>> introduced calculators such as these". IS this really true?  Were
>> there hand-held scientific calcs (with not only add/sub/mul/div
>> but logs, trig funcs, etc. and small LED displays) in the EARLY
>> sixties?

I would guess late sixty's at the earliest.  I recall reading
that part of the HP calculator development work was to make a
hand-held device to assist the Apollo moon landing trajectory
calculations.  I don't know if this is true.

I recall HP creating the market with the HP35 in fall 1972.


> I got my HP35, one of the first, on November 2, 1972.  I still
> have it, and it works, though it needs new batteries.

I lusted after one when they were introduced.  I'd just started
college.  I wanted one even more after a friend bought one.


> I think the HP45 was the "business" calculator.

No!  <shudder>

It was an advanced scientific/engineering calculator.  HP35
shape, keyboard, and display with more functions.  I got mine
sometime in 1973 -- fall, I think.  As a student, I had to save
for a while to come up with the $395.  I still have it and it
worked until recently when the last set of batteries died.
You can split the plastic battery holder; replace with 3 AA
ni-cads; then reglue it.


> A little while later were some HP calculators that used
> magnetic cards for programming.

This was the HP67 (I think).  Never could bring myself to spend
the money for one.  It was $695'ish.

                                                Lee Jones