Index

Description

This folding handheld electronic calculator is part of Casio’s family of graphing calculators. It operates in a total of six possible modes, ranging from simple arithmetic computations to alphabetic program entry to a variety of mathematical and statistical functions. The flat plastic keypad includes digit keys in the center of the base, arithmetic function keys to the right of the digit keys, and mode keys to the left. On the top right are a variety of function keys. The display is left of these. A mark above the display reads: CASIO GRAPHICS. A mark below the keypad on the base reads: SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR fx-7500G. A mark on the lid of the case reads: CASIO fx-7500G. A mark on the base reads: MADE IN JAPAN (/) FABRIQUE AU JAPON. Changing the batteries requires removing the base.

According to a 1989 advertisement in Science magazine, the fx-7500 then sold for $109.95, compared to $89.95 for the fx-7000G. The former had a larger memory capacity, with 195 functions, 4,006 memory steps, and instant graph enlargement or reduction.

The fx-7500G OWNER’S MANUAL published by Casio accompanies this object. It is not dated.

Reference:

“Graphic proof of high-tech leadership [advertisement],” Science, new series 245, #4924, September 22, 1989, p.1334.

Location

Currently not on view

date made

ca 1989

maker

Casio Computer Company

ID Number

2012.0063.02

accession number

2012.0063

catalog number

2012.0063.02

Description

Hewlett-Packard launched this handheld graphing calculator a year after its HP-28C and the two devices are quite similar. The HP-28S had a larger memory, operated more rapidly, and had a subdirectory structure for variables. The case, keyboards, and display are as described for 1999.0291.01. Text above the display reads: hp HEWLETT (/) PACKARD. It also reads: 28S. Further text reads: ADVANCED (/) SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR. Molded plastic on the back reads: [copyright mark] HEWLETT-PACKARD CO. 1986 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. 2801A04666. The first four digits of the serial number indicate that the calculator was made in the first week of 1988.

Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP-28S at the January 1988, meeting of the American Mathematical Society, held in Atlanta, Georgia. This meeting began the centennial celebrations of the AMS. Members attending the banquet could purchase an HP-28S with their banquet ticket for an extra charge of $60 (the banquet itself cost $30, the calculator alone $235. A December 1988, article gives the price of the calculator as $165 to $239). Professor Andrew Gleason of Harvard University acquired this calculator at that banquet. A sticker on the cover of the calculator reads: AMERICAN MATHEMATICS (/) 100 (/) YEARS (/) 1888-1988.

A spiral-bound manual received with the calculator has title Hewlett-Packard Advanced Scientific Calculator Reference Manual HP-28S. It is dated October 1987.

The HP-28S sold into 1992.

References:

W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 84–85, 88, 133.

David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org/, accessed July, 2014.

Accession file.

P. A. Kidwell, A. Ackerberg-Hastings and D. L. Roberts, Tools of American Mathematics Teaching, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008, esp. pp. 307-308.

M. Muciño, “Buyer’s Guide to Graphics Calculators,” Mathematics Teacher, vol. 81 #9, December 1988, pp. 705, 707-708.

Ivars Peterson, “Mathematics: Calculus in the Palm of Your Hand,” Science News, vol. 133 #4, January 23, 1988, p. 62.

Location

Currently not on view

date made

1988

maker

Hewlett-Packard Company

ID Number

2012.0063.01

accession number

2012.0063

catalog number

2012.0063.01