Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!lll-tis!helios.ee.lbl.gov!pasteur!ucbvax!hplabs!hp-pcd!hpcvlx!squires
From: squires@hpcvlx.HP.COM (Matt Squires)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp
Subject: Re: HP-28 LCDs
Message-ID: <1170006@hpcvlx.HP.COM>
Date: 25 Jul 88 20:54:22 GMT
References: <2036@pixar.UUCP>
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Corvallis, OR, USA
Lines: 34

/ hpcvlx:comp.sys.hp / bp@pixar.uucp (Bruce Perens) / 10:39 am  Jul 22, 1988 /

> OK HP, if you want my bucks, next time I want these additions to the 28S
> feature set:

> 	1. Some way to send input from another computer. It doesn't have
> 	   to be fast, I just want to be able to back the thing up and
> 	   upload/download 1K or so of data per day.

	I agree completely.  The fact that the 28S has no external input
feature is a gross oversight in my opinion.  I think part of the power of
the HP-41 is the expansion slots in the rear.  People can buy memory
upgrades, specific utilities (like Caluclus, etc.), and modems (yes,
modems) for the HP-41.  This is not possible on the "new and improved"
28S.  I think there are enough examples in real life to demonstrate that
any sufficiently powerful computing system has to be able to bi-directionally
communicate with the outside world.  (look at the success of the Apple 2,
the failure of the original Macintosh vs the MacSE and Mac2, and the enormous
success of the HP-41.)

	Another thing I liked about the old (series 10) HP calculators was
their solid buttons.  Sometimes I press a button on my 28S and the key
connection is not made (this usualy happens witht the * key).

	Of course, I didn't have to worry about my ``bucks''.  HP gave a
28S to each of their SEED (co-op) summer students.

>					Bruce Perens
>					another computer junkie
>					pixar!bp

mcs

Disclaimer:  These are my opinions, and mine alone.  In no way do they
represent the policies of my employer, Hewlett Packard Company.