electronic form (on attached CD), but Advanced Guide (needed to program) is available only from HP site under HP-49 information. These manual are equally poor as the first one. Printing these manuals is expensive; actually more expensive than the calculator itself. There are 1600 pages to print; Kinko takes 16 cents per page. This would make $256. This means that computer is necessary attachment to the calculator. It this situation, I don't need the calculator: If I have to take calculator AND laptop to a trip, then I can do all calculations I need using laptop.
  
  I have been using HP calculators since HP-41; HP manuals that time were publishing marvels. This what happens with manuals for HP-50 (and actually all manulas for modern HP calculators) is the evidence of fall of this once great company.
  
  
  
  
  
• Great Calculator
  By A3LMBHCD3GAPUK on 2006-10-27
  I've been an HP user for 10 years when I purchased my HP48G for high school calculus. I still have the 48G but gave it to my wife for her MBA statistics class. I decided this was a perfect excuse to spring for a new HP. I've had the HP50G for 2 weeks and I am nearly as satisfied as with my old 48G. I am not a fan of the new color scheme, which looks similar to something TI would use, and I am especially irked by the choice of colors for the keys. I was much happier with the color scheme used for the 48G.
  
  NOTE TO HP: Yellow and white look very nearly the same in most light, this makes it easy to get confused when looking at keys like [1/X Y] where Y is an ALPHA character in yellow and 1/X is the function in white.
  
  The plastic feels somewhat cheap compared to the 48G series. Functionally, however, the calculator is far superior in terms of speed, the ability to expand memory cheaply using standard SD cards, and the ability to connect the calculator to a PC using a USB cable. However, I have all sorts of problems using HP's software and hope to find a superior replacement soon.
  
  Overall I am glad I upgraded. If you think about it, 10 years ago the HP48GX was about $250 whereas today's HP50G is ~$135. If you consider 10 years of inflation, $250 in 1996 would be $300 today making the new HP50G a huge bargin.
  
  By the way, I am wondering how long till BW calculators use BW high resolution screens similar to those used by PDA a few years ago. Its seems strange to have a ~160x130 resolution display in the age of 640x480 color screens. I don't want a color screen but 320x240 resolution would be nice.
  
  
• An HP Calculator to be Proud Of
  By AGPMFNRIE79U8 on 2006-09-13
  I thought that I would never own another HP graphing calculator after I purchased an hp49g some years ago. I am a huge fan of RPN and own an hp33s which I think is great for its features and usability. The hp50g is not for the beginner, this is a power calculator for college students in math or engineering, professionals, and firmware hobbyists. This calculator just works out of the box. The keys are firm but responsive, unlike the hp49g which required lots of force to activate the buttons. Also I haven't been able to find any errors in the calculations, also unlike the hp49g which required a firmware upgrade to correct blatant math errors. I think this latest model restores some hope for hp's future offerings - it's not just a printer cartridge company any more...
  
  
• Excellent addition to the HP calculator line...
  By A1VV99QOCG1L2H on 2006-12-03
  I have been using the 48G for years and was looking for something a little more powerful. I was not disappointed. There may be a few features that are only utilized in the higher math courses, but this is a definite improvement for simple calculations as well. The delay between key press and solution are dramatically shorter. Graphing functions takes approximately 1/4 the time that my 48G does. (I had them graph the same function side by side). Not to mention the ability to graph multiple functions and provide more calculations and feedback about the functions.
  An overall excellent product.
  
  
• Best CAS Calculator. Period.
  By A1QP8Y9RS96PEE on 2007-04-18
  I've had my HP-50G since 2/24/2007 after purchasing it from Amazon. I also own a TI-89 Titanium. The TI-89 Titanium is in my humble opinion an easier machine to use, but less powerful than the HP-50G. More functionality and power tends to mean a steeper learning curve, so if you want the most powerful, choose the HP-50G, if you want one that is initially easier to use, choose the TI-89 Titanium. Either way, you can't go wrong as they are both fine machines.
  
  Having said that, here is why I prefer the HP-50G:
  
  1. First off, it offers both Algebraic and RPN modes natively.
  
  2. The CAS is powerful and can be set up for step-by-step simplification (collection or expansion of terms).
  
  3. RPL is a *LOT* more powerful and (again, in my humble opinion) simpler -- you can do a lot more with far fewer keystrokes than with TI's BASIC.
  
  4. The SD Card slot is perfect for transferring programs and HP Objects between the calculator and the PC.
  
  5. It has a built-in Equation Library, SysRPL, as well as an ARM Assembler/Disassembler and Saturn processor emulator. (Translation: it is a Geek's "Dream Machine". :)
  
  There are many other reasons that I prefer the HP over the TI, but those are the highlights.
  
  There are some neat "Easter Eggs" hidden in the HP as well, including a great Tetris game. (Run the Equation Writer application, click ALPHA-ALPHA to lock it, enter MINEISBETTER, click ALPHA to turn off the alpha lock, then click the up arrow and press SIMP (F6). All of the flags must be in their factory-release setting too.) Viola - Tetris!
  
  Finally, although it is *initially* a more difficult machine to learn to use than the TI, it can be customized with incredible ease, and features all sorts of "event handling" stubs to use for this purpose. What this translates to is the machine allows you to *MAKE IT* easier to use for yourself with custom menus, user programmable keys, etc.
  
  It's more rugged and the keyboard is better than the HP-49s too. You can't go wrong with the HP-50G.
  
  
  
• Better keyboard but still not as good as 48GX
  By A1RL8BXWU907L0 on 2007-01-07
  This calculator is almost the same as the HP-49g+. It only improve the keyboard and add the library. The problem for me are those +,-,*,/ button are shift up. HP should shift those buttons back and put the Enter button above the / button. The quality feel cheap compare to my old HP-48GX.
  
  
• Power for now AND the future
  By A38Y87XH2DZR2B on 2006-09-29
  I have been an HP calcualtor user for the past 22 years. After I went through two battery chargers on my dad's TI-59 that he gave to me, I gave it back to him and bought an HP 41CX. I'm STILL using that calculator today, and I use it virtually every day.
  
  My teenage daughter had been saying she needed a graphing calculator for the past year. I'm glad I waited this long to get her one because this 50g model has become available. I bought one and liked it so much that I ordered another one two weeks later for myself.
  
  The many built in functions of these types of power graphing calculators requires a somewhat complicated menu structure to get to the multitude of these functions, constants, etc. I spent two solid weekends working thru the HP supplied paper book to get a start with this aspect of it. The comparable high end (TI-89) units are similar in this respect from what I read in the reviews (Amazon) on those.
  
  I have found the CAS to be quite strong in factoring quadratics & cubic polynomials. The Equation Editor is easy to use as is the graphing capability.
  
  The 'softkey' (function key) access to the menu structure works best in RPN mode; although Algbraic mode is supported, it takes about twice as many keystrokes. But then this was always the case for Alg vs RPN in entering expressions. The good news is that when it comes to using the equation editor, entry is essentially algebraic always, so the learning hurdle for one new to RPN is not too high as it is mostly just the concept of the "Stack" in numeric entry.
  
  What I think is most important about the unit is that with the ample memory (RAM) supplied, the use of the SD card, and the efficiency of SysRPL programming, this machine has enough power for now AND the future. The real value is the support for applications yet to be created. This machine can do a lot. I hope that HP has achieved better hardware reliability in this than has been observed in some of their recent handhelds. So far, I think HP has achieved a pretty good balance of quality and cost in the 50g considering the enormous pressure on COST these days. So far, I think this one is a real winner for HP.
  
  
• Superb Calculator,
  By A3CH82T073AZGE on 2006-10-20
  I just received my new HP 50g calculator this week and I love it. I was a bit frustrated last week when the backspace key on the HP 49g+ calculator, which I had purchased only a little over three years ago, gave out. I never liked the design of the keypad on the 49g+, or on the 49g for that matter. The improvement in keypad design on the 50g is so significant that you can immediately tell that this design will last much longer than that of the predecessor just by feeling it. This keypad feels like the keypad on the fantastic old 48g series HP calculators.
  In addition to the upgraded keypad, the inclusion of the equation libraries was nice; however the screen seems to have less contrast than my 49g+ when compared side by side. The claim that it has more space than that of the 49g+ is only sort of true. A few lines that were constantly displayed on the 49g+ which contained items such as the clock, the current independent variable, and other such settings information are now only displayed in the main input window and are not displayed when using the graphing window, matrix or equation writer windows, or while running any programs. I like the increased useable space; however, I could see how some people might want to constantly see the information that is now omitted. The 50g requires four AAA batteries as opposed to the three used for the 49g+. I don't know if it actually consumes more power than the 49g+, but based on the fact that the actual processor, ram, and memory on the 50g are identical, I think that this modification was only made so that the batteries would not have to be changed as frequently. Other than that, the only other new features are the ability to format SD cards directly from the calculator and the serial port. I am a bit disappointed in the fact that the 50g doesn't feature a faster processor or increased ram / memory, although I don't think it actually needs more of either as the 49g+ was very fast and had plenty of onboard memory with virtual infinite expandability. I guess I just like the idea of more speed and memory. Some others have mentioned that the sea foam green 49g and the golden 49g+ looked unprofessional and kind of like Casio's. I guess I'm an odd guy, but I miss the golden finish. Whenever I'd pull out my 49g+ those simple minded Ti users around me would always do a double take and say something to the effect of, "What is that thing?" I always enjoyed seeing them freak out when they didn't even know how to do three plus three on my calculator. Oh well.
  In summary, this is basically a 49g+ with a few common sense and much needed improvements and not nearly as dramatic of a change as the transition from the 49g to the 49g+. If you liked the 49 series, you will love the 50g. Even for non-HP users who are too lazy to learn superior RPN, you can run it in algebraic mode and it will still smoke the Ti 89 titanium in performance, memory, expandability, connectivity, and flexibility.
  As to my credibility, I am a third year undergraduate student studying chemistry with a minor in mathematics. I have used HP calculators since my senior year of high school and I will never go back to the inferior Ti's.
  
  
  
• HP finally got it right
  By A253V7WJ5OE93T on 2007-01-10
  This being the third of HP's attempts to make a high-end calculator (after the HP-49G and the HP-49G+), HP finally got it right. I have all three of them - the first one was alright but quite slow and the rubber keys were very hard to press. Many of the HP-49G+ units were total disasters due to their keyboard (mine is no longer functional after only 1 year of regular use) and some software bugs (if you own it - try turning the clock off, your keyboard might start working properly...).
  
  However, the 50G is perfect. Keyboard is great, display is great (although the "30% increase in usable space" over the 49G+ is a blunt, err, marketing trick), software is working properly, and it has all the ports you'd want: SD-card, infrared, USB, and serial. (Disclaimer: Infrared is a bit limited as it only works over very short distances, a few inches, and the serial port has a non-standard connector).
  
  Of course, the software is nearly the same as for the 49G and 49G+, so if you've only had non-HP calculators so far, this machine will feel strange at first, as it is built to use HP's RPN logic (where you type "1 2 +" instead of "1 + 2" to add 1 and 2). BUT: using this logic takes about an hour to get used to and then feels like this is really the way calculators should work. HP supports the "algebraic mode" where it behaves roughly like a conventional calculator (this is also the default mode when you buy it), but this is very cumbersome and some of the 50G's best features don't work with it. So the first thing you should do when you get this machine is set it to RPN mode and learn to use it that way. The printed manual is fully sufficient for the first steps and there is plenty of more documentation available on the CD and online.
  
  This machine does everything from unit conversions to loan/interest calculations to calculus to number theory. 3D function plotting and complex algebra as well. It's quite amazing. There is also a lot of additional software for it on www.hpcalc.org. The computer algebra system is not nearly as powerful as what you'd get with PC software like Mathematica, but it's sufficient for everyday tasks and the entire calculator is cheaper than even a student's license for any of those products.
  
  This calculator might be a bit much for a high school student who only wants to survive his/her algebra course, but for anyone with any interest in mathematics, physics, or computer science (you can write your own programs, of course), this is the calculator of choice, even if you don't think you need any calculator...
  
  
• HP 50g most efficient available
  By ALR7AWW6UGHGE on 2007-03-08
  I am an HP 49g+ calculator user myself, and my son is using an HP 50G at school (currently at the pre-calculus level). He finds the RPN mode of the calculator much more efficient than the TI calculators his class mates are using: It requires fewer keystrokes, eliminates thinking of "closing brackets" all the time, or alternatively does not require storing many intermediate results which is easily handled by the stack feature. The only drawback of using an HP calculator when everybody else including the teacher is using a TI, is that the student is required to learn on his/her own how to use it. But the HP 50g/49g+ has a very good menu driven interface, with a "Help" feature for the less obvious functions, so my son has been able to overcome this problem with relative ease. So far the only TI function my son has found that the HP does not have is higher degree polynomial regression. But he found an example program in the extensive application notes of the users guide, which he could type in and store as an easily accessible function. Once the functions are well known, the menus can be changed to a soft key format, allowing direct keystrokes to access functions without having to navigate through the menu hierarchy every time it is needed - something my son thinks is a big advantage over the TI calculators. I would therefore recommend this calculator without any reservation.
  
  
• Disappointment - A true review
  By AK17YDL415671 on 2008-05-22
  I want to give you a true review of what this calculator is about. I used to own a HP 48GX in the 90's while going to college. I absolutely loved it. It was and is the best calculator ever. There is a reason the HP 48GX sells for more money used on eBay than does a new HP 50G. I currently own a HP 48G.
  
  I ordered this calculator after reading the reviews here on Amazon. I received the calculator yesterday. I knew HP packaged their new calculators in plastic, but actually receiving it and opening it was disappointing. HP calculators used to come in a box.
  
  No big deal, just the first disappointment.
  
  Then came the moment of truth, when the calculator hit my hand. Cheap. My first impression was this thing is cheap. I had read that the plastic was textured, but the texture is very shallow and cheap. The plastic feels thin. The plastic feels of a lower grade plastic than of the HP 48G's. I turned the calculator over, and the backside of the calculator gave an even more hard hitting testimony that this calculator is indeed cheap. The "Made in China" label testified that this calculator was made in the country where all the cheapest stuff in the world is made. Sure, China could have made this better. However, HP obviously instructed China to build it cheap, so that's what we have here, a cheap calculator. I feel HP is responsible for the cheapness of this calculator. I don't hold anything against China for making it cheap, just the greedy HP executives that ordered it to be cheap.
  
  The battery door was very cheap feeling. It is very thin, and feels brittle. The springs to hold the batteries in place were crooked. The smaller battery door to hold the coin cell was very cheap feeling as well. And remember, the serial number is now a sticker. Can you imagine anything important with a serial number on it having a sticker? Imagine a firearm with the serial number affixed with a sticker, you get the idea.
  
