calculators, was: Re: Best Find of the Weekend!

From: Lawrence Walker <lgwalker_at_mts.net>
Date: Sat Nov 9 15:14:01 2002

> > I have a TI Programmer's calc here somewhere but it's a nuisance to
> > keep it charged and it's always dead when I want to use it.
>
> There were two models of the TI "Programmer". The first model used LED
> displays, and ate batteries at a rate impossible to keep up with. It
> worked BEAUTIFULLY as a plugged in desktop unit.
>
> The later model was much thinner, and used an LCD display. Its batteries
> would last almost as long as its keyboard (which was its weak point).
> Disassembly and cleaning would usually be adequate to render the keyboard
> usable for a while.
>
 I've got a TI 55-II that I bought in the early 80s with a LCD. Right from the
start it had keyboard bounce that would only get worse as the batteries
deteriorated. It used something TI called Algebraic Operating System. A lot
of features but the "bounce" made it totally frustrating to use. Apparently
they were known for this.

Lawrence

> MANY, if not most, "scientific" calculators include rudimentary base
> conversion capabilities. Most "scientific" calculators that have A B C D
> E F keys can work in hexadecimal.
>
>
> The Casio CFX-40 (and 400) wrist watch "scientific" calculator has full
> hex capabilities. It requires good eyesight and a nimble touch. But it
> is long since discontinued (late 1980s). Scott Mueller bought up a stock
> of them and is planning to release some soon. But he wants hundreds of
> dollars, so it is currently out of my range for buying a spare.
>
> --
> Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin_at_xenosoft.com
>


lgwalker_at_mts.net
bigwalk_ca_at_yahoo.com
Received on Sat Nov 09 2002 - 15:14:01 GMT