On Thu, 27 Sep 2001, Douglas Quebbeman wrote:
> Way back in '77 (I think), I got a mailing from TI advertising and
> offerring for sale the TI Programmer, which was a simple 4-function
> calculator in that standard black-plastic format they used to use,
> replete with the also-standard LEDs. However, it wasn't actually a
> four-function calculator, because it included radix conversion and
> several standard logical operators.
> At home, when I need radix conversion, instead of the Casio Fx-115m or
> the Calc accessory, I still reach for the TI Programmer...
The TI "Programmer" (NOT to be confused with "programmable") was one of
the first basic calculators to offer hexadecimal arithmetic and
hex/decimal conversion. The LED display really ate batteries, and it
could go through a battery discharge in less time than it takes Windoze to
boot. But if you kept it plugged into the wall, it worked great.
Then they came out with a new model of it with LCD display. The batteries
got great life, but the keyboard tended to go before the batteries.
If you like having a calculator that includes hex, one of the really neat
ones is the Casio CFX-40 and CFX-400. It requires good eyes and good
dexterity, since it is a "scientific" calculator in a watch. It's biggest
weakness was a tendency to crack between the display and the keyboard.
I've replaced the case on several.
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin_at_xenosoft.com
Received on Thu Sep 27 2001 - 13:05:21 BST