  After having installed the batteries, I turned the calculator back over, and the keys were staring me in the face. I tried pushing them to see how they felt. After having read all the reviews, and hearing the fuss about the keyboard, this is my impression: The keyboard is cheap as well. I'm sure it is better than the earlier HP 49 models, but is still a disappointment compared to HP 48G series, or other real HP calculators. And it's not necessarily all in the way it "clicks". I'd say the click is about 60% as good as older HP calculators. But that's not the problem. It's the cheapness of the plastic of the keys. I'm not a polymer engineer, but I can tell that these keys are cheap feeling and looking. The keys have a certain texture and shape that does not exude quality like former HP calculators. The color of the alpha, left and right shift keys shouts out cheap as well. One more comment about the keyboard, this will let you know I am telling the truth. Look at the directional cursor keys, the 4 keys that you navigate with. There are NO Labels next to them. Why? I don't know. Go look at a HP 48G series calculator. You will see the navigation keys have a "PICTURE", "STACK", "VIEW" and "SWAP" label next to them as well as alphanumeric labels. The HP 50G does not. The HP 50G does not use these keys for alpha numeric entry, but does use them for the other functions, such as "SWAP" which there is no label for. Can you imagine a calculator with all blank keys? Perhaps the HP 50G+ will not have any labels. Also, the keys on the HP 48G are double-shot, meaning they use two separate shots of different color plastic, so after years of use, you can still read the key. The HP 50G uses Chinese painted-on keys, that will no doubt rub off.
  
  The SD card is inserted upside down. I don't know if HP specified it to be like this, or if the Chinese made this decision, but it is a minor WRONG decision. How many other things inside do you think are upside down?
  
  Yes, the beep is weaker than the HP48G series, possibly because it is cheaper as well (or who knows, maybe it was installed upside down as well, so the majority of the sound is muffled by the Chinese circuitry).
  
  The display does not appear to be much better than a HP 48G, but I suppose it is.
  
  My assessment of the functionality of the HP 50G so far from my little use of it, is that it is as good as a HP 48G. If you play a DVD movie in a cheap DVD player, I guess the movie will still be good. That's sort of like what this calculator is. This is a cheap encasement with a good calculator program running inside.
  
  The screen is flush with the front face of the calculator on this HP 50G. On the HP 48G, the screen and keys were recessed a bit, with metal trim. The metal trim and recessed screen gave the HP 48G a feel of quality that the HP 50G lacks. Since the keys on the HP 48G were recessed, when sliding the calculator in and out of the storage pouch, the keys wouldn't drag; the edge of the calculator would protect the keys from rubbing the pouch or other objects. On the HP 50G, the keys stick out, higher than the rest of the calculator. So when you slide it in and out of the case, it will drag on the keys, wearing them out. On the HP 48G, the "on" button was not as tall as the other keys, making it further more recessed than the other keys, preventing it from accidentally being turned on in the case. On the HP 50G, the "on" button is shorter, but uselessly so, since all the keys are poking out and are the highest point of the calculator. This makes it easy for the calculator to be accidentally turned on, because there is no ridge from the case like on the HP 48G to protect the "on" button. The HP 50G feels more like a TI. The HP 48G has a larger arc radius rounded edge on the back side, fitting to the palm of your hand, squared off sides, and a tighter arc edge on the top of the calculator along with a perfect texture that gives good traction to your hand, giving you a positive grip on the calculator. I prefer the case of the HP 48G to the curved sides of the HP 50G. Since the HP 50G's sides are curved and the texture is almost non-existent, they are less positive to hold, which I'm sure is why HP put some rubber on the sides to help you from dropping it.
  
  The leather case that the HP 50G comes with is too big and too thick. So when you put your calculator in it, it almost doubles in size and appears to be a small purse. (I measured the thickness of the HP 50G leather pouch with the calculator in it. It is 1-3/4" thick at the thickest point, 7-1/2" tall and just under 4" wide.) Furthermore, the magnetic clasp is very cheap. The male and female parts of the clasp are very shallow, so it doesn't really positively snap together like you'd expect. I find myself visually having to line them up because they are not positive enough to do by feel as you'd expect. At least HP tried to give it a nice case, but they failed. The nylon sleeping bag for the HP 48G series kept the package small. It had a zipper that "sealed" out the elements, whereas this little leather purse for the HP 50G has openings in the top where dust and other environmental hazards can get to your calc. Furthermore, closing the zipper on the pouch to the HP 48G was optional, as the case would do a good job of holding the calculator without closing the zipper, making the operation of taking the calculator in and out of the pouch that much more efficient. Just slide it in, slide it out. On the HP 50G you have to flip the 4-1/2" flap around and mess around with the cheap magnetic clasp.
  
