Kim Myers

EVALUATION



In evaluating this HP 48G calculator, I will show how well it performs its function by explaining some of the features it has that make it so practical and powerful for use in the engineering arena. In the process, I will compare this model of calculator to other brands as well as to other HP models.

First, let me redefine the function of the HP 48G. This calculator is primarily to be used by engineering students and professionals for solving the mathematical problems they face. Both in the working environment and test taking environment, efficiency, power, and the degree of user-friendliness are very important. The HP 48G is equipped with many features which tackle those desires. Some of the calculator's features include: (1)large memory, (2)a menu bar with function keys, (3)an edit line, and (4)an equation library.

Large Memory:

The HP 48G is nearly as powerful as a computer. It contains 512 KB of built-in read-only memory (ROM) which contains its command set. Some other models of the HP 48 series (48 GX and 48SX) have expandable ROM by installing plug-in application cards. However, my HP 48G does not have that capibility. This calculator also contains 32K of random-access memory (RAM) which can be modified by the user. For example, this is done every time you save something as a variable or create an equation and store it. RAM can be increased in the other two models by adding memory cards. Again, my calculator does not have that capibility. Also, note that the 48 GX comes with 128 KB of RAM instead of the mere 32 KB that mine comes with. So, you can see that my calculator is very powerful, yet it is not the most powerful one of the series.

All of this memory allows the calculator to act more as a computer. It gives the user the power to do more than just carry out the simple mathematical functions.

Menu Bar/Function Keys:

As I mentioned in the physical description of the calculator, when you turn it on, a menu bar appears at the bottom of the screen. The items can be selected using the function keys which are the buttons directly below the screen labelled "A-F". The menu displayed is determined by which mode or directory you are in. For instance, if you are in "units", then things like "length", "time", "volume", "pressure", etc. will appear on the menu bar. By selecting one of the these, a new menu will appear including the different units that fit that category (for length: meters, feet, miles, etc. will appear).

This menu bar is a feature not seen on a typical calculator. It certainly allows the calculator to work more like a PC. The great thing about it is that the items that are important at that particular instant are right there where you can easily see them and access them. This helps to make the HP 48G user-friendly and efficient to use.

Edit Line:

By "edit line", I mean that when typing a string of data, you can edit it or go back and fix mistakes. This is similar to your word processor where you can easily go back and erase if necessary. When you are confident that your data is correct, hit "enter" and the calculator will store it.

This feature allows the engineer to work very quickly. With the simpler calculators, if a number was entered incorrectly, you may have to start entering the entire equation all over again.

Equation Library:

The equation library gives the user access to the most commonly used equations. You can see the equation, have the terms defined, and even see a picture. The more powerful HP 48GX has the ability to expand the library by adding cards from particular fields such as mechanical engineering, hydrology, or calculus. Again, my calculator doesn't have this capability, but the equation library that already exists is quite extensive.

As you can see, this library is very beneficial to the engineer who needs a quick reference. With this feature, efficiency is achieved by not having to memorize equations or take the time to look them up in a text.

Naturally, these are only a few of the multitude of features which help the HP 48G to serve its function. However, even with these few features in mind, you can see that this calculator is much more powerful and efficient than the simpler calculators. It is also very user-friendly.

Now that I have evaluated the HP 48G, please continue on with the third operation, Cultural Analysis, which can be accessed below.


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Identification
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Cultural Analysis
Interpretation