RPN, for raw number crunching! I have a HP 48 and love the stack and visibility of the aformentioned in multiple simple calculations, just purchased the HP 35s to become familiar with it before taking the FE next year. I have a back-up Casio but trying to work in algebraic mode just seems to be more work than really necessary.
I use Hugs (Haskell) or Python. I do adore my graphical calculator, but as a programmer, it's the laptop that's always with me.
Alex R - 15 years ago
Micrsoft Excel (no religious preference -- if I used a Mac I'd use whatever the default spreadsheet was on that system).
Bruce W. Fowler - 15 years ago
A Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) calculator - ranging from my HP-35 purchased after I got a real job to my HP-150. Once you learn how to use one going back to an algebraic notation calculator is rather like trying to get your fingers free of a superglue spill.
Patrick - 15 years ago
There really should be an option for and RPN calculator. That said, I most often use Google. It's usually close by and I like being able to refer to constants and units by name.
I keep a Pickett slide rule at my desk for most math. Addition and subtraction I do on a simple calculator.
Nico - 15 years ago
I open an excel worksheet for every calculation I need....
Hakan - 15 years ago
HP48 or a simulator of an HP48. Still the best calculator - ever. Please don't get me started about the power of RPL.... Snif... If only they'd still make proper ones.
Eric - 15 years ago
Depending on what's most convenient, a TI-86, google, or python. I'll do the odd integral in Mathematica, but usually only if I've tried and failed to work it out by hand first.
RPN Rules ! HP 10C
RPN, for raw number crunching! I have a HP 48 and love the stack and visibility of the aformentioned in multiple simple calculations, just purchased the HP 35s to become familiar with it before taking the FE next year. I have a back-up Casio but trying to work in algebraic mode just seems to be more work than really necessary.
I use Hugs (Haskell) or Python. I do adore my graphical calculator, but as a programmer, it's the laptop that's always with me.
Micrsoft Excel (no religious preference -- if I used a Mac I'd use whatever the default spreadsheet was on that system).
A Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) calculator - ranging from my HP-35 purchased after I got a real job to my HP-150. Once you learn how to use one going back to an algebraic notation calculator is rather like trying to get your fingers free of a superglue spill.
There really should be an option for and RPN calculator. That said, I most often use Google. It's usually close by and I like being able to refer to constants and units by name.
I keep a Pickett slide rule at my desk for most math. Addition and subtraction I do on a simple calculator.
I open an excel worksheet for every calculation I need....
HP48 or a simulator of an HP48. Still the best calculator - ever. Please don't get me started about the power of RPL.... Snif... If only they'd still make proper ones.
Depending on what's most convenient, a TI-86, google, or python. I'll do the odd integral in Mathematica, but usually only if I've tried and failed to work it out by hand first.