As long as we are chiming in on the Next Best Thing, so will I. If someone has already mentioned anything on my list please consider it an endorsement of your requested feature.
Breaking away from the standard emulation or simulation of an HP calculator of old, go with a new RPN or RPL programmable calculator with the following tools and features.
- A PC-based programming and development environment, including keypad overlays and printing routines for alternative calculation configurations, and a simulator for program test. Additionally, the IDE would be capable of developing calculator configurations for given calculating requirements. (see below)
- User configurability; i.e. When you need a given calculation you have the ability to set the calculator state and functionality of the keys. This would allow the calculator to be configured for say Electrical Engineering, with direct keyboard access to appropriate constants and conversions. Calculated Industries has done this for the contracting and construction industries with a series of calculators that are each configured for a given trade or technician. I'd like to see this type functionality on single hardware platform for programming, scientific, and engineering professionals. (See
https://www.calculated.com). Also, a link to constants, conversions, help files, software routines, sub-routines, off images, and other standard functions that can be easy dropped into programs in development or configurations, by the user or loaded directly to the calculator.
- A digital catalog of of constants and functions that can be selected and assigned to keys or Menus. I favor letting the user select the appropriate attributes for their needs in the development environment then DL to the calculator, rather than an extensive and deep menu system. (Could be user supported).
- Blank keypad overlay stock and/or pre-printed overlays for pre-developed configurations.
- Obviously, keep the ability to accept keyboard overlays.
- A USB-C port that allows mass storage access for extended program storage, state configurations, and/or printing via a bluetooth transmission dongle. No, I don't want BT on the calculator as it eats power.
- Stay with the button cells for power, but make them easier to change out without tools. Also, it would be nice if it were possible to store spare cells in the case or cover.
- A flip over cover for the keyboard and display.
- As long as we are asking for the moon, I saw a cheapie calculator that had a clamshell case. On one side was the calculator, on the other side was an e-ink pad with a stylus. You could write on it and erase it with a button. It would be nice for jotting down an intermediate result or a phone number.
OK, I realize that these are my fantasies and desires only. YMMV. I know this represents challenges that go beyond the capabilities and capacity of the engineering team at SM, but I think it represents the direction the SM team should go in next. And I do realize its just my two cents, so I hope you all take that into consideration in any reaction you may have to my input.
DM42 (#6476), DM41X (#458), DM15, 12 - HP 12, 17BII, 35(2), 45, HP 27S, 28S, 30B, 41CV, 41CX, 42S, 48S, 35S, HP10bII+, 12C PLAT
I may have a problem!