The hp 40gs is a strikingly beautiful calculator with a charming underlying precept. However, the idea is still a work in progress. I might not even mention it if there weren't a superior alternative available right now at a lower price (the hp 48gii).

I've hardly become an expert in the ten days I've been tooling around with this handsome devil, yet I've already found a few unsettling issues. There may be more.

For example, one nice idea in this OS, as compared to the hp 50g/48gii, is that the user can stay in equation writer almost all the time. In fact you MUST be in the equation writer in order to access most CAS functions. This could actually be a boon for "mathematical doodlers" like myself. After all, a CAS is the main reason to own a calculator like this. Unfortunately, execution is lacking on the concept. Here are some problems with the way the equation writer (EQW) was implemented:

- In EQW -- where you must be for most exact symbolic calculations -- the results appear in throbbing inverted text which is pretty hard to read. You can press VIEWS, to get normal text, but then often it's reduced to a tiny font and you must press yet another button to reach el display sympatico.

- There's no universal Clear key that always works in equation writer. According to the User's Guide, SHIFT CLEAR clears the display -- but not so in EQW. Not always. Closest thing I've found is jumping to HOME, then back again to CAS. Yet the ON/CANCEL key is unused and could easily meet this need.

- PUSH (mentioned in another review) does not round out the system as one would hope. Arbitrary expressions can not be transferred from HOME to EQW. From Mastering the hp 39gs & hp 40gs: "In general the PUSH command is not really very useful." I'm forced to agree.

- Some expressions are not what a trained mathematician would expect. For example, in EQW, enter 4 / 2 right-arrow squared. The result looks all the world like 4 squared over 2. Press the ENTER key and you discover the 4/2 behaves as though it was enclosed in parentheses -- but it wasn't. HP should be really embarrassed by this. (Yes, I know the exponent is past the end of the divide line. That's beside the point.)

- If you exceed the calculating power of the 40gs, and let it run for more than a minute or two, you will get no error message. It will simply lock up and your only recourse is a hard reset erasing the entire history. You may need a straight pin that fits in the reset hole in the back. For example, in EQW, press and hold down SHIFT followed by the square root key four times and then the 1 key. Release the SHIFT key and press ENTER (turn on complex mode, if prompted). If you don't press the ON key within approximately ninety seconds (and you may have to press it twice) you will get the lock up. But this is not an especially tortuous expression, and some expressions actually REQUIRE over two minutes to evaluate.

- Occassionally, the 40gs locks up for no apparant reason. Once again, the history, and all your variables and functions, are toast.

Three of these issues are moot on the 48gii and the remaining three were resolved in various ROM revisions years ago. The 48gii gets its pedigree from the HP's top-of-line 50g. 4/2 right-arrow squared actually encloses 4/2 in parentheses, and even after 10 ... 15 ... 20 minutes on the hour glass, a quick stroke of the ON key revives the 48gii with memory intact. Finally, in nine months of daily use the 48gii hasn't once required a reset.

There are several other reasons to prefer the 50g's paleface cousin, the 48gii. RPN is available just for fun, but it's not forced upon you. You can press the ALPHA key twice for ALPHA lock (on the 40gs you have to hold down the ALPHA key -- which doesn't work for the O key ... issue #322). The ALPHA keys don't conflict with the number keys, as they do on the 40gs, so you can intersperse letters and numbers in ALPHA lock mode. Your entire calculation history is available in one place -- the HOME screen. And even though the processor is only 48 Mhz versus 75 on the 40gs, most symbolic calculations are actually faster on the 48gii. And there's less difference than one would expect for exact numeric calculations (e.g. 40 seconds for 1000 factorial in exact mode on the 48gii versus 30 on the 40gs).

In sum, the 48gii has inherited many generations of ROM revisions from the 48-49-50 line of HP calculators while it seems the 40gs is only two or three steps up from the original 40g. Each new ROM represents thousands of programming man hours, making the 48gii more stable, easier to use, fast, and more elegant compared to the 40gs.

There are a few things that are counter-intuitive on the 48gii which are straightforward on the 40gs. For example, on the 40gs, you can drop an old expression into the middle of a new one by using the up-arrow key followed by ENTER. With the 48gii/50g, you must first press the HIST key, for no apparant reason other than compatibility with EQW mode. (And HIST is mentioned only briefly toward the end of the User's Guide!)

On the other hand, the keystrokes for a function on the 40gs are often entirely different in EQW as opposed to HOME/approximate mode. For example, in EQW you need to press SYMB to get your CAS history, whereas SYMB has nothing to do with history on the HOME screen. This seems arbitrary and adds needless complexity.

Overall, once you get used to it the 48gii is a little easier to crawl around, largely because of the extra key legends resulting from the second shift key -- even though the keyboard seems overly busy compared to the 50g or the 40gs. (Blame goes to the color scheme for that.)

The 48gii has had a USB port since 2006, and as best I can tell this model doesn't suffer from the keyboard issues that plagued early production runs. Even if you do get a bad keyboard however, HP will honor its outstanding warranty policy. I would ignore the irate reviews of yesteryear on Amazon.

