Artifact Study of the HP-48SX Scientific Expandable Calculator
by Mark S. Lewis
The HP-48SX Scientific Expandable calculator was manufactured by Hewlett Packard and the copyright is dated 1989. At the time of release, the HP-48 series was the most advanced line of scientific calculators available to those in the technical fields. I purchased the calculator in 1991 through a high school mathematics program. It has been used extensively since then for virtually every class I have taken. So far, the calculator has never malfunctioned.
The main material of the HP-48SX is plastic. The case is hard brown plastic. The front panel is a thin metal sheet with soft plastic buttons. The screen is a large liquid crystal display.
For a much more detailed description of a similar calculator, see Kim Myers' identification section for her HP-48G.
The internal parts of the HP-48SX consist mainly of a small CPU and its associated connections. These connections were made by soldering. The external case of the calculator was made using the technique of injection molding. The calculator was built for convenience of use. The size is perfect for the palm of the hand. Also, rubber stoppers on the bottom panel ensure the calculator does not slip on many surfaces.
As mentioned above, the design and construction of the calculator make it convenient and easy to use. Also, the symbols used follow standard conventions which reduces the chance of confusion. The ability to produce characters of both the English and Greek alphabets gives the user the ability to write any word or equation.
The keypad interface is arranged for simple use. All the buttons are labeled clearly with primary, secondary, and tertiary operations. Functions not controlled by buttons are listed under menus at the bottom of the screen. The screen itself is adequately large and its contrast can be adjusted for comfortable viewing.
The HP-48SX has little other ornaments besides the screen and keypad interface. These few ornaments are comprised of the Hewlett Packard logo, the 48SX model number, and the serial number on the back. Soon after purchasing the calculator, I carved my first name, last name, and high school nickname into the plastic back cover in order to identify the calculator as mine.
The intended functions of the HP-48SX are the standard functions of a scientific calculator, plus several unique to the HP. This calculator can graph all functions, perform all mathematic operations, convert units for most properties, and solve equations. It also can store data in a database and perform statistical operations on this data. This last ability reveals one of the calculator's intended functions of laboratory assistant.
There are many unintended functions for the HP. The main one is a source of entertainment. Games such as Pac-man, Joust, Tron, and Tetris can all be easily obtained and installed on the calculator. The wide selection of games can provide hours of amusement.
The data storage capability gives the HP-48SX many more unintended functions. It can hold phone numbers, grades, banking information, formulas, and almost any other data imaginable. The HP can be used as a personal organizer for virtually all aspects of life.
The HP-48SX calculator performs its functions more than adequately. Some even consider its abilities excessive for typical coursework; however, most people in technical fields find it an invaluable asset. The HP-48SX is also very reliable and rarely encounters errors or malfunctions. The calculator is also expandable to suit any technical need.
Compared to other scientific programmable calculators, the HP-48SX is one of the best. When it first became available, it was top of the line. Only recently have its abilities been surpassed by the HP-48GX and the new Texas Instruments calculators. Its upgradability is a rare feature for a calculator and is one that sets it apart from all others. The quality of the HP product is also superior and the calculators experience fewer problems.
Most people in society view the HP-48SX in its intended role. It is commonly seen as a powerful aid in the technical fields. The abilities to program and upgrade the unit are viewed as advantages the HP has over other calculators. Most people treat the calculator as a utilitarian device and not an object of luxury or a status symbol. Of course there are those who view the calculator differently.
Because of its relatively high price, especially after its initial release, some people view the HP-48SX as a status symbol. Owning an HP calculator is a sign to some of the owner's wealth. Others see the calculator as a symbol that conveys intelligence. People equate the calculator's powerful functions with the owner's ability. There is also a section of society that does not see the HP in a favorable way.
Many people, especially those involved in less technical fields, are intimidated by the HP's abilities. They claim that the calculator is "too much" and that the interface is "complicated" and "not user-friendly". These individuals consider the HP-48SX to be an item that is too difficult to learn and that would waste time instead of save it. For more reactions to the HP series, see Kim Myers' cultural analysis.
To me, my HP calculator represents my technical education here at the University of Maryland, College Park. I use the calculator nearly every day during and after classes. My HP-48SX has become the most crucial item in my education. I use the calculator even more than my desktop computer. I store my semester grades in the calculator memory and use it to keep track of my academic progress. I store equations for classes in the memory as well.
Kim Myers also agrees with the academic value of the HP series. She does disagree with another aspect though. I also consider my HP-48SX a source of entertainment. I frequently play Pac-man and Tetris whenever I am bored. I also use the graphing screen to make sketches and draw patterns. The sound capability of the calculator also allows me to program songs into the memory.
I also feel my HP-48SX is a technological status symbol. The day I purchased the calculator was the first time I had ever owned something that could be considered cutting edge. Throughout the highly competitive years of middle school and early high school I lagged behind my peers with respect to technological possessions. My HP represents my first step into high tech equipment.
Lastly, my HP-48SX symbolizes success. With its assistance, I feel I can conquer any problem. Its functions gives me the capability to do so. Also, I can check my current success by accessing the grades I hold in memory. I feel that as long as I have and use my HP-48SX Scientific Expandable calculator I will never fail.
I examined my calculator with a focus on academics. Many other students did not interpret their artifacts in the same terms. Alicia Moyer wrote on a turkey sandwich and the practical and recreational aspects of it. She considers her sandwich not only a meal, but also a "work of art," as well as a mental break from her schoolwork. Her artifact study is another example of one done on a utilitarian object but with a slightly different focus.