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Ask HN: Should there be new RPN calculators to replace the TI-84?

28 points idatum | 2 comments | 09 Mar 25 05:02 UTC | HN request time: 0.415s | source

I took an exam today where only TI calculators were available. I felt I was caught between some older models where the TI interface was not quite worked out.

And I don't see much progress then trying my daughter's TI-84.

1. ChrisMarshallNY ◴[12 Mar 25 14:19 UTC] No.43343538[source]▶
I think there may be some confusion about "RPN" (Reverse Polish Notation). It was very popular with certain folks, Back In The Day, but I, personally, never warmed to it. I don't think it ever would have been mandated for tests. It was very much a "deep geek" notation.

But if you really want it, and are an Apple user, I have found that the PCalc app[0] has been excellent (I've used it for over 30 years). It works on multiple (Apple) platforms, and has RPN (the real RPN) built in, as a selectable option.

I suspect there's similar apps for Windows, Linux, and Android.

[0] https://pcalc.com

replies(1): >>43345418 #
2. scblock ◴[12 Mar 25 17:14 UTC] No.43345418[source]▶
PCalc is indeed excellent.

As for RPN, it's one of those things I didn't get until I was in my 30s and started using it. Then used it more. And now I'm at the point where using a "normal" calculator is a frustrating experience. I got very used to the stack and having intermediate results. I find it highly frustrating that the windows calculator still doesn't have it as an option, and that when asked about it the developers seemed confused why anyone would want it.

Free42 has filled the gap though.