calculator

[sbj_ee]

Over 31 years ago, I bought my HP 48GX calculator when I was attending Purdue University.  It was absolutely awesome.  Especially with complex plane related calculations.  Calculations could all be done with the phasors and no need to constantly go between rect-polar or vice-versa.  Matrix operations were also exceptional. I used this all through school and on the FE/EIT exam and it was as natural as my right arm.

When I was preparing to take the P.E. exam, they allowed a HP 33s -- uggg.  I really do not like it and it sits unused. I don't know who at NCEES decided on that p-o-s calculator, but I'd be happy to have a discussion with them.

Last year, my HP 48GX died.  It lasted 30+ years, so I really won't complain. However, what would I possibly get to replace it?  I saw the Swissmicros DM42 and it looked promising. It has several features that resemble the HP 48GX (somewhat) and you can change the display to act mostly like the HP 48 stack.

Granted... I'm not using calculators anywhere like we did in engineering school.  However, when you have a tool that is so dependable and you are so proficient using it... The day it breaks and you do not see a replacement.  That is like an inflection point in your engineering psyche.

 

[DHerz]

I'll be honest, If I had a calculator that I'd been using for 30+ years...I would pay someone to hot air solder in a replacement for whatever broken ribbon cable or surface mount part finally conked out.

Anyway, until you can have a conversation with AI about the decision tree you'd use to pick the best problem solution...God's speed to you sir.

[manandwala]

The TI89 Titanium was the go-to in engineering.  Now it is the TI Nspire CX II CAS.  Those are what I would go with

[Michael]

It looks like you can buy refurbished ones https://porterelectronics.com/hp-48gx-calculator/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAhP67BhAVEiwA2E_9g_dS6Ab9_ru_msAEdXvef1UlIqt0k7dWxv1CcANT4FN-VtoChPCULBoCEk8QAvD_BwE

I feel the same about my HP11C.  a requirement in school and cannot fathom using something else if it ever dies.  There are Android based apps that are close but that tactile feel of the keys is a better experience.