Arguably of the best reasons for getting a calculator with a CAS (computer algebra system) is to solve derivatives, integrals, and summations symbolically. Here's how to do it with the HP 50g.

1. Derivatives
2. Indefinite Integrals
3. Definite Integrals
4. Summations

Graphing on the HP 50g took me a while to get used to. You have to go through a few separate menus to create a nice looking graph. This threw me for a loop because I was used to a calculator that had most the options for creating a graph in one place. Here is a little guide that will get you acquainted with the very basics of creating a graph on this calculator. There are three main steps.

1. Entering the function
2. Setting up the tick marks
3. Setting up the window
4. A few tricks

The HP 50g is the latest calculator in Hewlett-Packard’s graphing calculator lineup. It was released in 2006 and is the primary competitor to the more popular TI-89 Titanium.

If you are not required by a school to use a specific calculator, your choice will most likely narrow down to one of these two. I decided to buy the HP 50g as opposed to the TI-89 Titanium, but they are both very similar and which one you chose is mostly going to come down to personal preference.