If you are intereted in comparing the various models, check out these links:
[...]
However, HP enthusiasts often downplay the depth and power of the TI CAS system for regular algebra and calculus. For some perspective on this, see:
http://b.kutzler.com/downloads/nspire_successor_of_derive.pdf

If money is no object, you will want the hp 50g or one of the TI or Casio CAS calculators topping $100. If you are a student, you should probably get the calculator recommended by your instructor. But in terms of bang for the buck, the 48gii is an especially sweet deal right now, and I recommend it over the 40gs.

The hp 48gii is available through third parties on Amazon for [...] including S&H. And now I see new hp 50g's from a highly rated seller going for [...] with S&H. These amazing deals might portend something new coming round the bend for HP. To be safe, I'd just inquire to be sure you're getting one of the recent USB port models (four AAA batteries in the 48gii instead of three).
Read More Reviews on HP 40gs Graphing Calculator (F2225AA)...

I am very pleased with my purchase. It was my first time to buy anything from Amazon so I was a little aprehensive. I am pleased I did. I got a great price and it was shipped very fast. Thank you!
Read More Reviews on HP HP39G Algebraic Graphing Calculator...

I have been a loyal HP fan since the 1970's and have owned numerous great HP machines (both RPN and algebraic and also combined units). This machine however is a total waste of time because its keyboard is totally disfunctional. The rubber keys (NOT plastic) are way too hard to press in my opinion and generate only much anger and disgust. I don't need such heartache just to do calculations on a nicely portable, hand held device (which this machine definitely is!) no matter how sophisticated it may be and with this machine's extensive software they can be extremely sophisticated. Don't waste your time with this machine however.

I tried to make do (given what else was available at the time) and used it for over a year before giving up on it entirely and I am very sorry that I did. For the money spent right now at $ 111.00 on Amazon, the HP50g is a far far better value and it actually works the way a calculator is supposed to work. The actual software differences between the two machines are only minor. The HP49g is really a beautiful machine, but given its severe key problems, in this case that beauty is only skin deep (as they say)!
Read More Reviews on HP HP49G Graphing Calculator...

Programming instructions provided reference an expired manual. The new manual has changed page numbers, equations, and equation forms making this program guide useless.

The technical support number provided is a fax number and the email address is returned as undeliverable.

Amazon should be ashamed.

****Once I contaced the seller through Amazon and convinced them of the problem, they identified a printing error that caused older manuals to ship as current. Once the problem was identified, a current manual was promptly provided. I would upgrade my rating to four stars, reserving one because of the delay in my test prep.
Read More Reviews on HP Calculators HP33S Scientific Calculator F2216A...

found this calculater performs as indicated and more.would recommend to anyone needing one as I would buy another if needed to.In addition,one of my favourite features is the bright vivid flourescent tube display which is easy on the eyes opposed to the red or black hard to read displays that are out there.
Read More Reviews on Commercial Calculator, 12 DGT Fluorescent Display, 3.0 LPS Printer, AC/DC VCT12204...

Sharp EL-1801V Adding Machine

I was looking for a fluorescent display because they are easier for me to read. This "calculator" operates just like what we used to call an "adding machine". You put in the number, then press the function (i.e., add or subtract, etc. the number), and repeat again for the next number...then hit the total button and you get the total. This unit works exactly like adding machines have worked for many decades (but this one is faster, lighter and smaller than the old machines). Some folks (my wife included) were disappointed because this adding machine does not function as a "calculator". With "calculators", you enter a number, then enter "add or minus" button, then the second number and there is your total. You do not have to tell the machine how to handle each number you enter, beginning with the first number. Even so, this is an excellent printing adding machine. This one is suited for folks who do taxes, business folks who need cost, sell, average, margin buttons because it has dedicated buttons for those functions. It is also great because you can read the lighted display n any lighting situation. On top of that, you get a bonus feature because this machine can tell you how much change the customer is due. You put in the price of the item, subtract the currency the customer gives you, press the blue "change" button at the top left of keyboard and "Viola", the amount of change that the customer should get is displayed.
This machine takes standard size printing paper and prints fast in 2 colors (red and black). You also have the choice of selecting whether or not you want the machine to give you a count of the number of items you have added, plus another button that will add the date (and time) the paper tape was run. It has an internal battery that keeps track of the date and time. The date and time are not constantly displayed, but one press of the "clock/calender" button will give you the date and/or time (after you set it up of course).
The instructions for setting it up are easy to follow.
This is a wonderful device for us mathematically challenged folks. The Amazon 3rd party vendor "Best Source Stationer" (in Monroe, NY) is excellent. Best Source gave me an order confirmation, shipping notice confirmation, and very quick delivery. I highly recommend this product.


Read More Reviews on Sharp EL1801V - 12-Digit 2-Line Printing Calculator...

I have no problems with the keyboard! data entry on the first try everytime, you have to know how to press the keys!
Read More Reviews on HEW49GPLUS - 49g+ Programmable Graphing Calculator...

I love this calculator! The jokes are refreshing and very funny. I listen to the jokes between math problems and when I don't feel like it, I can turn the jokes off. This is a great little calculator for the price and I recommend it for anyone with a sense of humor, and those who need a sense of humor. :-)
Read More Reviews on Excalibur JK01 Jackie's Talking Comedy Calculator...

Back in the late 80's, this was Casio's top-of-the-line calculator.
Since then, Casio has gone on to pursue higher margin calculators, with more and more features, meanwhile they keep stamping these guys out under various brand names.

However, cramming these features onto your calculator will more than likely do you more harm harm than good, especially as most college classes and textbooks are not geared towards programmable calculators, so many people actually (myself included) prefer the simplicity of the calculators of this era in order just to focus on the problem at hand.

This model uses 2xAA batteries (very easy to get) and should last you basically forever.

Unlike solar powered calculators, this one will give you the answer to the toughest problems, like 69! (factorial) absolutely instantly. That slight delay can can cause you to lose focus more than you realize--until you don't have it.

By the way, V.P.A.M. stands for Visually Perfect Algebraic Method.
For some reason, I have always preferred the layout of this calculator to that of similar TI models, although that is a matter of taste.


Read More Reviews on Kenko Scientific Calculator fx-82LB...

By the way, as of this writing, the picture on Amazon for the dual-powered version of this calculator is NOT the correct picture.

Sure, this calculator does lots of really neat stuff. It would be impossible to give a rating based on the features. either it does what YOU need it to do, or it doesn't, like any other tool.

However, I can rate subjectively, and this thing is subjecting my head to a ROYAL headache!! The LCD viewing angle has been designed so that you only get good contrast when viewing it at a very weird angle - exactly the WRONG angle if you are in a room with overhead lighting or brightly colored walls. In order to get good contrast you must be looking at the LCD screen at such an angle as to make the LCD screen and the curvy faceplate reflect overhead lights, the ceiling, the walls, etc. If you attempt to view the LCD screen head-on in an attempt to reduce these inevitable reflected light sources, and so that the characters on the screen are not stretched due to exaggerated perspective, or so that the buttons actually face your torso so they can be easily pushed (god forbid) the characters appears extremely (!!) dim. That is, the "contrast" is set all wrong, and I haven't found any way to fix it (a technology that was mature for hand-helds in the 1980s).

Now, if there is a way to fix the LCD contrast and I'm just ignorant about it, I'll gladly take the egg on the face to fix it and get rid of my headache. But I doubt it.

Then there's the hard cover. Like so many other calculators these days, it comes with a nasty hard plastic cover that increases the thickness by 30%, and also increases the width a bit. And of course to go without the hard cover leaves you with nothing at all for protection. The soft cover some other calculators come with is thinner, lighter, and takes less PLASTIC to construct. But as we see all too often in thousands of OTHER made-in-China products, the more plastic you can get the consumer to buy and carry around, the "better"...or something.

So, just like most calculators, the hard plastic cover 'works' but sucks and should be a separately purchasable option. And this perverted LCD viewing angle is almost prohibitively uncomfortable and the inability to adjust is beyond asinine.

These are SUCH EASY THINGS TO FIX - it's ridiculous that Sharp would put so much excellent functionality into such a miss-the-mark package. Where's QA on this?!?

Made in China.
Read More Reviews on Sharp EL-506VB DAL Series Twin-Powered Scientific Calculator...

This is an excellent calculator for my business use. It provides 14 digit numbers and I purchased two for the retail price of one from Amazon.
Read More Reviews on Canon WS1400H 14-Digit LCD Compact Desktop Calculator...

This is an excellent calculator for my business use. It provides 14 digit numbers and I purchased two for the retail price of one from Amazon.
Read More Reviews on Canon WS1400H 14-Digit LCD Compact Desktop Calculator...

I received this Casio Solar Handheld Calculator as a free promotion with the purchase of my Casio watch. It appears that the rule, "You Get What You Pay For" applies here. It is worthless, there are nothing but problems with the buttons sticking. It is not taking up room in my drawer, it went into the electronics recycling bin at work!
Read More Reviews on Casio Solar Handheld Calculator...

Excellent HP product. Replaced my old (huge) electric adding machine on my desk. More space and a better product. I wish they would have done the paper feed a little better, seems kind of rigged at the last minute. and you cannot beat the price for a quality product like this.
Read More Reviews on Printcalc 100 Calculator...

This is an effective and inexpensive choice for those who just want a scientific calculator that works and no nonsense. The bonus is that it's permitted on all SAT, PSAT and AP tests. SHARP makes great electronics and the price can't be beat, compared to a more expensive TI.
Read More Reviews on Sharp Calculator (EL-501VBBL) (EL-501VBBL)...

Back in 1983 (if you can believe it), I bought a used Casio SL-300 in a suburban garage sale... I had never heard of, nor seen, a solar powered anything... I thought it was miraculous! Those were the days of big lunky Texas Instrument units that took batteries. Today, I was just doing a search to see if I could find the original on the internet, and I see they're still making it, with only minor design modifications.

I still have it, and it still works. How can I ever get rid of it? I swear, this is the most reliable electronic gadget I've ever seen. Can you believe a 20 year old solar calculator still works? Shocking!
Read More Reviews on Casio(R) SL-300 Handheld Solar Display Calculator...

