Re: TI 92 V.S. HP 48GX, which one is better?
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> gUFman < wrote:
>
> Hello, does anyone know which is better? Both are about
> US$200, but they seem to be quite different... I don't konw which one
> to buy!!! Help!!!
I actually got both calculators, TI-92 and HP-48GX, but I use the TI-92
more than I use the Hewlett Packard. I just find it easier to use than
the HP. TI-92 can solve things symbolically whereas the HP solves things
numerically. Just try to integrate an indefinite integral like
(X+3)/(X^2+2x+1) in the HP, it would be first easier to write it in the
EQUATION WRITER. Then execute it, then collect, collect, collect, etc.
Get the picture??
Okay the pros of the TI:
The TI is very easy to use, whereas the HP is very complex and
confusing. The TI-92 would zip right through a simple equation,
including calculus equation like differential or integrating, then give
you the answer. Like I said before, the TI can solve thing symbolically
whereas the HP solves them numerically. Mind you, sometimes the TI-92
does give you weird answers and you do have to fiddle around with it to
come to a simple solution, but at least it does a better job than the
HP.
The TI-92 has an Alphanumeric keyboard whereas the HP doesn't. HP is
still like an old style calculator with numbers and function keys and
its very hard to type. The common functions are right there on the
keypad, but majority of the functions are accessible by a pulldown menu
or all functions can be accessed popup catalog. HP also has popup menus
for some functions like to integrate and differentiate, but it is still
complicated to use, and you still need to put in limits even though it
said it can evaluate an equations symbolically.
TI also has an option called "Pretty Print." If I put in 1/2 which is a
half, the TI can displays 1/2. HP, on the other hand, would display
".5". If I put in 1/2 + 1/4, the TI would return 3/4. HP would display
".75". So you need the decimal equivalent and not the pretty print? No
problem! TI has a function key for approximation, and it WILL display
the answer in a decimal form.
The TI manual book, however, is mediocre. It's good and you can follow
it very easily, but it doesn't go completely in depth on some examples
in the programming of the TI. The HP??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! Forget it,
dude!! The manual IS a frigging book, about some 400 or more pages. And
its comes with two books. If you want more technical details and how to
program the HP, you have to order $50 dollars more and you get two more
volumes on the HP.
Okay, that a pro, here some cons.
TI-92 is new out in the market. It does have some support since TI's
been out for a while, but the TI-92 is not very compatible with the
other calculators. Then again, neither is the HP48 with the lesser
models. TI-92 so far as I know of doesn't have any way of expanding like
the HP does although there has been rumors of an empty socket in the
back of the TI which possibly may be able an expansion chip. Now this is
where the HP makes up for its weakness. In the top of the HP, you have
two slots for expansion cards that you can put into it like extra
memory, or specialized programs for chemistry, engineering, etc., plus
the fact its been out in the market for a long time. HP has more
functions than the TI-92, like numerically be able to solve differential
equations, whereas you need to make a program (or download one) for the
TI. The HP has more programming functions than the TI, making it more
flexible to program the HP. I've been told, but I can't confirm yet,
that the HP has a built-in assembler.
I may have missed a few things but if you just need one to get by in
calculus and physics, I bet on the TI92. IF you like gadgets and gizmos
and don't mind wasting your time, and believe me you will, then go get
the HP.
Wanna see a comparison??
First let me clarify one thing: the < > means a function key on both
calculators. If I say for example <sin>, its the sine key function.
Remember that integration I said before?? All I typed was (Integration
symbol) ((x+1)/(x^2+2x+1), x) <enter> and the rest is history
The HP?? To integrate you need the boundaries. It will not calculate
without them. In Equation, <right upshift> Integrate, zero (required),
<Right Arrow>, <alpha> x (required), <Right Arrow>, <right upshift> ( ),
<alpha> x + 1, <Right Arrow>, /, <alpha> x <y^x> 2 + 2 <alpha> x + 1,
<Right Arrow>, <Right Arrow>, <alpha> x, <enter>, <eval>, <Right
upArrow>, <Colct>, <Colct>, <eval>, <eval>, <eval>. etc.
Even If you use the popup symbolic menu to solve this equation, it will
save time typing out the equation, but the answer is the same.
TI Answer: Ln(|x+1|) - 2 / (x+1)
HP Answer: (By equation writer and symbolic menu for integration)
Integrate, 0, x, INV (1+x^2+2*x)*x + INV (1+x^2+2*x),x).
After fiddling around with it for 5 minutes, I gave up.
Funny thing is, it's not that much of a complicated equation. I would
expect problems if I try to integrate the arc tangent on the HP, but
this is ridiculous! This should be able to be solved by partial
fractions / fraction decomposition and maybe even by parts and the TI
comes through every time.
I hope I helped you out dude.
Steve
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