> Vitaliy wrote: >> Can you give me an example when RPN would be superior? > Olin wrote: > For me, the advantage of RPN is that it just fits better with the mental > processes of working thru some equation. I think it has something to do > with the order of keystrokes is closer to the order of thinking about the > problem. There seems to be less thinking ahead required, with all the > attendent possibilities of messing up Well I've been following this thread with some interest. I think the main advantage of RPN is that, as said by others, you work intuitively form inside out. This means at least that that you (must) know what you are doing, and every step of the process gives you the advantage of a reality check - the experienced user feels what should be the magnitude of the outcome and immediately spots (input or other) errors. Overall it gives you needed grip over the calculations that you do, with the benefit that the error rate decreases. Compare this to the use of the algebraic type of calculators (and its operators.). Just type in the equation, and if you do not make any typing errors etc it will always give you some answer (not equal to ERROR). Then you obediently write the answer down. Even if the answer is off by several orders of magnitude. Believe me this happens. During my university days in the 80's I helped several highschool kids with their math classes.. So using RPN means knowing what you're doing, more than when using algebraic calculators. I am aware that not everybody thinks this a positive selling point. Olin's picture of the 11C brought back some memories. When I was in high school I bought my first calculator. This was in 1977, the calculator was of the simple kind: add, subtract, multiply and divide. And still I was the only kid in class with a calculator (boy these tings were expensive then). When I went to University the next year I bought a HP33C. (well, my father did actually). After reading the manual and understanding RPN I was hooked. After several years of heavy use the led display started to act up (segments would not light up any more without me hitting the 33C.) so I (read: my father) got an 11C in 1983. I still have it and after 25 years I use it nearly every day. Back then HP sure knew how to make professional stuff. It's a pity the lost that ability after switching their focus to the consumer market. Regards, Minto Witteveen -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist