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Full Version: Why not 49g+?


I'm using casio 9750g but due to its inability to perform Laplace transform I will buy a hp calculator.

I'm adivised to buy a 50g but I found 49g+ much cheaper. (Series no CN3xxxx)

Considering I'm a student, will I face a lot of problems if I opt for 49g+? Thanks.

What is the serial number on the unit?

The early models had keyboard that would break after a while, and the black plastic strip around the edge would crack.


CN33305379 is the serial number.

Hi ferro! Do I get a "finder's fee"? (Just kidding.) Actually, you can get less expensive used HP-50Gs on Amazon and on EBay as well if cost is a big concern. (But whatever you pay, it is a better deal than the 49 because of the SD card and extra memory.)

I think that will be one of the bad keyboard ones. I wouldn't buy it to save money. . .


Bill, he is talking about a 49g+, not a 49. The former is technically almost and software wise totally identical to the 50g. The 50g adds a serial interface, more battery power a better look and a more solid feel. I'd opt for a used 50g.

If cost is a big concern, you might also consider a 48gii which is nearly identical to the 50g in terms of software. There are actually two different versions of this calculator, but the old version can be gotten new on ebay for under $50.

You can distinguish the old vs new 48gii by the packaging and the top edge of the calculator. The new ones have two connectors along the top edge (one for serial and one for USB) while the old ones have just one connector (serial only). The packaging on the new ones mention USB support on front while the old ones only mention serial. Also, the old ones use 3 batteries and the new ones use 4.

Differences between the old and new 48gii (off the top of my head)
USB support,
Equation library,
256k vs 80k memory

Differences between the new 48gii and the 50g:
1.5M flash memory,
SD card support,
Larger display,
faster processor(?)

Hi, David;

Differences between the new 48gii and the 50g: 1.5M flash memory, SD card support, Larger display, faster processor(?)
For me, one of the most important features in the HP50G is the upgradable O.S. and, as a consequence, the chance to add resources as part of it. Latest upgrade added SmartStream driver/applications, previously available only for the HP40G.


Luiz (Brazil)

Edited: 10 Nov 2009, 9:25 p.m.

Here's an old note from Eric Rechlin on com regarding the 49G+ keypad: link

Per Eric's note you'll want to avoid the early versions of the 49G+. If you buy the 50G you are guaranteed to get the latest and best keypad.



Since the 50g is better why not get the 50g. Brand new for $130-$150, lots cheaper than most text books and last a long time. Back when I was in school I wouldn't mind paying for the $200 25c, although I had a tough time paying for tuition and books.

That's the way I think of it. If you will be a technical professional, the 50g won't just be something to use for a class, it could be a tool that could last you for years of your career. And it's not like there's that much money to save by getting an older or inferior model. So why skimp?

Thanks I ordered Hp 50g.

I agree completely with that outlook, but mostly on the basis of how extremely inexpensive for the capabilities provided such things as the HP 50G are.

But economic, "investment", or simple utility prospects in the long term for any particular computational device made in the last 50 years are not too good. Examples:

(1) In my senior year of high school (1969) I bought what I still consider to be the best slide rule ever made (Dietzgen N1725L), for $35. That's the equivalent of about $210 today. I justified that on upcoming engineering school. (It was the only "calculator/computer" required of engineering students at Georgia Tech in 1970.) My last real professional use of it was in 1974.

(2) In 1977, I spent about $600 on a new HP-67 and associated accessories. That's about $2200 today. I justified it based on assumed long-term professional use. That last real professional use occurred in 1980, after which it was replaced by an HP-41C.

Nothing computational or electronic keeps its value unless a cult following developes around it. Something better and cheaper will soon follow, with the only exception in the known universe being the HP 42S. :-)

I have been entertaining myself recently with a cheap device (Casio fx-115ES, a.k.a. fx-991ES) purchased at Wal-Mart for less than $18. It's amazing what computational capability is available for almost nothing now-a-days.


Adams would agree. 42 is the answer to everything.

If you aren't familiar with the HP48 and it's successors, then I suggest that you skip the printed manual that comes with the calculator and go right to the "Users Guide" that comes on the CD that accompanies the calculator. The Guide has much more detail. The printed Manual is more like a pocket guide - useful as a refresher when you already know most of what the calculator can do, but frustrating as a teaching tool to learn the calculator from scratch.

At least that was my experience having bought a 50G after using a 41CV since 1983 and having paid no attention to what had happened to calculators since then.

It's an amazing machine. You won't be disappointed.


The HP 42S is not the answer to everything, I suspect.

But...after 21 years, nothing in its form factor has appeared that is an advance, an improvement, or even a simple equal in capability.

One has to resort to larger, heavier, RPL machines. :-(

At least those are inexpensive!

But you would not trade either your slide rule or your 67 for my 50G right?
If I were you they are as valuable to me now as then. They are useful now just as then. Very few things you can invest that retain their value that well.

If any of you need further info, please see here...

This thread may, also, be a reference.


Luiz (Brazil)

Edited: 12 Nov 2009, 5:26 a.m.

Hello Luiz,

This thread may, also, be a reference.

Glad you still remember that :-)



I suspect if yo really think about it, these old machines are still valuable to us more for sentimental reasons. We all do the heavy lifting with our computers now.