I'm looking to buy a new graphing calculator and I was wondering what people thought of the hp 39g+, 48gII, and 49g+. They're the same or cheaper than similar TI's and I've heard very little about them. The interfaces look a little more streamlined and the cheapest ones have one-button access to the integration/derivation functions. I've seen them for 79.95, 99.95, and 139.95 respectively at the bookstore. Anyone use these things before? Are they worth getting?

Also, anyone know a cheap place to find 6' DVI cables? The cheapest one's I've been able to find are 19.95 for cables-to-go from the bookstore. I still don't feel like paying that much for a cable. Anyone have experience using the offbrand dvi cables? I know it doesn't make a difference with some things, but if you've got an HDTV... you want it to look decent.

8/19/2005 7:39:12 PM

I have several friends who swear by the HP calculators over the TIs. They think that using RPN is much better/easier/logical than the direct entry used by TI.

I haven't really used them before other than simple add/subract/multiply functions because I've always just had my TI with me.

If you were wanting to add two numbers on the TI you would do: 3 <plus> 5 <enter>

On the HP you would do: 3 <enter> 5 <plus>

So it just depends on what your personal preference is.

8/19/2005 7:50:21 PM

yeah, I was just liking that the high end ones have "textbook mode" where they show you the step by step. very handy for tests, but possibly cheating.

8/19/2005 7:52:29 PM

so anyone have first hand experience with these things?

8/19/2005 10:52:32 PM

Yes, I had a 48 in high school, they are badass if you are a math nerd. Of course, this was a while ago so I don't really know if they can compete against a TI. TIs are much more commonly used though.

8/19/2005 11:21:12 PM

yeah, but I always thought that was just because they made public schools these sweetheart deals and got the cheap ass 82's in everyone's hands

8/20/2005 12:04:53 AM

hp are good calcs, i didnt like them as much because there wsnt as many games though, but the color ones are pretty cool.

8/20/2005 11:55:15 AM

I think that's the cheapest DVI cable you'll ever find.

8/20/2005 12:53:53 PM

yeah... I just got back from best buy, radioshack, walmart (didn't have anything), and bj's warehouse... I think I had an unrealistic idea of what a dvi cable should cost.

picked up one of the 49g+'s though. it's definately different than the TI 89, but so far it seems it can do everything the TI can do and more. I like it, the textbook feature isn't as wonderful as I thought it would be, but overall it seems like a great calc.

8/20/2005 2:08:38 PM