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 ...
Everyone I know used the TI-89 in Engineering school.
I’ve more calculators than I know what to do with
Mostly TI
I was cleaning out the basement and just tossed a 4-inch thick 3-ring binder of paper instructions on how to program the HP-41 (I think?). Scientific stuff so you could run the calculations on the calculator. Pretty sure they were written before PC’s were around. It was nice to have the programs out in the field to do some rough checks of the data, even once we were able to have computer software that did it.
All sorts of various programs written by various different people that were experts in their fields at the time.
I did keep a few of the papers as keepsakes.
Dems can't operate an abacus.
TI Scientific rules
One of my TI calculators is 45 years old but doesn’t really look dated
I still use my HP-11c occasionally.
No Gakulator?
My old TI 83 is fine. First time around in college was a TI something in 1977. It’s still working. They never let us use calculators on tests back then
Bought a TI financial calculator for a corporate finance class 20 some years ago. Used it one semester and never looked at it again.
The youngsters actually marvel. And when you show them the goods and they feel what it's like to press PHYSICAL BUTTONS, it's like going back in time.
The HP 12c's reverse Polish notation takes some time to figure out, but you can't go back once mastered.
Most engineers I went to school with used HP RPN based calculators. I still do. Have an HP-50g for graphing, 12c for financial. I have emulators on my phone for an HP-21, HP-41c, HP-12c. RPN is so much easier.
I still have my workhorse HP 12C from ~1980. Few people ever borrow an HP calculator, since the RPN input is very confusing to the casual user.
Bkmk
HP has no equal!!!
Excel and phone calculators have essentially destroyed the hand held calculator market for many sectors.
Well, that’s how we got to the Moon...
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