Posted 13 July 2004 - 11:44 PM
SoftCalc:
It seems you misunderstand the purpose of my posts. When I level criticisms at the ClassPad, it is meant to be taken in a certain context. I am a senior metrology technician. I use a scientific calculator throughout the day. I need a calculator that is easy to use, very efficient, and very accurate. I also need one that is sturdy, as I move from place to place often in my laboratory. I need a good keyboard and an excellent display, as the data I enter consists of many digits, and the answers I get are often taken out to several places past the radix. I am fairly demanding of my calculators.
So demanding, in fact, that I always carry two. For most calculations, I use my HP 49G. But it is a bit lacking in the statistics department. For that, I usually use my TI 92 Plus.
I actually prefer my MK-52 to the 49G, and I'll often use that, if I can get away with the limited precision.
As for being a 'finished product', well, I have to say the ClassPad is wanting. Most of the bugs -are- critical, and the user interface issues cause significant delays in accomplishing my work. These problems have caused me to relegate my ClassPad to the status of a curiosity, a toy. It's fun to program, and to try to find ways around the limitations of the programming language. But for me, it really isn't suited for serious work.
Part of my disappointment in the ClassPad is how unfinished and rough it seems, especially when one considers the price. The problems, in my opinion, go far beyond the usual quirks one might find in a new product. Some seem like simple thoughtlessness.
The ClassPad is probably fine for the classroom. But the 'new technologies' embodied in this instrument seem useful nowhere else. And I'm no longer in the classroom.
I do like playing with my ClassPad. And, fortunately for me, I make enough money to afford such an expensive toy. If I had purchased it expecting to rely on it for my work, however, I'd be very angry.
I'll keep playing with it, and I'll certainly watch for new developments. But unless there's some serious changes made, I really don't see the ClassPad becoming the preferred tool of technicians or engineers working in demanding environments. I do hope it is successful in classrooms, so it makes enough money to motivate Casio to continue development.
And CrimsonCasio- I know about hitting EXE twice. I found that out by accident. But I also like to review several entries before I continue a calculation. My routine allows this, too.