  The manual is a disappointment as well. It is small, it does not give the information you need in it. For example, it does not tell you how to load a program into the HP 50G you have downloaded off the Internet and run it. Isn't this the whole point getting a HP 50G, to use the SD card and it's extra memory on extra programs? Also, the manual is very unprofessional as the cover looks more like an advertisement than a manual. It has these two guys on it looking at you like "we were the ones responsible for this cheap calculator, and now we have your money". I pulled out the user guide for my HP 48G, and it just felt right. The fonts, color, and feel of the documentation matched the calculator. I don't know how it was accomplished, but it was.
  
  OK, here is another thought to consider. Go to hpcalc website and ticalc website. Compare how many programs are listed for say, a HP 50G compared to a TI 89 or 84. There are exponentially more programs for the TI. Sure, the quality of the programs are more important than the quantity, but also realize that many of the quality programs were written for the HP 48G series and many of them may not work on the HP 50G.
  
  I am not trying to sway anyone from buying this calculator; I just want to give the truth about why this calculator feels cheap. I would normally expect a company like HP to keep the quality and feel of their calculators and improve upon them as time goes by. Nope. This calculator feels CHEAP. Normally, people who buy HP calculators pay extra because they expect the quality. DON'T EXPECT THAT QUALITY FEELING WITH THIS CALCULATOR. I don't see any difference in quality from this HP 50G over any other brands like TI, Casio, or Sharp.
  
  If you want/need a graphing calculator, and want an HP because it is a quality machine, go and buy a used HP 48G series, like the G+ or GX. If you want/need a graphing calculator and you like to tinker with lots of programs and don't have a love for HP, then get a TI machine for the sheer number of programs, preferable one with a USB connection & cable. If you are familiar to the HP graphing calculators and really want the SD card and USB connection, then the HP 50G might be right for you, if you can handle using a CHEAP HP calculator. I like the SD card and USB functionality, which is why I bought this.
  
  I do feel ashamed for HP, and feel like I should pry off the HP label and put Kinpo's name on it. For all I know, you can buy a re-badged model of this in China with Kinpo's name on it since they made it.
  
  I am so strongly disappointed in the feel and quality of the hardware of this calculator, I have had thoughts of starting my own calculator company just to give people that agree with me that this calculator is CHEAP, a real calculator again.
  
  The main reason I have a calculator and not a palm pilot with a HP calculator emulated on it is for the immediacy of having physical keys, that you can interface with quickly. You can do so much more on a computer, but computers don't have the form factor of a calculator.
  
  I don't know if HP will ever make a quality calculator again. Seeing how the quality of the HP 12C has gone downhill every generation, I sincerely and sadly doubt it.
  
  I gave this 3 stars, but the content of my review is much more indicative and will give you more info. Based on my disappointment of the cheapness, I'd give this thing zero stars. Based on what you can do with the calculator, the addition of the SD card, USB connection over the HP 48G series, I give it 5 stars. So I settled with 3 stars.
  
  Conclusion: It's a CHEAP feeling plastic calculator with lots of functions, with a purse-like case. I waited through the generations of the different HP 49's and keyboard improvements, but HP needs to improve the plastic, and apparently not very many people are complaining or writing about this so it may never happen.
  
  PS: Go into the search review box above and type "cheap" and you will see that others agree with me that this calculator feels cheap.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Feature packed but extremely complicated
  By A1LLGT2R08NTIL on 2008-03-18
  As a previous HP calculator user, way back to the HP-45, HP-25, HP-11C days, I was excited about a new fully featured graphical calculator in the grand HP tradition. It was a better option, it seemed, than to buy a TI version because I was an old hand at RPN calculations. For those of you that know, once you work with RPN, there is no substitute. The descriptions of the reviews note the return of the fabulous key touch from the older HP series mentioned above, the terrific smooth feel that prevented inadvertent double-clicking so prevalent in other calculators.
  
  All of the above are true, but as much as it pains me to say so, this calculator is a monster to use for high end use in areas such as precalculus, calculus, polynomial, complex number, and statistical work. It does have incredible capability if you know how to get to the right function and enter the formulas in the right manner. Some of this is the dual personality of the unit allowing the user to switch between RPN and Algebraic logic. I preferred the RPN method, so I was disappointed that there where some things that just couldn't be done with RPN, such as the Equation Writer. The Equation Writer is a feature used for many complex arithmetic functions and I found it cumbersome to maneuver and edit the functions with the four cursor keys.
  
  Another issue with the unit is how most of the keys have, not two, not three, but six functions assigned to them! This required a front faceplate around the keys with labeling for four of the functions and no clues with the remaining two. Admittedly, the other non-labeled functions were oddities such as Greek letters, but talk about confusing. Some of the keys led to more menu lists. How do you find the roots of a polynomial, go the Numerical Solve menu? The Arithmetic Menu? The Function menu? Who knows? It takes a considerable investment in time to learn and use this calculator.
  
  The feel of the calculator is first rate with the best button touch in the business and nice heft and weight as you hold it in your hand. The display was not the best, it always seemed like it needed a little more brightness for comfortable use. The TI units do a better job of this.
  
