- Over 2,300 built-in functions for algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics/data analysis, calculus, science, engineering
- 2-D and 3-D graphing capabilities
- Algebraic and RPN data entry
- Built-in serial port; supports optional connectivity kit
- Step-by-step mode for dynamic derivation, integration, and linear algebra problem solving
Technical Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Is it possible to have it all--brains, beauty, and brawn? Hewlett-Packard certainly thinks so, and its HP 49G graphing calculator is its shining example.
There's no getting around the cool styling of the 49G: complete with a sleek metallic blue exterior and a groovy translucent blue hard slide cover, the 49G commands attention. When we were using it in public, it received plenty of looks and inquiries.
But how does it measure up in terms of power? Competing with the notorious Texas Instruments TI89 advanced graphing calculator is tough business, but HP pulls it off with some success. This graphing calculator has all the bells and whistles, including a whopping 1.5 MB of user memory; 2 MB of flash ROM, which enables future software upgrades; a built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS); math, scientific, statistical, financial, and 2-D/3-D graphing capabilities; programming capabilities with reverse Polish notation, assembly, and HP Basic languages; and a unit-to-unit and PC/Macintosh connectivity feature. It also features an equation solver, vectors, lists, arrays, matrices, expressions, and object storing.
One key feature we liked is the history screen, which displays what you've already input, so you can reference it to determine what went wrong and correct it. Another notable function is the 49G's alarm function. You can set the date and time on the calculator, and program the alarm along with a text message to remind you of appointments. You can also set control alarms, which perform functions such as automatically running a program when you're not using the calculator. Additionally, the calculator emits beeps when you enter an incorrect function, which can be annoying at times--especially when you're already frustrated.
One of this calculator's flaws is that it is hard to read the second and third functions above each key. In keeping with the calculator's sense of aesthetics, the print is in blue and red, which is difficult to see, especially in low lighting situations. It also has a one-touch X-variable key, but no Y- or Z-variable keys.
We wished the manual had gone into greater depth and provided clearer examples, but this might be a concern only to those who don't immediately get the full functionality of the 49G. Unlike some manuals we've seen, the 49G does not show both the necessary keys needed to input an equation along with how they appear on the screen. We also would have liked for the manual to include more examples.
If style is just as important to you as functionality, the 49G is the coolest looking calculator we've seen. But if it's pure power you're looking for, you'll probably be just as pleased with any one of the 3-D graphing calculators currently on the market.
Pros:
- Sleek exterior
- Lots of memory
- Full functionality
- Alpha and second functions somewhat hard to read
- Manual not fully fleshed out
Amazon.com Product Description
The HP49G graphing calculator is an RPN-capable calculator with powerful 3-D graphing, note, and list features. With its advanced built-in Computer Algebra System, you can perform complex arithmetic and calculus functions and solve systems of linear equations, in addition to having dynamic symbolic manipulation and symbolic and numeric solving at your fingertips. You can also make statistical inferences, perform hypothesis tests, and measure confidence intervals that relate to populations. Sample data can be inputted, viewed, and edited in table format (similar to a computer spreadsheet), and then you can plot the results.
The large 1.5 MB memory (512 KB RAM and 1 MB Flash ROM for data storage) encourages taking full advantage of the comprehensive library of third-party calculator programs, games, and software applications. The HP49G doesn't just give you the answer to your equation; it can walk you through the process of finding that answer by using the CAS step-by-step mode for dynamic derivation, integration, and other linear algebra problem-solving techniques. All steps and results are displayed in textbook mode on the 131 x 64 pixel, high-contrast screen. If you aren't fond of textbook mode, try traditional algebraic or RPN input modes.
With its smooth edges, streamlined curves, and light blue metallic exterior, the HP49G is a sleek and modern tool for professionals or students in the sciences, math, and engineering. --Dana Van Nest
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
101 of 112 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best calculator for engineering.,
By A Customer
This review is from: HP HP49G Graphing Calculator (Office Product)
The HP 49G calculator is the best calculator I have ever used (compared to other HP's TI and Casio calculators), it improves upon the features of the classic 48 series in many ways. Also this calculator includes a new step-by-step CAS feature that makes it a better choice for students than the TI 89. First of all HP has increased the memory to 1.5 MB for programs and 1 MB for the OS which is now upgradable. Also the old blue screen has been replaced with an easier to see black grayscale screen that provides improved contrast. The processor speed has been doubled and the OS tweaked for higher speeds. Students will enjoy the new step-by-step solver for integrals and derivatives specially in calculus classes. Because many people found HP calculators difficult to use due to the RPN entry system HP has included a new easy to use algebraic mode for new users. Also there are lots of software for this calculator in categories such as games science, business and engineering. If you need an advanced calculator that can serve you in engineering and college look no further and by the HP 49G. A note to current HP 48 series users: HP fans have complained about the new algebraic mode and pull down menus. If you want RPN and soft menus, simply press the mode key and choose RPN and clear flag 117 and the calculator behaves just as an HP 48. Also HP has eliminated the equation library from this calculator because it was forbidden in some colleges, but you can easily download an install an equation library with all the equations of the 48 from the HPcalc organization web site. Two other important complaints I have seen are the lack of good documentation and the use of rubber keys. If you send the registration card you will receive a free advanced user's guide and about the keys, HP used rubber in order to minimize key bounce and make the OS faster and I think it was worth it.
44 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Long time user,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: HP HP49G Graphing Calculator (Office Product)
I've been reading all these glorifying reviews on the 49g and am sorry to say I can't concur. I've used hp calculators for quite a few years now, starting with the 11c, then the 48sx, and now the 49g. After using the 48sx for about 6 years I think, maybe longer, I thought it was time to upgrade. Currently I'm a senior electrical engineering student. I always liked the 48sx, its buttons had a nice feel to them and at the time there wasn't a calculator that could touch it. School is hard enough I need all the help I can get. When TI came out with the TI89 a lot of my class mates bought them and seemed very pleased with there performance. I decided to wait for the latest flagship hp. This calculator has failed to meet my expectaions for a couple of reasons. Its buttons are hard to push. This may seem trivial but after entering enough data it gets anoying. I have yet to get it to do even the most simple integration. its little hourglass symbol just stays dispalyed and never returns a result. It also has this little quirk. Every so often it will take about 5 to 10 seconds to return a result from a simple calculation. In the middle of a test 10 seconds can seem like a long time. I would have thought HP would have made the display as least as good as the TI89, but its resolution is much lower. Since I bought one of the first ones, its possible it might function better with the newer version of its operating system. However this requires me to purchase an interface cable for my computer to dowload, another forty bucks. It does boast a lot of memory but I fail to see the need for it. Any really heavy work I would use a spreadsheet. In short I wished I would have purchased the TI89.
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Before you buy.,
By A Customer
This review is from: HP HP49G Graphing Calculator (Office Product)
I recommend going to the HP website and downloading the HP 49G emulator. With this download, you can test out all of the functions of the calculator at the actual speed that it runs at. The emulator can be a hassle to operate (mainly because of having to use the mouse) but it does give the user the opportunity to get familiar with the actual product. The HP 49G is a complicated calculator but the online user's guides do help. The download is only 1.42 MB and it is free. You can find the download page at: http://www.hp.com/calculators/software/49g/index.htmlNote: It is best to use 1024 x 768 screen resolution when using the emulator.
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