Bob doesn't understand RPN or push / pop a stack commands of computers.
RPN emulated the stack features and is a powerful tool for many advanced mathematic
routines.

Martin [ long time machine language writer, upgraded to assembly with less ability(language not me)
then to the lower levels of life of Fortran, Cobol, Forth, Basic (the extended version )
with two slide rules in his current desk. ]

Robert Swinney wrote:
Greg sez:

Yeah, but you can no longer buy an RPN calculator that will comfortabley
fit in your pocket (except used, for big $). I really miss the HP42S
that I lost years ago. It was perfect for my needs and nobody makes one
like it now.


Hey! No problem. I was never "comfortable" with RPN all along. IMO, RPN
was developed (HP probably)
to accommodate the shortcomings of early microprocessors. It takes a
helluva lot more processing power to enter equations "the natural way".
Again, and IMO, those that became "comfortable" with RPN were deluding
themselves into thinking they were some sort of math geniuses for doing so.
On the other hand -- I assume anyone that could be "comfortable" with the
awkward back and forth motion of a slide rule might not agree. Now, before
anyone jumps on me for that statement - I have several slide rules and know
how to use them. Expertise with a slide rule did not dupe me into learning
RPN - I chose to wait until AE came along.

Bob Swinney







--
Martin Eastburn, Barbara Eastburn
@ home at Lion's Lair with our computer
NRA LOH, NRA Life
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder