HP-50gII Discussion (split from 15c CE thread)

[LinusSch]

The 48 has in total 49 keys. The 49/50 has in total 51 keys.

I suggest combining the best of both and upping the total count to 53 keys by going to a 6 wide grid for the section between the cursor keys and the number keys (keeping the cursor keys as on the 49/50). Having a double-wide Enter on a 5 wide grid doesn't seem entirely sane to me for this calculator.

The only drawback is that backspace is then on a smaller key that is less comfortable to press. Maybe the Enter row should be made extra special with large but not double Enter on the left, +/- and EEX and one more that are small like on the 6-wide grid above but not quite lining up with that, to make room for a backspace key large like on the 5-wide grid below.

But then my thumb, used to a 50g, is going to hit backspace thinking it is division. Maybe backspace should be slightly uncomfortable, maybe then I would hit it less often

ETA: On second thought, the smaller keys around it not to mention the hopefully reduced thickness of the calc should help my thumb know that it is not on a 50g so it should be okay. I'm liking this is idea of an Enter key that is not 2/5 wide, not even 2/6 wide, but 3/10 wide.