The hp 39gs vs. the hp 40gs
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This book is intended to help you to master your hp 39gs or hp 40gs calculator but will also be useful to users
of earlier models such as the hp 39g, hp 40g and hp 39g+. These are very sophisticated calculators, having
more capabilities than a mainframe computer of the 1970s, so you should not expect to become an expert in
one or two sessions. However, if you persevere you will gain efficiency and confidence.
The hp 39gs and hp 40gs, shown above, are ‘sister’ calculators released in 2006. They are identical in
almost all respects except for their color schemes and in whether they have infra-red or a CAS. The hp 39gs
was released mainly in the United States and other regions, such as Australia, which do not allow a Computer
Algebra System, or CAS, in their educational systems. The hp 40gs, on the other hand, was released mainly
in Europe where a CAS has long been an expected ability for calculators used by high school students. The
hp 39gs has infra-red communication, similar to that of a TV remote control, which allows easy transmission of
programs and aplets between calculators. The hp 40gs does not and uses a cable instead.
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