After reading the reviews,it seems like the company must have changed something on this calculator. I owned this calculator for many,many years. It was one of the greatest tools ever bought. There is a small roll of paper that fits inside the calculator. This makes it great for store shoping,especially when you have several children. The paper had to be ordered from an 800#,which I no longer have.I was looking for this for some time,as mine finally "died" after years of hard use.Am looking to buy this and try it for myself,since mine is no longer "alive".
Read More Reviews on Canon P1-DHII Handheld/Portable Printing Calculator...

I really need a construction master IV calculator because the one I had before just got broke. This is the best calculator I ever used that's why i would like to buy one of these great calsulators, but it says that's currently not available.if you please send me information on how toget one of this master IV calculator to www.gonzalez_v7@yahoo.com i will appreciate it, thank you
Read More Reviews on Calculated Industries 4045 Construction Master IV Calculator...

This is a well priced 10 key calculator. Hard to find another one that is similar to this one that is priced as well. I had mine for 4+ years and it is still going. This was the second one I purchased for my own use, plus I have referred to my accounting friends as well.
Read More Reviews on 1240-2 Two-Color Printing Calculator...

Simply the best calculator I've used. Easy to use, has the functions you need and isn't so dinkly that your fingers hit the wrong buttons.

Sharp has made a friend.
Read More Reviews on Sharp EL-334AB 10 Digit Semi Desk-Top Calculator...

This accessory will save you time when entering study cards or excel charts along with many other tools available from Texas Instruments.
Read More Reviews on TEXGLINKFBL1L1C - Graphing Calculator, USB Connectivity Kit...

This is a nice all-around calculator. I'm hyper sensitive to the tactile feel of the buttons on a calculator (or keyboard, for that matter). The mush-buttons of most other desktop calculators in this product's price range drive me nuts. When you push on these units the button will wobble (drastically!) from side to side as well as move down. A rough analogy is trying to sit on a large inflated ballon as a kid; you go every which way. As a consequence, my fingers often slip off the keys and I make errors. I have an otherwise great Canon calculator that has this flaw, and I never use it.

The Sharp has computer-keyboard-type keys. Check out the feel on your numeric keypad as you read this: that's how solid the keys feel on the Sharp. Each key has a mechanism that restricts the key motion to vertical (up and down) only, with virtually no side-to-side mush. This is the sole reason I bought this unit, and the reason was to replace the Canon.

The printout is a bit light (for both black and red inks), and may be due to old/dried out print pads on my particular unit. I haven't gotten around (or really needed) to replace them to see if this fixes the problem.

The printer is a bit slow, but practically speaking it's a non-issue. There is a generous keybout buffer to capture strokes, and, frankly, I like it when I get a bit ahead of the machine and it cranks calculations to catch up with me (yeah, I know; it's weird). For the record, I've never lost a number yet.

Only thing keeping it from 5 stars is the light printout (my Canon had a gorgeous solid purple in a beautiful font; the Sharp output is somewhat faded, with a pedestrian font. Again, this may be my particular print rollers, see above). I'm also hyper-sensitized to these things; they might not bother you at all.

Great machine overall. I'd buy another in a heartbeat if this one failed.

- Paul Fredrick

Read More Reviews on Sharp EL-1801C Semi-Desktop 2-Color Printing Calculator...

This is an amazing calculator at a very cheap price. It allows you to calculate in fractions and also allows you to type in your equations just like on a graphing calculator. The TI 32 also has an attractive case and battery and solar power. It has dual line display which allows you to see the problem and the answer at the same time. There are no problems with it at all and it is extremely fast. It also has a memory so you can scroll back and look at your previous calculations. It is such an amazing calculator for such a low price.
Read More Reviews on Texas Instruments TI-32 Explorer Plus Solar Powered Calculator...

Nice simple calculator. Could be smaller.

The battery died and its running off of the solar panel now.
Very little light is needed to power this.

For Radio Shack geeks, there's enough space in there for you to put in a small capacitor for energy storage.

Read More Reviews on 8-Digit LCD Dual-Powered Pocket Calculator...

This calculator is a very good one and one that works equivalently in all ways using either direct keystrokes or stylus motions. It is largely no longer available which is a shame, but some of the internal electronics software is clearly getting quite outdated (and a little bit sluggish compared to some other more recent calculators, etc.). It performs really well however, so if you want to try a stylus-based calculator to see if you would like a much more advanced one like the Casio Classpad330, this is a great one to try out.

All the expected standard (as well as several advanced functions) and numerous data plotting options (with split-screen capability including the option of both a table and a plot displayed simultaneously, etc.) and numerous and reliable statistical operations for detailed data analysis, etc. are available on this fine unit. It also comes with a slide-on, standard heavy plastic cover and a very good manual with very clearly explained operations and examples. I recommend it, if you can still find it, without any reservations.
Read More Reviews on Sharp EL9600C Graphing Calculator...

It does all you need it to. exponents, square roots, squares numbers, etc. It's very easy to use and the graph is also very easy to use. It's very hard to read exact numbers on the graph, probably due to the small size of the screen. If you want to graph a table, this feature doesn't exist with this calculator like it does with the more expensive TI-83.
Read More Reviews on GRAPHING SCIENTIFIC...

