I'd like to give a short introduction before I really start my review here. I am a 17 year old high school student, and I just finished my junior year. I take the most advanced math that my school offers (Academic Trig, Advanced Algebra, Analytic Geometry, and Probability and Statistics this past year, AP Calculus next year.) I got this calculator about one year ago. I have a TI-86, but I wanted a calculator that could do more. I also wanted to have a good grasp of the machine before AP Calc. I debated between the TI-89 and the HP-49G before finally settling on the HP.

Generally, I start reviews with the things I don't like about a product, but there really aren't any for the 49. Granted, it is a little hard to learn to use it. RPN is an adjustment, especially if you've been using
Algebraic (TI style) entry in calculators for all of your life. Also, the manual they ship with it is lacking, to say the least. You can download a supplement from HP's website. It really is worth getting. While it still isn't as good as a TI manual, the add-on helps.


A quick explanation of RPN for those that aren't familiar with it.
Just remember that you are putting the numbers (or variables, or whatever) on the stack, and then performing the operation on them after they are on the stack. So where a TI user would press 2 + 2 ENTER, the HP user would press 2 ENTER 2 ENTER +. Each enter places the stuff in the editor onto line 1 of the stack. It really is simple after using it for a while. In fact, I now have trouble using non-RPN machines for math. I can do it, but it requires thought. RPN is now my entry type of choice.

What I like about the HP
1. Equation entry--With HP's equation editor, you can enter an equation exactly as you see it on paper. With a TI calc, you often find yourself juggling either several sets of
parentheses or several variables (or both in a really ugly problem). With the HP, you just enter it as you see it and then press the EVAL key. That's all you have to do. It can be that simple. However, if equation entry takes too long or is too tedious, you have:

2. RPN (Reverse Polish Notation)--RPN (as I talked about above) is a new way of entering data into your calculator. The best way I can sell RPN is with an example from probability and statistics. Those familiar with it know that equations for hypothesis tests are rather complicated. If you're familiar with TI calcs and probability and statistics, imagine what it would take to enter one of those equations whole. For those that aren't familiar, it has 3 to 4 open
parentheses in it, and can involve over 100 characters. It isn't pretty. With the HP, there are no
parentheses, and the entire equation is done in pretty print, so you can look at it as you enter it. You just do each part of the equation and then perform the operation on it (i.e. find the standard deviation, divide, square root) and then move on. It stays on the stack and can still be used. I know that explanation doesn't necessarily make sense, but believe me when I say the RPN makes life much, much easier.

3. 3-D Graphing--I can't really say much about this from a math perspective. The highest level of geometry I've had is Analytic (solid plane geometry, conic sections, and the like.) However, 3D graphing is incredible. Fast3D mode gives you a quick and dirty 3D
wire frame to play with. You can rotate the X, Y, or Z axes. It really is incredible for a machine running roughly 3.5
MHz to be able to do this.

4. Coolness/WOW! Factor--I never would have expected a calculator to earn this (especially an HP.) Let's face it, when you pull out a TI-89, or even an HP-48GX (more so with the GX), you don't attract attention except from other geeks. The color and shape of the 49G attracts attention, at least from people sitting directly around you. This may get annoying, but it really is a cool feature. (Now for the geeky part) Especially when you tell classmates or coworkers that it'll blow away a TI-89 (the 89 is the benchmark for calculating greatness at my school.)

5. Cost vs. Benefit--Recently, brand new, sealed HP 49G calculators have been going for around $130-$140 on
eBay. I bought mine from onvia.com last year for $150, and they had free shipping at the time. The price isn't that bad, considering all of the great things this calculator can do for you in the fields of math and science.

6. Cavernous memory (1.5 MB)--You really don't know how cool this is until you have it. The flash storage is over 1 megabyte, and there is over 500 k of conventional memory. This means all of the apps, files, and variables that you can come up with can be stored, and you'll probably not even scratch the surface.

7. Equation library--The HP 48GX had an equation library built in. Teachers complained, so HP dropped it. The 49G ships without it. However, hpcalc.org has it. Go there and search for "equation library", select eql49. Right now the link is http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=3181 I'd recommend
getting this. It allows you to select an equation, enter what you know, and solve for it. You can add your own equations, though it ships with over 100, many of them with diagrams, and all of them with explanations of the variables used.

8. Connectivity--The PC link software interfaces between the 9-pin serial port of your computer and a special 10-pin connector on the calculator. File transfer is significantly faster than on a TI. It is not quite as simple, but it is faster and generally better. Also, you can upgrade the ROM via this connections. HP puts out software, and there are betas available from 3rd parties. This means that you can upgrade this calculator forever.

Overview
I'm sorry if I offended TI users while referencing things that the HP does better than the TI calcs. I have a TI-89 that my school loaned me (all AP Calc students get one over the summer and for the whole year, regular calc students get them for the whole school year.) I have compared the two, and the TI does some things well. The TI is more user-friendly, but the HP is pretty easy to pick up on. In response to one previous reviewer, the red second key (there are both red and blue), followed by the power button shuts it off. The keys are color coded to aid these things. To wrap up this review, in terms of which is the better overall calculator, the HP 49G with RPN,
the equation editor, the library, and the huge RAM storage wins hands down.

Recommended: Yes

Purchase Price: 150