Your First Handheld?

[John Keith]

Just realized that I never posted in this thread, so here goes, starting in the early 70's:


Universal Data Machines 4-function calc, Don't remember if it had square root but I don't think so.

No-name scientific with log and trig functions, don't remember any other details.

A couple of TI calcs, don't remember model numbers but one of them had statistical functions. I do remember very short run time on 9V batteries.

HP-15C and 16C. The first HP calculators that I could afford. I regrettably sold the 15C at some point but I still have the 16C.

HP-71B with card reader, FORTH/Assembly ROM and Math ROM. Later added a CMT 32K RAM module. The most I ever spent on a "calculator" but really a pocket computer. Still in perfect working order.

HP-28C Neat technology but uselessly small amount of RAM. Sold it the day the
HP-28S came out.

HP-48SX. Also a 128K RAM card and the Equation Library card, as well as most of Joe Horn's Goodies disks.

HP-48GX. I was disappointed that cards for the 48SX were not compatible with the GX so I never bought any cards for it. Still well worth buying for the larger built-in RAM and many more functions.

HP 49G+. Powerful but ugly color scheme and lousy keyboard.

HP 50g. Bought to replace the 49G+ when its keyboard finally died. My favorite programmable calculator despite the unfortunate keyboard layout. Still use it every day.

HP Prime. Fast and powerful but not that great for quick-and-dirty programming IMHO.


Those are just the ones I bought new. I also acquired an HP-11C, a 42S, a 32S II, and a second HP 50g along the way.