HP Connectivity Kit for HP Calculators 48G, 48G+, 48GX, and 49G

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 3.2 x 6.1 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00004TV8T
• Item model number: HP F1897
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 18, 2000

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Hewlett-Packard PC Connectivity Kit for HP Calculators is the latest version (3.04) of the popular accessory that links HP 48 and 49 series calculators to each other or to an extensive array of online software. With the Connectivity Kit, you can download math packages, educational tools, and challenging games; you can transfer files between HP calculators; and you can expand the uses and versatility of your calculator.

HP's Connectivity Kit contains a 32-bit Windows application that includes a screen capture utility and a flash ROM updater for the 49G calculator. It also includes a 1.5-meter serial cable, 10-pin to 4-pin connector, and a user's guide. The kit unit runs under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, or Windows 2000 on an IBM-compatible PC. It is powered by four AA batteries, which are included in the package. The system requires an open serial port (not USB), 5 MB of available disk space, VGA or higher display, and a CD-ROM drive.

Hewlett Packard provides a notice to Windows 95 users that Windows 95 has a defect in some versions of the system library called comctl32.dll. If you have problems with the Connectivity Kit, you may need to update the library. The indicators pointing to an upgrade are a strange appearance to the tool bar and a disabling of double clicking or right mouse buttons. For more information, visit HP's Web site.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have accessory.........but.........., March 18, 2002

By 

B C - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Connectivity Kit for HP Calculators 48G, 48G+, 48GX, and 49G (Office Product)

This is a wonderful accessory to your 49g, and I have benefitted immensely from the cable. But, I purchased the cable by itself... It goes without saying that the large breadth of additional programs, and the ability to contiuously update the ROM are features that you almost can't live without, but there is no sense in living without some of your hard earned cash. The cable can be purchased stand-alone from several on-line vendors. ...I purchased anadditional USB port adapter for this cable. I rate the product itself very, very highly, but I rate the price for the unneccessary software you are being charged for as low as possible. Good Luck!!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must, August 20, 2000

By 

"harain" (Isabela, PR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Connectivity Kit for HP Calculators 48G, 48G+, 48GX, and 49G (Office Product)

This item is absolutely necessary, specially if you own an HP 49g (for updating the OS) you will also need it to take advantage of all the software avaliable for HP calculators on the internet. Also the updates for the connectivity software are free.

18 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding features, but there are several negatives!, August 13, 2001

By 

"rgory" (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Connectivity Kit for HP Calculators 48G, 48G+, 48GX, and 49G (Office Product)

Outstanding features, but there are several negatives!

I am a long-time HP loyalist, having used HP calculators for the past 25+ years. I have used a 48SX for the last 10 years, and recently decided to acquire a 49G to aid me in some college level math classes (algebra & calculus).

I find that the 49G has a wealth of advanced features including a greatly improved equation writer, and the CAS system is very, very nice also. If you want a feature-rich calculator, look no further, but there are three characteristics that I consider negative:

1. The manuals are possibly the worst I have yet seen - they lack a great deal of information. Even with the Advanced User Guide, there should be many more examples.

2. The keys are quite different than any previous model HP that I have ever worked with (I have owned six HP's so far, not including the 49G), and I believe that they are definitely a step backward. I find that I have to press harder, and sometimes even twice to get the function / number entered. The keys feel cheaper to me than any previous model; they appear to be molded rubber instead of plastic. I have never had a key on any of my previous HP calculators wear off, even after extended use, but I have seen a photo of a 49G owned by a user where the label had worn off. I consider this a serious issue that I hope HP will correct in future calculators.

3. The colors of the left and right-shifted functions on the 49G are red and blue, and is tough to see in some ordinary lighting situations against the brushed light-blue background of the faceplate. Although the 49G color pattern is cool and modern looking, the color pattern of the 48SX or 48GX series are much easier to see. I would far prefer the color patterns on the older models for ease of visibility over the new color pattern any day.

In closing, the new functionality is very impressive, but I believe that HP made three serious blunders on this calculator series. I hope that the development team working on the next generation calculator from HP will learn a lesson that newer is not always better, and that you should change a characteristic only if it is an improvement.