Re: Sophisticated calculators

[Leigh Palmer <palmer@sfu.ca>]

> In my humble opinion the calculator will not be in use in 5 to ten years.
> With the advent of small palm tops and the like I think that programs like
> mathcad and mathmatica will soon be running on those machines. From my
> experience those programs make even the most advanced calculator look like a
> slide rule.

I think you've got the time scale wrong. I note that an hp 35
(if it were working) would still be useful today. Several of us
on this list have acknowledged that we use hp 15Cs on a daily
basis, and I submit that we all probably also own rock-crushing
desktop computers as well. I have a Power Mac running Maple and
Code Warrior, for example, but a couple of weeks ago I repaired
my hp15C's case because it is subject to so much daily wear.

In the hilarious Woody Allen movie "Sleeper" several of these
visionary science fiction ideas are introduced (my favorite was
the "orgasmatron"). I, in my characteristically curmudgeonly
way, will continue to extol the virtue of being able to perform
what used to be considered perfectly ordinary mental arithmetic.
If George is right at least I'll really be able to impress my
granddaughter!

What a chilling thought this is!

Leigh