  After working with it for a solid month while preparing for a math exam using a wide range of functions, I gave up and used my son's TI-84 Plus. I couldn't faithfully move from function to function without a lot of trial and error. There were just too many key combinations and menus to contend with in order to get the work done. If you have a fairly tight set of functions you will use faithfully and regularly, then it will work well without a lot of struggle.
  
  
  
• Grades for both the HP-49G and HP-50g
  By A2P6LG3H5BM1YF on 2007-09-02
  Everything you've read about this calculator (HP-50g)is, unfortunately true. There is no manual supplied and the CD supplied has very few examples on programming or higher functions. The buttons are not responsive and too often you have to check your entry to make certain you are entering the right values (1000 instead of 10). Further, the blister pack is difficult to open.
  I've been an avid HP fan since the beginning. My first calculator was the HP-35 bought for $325 in 1974. Did the usual progression to the 45, 65, 67, and finally settled in with my 41, 41C, and 41CX.
  I returned to college in 2002, and decided I didn't need a 20 year old calculator, and bought the HP49g.
  I was disappointed with the same issues that basically haunt to 50g today. No manual, no examples, the standard of excellence just didn't match my previous calculators.
  The night before one of my exams, I "dropped" my calculator to the kitchen table.... a total of 3 inches, and it died. Nobody in town carries the higher capacity Hewlett-Packard calculators... ever try to make the switch from HP to TI in a few hours? It does not work too well. Plus HP would replace the 49g for $146 as a recall... higher than what I had paid for it!
  So here I sit, three days before another exam with my HP-50g, and it falls ONE inch to my desk... surprise surprise! It now has a single line about a third of the way down on the screen!!! I've tried replacing the batteries, using the reset mode... nothing.
  If EITHER of the calculators had survived these GREAT falls and worked properly, I would have probably given them around a 3 1/2 star. A four star is a little high, and they deserve better than a three. But since I now have two HP calculators that deserve to be given to the Smithsonian as bad examples when evolution goes wrong, a one star is all they get!
  
  
• Maximum power available in a hand-held computer
  By A3BACUOZV1M0WM on 2007-11-18
  The HP-50G is Hewlett Packard's latest offering in the line of top-end calculators stretching back through the HP-49 and HP-48, all the way to the "dawn-era" of scientific calculators in the 1970's, when the HP-65 and 67/97 defined "high-end" calculators. This device is so powerful, and has so many potential capabilities, that in many ways it is much more than a "calculator"; better to call it a handheld "computer", one dedicated to mathematics, rather than general purpose use like a PDA. The HP-50, at only $115, is a lot more affordable than most PDA's too.
  In fact, the HP-50g is so powerful that most owners will never tap it's full capabilities. Programing it in SystemRPL or Assembly language opens up an instruction set of some 3000 commands! Even if you don't write software for it, the HP-50g has enormous capabilities to solve complex algebraic and calculus problems right in the built in Equation Solvers and Computer Algebra Systems (the CAS).
  
  For users of more traditional calculators, the HP-50g may seem intimidating , if not overwhelming. One problem that I had right off the bat is that much of the keyboard is dedicated to programming and equation solving, rather than simple math functions. Unleashing the potential of this beast requires programming, whether you do it yourself or buy commercial software. The HP-50g can of course be used to do simple math, but that would be like using a 12 pound sledgehammer to set finishing nails.
  
  Noteable features:
  -Programs and user data can be stored on SD flash cards, up to 2 gigabytes. Accessing the calculator's various memory areas is not unfamiliar to anyone who has ever used a PC computer: anything stored in the calculator is an "object" with a name, whether it be a data file, executable program, or program library. Objects can be separated and stored in discrete subdirectories. There are three memory "ports": Port 1 is located in RAM (this is volatile memory that requires maintenance of the CR-2032 memory battery), Port 2 is located in the HP-50g's built-in non-volatile flash memory, and Port 3 is your SD card if one is installed. Programs and program libraries can be executed from any of the three ports; with a 2 gig SD card, this means that the capacity of the HP-50 to store programs and data files is virtually unlimited.
  -The RPN Stack shows 7 levels visible, compared to only 2 for lesser calculators like the HP-33s and 35s.
  -Graphing capabilities. Not sure whether I will ever actually need this myself, but it's there.
  -Connectivity: Comes with a USB cable and software to connect the calculator to your PC for uploading/downloading. Also has a serial port to allow the HP-50 to connect to other devices that use RS-232 comm protocol. For example, with the appropriate cable and software, the HP-50g can be used as a Survey data collector/controller with many brands of Total Stations, digital Theodolites, and digital levels.
  