It's a calculator:It's a clock:It's a calender:and it has a cover!!!!!
I like to take it grocery shopping with me:I put the prices of my groceries into memory and I NEVER go over-budget!!!
If you close the cover while in memory mode it will retain whatever is in memory so you cen shop hassel-free!!!
I LOVE this caculator!!!!
Read More Reviews on Hello Kitty Calculator...

For many years, I used a Casio Scientific that had no battery. It meant that I had to be sure that there was some light (not much at that) in order to use it. It was stolen and I've been trying to replace it. This models description didn't indicate that it had or needed a battery so I bought it. It has a battery and indications from the (enclosed) directions seem to indicate that is required and must be replaced when it goes dead. there is little more irritating to me than having to find a special battery for something for many reasons. That, and the awkward "case" are the only faults I find with it but they are enough so that I find myself willing to give it away soon (before the battery ages or the case gets lost). I should point out that the calculator depicted FX1115MSPLUS doesen't have the BIG round button mine has and mine doesn't call itself ...PLUS. the one in the picture might be the one I ordered but didn't get. ??? I sure hope someone reads this... .
Read More Reviews on CSOFX115MSPLUS - FX-115MS+ Scientific Calculator...

This is the book that ships with the calculator! You can buy both for substantially less then the price of this blatant rip off! Shame on the seller, and shame on Amazon!
Read More Reviews on BA II PLUS CALCULATOR GUIDEBOOK...

Excellent replacement for the Sharp Calculator model EL-1607R. Almost identical in all respects expect for the two color printer ribbons. High recommendation for any one who liked the EL-1607R models.
Price is very reasonable, and quality excellent.
Read More Reviews on Printing Calculator, 12-Digit, 2-Color, Heavy Duty SHREL1197PIII...

I purchased the CA2PK calculators thinking it would be a great deal! Wrong! It's a great deal if you only want the smaller handheld. The large, desktop model doesn't work efficiently. The keys keep sticking. When using it, I need to constantly watch what i input as the keys don't always register because another one is stuck. Spend the extra few dollars and get a better one. Good luck!
Read More Reviews on Sentry Industries CA2PK 2 Pack Calculator...

The inside paper tape slot is invisible, there is no room for your fingers to guide the paper tape, the paper is too soft to be pushed into the slot. Really poor design.
Read More Reviews on 16010 1-Color Printing Calculator...

I ordered this Sentry Graphing Calculator because of it's claim of "Compare to TI-83 calculator". I'm taking a Statistics class and this calculator is nothing like the TI-83. I was trying to save money, but now I'm going to purchase the TI-84 as previously recommended by my professor in the first place. I shouldn't have to read the manual to figure out which buttons are comparable to the buttons on the TI-83. I received great customer support from this vendor when the calculator went missing in transit, but I'm very dissatisfied with the product I received. Buyer Beware......the saying "You get what you pay for" is right on the money this time !!!
Read More Reviews on Haldirams Aloo Bhujia 400g...

Do not let the price fool you, this calculator
can do it all.
Read More Reviews on EL-531WBBK Scientific Calculator...

IT HAS A JUMBLE GAME, BUT CANNOT SOLVE A JUMBLED WORD OF YOUR SELECTION (IT IS OF NO ASSISTANCE IN PLAYING THE DAILY JUMBLE GAME).

IF YOU MISSPELL A WORD IT WILL COME UP WITH A WORD FROM NOWHERE. SPELL CHECK IT IS NOT.

THE TOUCH SCREEN OPERATION IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SOMEONE WITH ADVANCED ARTHRITUS.

INVEST YOUR MONEY IN A GARBAGE CAN.
Read More Reviews on Franklin Executive Desk Companion, Thesaurus & Calculator...

I got this for my husband's office as he is a CPA and he put me in charge of finding him a good 10-key! He used this during tax-season and loved it! A great product with a great price.
Read More Reviews on Casio HR-150TEPLUS-W 2 Color Printing Calculator...

This is a great calculator for auditors and accountants. The calculator is slightly bigger than regular hand held calculators but it feels like a regular desktop printing calculators. The buttons doesn't feel too clunky or slippery. The battery is easily replaceable by unscrewing a small slot, which you don't need to take the entire back casing to remove the battery. Though the price is a bit high (4 stars), I expect this calculator to last for at least 15 years (For those of you who are picky about depreciating fixed assets).

Read More Reviews on Sharp VX2128V Portable Desktop Handheld Calculator...

