HP recalculates old “35” model
Hewlett-Packard introduced the first hand-held scientific calculator in 1972 and sent the engineer’s stalwart slide rule the way of the buggy whip. Named the HP-35 because it had 35 keys, the pocket-size device sold 10 times as well as expected in its first year, no small feat considering that it cost $400. The HP-35 was discontinued after three years, but the company has just released a “retro” version to mark its 35th anniversary.
The HP 35s only vaguely resembles the original. It is larger now, with 43 keys and a two-line LCD instead of red light-emitting diodes.
The new model stays true to the system of data entry called Reverse Polish Notation that defined the early HP calculators.
Engineers swore by the odd method (2 Enter 3 +) as a timesaver, but nearly every- one else found it befuddling. You can switch to the more conventional algebraic method (2 + 3 [Equal]).
The 100 built-in functions make the programmable calculator as handy a tool as it was when engineers wore bell-bottoms. But one thing’s changed: The price is $60. — Damon Darlin, The New York Times
Chatpad eases Xbox messaging
Sending voice and webcam picture messages to fellow Xbox 360 players over Microsoft’s Xbox Live service is a cinch, but tapping out old-fashioned text messages using the 360’s onscreen keyboard isn’t much fun. A new $30 miniature keyboard called the Chatpad speeds up text entry to let you best even the fastest BlackBerry touch-typists.
The Chatpad, set to go on sale Sept. 6, attaches to the underside of the 360’s controller without interfering with the controller’s feel. A backlight makes typing during late-night “Gears of War” campaigns easier on the eyes, and a dedicated messenger button activates the 360’s instant-messaging program so you can taunt your enemies without breaking from the action.
Unfortunately, you can’t use the keyboard to type a letter and jump to the corresponding spot in long lists of Xbox Live movie downloads or songs stored on an iPod connected to the 360. Instead, you need to hold down the scroll button.
Albert Penello, director of global marketing for Xbox, said the company was looking into a way to add this feature. — Joe Hutsko, The New York Times