  CONCLUSION- This is the "ultimate" calculator, and probably "too much" calculator for most people who are not nuclear physicists or aerospace engineers. The learning curve is very steep, and even the "simplest" of the three available programming languages (UserRPL) is not "easy" to learn. For general use by engineering or surveying students, or anyone else who just needs a good general purpose algebra and trig machine with good programmability, the HP-33s and 35s are much easier to learn and make use of right out of the box. The HP-50g is not allowed in the National (NCEES) Engineer or Land Surveyor exams (it is allowed in some of the State-Specific exams). The HP-33s and 35s are allowed in NCEES exams, as of November 2007. Be sure to check the NCEES website for changes in their calculator policy before you walk into one of their exams, as the policy does change occasionally (the HP-35s was just added to the "Approved" list in Nov. 2007)
  
  
• Great Calculator Overall
  By A3BWISQYAOGJ1R on 2006-10-18
  This is a pretty powerful calculator that's in the same league as the TI-89. And if you prefer RPN, like I do, then you'll have to go for this one. The build of the calculator is much improved from the HP 49g+ and the feel of the keyboard is similar to that of the HP 48g, although the keys are harder to press and the legends are painted on instead of double shot molded. The calculator does feel sturdy but the plastic makes it feel cheap. The symbolic integration and differentiation doesn't always work well and some nasty integrals will give nasty results. The TI-89's table lookup might work better for some integrals but I'm sure this calculator can integrate some integrals that the TI can't handle. However the calculator is much faster then the older 48's and the CAS is much improved in terms of usability. 3D graphing is so smooth and fast... although I doubt I'll be doing anything heavy on a small calculator when computers are prevelant. This is not a perfect product, but neither is the TI-89 or the HP-48G. Highly recommended for any scientist, especially the chemists out there who hate math, like I do.
  
  
• An exemplar of the scientific calculator.
  By AZTAC5WZ4QDRN on 2006-09-03
  First, one must understand that HP is the company who invented the scientific calculator. HP calculator owners have a fierce loyalty to the brand, not just because of the HP calculator heritage, but because of the fact that these machines have a long history of accuracy and indestructability. Recent models have suffered somewhat in the latter attribute, however HP has attempted to make good on complaints and have come out with the 50G to address the problems with the previous top-of-the-line, the 49G+.
  
  In short, this is the most powerful calculator in the world. It has a fairly wonderful CAS (computer algebra system) which can solve both numeric and symbolic problems. It does so better and generally faster than the main competitor from Texas. But the best features of this HP go far beyond its basic capabilities.
  
  The 50G, like its predecessor HPs, is programmed in RPL, not BASIC. BASIC is just plain inefficient. On top of that, SysRPL is also available for those wanting to get into the calculator and make it do incredible things at incredible efficiency. Not for the faint of heart, SysRPL really flies. If that isn't fast enough, there's a freely available C compiler, which extends the machine's efficiencies further.
  
  HP calculators use what is called RPN for basic arithmetic. Although there's a learning curve, shallower than many newbies would claim, this makes the calculator a powerhouse for solving quick-and-dirty calculations, even complex ones. Once one learns how to use RPN, one will never go back to the much less efficient algebraic. For those wedded to algebraic entry, this HP does that, too.
  
  If you are serious about mathematics, this is the only machine you should consider. Forget the Texas products and get the real deal. You won't be sorry you did so.
  
  
• Another Great HP Calculator
  By A1GVVN5S8H2YPW on 2007-01-29
  I've been using HP calculators since 1974 and they just keep getting better and better. The HP 50g is the culmination of superior design, ease of use, durability and value. RPN may take a bit of training to get comfortable with, but once one does one forgets that all the others have an "=" key. I have bolstered my career with HP calculators and continue to do such even today. If you want a product that can handle any rigor of math engineering, finance etc. this is the machine. there are few products I've owned that match the HP reliability and that is why I stay with the best.
  
  
• Fantastic Calculator - Horrid Documentation
  By AXGLKDK4G8G5L on 2007-08-17
  I bought my new 50g because I missed out on all the other great calculators from HP through the years and I wanted something to use to work alongside my kids as they go through their HS math classes (with their TIs).
  
  First let me say the quality of the calculator is excellent with a keyboard that I like a LOT better than my kid's TI-84s. Even my kids noticed the difference immediately and have enjoyed trying it over their TIs - although given all their classmates have the TI I don't expect to switch anytime soon.
  
  That said the SINGLE biggest problem with the 50g is the user documentation. Its without question some of the worst technical documentation I have seen written - especially for such a complex device. No wonder HP has NO shot at the HS math market (not that they are even trying) as TI and their entire education system makes the HP offering seem pathetic.
  
  Which is a REAL shame given that the underlying calculator is quite fantastic and a real powerhouse. The inclusion of the SD slot was a great touch - all at a very reasonable price.
  
  There are some aftermarkets books that have been written on this series from HP so I guess thats where I am headed next - such a shame.
  
  
• Looks very powerful.
  By A26AZ371EZ8KEF on 2006-10-29
  I'm not specialized enough or mathmatically wide enough to know what this calc should have. I am impressed with what it does have. I became a fan of HP calcs several years ago. I liked how RPN worked and liked what HP's calculator line could do. I have not yet delved in depth with this machine. I too lament the withering of the printed manual. It's hard to kick back and relax in bed with a pdf file on a laptop. Kind of ironic that you have to use one machine to read the information you need to operate another machine. My solution to this was to just take the pdf over to Staples and have them print the whole thing out; it's worth the money to have a bound manual to consult, especially while working with the calc.
  