I have owned numerous calculators by HP, TI, Sharp, Casio, etc., but this new Classpad 300 Plus that was just released a few weeks ago with Casio's latest operating system (OS 3.0) and Classpad Manager 3.0 is just fabulous. It is now in common use in Europe, especially in Germany and also in Australia and in New Zealand. If you purchase(d) the version with OS 2.0, you can still upgrade electronically to the newest version using the Classpad Manager Version 3.0 directly which has a number of very nice new features/functions. This calculator should also be in common use in the USA as well, but regrettably the financial dominance of TI in our marketplace (and the impending arrival of the new TI NSpire calculator) make the likelihood of its acceptance very soon quite small, unless people like myself write reviews like this to promote educators to really get involved with this new product. The real advantage of both the Classpad as well as the TI NSpire calculator (which is not a pen-based product like the Classpad) is the great software that installs on PC's so that a complete emulation of its operations is possible even without the calculator being physically available. It addition, however the Casio (OS 3.0) will do now do Dirac Delta functions, Heaviside Step functions, Fourier and Laplace Transforms (including Fast Fourier Transforms, i.e., FFT's), First order ordinary differential equations, financial analyses, and of course it already performed complex number analyses, etc.
The operating feature on the Classpad that appeals to me the most however is the pen-based drag and drop operations using the Computer Algebra System (CAS) and the interactive menu between each of the numerous types of submenus on the device. Any operation worked on in one area (Graphs and Tables for example) can readily be copied and pasted into another area (Statistics, Spreadsheets, Sequences, etc) just to name a few of the numerous possibilities. The E-activity submenu on the Casio supports presentations to an audience and is the analog for the Classpad of the TI NSpire's 4 screens of information that can all be put on to a single screen at once (analyzing a problem using a geometrical representation in the form of a drawing or a picture, a word statement of the problem, an analytic or numerical equation solution and a graph of the results). Finally, the results can all be ported back and forth and printed/stored, etc. between the Classpad Manager software/emulator and the calculator itself which is simply fantastic to use. I have had this for almost a month now and I am just begining to appreciate what it can do for me daily in my work as a scientist. If students get exposed to these devices in a late middle school curriculum and beyond (after they first master many of the basics of mathematics and science), in my opinion they will want to continue to grow into math and science in their later years and become excited leaders in science and engineering that this country has been famous for having for most of the last 60 years.
Read More Reviews on Touch-Screen Graphing Calculator...

Paid alot for the item for it to be shipped in a plastic wrap with bubble wrap around it in the inside. The calculator looks like it's been sitting on store shelves for awhile because the the packaging was a bent up. But the calculator itself has a couple of marks. Will not ship back because that's more frustrating and I am bedridden. But will not buy from amazon again. I think I've learned a learn with this site one too many times. Thanks, but no thanks.
Read More Reviews on Peanuts SNOOPY CALCULATOR - Blue Color...

Avoid this one folks! One look at the price tag is enough to make any college student shiver. While its very possible that there's some sort of error the current listing of well over 1k is Not what you need to pay. Amazon and many other sellers here offer the same one new for under $100.

NB, this is not a review of the calculator which my college prof seems to like quite well.
Read More Reviews on TI83 Plus Teacher Kit...

The item is great, but I am curious as to why I was able to buy the exact same product for $11.00 at Office Max yesterday. This is not typical for Amazon. I usually find you at the low end of the price scale for the items I need.
Read More Reviews on Texas Instruments TI Connectivity Kit with USB Cable...

This unit has good touch on the keys, good display and excellent printing for a 10-key. But I work in finance, and need good capability in calculating lots of percentage changes, and for that this model is AWFUL. The Cost, Sell, and Margin keys are somehow screwed up, and you can never get a proper answer, and yes, I have read the manual. I have to resort to a handheld calculator to get a correct result for percent change, such as a stock price appreciation. And that's pretty basic stuff. I would look elsewhere for a 10-key unless all you need is to +, -, x, & ÷.
Read More Reviews on Canon - USA MP49D PRINTING CALCULATOR ( 9491A001AA )...

I find the TI BAII Plus (Professional) to be a valuable tool for anyone in the financial industry. It is very specialized so do not expect to work out your trigonometry problems with it or anything scientific for that matter. Looks good on my desk with its stainless steel outer covering.

It takes some time to learn how to use the various functions though. Need to read the manual before using it. It is a CFA compliant calculator if you are doing the exams.

A very good buy.

