HP 50g Graphing Calculator (F2229AA#ABA) Right now

To say that the HP-50g is merely a graphing calculator is not doing justice to its capabilities.
The 50g is nothing less than a programmable microcomputer that does math on the side. On the one
hand this is great for the techo-geek math expert/computer programmer. But, like with the HP-35s,
the barrier to entry is a too little high for the non-expert. On it's own this calculator is great,
especially for engineering or finance professionals who could use all of its functionality.

But for the college calculus, and especially high-school student, it's technicality, I think,
is too much and could easily prove a hindrance when it comes down to exam time. Even though,
in my opinion, this calculator is head and shoulders above the TI-89 when it comes to ability,
and price point (msrp $150 vs $200 for the TI-89), you already have to have a solid algebra and
calculus foundation in order to use this calculator effectively. E.g., it will not simplify
most polynomial equations automatically, and especially power equations such as x^a where a is < 1,
and also it does not simplify to 1/sqrt(x), it will return sqrt(x)/x instead. The calculator also
does not have the CSC, SEC, and COT functions, so you have to use SIN^-1, etc. Also, the different
derivation functions, such as DERIV, DERVX, and d return different results, e.g. DERVX will not do
definite derivatives, while DERIV return the equation unsimplified, etc. So, even though I gave
this 4 stars, my suggestion for the college student who will only take Calc I or II is to purchase
the TI-89. Sure it's a bit more expensive but that extra cost will save you a lot of the headaches
of operating this machine. You have been warned! Get more detail about HP 50g Graphing Calculator (F2229AA#ABA).