Customer Rating: 
Summary: It will outlast you.
Comment: If you're looking at these reviews because you're considering one, then just get it. I bought my 48G about 16 years ago, and it shows no signs of slowing down. It's literally in the same condition it was in on the day I bought it, and I use the thing just about every day. It spent 8 years being lugged around in a backpack while I was in school, and now it sits on my desk at work.
Some of my favorite features include a huge equation library (find your equation in the list by name, plug in the values, and get the answer you're looking for), statistical charting capabilities, and uploadable programs (For example, I have a graphical Periodic Table on mine).
The manuals are pretty thorough (one user manual, one programming manual), and each one is about the size of a full-length novel.
Chances are, if you're considering this, then you're already familiar with RPN calculators (or at least familiar with stack-based operations on some level). But if you're not, it's okay. It's easy to learn and more efficient. You can also use it normally (infix style) by placing everything in single quotes, like this:
'7+3*5'
And with one button press, it will evaluate the expression for you, heeding all rules of precedence. While I don't recommend using this as a crutch, it can at least ease the transition from a standard infix calc. :-)
Customer Rating:
Summary: My faithful calculating companion
Comment: I bought mine about 10 years ago, and I still have it and use it extensively. It has seen use all through pursuing my undergraduate degree and my Ph.D., and in my current work. I have used it for calculating things related to computer graphics, statistics, data compression, and a host of other areas. It has always been up to the task. It is loaded with useful functions and does a lot. Sure, it's not as fast as a more modern one, but it's more than adequate.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Used to own one. Durable but some graphing problems.
Comment: The good thing about the 48 and other HP's I've owned is that when I have broken them they were actually stolen or lost. I can't say that about the TI-86 or TI-83's I've owned and paid a considerable amount for. HP's seem to be made to last; I hope that hasn't changed. The weakness on the HP48G that I owned during the 90's when graphing calculators came out is that the graphing functions were not as well designed nor worked as well as the TI's. They seem to have improved the latest models so they act a lot more like the TI's. It's something to consider if you are buying an HP graphing calculator from the mid 90's when I purchased and then lost one.
The early HP's were absolutely terrific and once you get RPN ,something that most competent math/engineering/science students should be able to master, it is the best way to write equations. It actually makes it easier and faster.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fine craftsmanship!!!
Comment: HP calculators are built to be used by professionals. They are built to a standard of quality you seldom see anymore. Unlike calculators from other manufacturers, people who use HP calculators tend to use them for a VERY long time! I have had my HP48g for 8 years now and it still measures up to the competition. YES RPN entry is different BUT it is FAR MORE efficient to use in lengthy or repetitve computations. Unlike Casio,Sharp, and TI, there is a tremendous amount of professional grade software for scientist and engineers widely available. There are games too. The HP48g is solid and it has an IR port as well as a serial port for connection to a computer or other device. This calculator is a powerhouse! If you are a science or engineering major and you want to be serious about your trade then this has to be a device you own!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Can't imagine being without it
Comment: I've had this calculator for 7 years now and am very satisfied. Once you get used to the stack system of inputting, you wonder how you ever did without it. I'd recommend it to anyone entering the engineering field, either school level or professional.
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