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After 15 years my original sharp metric conversion calculator broke down. I checked all the regular retail places and no one carried the calculator. It was easily found on Amazon.com and the supplier shipped promptly. This calculator has an additional feature in that it figures fractions which is very helpful at work.
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Magnetic fields have absolutely nothing to do with aging. This is absolutely preposterous - [.......]...
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I'm very pleased with this calculator. It's very fast and has a very nice touch.
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I'm an accounting professional who has used Sharp calculators for over 15 years and have found this model to be the best. I use this model at my office and just recently purchased one for use at home (replacing a less expensive Sharp model). The cost is a bit more than some of the other models but well worth spending ~ the keys are easy to the touch, the speed is fast, has capability for 12 digits, all the features that I've ever needed and very dependable quality.
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I am a Realtor, this is exactly what I needed and so easy to figure out and use.
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good service provided
nothing great about the calculator - i got it for basic scientific calculations.
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The main advantage to this office required supply is that when you buy in large quantities, you may save time & money. But the draw-back is that it was not an item I could get directly from Amazon, & did not qualify for prime shipping rate, so I ended paying more for the shipping than I wanted to. I hope the next time I have to purchase this item, Amazon can send it from their warehouse, & save me money in shipping.
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This is a very good baseline label maker from Casio. I use it to make labels for CD's that I create and for just about anything that needs labeling. The tape tray can accept multiple size tape from 7mm to 18mm. I mainly use the 9mm variety. It is very versatile that you can create a variety of styles and fonts for the labels. It is battery-powered, requires 8 AA size batteries, but can also be used with the optional AC adapter. It has served my purpose well. Been using it for several years now. Highly recommended product!
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I was hoping this was EZ but it turned out to be impossible. I am our companies computer systems manager and I've loaded hundreds of software/hardware packages. I cannot get the terminal to respond to the software and I've tried all the faq's from the companies website on two different computer. I tried to register online, and that faulted out, and forced me into a snail mail registation. You have to download the help files (they are not on the CD) and they failed to load when I search a topic. Based on some of the software out there, I'd rate this one as low as it gets. Even if it ever does work, I wouldn't pay more the $250 for a credit card swipper and $20 software package
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I have the UX-A1000 (basically the same fax, but in ugly greys) and that uses the same ink cartridge as the UX-B700. I found this when looking for replacement cartridges: "I had the dry ink problem also after not using for a week. I was ready to order a new cartridge but first I tried soaking the printhead in distilled water about 10 minutes. Do not soak the cartridge just the printhead. Place in about 1/8 inches of water. Now my cartridge works fine." -From http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-UX-C70B-Black-Cartridge-UX-B700/dp/B00008NOQ1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1237988885&sr=1-1

I plan to try it today, after I track down the bottle of distilled water we have hiding somewhere.
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I'm very pleased with this calculator. It's very fast and has a very nice touch.
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Think of this gadget as something you can use during your travels to help you bridge the communication barrier. It is not intended to replace a dictionary for language studies.
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Magnetic fields have absolutely nothing to do with aging. This is absolutely preposterous - [.......]...
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Great wallet. Got used to the change pocket and the outside "slide-in" pocket on my last wallet, but this wallet serves my needs very well.
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I purchase two "Sharp" PWE350 dicionaries from a local electronic store and they last forever. The use a simple AAA battery for a power source which provide power for over a year with moderate use. There is a difference between the 350 and 550 in that the 550 has a grammer function, otherwise identical. The only reason I replaced one of the 350's was I lost it. These are costly but very functional. We also own an elcetronic English/Korean sharp dictionary, PW-K500 also an excellent product. Overall the Sharp dictionaries we own are excellent and their power supply being AAA bateries is a great feature.
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I got this to replace an older Casio I've been using for nearly two decades until it finally gave up. I work in a laboratory, so it was well used, dropped, dripped on... Because it lasted so long, I got the same brand. So far, I like this new one even more. It's sturdy, good-sized buttons & a nice sliding lid. I use it only for simple calculations, so I don't use the function buttons much.Buy Casio FX-260 Solar Scientific Calculator!

I was looking for a small quality calculator for my daughter; who is an RN. When I received this calculator, I took it out of the package to try it. I loved it! It is perfect; an attached cover, not bulky, nice key size and touch, pocket sized, and fits right into her scrub pockets. Many of her coworkers ask to borrow it. Great choice!

It is now April 9, 2009. The little calculators are still going strong in mechanics and structure. If my Amazon.com purchase is slightly under the "free shipping dollar amount," I add one of these to my order and hang onto it for birthdays, Easter baskets, Christmas stockings, etc. All of the recipients have been happy too!Buy Sharp Electronics ELS10BBLTranslucent 3 key memory Youth Calculator-Blue!

I chose this calculator after looking at 6-7 other candidates. I teach a Mathcounts class at a local middle school and this calculator has several key features. First and foremost is the 2 line, editable, display that shows me what a student keyed. That's crucial in helping me see where they made an error when they get a wrong answer. The 'editable' feature usually means that a few keystrokes are all that are needed to correct an error rather than re-keying the entire expression.

The second feature is the list of readily available functions. Mathcounts topics (mathcounts.org) cover a wide spectrum of mathematics far beyond what a typical middle school curriculum requires so the calculator had to have permutation, combination, and factorial functions. This calculator has them.

It handles fraction and radical notation nicely - it displays the square root of 12 as 2sqr(3) which helps the students check their conceptual understanding when we're rationalizing or simplifying radical expressions. Flipping between displaying 1/2 and .5 requires but a single keystroke. Flipping between mixed number and improper fractions requires only two keystrokes.

The solar panel has saved at least one student from having a completely dead calculator when he drained his battery. The panel ekes out just enough juice to give you a glimmering display which is better than nothing. A slightly larger solar panel would be nice.

Finally, the manual is available online so you don't have to try to read a multi-lingual manual printed in 6 point type on rice paper. Kudos to the project manager for posting the pdf. Much appreciated!

Unfortunately, there's a bug in the firmware which turned up in a calculator exercise. If you key in 75025 and ask for it to be represented to 4 significant digits in scientific notation, the calculator gives the correct result, 7.503e4. However if you arrive at 75025 by computing the 25th fibonacci number using f(25) = ((1+sqr(5))^25-(1-sqr(5))^25)/(2^25*sqr(5)), the calculator displays 7.502e4. Reset the display to show an integer result and it correctly shows 75025. Somehow, doing the calculation, as opposed to entering the number, confuses the display routine.

