The original poster questions whether modern RPN calculators could, or should, replace the ubiquitous TI-84 graphing calculator, particularly in educational settings. They highlight the TI-84's shortcomings, including its outdated interface, high price, and limited programming capabilities compared to modern alternatives. They suggest that an RPN-based graphing calculator, potentially leveraging open-source tools and modern hardware, could offer a more powerful, flexible, and affordable option for students. They also acknowledge potential hurdles, like the entrenched position of the TI-84 and the need for widespread adoption by educators and institutions.
HP has acquired the AI-powered software assets of Humane, a company known for developing AI-centric wearable devices. This acquisition focuses specifically on Humane's software, and its team of AI experts will join HP to bolster their personalized computing experiences. The move aims to enhance HP's capabilities in AI and create more intuitive and human-centered interactions with technology, aligning with HP's broader vision of hybrid work and ambient computing. While Humane’s hardware efforts are not explicitly mentioned as part of the acquisition, HP highlights the value of the software in its potential to reshape how people interact with PCs and other devices.
Hacker News users react to HP's acquisition of Humane's AI software with cautious optimism. Some express interest in the potential of the technology, particularly its integration with HP's hardware ecosystem. Others are more skeptical, questioning Humane's demonstrated value and suggesting the acquisition might be more about talent acquisition than the technology itself. Several commenters raise concerns about privacy given the always-on, camera-based nature of Humane's device, while others highlight the challenges of convincing consumers to adopt such a new form factor. A common sentiment is curiosity about how HP will integrate the software and whether they can overcome the hurdles Humane faced as an independent company. Overall, the discussion revolves around the uncertainties of the acquisition and the viability of Humane's technology in the broader market.
A new Terraform provider allows for infrastructure-as-code management of Hrui (formerly TP-Link Omada) SDN-capable network switches, offering a cost-effective alternative to enterprise-grade solutions. This provider enables users to define and automate the configuration of Hrui-based networks, including VLANs, port settings, and other network features, directly within their Terraform deployments. This simplifies network management and improves consistency, particularly for those working with budget-conscious networking setups using these affordable switches.
HN users generally expressed interest in the terraform-provider-hrui, praising its potential for managing inexpensive hardware. Several commenters discussed the trade-offs of using cheaper, less feature-rich switches compared to enterprise-grade options, acknowledging the validity of both approaches depending on the use case. Some users questioned the long-term viability and support of the targeted hardware, while others shared their positive experiences with similar budget-friendly networking equipment. The project's open-source nature and potential for community contributions were also highlighted as positive aspects. A few commenters offered specific suggestions for improvement, such as expanding device compatibility and adding support for VLANs.
Summary of Comments ( 35 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43306421
The Hacker News comments discuss the potential for RPN calculators to replace the TI-84, with many expressing enthusiasm for RPN's efficiency and elegance. Several commenters highlight HP's legacy in this area, lamenting the decline of their RPN calculators. Some suggest that a modern RPN calculator with graphing capabilities, potentially leveraging open-source tools or FPGA technology, could be a compelling alternative. Others point out the steep learning curve of RPN as a barrier to widespread adoption, especially in education. There's also discussion about the TI-84's entrenched position in the education system, questioning whether any new calculator, RPN or otherwise, could realistically displace it. A few commenters propose alternative approaches, such as using Python-based calculators or emphasizing computer-based math tools.
The Hacker News post "Ask HN: Should there be new RPN calculators to replace the TI-84?" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a number of commenters expressing their opinions on RPN, calculators in general, and the TI-84 specifically.
Several commenters voiced strong support for RPN, praising its efficiency and logical structure. One user argued that RPN is superior for complex calculations due to its inherent lack of parenthesis and the ease with which intermediate results can be manipulated. They went further to suggest that a well-designed RPN calculator could be a powerful tool for education, promoting a deeper understanding of mathematical operations. Another commenter echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the intuitiveness of RPN once mastered.
However, not everyone agreed on the necessity of replacing the TI-84 with an RPN-based alternative. Some commenters questioned the practicality of such a move, citing the TI-84's widespread adoption and familiarity among students and educators. One user pointed out the importance of standardized testing and the potential difficulties of introducing a new calculator type into that environment. They acknowledged the benefits of RPN but questioned whether the transition would be worth the effort. Another commenter suggested that the TI-84's dominance stems from its approved status for standardized tests and its comprehensive functionality, including graphing capabilities, which might not be easily replicated in an RPN calculator.
Some commenters offered alternative suggestions, such as incorporating RPN functionality into existing calculator platforms or utilizing software-based RPN calculators. One user highlighted the existence of RPN emulators for the TI-84, suggesting that this could be a viable solution for those interested in exploring RPN without abandoning the familiar platform. Another commenter advocated for the use of computer algebra systems (CAS) like Maxima or Wolfram Alpha, arguing that these tools offer superior functionality compared to traditional calculators.
A few commenters delved into the historical context of RPN and its association with HP calculators. One user reminisced about the HP-41C and its programmable features, while another discussed the decline of HP calculators in the educational market.
The overall sentiment in the comments section seemed to be a mix of appreciation for RPN and a pragmatic recognition of the challenges involved in replacing the ubiquitous TI-84. While several commenters expressed enthusiasm for an RPN-based alternative, others emphasized the practical considerations of standardization and existing infrastructure.