Re: This FOSS Thang :-)

RonB wrote this copyrighted missive and expects royalties:

On 2024-03-23, rbowman <bowman@montana.com> wrote:

On Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:53:54 -0000 (UTC), RonB wrote:
>

I pity the kids.

>
Beats the hell out of what I had as a kid:
>
https://picclick.com/1950s-Vintage-Yellow-Sterling-Multiplier-Pencil-Box-
Case-313543772142.html

>
I'm guessing you probably had a slide rule as well. I did — although I never
really used it. I think we were luckier, we actually did things outside.
>
I do remember when relatively inexpensive portable calculators first came to
Value-Mart in the early 70s. Of course I had to get one. That's when they
still used LEDs instead of LCDs — and sometimes even different colored LEDs,
like blue or green instead of red.

I started with a boxy 4-function calculator from Kmart. My high-school friend
had the fancy one with three extra buttons on the side for 1/x, sqrt, and x
squared. Most of the space was the batteries. I once stuck a metal comb in the
power jack and it made smoke come out. Still worked, though.

Then I got a no-name scientific calculator. Then a Sinclair calculator kit.
Later a fancy TI with gold trim and lettering.  Then an HP-32.

Now I use the Free42 app in Linux, Windows, Android, and iPhone. Made my own
skins for it.

--
Your life would be very empty if you had nothing to regret.