Kim Myers

IDENTIFICATION



In order to thoroughly identify this artifact, I will first briefly describe its function and its history. Then the physical features will be discussed, which include its material, construction, and design.

Function:

The Hewlett-Packard 48G is a very powerful hand-held scientific calculator that was made to be used primarily by practicing engineers and engineering students for solving mathematical problems. It was designed to compete in the same market as the Texas Instruments TI-85 scientific calculator. The HP 48G contains many tools and features that make it particularly attractive to these intended users. Some of these features will be discussed later in the section entitled Evaluation.

There are also some unintended uses of this object. Because data can be transferred back and forth between these calculators via infrared signals, some students are tempted to cheat on tests by solving a problem and then shooting the answer over to their friend across the room.

History:

This particular calculator was designed by Hewlett-Packard Co. and produced in 1993. It was manufactured in Singapore and calculators of its kind are sold all over the world. This one is owned by me, Kim Myers. I bought the calculator in December, 1994.

Physical Features:

The HP 48G is a hand-held calculator which measures 3 inches wide by 7 inches long. The thickness ranges from 1/2 inch at the bottom to 1 inch at the top. Therefore, as it sits on a desktop, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is pointed slightly toward the user at the correct angle for reading.

The LCD, which is slightly recessed from the rest of the face and appears grayish-green in color, measures 2.5 inches wide by 1.4 inches long. On this display, the user can view up to four lines of data at a time. When turned on, the date and time appear at the top of the LCD and a menu bar appears at the bottom.

The outside of the calculator is made of a dark, grayish-blue plastic. The texture is somewhat rough on the back and sides. However, the face, the raised buttons, and the surface of the LCD are all smooth. The back of the calculator has a detachable cover-plate which encloses three AAA batteries. The cover has five closely spaced grooves which makes it easier to remove because your fingers won't slip.

Also on the back of the calculator is a space where identifying information is etched into the surface. Included is the serial number, the 1993 production date, and the name of the company which is Hewlett- Packard Co. The etching also indicates that it was made in Singapore.

The individual buttons, forty-nine in total, are black and are also made of plastic. Each button has a white label on it. For instance, ten of the buttons are labelled "0" through "9". Another one is labelled "ENTER". In addition to these white labels, most keys have other uses associated with them. These are indicated by labels written in either green or purple.

On the side of the calculator is a smooth metal plate with the words "Kim Myers" scratched into the surface. This identifies Kim as the owner of the HP 48G. There is a grip located on either side of the calculator at the top. These grips, or series of grooves, enables the user to hold the calculator between his thumb and first finger, without slipping. On the other hand, if he wants to set the HP 48G on the table, there are four rubber grips on the bottom of the calculator to keep it from shifting on the table while using it.

Across the front of the calculator is an infrared sensor like that found on a remote control. Also on the front is a data transfer portal (it looks like a socket). Both the sensor and the portal are used to send and receive data to and from other HP calculators, computers, printers etc. It has been said that one can even program their VCR with the sensor, but I have yet to see that done.

The final physical feature that I wish to discuss is the carrying case. This calculator comes in a soft, padded, charcoal-gray colored, carrying case. The calculator slides into the top and then the case can be zipped shut.

Now that I have thoroughly identified the artifact, please continue to learn about this calculator by investigating the remaining three operations which can be accessed below.


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Evaluation
Cultural Analysis
Interpretation