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richmit · 01-28-2024, 07:03 PM

(01-28-2024 05:27 PM)bxparks Wrote:
(01-28-2024 05:03 AM)richmit Wrote: So I needed a pocketable scientific calculator, and the HP-42S became my constant companion. I love that calculator, but sometimes it frustrates me because so much of it's functionality is hidden in menus.

I'm curious, can you expand on which functions you found difficult to access on the 42S versus the 15C? For complex numbers that you mention, I find the 42S easier because it has a 2-line display, and the complex number is displayed on a single line, instead of being split into Re and Im parts. I think most functions that operate on complex numbers are accessible using a button the 42S.

Mostly it was the hyperbolics, angle conversions, rectangular/polar, and stats.

The efficiency for complex numbers is close with the 42S, but I really like the dual stack approach on the 15C. Part of it is the simplicity -- no need for functions like Re, Im, Conj, Abs, or Arg. Or the way you enter pure imaginary numbers (on the 15C "123.4 [shift] [IM<>RE]" vs "0 [enter] 123.4 [shift] [complex]" on the 42S).

A good deal of this could come down to the way my neurodivergent brain perceives things. Sometimes I'm drawn to a technology because it simply feels "comfortable" or "elegant". But it only feels that way to me because I don't always process things the same way as other people.

(01-28-2024 05:27 PM)bxparks Wrote: The problem I have with the 15C is that I don't use the 15C often enough to remember all the shortcuts, flags, and magic incantations needed access some features. A soft menu system seems easier on my brain, especially since I cycle through many different brands and types of calculators.

This is true. It took me a couple days to get that bit down, and if I didn't use it all the time I would probably forget that stuff. Wink

(01-28-2024 05:27 PM)bxparks Wrote: There are also critical features (for me) missing on the 15C, like bitwise BASE operations. The 42S has enough BASE functions for emergencies, but even that can be too limited in some cases compared to the 16C.

I use the 16C for that stuff. It pretty much lives on my electronics work bench right beside the logic analyzer display. Wink

I wrote a several programs for the 42 to do base-n stuff. I have them all on github with several other programs. You might find them useful when you are away from your 16C.

https://richmit.github.io/hp42/base.html