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The Best Calculators for Students and Professionals (Old tech remains relevant)
Popular Mechanics ^ | July 26, 2022 | ALEX RENNIE AND STEPHEN SLAYBAUGH

Posted on 10/05/2022 5:20:34 PM PDT by DoodleBob

Whether you’re a middle schooler starting Algebra I, a college student enrolled in a calculus course, or a professional accountant, having a dedicated calculator is essential. Specifically designed for simple straightforward use, these user-friendly devices allow you to perform a wide range of calculations quickly, and powerful models can even tackle extremely complicated calculus equations. And yeah, when it comes to simple math, sure you can use your smartphone, but there’s something about the physical buttons and single-function design that still makes basic calculators useful to have around.

The Best Calculators

BEST OVERALL TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator $129 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS

BEST FOR STUDENTS 16-Digit Scientific Calculator $25 SHARP

BEST VALUE FX-9750II Graphing Calculator $80 CASIO

BEST FOR ACCOUNTING 12c Financial Calculator $68 HP

BEST BUDGET LS-82Z Handheld Calculator $9 CANON

What to Consider
While calculators have all sorts of bells and whistles these days, there are really only two things (aside from price) with which you need to be concerned when shopping for one.

Capabilities
From graphing to scientific to more basic models, there are different types of calculators with different capabilities. Be sure to choose one that will serve your particular needs. Additionally, if you plan to use it for college entrance exams, make sure the model you are going to purchase is approved for use during testing.

Battery Life/Power Source
Speaking of college entrance exams, nothing could be worse than having your calculator run out of power on you before you finish. Calculators can be battery-powered, solar-powered, or a hybrid of both. Whatever type you choose, make sure you can rely on the model you've selected to stay charged for long stretches of time.

(Excerpt) Read more at popularmechanics.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet; Society
KEYWORDS: calculators; hp12c
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To: minnesota_bound

73 divided by 47 is not 1.55. It’s 1.5531914893617021276595744680851....

The problem you describe is a likely a function of the precision of the display or even of the calculator itself, not of the calculation. Calculators have a limit on precision as well as a limit on the display. Most all have enough precision to be irrelevant, but not always.


101 posted on 10/06/2022 3:55:44 AM PDT by norwaypinesavage (Capitalism is what happens when you leave people alone.)
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To: Tijeras_Slim

I looked around online a little. The new HP 15C is apparently still available, but quite a few reviews complain of the quality (early failures etc.)


102 posted on 10/06/2022 5:36:18 AM PDT by HartleyMBaldwin
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To: NWFree

I had a TI-58 programmable calculator in high school and college. It was fun to program, and cheaper and more portable than a PC. It went kaput when I couldn’t replace the rechargeable battery pack.

But now, I have a ‘58 emulator on my phone. If I ever need more than that, I have Excel and matlab/octave.


103 posted on 10/06/2022 5:43:48 AM PDT by kosciusko51
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To: DoodleBob

I miss the HP 33 engineering calculator. I have a really old one I need to get fixed, if that is even possible.


104 posted on 10/06/2022 6:06:08 AM PDT by Freedom_Is_Not_Free (America -- July 4, 1776 to November 3, 2020 -- R.I.P.)
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