We work around the bug by rounding the result ourselves instead of relying on the calculator to do it but the bug somewhat reduces my confidence in the calculator's ability to correctly compute. Hopefully, the bug will be fixed by next school year when we buy another class their calculators. Were it not for the bug, I'd rate the calculator at 5 stars.Buy Casio FX300ES 2-Line Scientific Calculator!

This was a replacement after 5 years of heavy use. It has a number of pluses: 1) A cover that stays closed until you are ready to open it, 2) a larger screen, 3) bigger keys, 4) Decidely durable whether in pocket or purse. Prior to finding this calculator, I was replacing them about every 6 months. Out of a max of 5 stars, I give it a 6. Buy Aurora HC127 Dual Power Executive Foldable Style 8 Digit Hardcase Calculator!

Okay people, here we go again .... Amazon DID NOT post my previous review on this product, so I'll try again.

The calculator photo shown by Amazon IS NOT what this product looks like - it's not even close! If you want to see what it really looks like, then hover your mouse over the PHOTO that I uploaded. ALSO, if you zoom into Amazon's photo, you'll notice the model number is NOT an EL-334MB. If you search the Internet for the model number shown in that photo, you'll learn it does not exist, not even on Sharp's website.

Yes, I gave it 2 stars because I consider a calculator that is 1960's style out of date and ugly as sin. This thing is 3/4 of an inch thick! Comparable to the thickness of a wood board at Home Depot for example.

I don't know about you, but I depend on these photos as being an accurate representation of what I'm buying. How about you? Well, this was far from accurate and you'll find out for yourself if you buy one.

As a last note, Amazon does a fantastic job in many areas - selection, price, product information, and especially customer service. I've placed over 110 orders here in the last 8 months. Delivery is always on time so thanks Amazon! I'll keep bragging about you.

Cheers,
JeffBuy Sharp EL-334MB Semi-Desktop Basic Calculator!

This Casio 200TE folding pocket calculator is OK.

Pros:
Nice slim/Sleek design. It's Big enough if you need to see large numbers and you will Not lose it in a bag or pocket. The real dimensions in the (closed position) is about 4.5" x 5" (Amazon has the wrong dimensions listed- theirs may be the package sizing, Not the product)

Cons:
I would not consider it "Travel" size. I have the folding Casio SL-100L (Now this is a travel calculator!) It will fit into your hand bag, shirt/pants pocket, etc with ease. Closed Dimensions are about 2" x 3.5". Both the 200 and 100 are basic calculators. The screens are both the same size. The 200 has bigger buttons & frame.

-Although the 200TE is advertised as having a Tax & Exchange rate feature, it is Unnecessary! It takes the same number of button pressing to calculate tax or an exchange rate as it takes to press the codes. You are only multiplying or dividing. If you had to convert between 3 different currencies (1 being the U.S.), all within the same exact session, on a daily basis, perhaps it could save you "some" time ~1 less button press.

When it comes to travel, the more compact 100 does the trick. Amazon's price at (9.99) is a little on the higher end than what I found, but the risk is not finding it in the store.

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I purchased the BA II Plus Financial calculator on the recommendation of my Finance professor. Certainly the calculator is specially geared toward financial calculations (Time Value of Money, Interest, etc.) and will save some students a great deal of time. But my gripe with the BA II Plus is in its complexity. It is almost impossible for a novice to pick up the most beneficial uses of the calculator without sifting through a thick manual. It is not user friendly in the least, nor is it a good calculator for non-Finance courses. In statistics, for example, one would run into a great deal of trouble with the automatic rounding function of the BA II Plus. This can be turned off, but I could not do it without the assistance of someone from Texas Instruments. Add to that, I am still unable to use mathematical parenthesis on the BA II plus, or fractions, so often I must revert back to another scientific calculator in order to more easily perform those functions.

Within its narrow range of finance problems, the calculator does an fair job. But outside the subject, students will end up needing a more versatile machine than the BA II plus.
Read More Review on Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator!

I hate to use the adage "it's an oldie but a goodie".... but it is! These have stood the test of time both technically and physically. Well worth the money, expect it to last at least 20 years!Buy HP 12c Financial Calculator (12C#ABA)!

I acquired this calculator to do physics problems during my residency program. What I find most useful is the ability to keep track of the numbers that I am tabulating in a formula format so it is synomous with writing out the formulas by hand (i.e. Sin 37 = 0.6018). This is easier than older calculators where you had to enter the number then push the function key (i.e. 37 -> Sin = 0.6018). With the parentheses you can enter a series of calculations rather easily. A button for fractions is quite useful for day to day use.

A 4 directional button in the center lets me backtrack without having to re-enter numbers in more complex calculations.

The Solar Power works very well compared to 1st generation calculators. The sliding case protects the buttons and the solar cell from damage.

Luckily, I passed Physics and all I use my calculator is to do simple calculations such as volume and adding up numbers for bank statements.

I like the added versatility of this calculator over standard non-scientific calculators.

I highly recommend it.Buy Casio FX-300MS Plus 229-Function Scientific Calculator!