Accuracy Management of early HPs

[EdS2]

Remember that the usual slide rules are only accurate to 3 digits or perhaps a very little more. Handheld calculators were heaps better - so much so, that people often need to be taught not to give results with meaningless extra precision.

"The new accuracy" is certainly an improvement in the product, but as Steve notes it comes from the market: TI would compare accuracy and HP wouldn't look good. Even if the comparison is superficial, it has an effect on sales.

i think 10 digits - even before the new accuracy - is enough for a great deal of science and engineering.

If the initial offering had been 6, or 12, and had then been improved, would we have exactly the same question as to how people managed previously?