HP35s any good for EE?

[rprosperi]

(04-15-2015 03:52 PM)spaff Wrote:  Firstly, hello!

Secondly, I've been recommended an HP RPN calculator by a friend. After doing some research, it looks like the HP35s is good enough for what I need. I'm currently using a Casio FX991MS and TBH it sucks, is worn out, has no persistent memory and the matrix implementation is pretty poor. I tried Casio's mid-range 9750G but all I can say is "meh" and I borrowed an HP50g but it's too easy to get lost in that and you can't hold the entire model of the machine in your head without years of work with it. Also borrowed a TI nSpire and I'd rather gouge my eyes out than use it again - everything is painful. TI 89 has been written off as too complicated plus I don't need a CAS (just mech pencil and a brain). Linear regression would be useful. I also don't need graphing ability so would rather something a bit smaller than a full graphic calculator. PC eliminated as well as input is clumsy.

I do a lot of analogue EE work and tend to use quite complex functionality i.e. matrix determinants, solver, numeric integration, complex numbers (polar/rect and converting between them) and heavy use of engineering notation.

I did read somewhere about some problems with them but I'm wondering if that's going to be an issue for my use cases or if they have been resolved since.

Is this going to be suitable, reliable and reasonably accurate in your professional opinions?

You didn't mention if the calculator you are seeking must be new or cheap. If the answers to those are not necessarily yes, then look closely at an HP-42S, available used on common auction sites, or possibly through posting a WTB on in the Classified Fourm here.

The 42S does everything you mentioned far better than the 35S IMHO, is easier to learn and use, is smaller, probably as fast or faster (?), also has 2-line display, and there are probably thousands of programs of all types published for it here and in other sites. The 42S will also run most 41C programs unchanged.

A new 35S is $59 IIRC, and a nice used 42S will be at least $200. In my opinion, there is no comparison; get the 42S.