  
• Amazing product
  By A2BUX6FI77L4KF on 2006-11-10
  I really like this calculator for its abilities and functions. It has even more features than the best TI calculator can offer, and it's cheaper. It has excellent variable handling, which I frequently use. This also has amazing programming capabilities, including programming on the calculator itself. It even can run C programs using an HP compiler. Everything about it user intuitive and the calculator is a dream to use. And the fact that has RPN made it very attractive to me as a functional calculator. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is in need of a graphing calculator.
  
  Thus, you should just buy it right now and love it forever.
  
  
• Fine Machine
  By A1EJTMHDEEC417 on 2007-04-13
  HP finally fixed the keys of the atrociously defective HP49+ and came out with this 50g. With Flash ROM 2.09 installed, it's probably the best advanced calculator HP ever produced. With the new processor, it's fast, you can use RPN or use the great Equation and Matrix Writers. All the old commands of the legendary HP48 are still there, using RPN mode and -117 SF to help call up old 48 menus. Some of the new inferential statistics commands are outstanding, and beats anything TI has. 3D plotting is easy and fast. The CAS is quite powerful, with more built in commands than a TI89, doing everything from simple algebra to Laplace transforms. It takes a little getting used to if you've used to auto simplification, as you may have to use a number of commands to get your result into the form you want. The built-in SD card slot gives incredible storage capacity. For instance, a $20 256 MB Kodak card gives more extra memory than you'll probably ever need. This amazing feature is something that blows all other calculators away. Lastly, it is a handsome machine, with good colors. It looks professional, like an advanced calculator should. Any engineer would be proud to pull it out anywhere and use it. It is head and shoulders above the goofy looking, curved keys and softee colors of the TI89 Titanic. The only down side to this machine is that it's not an in-house HP product. It is outsourced, made by the Kinpo company of Taiwan. The jury is out on long-term durability and quality of this machine. All totaled however, I'm quite pleased with the machine at this time.
  
  
• Review of HP50g Calculator
  By A1S1VB2WHNRHZM on 2007-05-09
  Finally, HP have released the true successor to the HP48g. The HP49g was an embarrassment best left unmentioned. The keyboard was perhaps the worst one I've ever seen and used on a calculator. The speed of operations was pitiful.
  
  Now, the HP50g is here. Faster processing with the usual 100% beautifully precise keyboard as per other HP calculators. The XMODEM interface and software works perfectly with a Windows XP computer - no issues at all. Fortunately, my HP49g programs (mainly utility statistical and psychometrics) work on the HP50g without change - so some transfers mediated via PC were simplicity itself.
  
  All in all, don't bother with any other make of calculators. This is the BMW of calculator products. High class and high quality. And it retains the Reverse Polish interface - along with a conventional algebraic if needed.
  
  The one downside - the screen. Being so used to PDA and Mobile phone screens, looking at a non-backlit, mid-1990s generation LCD screen is not pleasant. I hope the next revision of this calculator will incorporate a backlit LCD/TFT screen; although I can fully understand the difficult trade-off between battery-life and screen-type. But, I really do think HP will need to do something about the screen next time around.
  
  Until then, buy this machine if you need a powerful and useful scientific all-round major-league programmable calculator.
  
  
• Very powerful, hard keys, poor documentation, terrible packaging
  By A1N2OFHLJD3CDH on 2007-08-04
  I've been an HP calculator fanatic for almost 20 years now, so had to have this as a new toy.
  
  The Good:
  1. This is an EXTREMELY powerful calculator. It's really unbelievable all the stuff HP put into this one.
  2. The equation editor is awesome and it's a snap to enter and edit equations.
  3. The leather case is really nice.
  4. Keyboard layout seems fairly logical to me.
  5. It's smaller and more elegant than some of the other large calculators.
  6. It has RPL and algebraic (for those sick individuals who like it better) modes.
  
  The Bad:
  1. Somebody should be smacked for selecting a blister pack for this product. I think it took 15 min. to open it and I got a minor cut on my hand from the plastic. Would a damned box be too much to ask?
  2. The keys are way too hard for my tastes. My fingers get physically tired after a couple of pages of calcs. I can punch the same equation through far faster with my HP48 simply because its keys have the perfect hardness and travel distance. And no, I am NOT a [...] with little weak fingers!!
  3. They should definitely fire whoever wrote the pathetic little paper guide that comes with it and whoever wrote the pdf file manual.
  4. The battery compartment cover is pathetic. It comes off waaaay too easily. What happened to the perfect ones from the HP48 and HP33s?! It is not a monumental disaster (like the HP28S's battery cover) because a small piece of clear tape completely solves the problem.
  
  I am a HUGE HP calculator fan, but I'm a little worried that they missed the boat on some of these aspects. TI will put the final nail in this product line's coffin if HP doesn't do something soon. Diehards like me will go to whatever means necessary (buying used, etc.) to have our RPN/RPL calculators, but newbies won't stand for some of these little frustrating problems.
  
  

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