graphing calculators

Hey sorry to bother you but since you're big on the engineering scene i thought you could help me. I need a graphing calculator for Calculus AP this year, and right now I'm leaning towards the 48gx, but I want your input if you're so inclined. I've pretty much outruled the 49g as it has been deemed overpowered and ergonomically childish. But what I'm looking for is a calculator that utilizes the input method of RPN (for engineering purposes and efficiency) but has good graphing capabilities. Also, how long will it take to adapt to the RPN (I have my father who has used RPN and is a EE who can help), and if I will struggle with the calculator in Calc AP if i start class the 27th (the math is not a problem, i mean in terms of use of the calculator for the equations) and i order it now.

If anyone else has used this calculator please feel free to drop your input (good or bad) or suggest another calculator. I'm looking for one that will last me through my under-grad in EE as well so right now the 48gx is the ideal contender. Also I'm not sure on it's legality in tests and such so please let me know if this has been an issue with any of you who own or have used it. Thanks in advance for your responses

Sorry, I have not experience from which to comment. The only time I've ever used a graphing calculator for anything more complex than taking a square root was when I learned to use one to show my little sister how it worked (she needed one for class).

That's okay, thank you for the speedy response. Anyone else care to comment on the calculator? I'm probably going to order it today anyways but I want to get some input from true experiance first. Thanks.

HP 49g? I have looked on theese calculators before and they seem nice. I have only two Casio calculators, which are much simpler. But with the most advanced one of them two I wasn´t allowed to use it on tests since it have symbolic manipulation.

I've had a TI-83 since 7th grade, and it served me through Calc AP last year. I'll be using it for calc 3 senior year. Amazing that the same one's been suitable for so long.

Originally posted by SaabJohan
HP 49g? I have looked on theese calculators before and they seem nice. I have only two Casio calculators, which are much simpler. But with the most advanced one of them two I wasn´t allowed to use it on tests since it have symbolic manipulation.

49g is crap. I've researched it thouroughly. All the previous models were in a simple box black professional case, the 49g is painted a childish blue with a transparent case and rubber buttons. And everywhere i've read said the rubber buttons are complete crap. Also they redid the keyboard and it's less convienient by far. And it's overpowered and not allowed on alot of tests and stuff, the 48gx is. Casio's are nice but don't support the RPN input which is much more effiecient and used by engineers. The 48gx has a better keyboard, and supports everything the 49g does except HP basic and assembly which i dont even need anyways, although assembly would be nice.

Originally posted by V.S.
I've had a TI-83 since 7th grade, and it served me through Calc AP last year. I'll be using it for calc 3 senior year. Amazing that the same one's been suitable for so long.

Same as above, my dad really wants me to have an RPN calculator so I can use it in college as well but yes the TI's are nice as well.

and i already ordered the 48gx last night :p but thanks for the replies.

The hp49g and it's brother are not very good calcs for the moneyyou will end up spending on them. The bvest calc you can get ius the TI-89. I have been using one since 10th grade (about 4 years ago). it is amazingly powerfull and will carry you al the way through you schooling. As far as RPN goes, I know it does not come with the calc but there are programs that will allow that input method to be used.

I don't know RPN but i do know that the CAS (computer algebra system (meaning it can work with variables and differential equations (as well as derive or integrate almost anything (however integration is not an exact science(ok, this is as deep as i am going to go with parenthesis)))))) is veery robust and allows for very elaborate and complex commands.

If you absolutely must have RPN go with an HP. but if you want a truly amazing calculator get an 89

you haven't looked into them to much. trust me. first of all as i said before the 49g is crap and it has no "brothers" its the only in the 49 series. however the 48 series is the most robust calculator you can buy. many engineers have had theres for 10+ years and still used them today. at $141, i get 2d AND 3d graphing, 2300+ built in functions, ability to put up to 2 swapable "cards" in for any application (calc, physics, etc etc) that contains all the tools for the fields, robust, efficient input method, ability to program, and much more. I dont think the 83 can keep up. also the RPN method allows for calculations without ()'s and deeply nested complex alegebretic calculations. also if you must have alegbra to, the 49g has an option for it but you sacrafice ergonomics and too much power (not legal on alot of things).

sounds like the only difference you stated was that the 48 has swappable cards and RPN. otherwise the TI-89 (not the 83) is faster . and saying that engineers have been using the same calc foir ten years means to me that the calc is now at least ten years behind current technology, and that when you become accustomed to using a certain calculator (or any device) you tend to stick with it.

Well, since i don't read posts and just noticed you already ordered your hp48gx then good luck.

btw, i am a TI fan.

well theres not really any new technology to instill, therefore i take it as 10 years to iron out the bugs. but in reality that is the 48g, not gx, and both have been given a face lift and other up-to-date stuff. and i thought you meant the 83, sorry about that. yeah when it comes to 48gx-TI89, most reviews and what not say it depends on the preferred input. Also alot of engineers buy them because they have an outstanding reputation for long-lifes. Alot of people still have the old 12c rpn financial calculator (i know my dad does) from college which he graduated in 76 and it works perfectly. they still sell that same model same form today because it sells so well.

Nobody seems to have mentioned the Ti-92Plus... i have the ti-89 myself and very satisfied with it... the 92p is simply state-of-the-art... 2d 3d graphs it plots very fast, and its got mucho amount of flash memory which u can use to store new programs anytime... its got many engineering programs that u can download too, not to mention, games =D *drools*... if my 89 dies, i'll get one of these for sure... but i doubt that'll happen anytime soon :rolleyes: