Scientific Calculators

[nbritton]

I'm taking a refresher mathematics course and the teacher won't let us use graphing calculators on the tests because she believes that not everyone in the class can afford to buy one. However, she did say that we can use any scientific calculator we want. What are some of the best scientific calculators on the market geared for college level mathematics and engineering?

My TI-86 had a polynomial roots finder and I really want this feature, I have mild cognitive impairment that makes it very difficult for me to do mental arithmetic. I also would like to be able to display results in fractions. A basic equation solver would be nice too, anything that can help me get through the busy work.

[helius]

Criteria: Polynomial solver, not graphing (or doesn't look like a graphing calculator; narrow screen)
bold if still in the sales channel
Hewlett Packard: HP-28S, HP-42S, HP-34C, HP-27S, HP-35S, HP-15C LE
Casio: fx-880P, fx-5800p
TI: TI-68

[Voodoo 6]

Sharp Scientific Pocket Computer EL-5500III      or better yet roll in to class with a slide ruler, you will get all the hot math babes with one of those....and extra credit from the teacher.   

[Kalvin]

Mathematica running on a laptop named Calculator

[setq]

You want a Casio FX991-ES PLUS or FX991EX. Non graphing, solver, poly solve, matrices, rational output, dirt cheap, don't require you to learn RPN. The EX has SI engineering units as well.

I'd never touch an HP again.

[Kalvin]

If complex matrices are important, the Casio FX991 doesn't support those, AFIK. If you are going to do calculations for the electronics and need to perform some calculations using complex numbers and solve complex equations using complex matrices, then the support for the complex matrices is a good feature. Otherwise you may get away without the support for the complex matrices.

If you are allowed to use an Android phone as a calculator, there are some nice Calculator emulators available. Some of those provide a free but ad-ware versions so you can try them without paying.

[setq]

If you're doing complex matrices on a calculator you probably also hit screws with a hammer...

[Kalvin]

If you're doing complex matrices on a calculator you probably also hit screws with a hammer...

When I was at engineering school, it was very handy to have a calculator which could perform matrix operations with the complex numbers. Depending of the needs, the complex matrices may be "need to have" or "nice to have".

[EEVblog]

Do they have a list of approved calculators?
Just saying "non-graphic" is kinda dumb.

[EEVblog]

The new Casio FX991ES is pretty jazzy:
http://www.casio-intl.com/asia-mea/en/calc/scientific/classwiz/fx991ex/

https://youtu.be/g65sCqZc5Ug?t=28m15s

[Mechatrommer]

Just saying "non-graphic" is kinda dumb.

correction. non-graphing, not non-graphic. if his place is similar to ours, non-graphing means anything that can plot a XY graph out of an algebraic function. the reason of not everyone can afford it is nonsensical. what i think more sensible is everyone should be able to not just construct a graph, but also should be able to calculate and present variables (usually Y) from given set of non-variables (usually X) and an algebraic function.

[Bicurico]

I am a calculator collector and have many of them.

Criteria: Polynomial solver, not graphing (or doesn't look like a graphing calculator; narrow screen)
bold if still in the sales channel
Hewlett Packard: HP-28S, HP-42S, HP-34C, HP-27S, HP-35S, HP-15C LE
Casio: fx-880P, fx-5800p
TI: TI-68

The most interesting ones of these are as indicated by helius not available on retail anymore and even as second hand devices they reach relatively high prices. This is especially notable for the FX-850P/FX-880P (I have three of them), not to mention the HP42 series, which sell at ridiculous prices! The legendary HP 11C, 12C, 15C and 16C are also great INVESTMENT WISE, as they reach record prices on eBay (I was lucky to get hold of a well preserved HP 11C for little money).

The reason for these prices is due to the easy and powerfull operation with great user interface. In case of the CASIO FX-850/880P, it's the BASIC programming language and the fact that they can be hooked up to a PC using some wires for RS232 communication.

If graph calculators like the HP 50g (end of life, mayby you get it on a sale), HP Prime or TI Nspire are not allowed, then I would really go for the calculator which is RECOMMENDED BY THE TEACHER!

Modern math classes require students to follow exercises on their calculators and if you have a "different" one, which is unfamiliar to the teacher, you might get stuck with some exercises.

Better to get the recommended one, which will probably inexpensive and if you desire, get yourself a propper calculator or just install an emulator! I use the HP 48GX on my Samsung Galaxy Note4 and it feels like the real thing I used to have while at University. It even runs the programs I made back then.

Beware that modern calculators like the HP Prime and TI Nspire are made for classroom featuring problem-sheets and stuff like that. The HP Prime is still an excellent engineering tool, I do dislike the TI Nspire a bit in this regard. Both are CROWDED with functions and you either spend a LOT of time figuring them out, or you will have a hard time doing whatever advanced calculation!

Regards,
Vitor

[nbritton]

Just saying "non-graphic" is kinda dumb.

correction. non-graphing, not non-graphic. if his place is similar to ours, non-graphing means anything that can plot a XY graph out of an algebraic function. the reason of not everyone can afford it is nonsensical.

Yes that is correct, it has to be non-graphing. I think the policy is kinda non-sense too, this is a 200 level college mathematics class so I'm betting everyone in the class already has a graphing calculator. In fact, I have two, a TI-83 and TI-86. Her justification for the policy was multi-factored, for in-class activities we're allow to use our phone, tablet, or computer. She didn't feel that forcing the whole class to buy a $150 graphing calculator was justifiable considering the many graphing applications that are available for free. She also felt that some of the students (this is a community college) could not afford to spend $150 on a calculator, in addition to a $150 textbook. As far as testing, phones are not permitted in the testing center and she felt that if some students had graphing calculators while others did not it would give them an unfair advantage on tests; she further stated that she designed her tests to not require a graphing calculator to help level the playing field. It is what it is.

[nbritton]

The new Casio FX991EX is pretty jazzy:
http://www.casio-intl.com/asia-mea/en/calc/scientific/classwiz/fx991ex/

https://youtu.be/g65sCqZc5Ug?t=28m15s

Yes it is, that one is definitely on my short list. How does it compare to the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro and Sharp EL-W506X?

Edit: I can't seem to find the Sharp EL-W506X for sale anywhere. There was one seller on eBay in the UK but they want like $65 for it. There is also the EL-W506, this appears to be an older version.

[Maxlor]

I have both an fx-991EX and a TI-36X Pro. For a classroom, I'd go with the TI-36X Pro, the way it's layed out fits doing school/uni math quite well.

For actual engineering, the Casio's strong support for unit prefixes is quite nice. It has several usability issues though that are frustrating (only shows one calculation on screen, whereas the TI shows as many as fit and scrolls them; can't jump from the left of a line to the right, which makes editing long lines slow, whereas the TI allows shift-left and shift-right; cursor movement through complex terms can be erratic; very cluttered silkscreen; bad choice of onscreen font.) in a time-constrained test situation I feel the TI is faster.

I wouldn't be worried about features btw; it seems unlikely that your teacher will require you to use any advanced operations on your calculator.

[setq]

TI 36X Pro has some horrible bugs. It displays mixed numbers involving pi completely incorrectly.

I know of no bugs in the FX991ES PLUS.

[nbritton]

TI 36X Pro has some horrible bugs. It displays mixed numbers involving pi completely incorrectly.

I know of no bugs in the FX991ES PLUS.

I ordered both the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX because they are so cheap. I think I'll like the TI-36X Pro because I have experience with the TI-83, TI-86, and TI-30XA, however the Casio FX-991EX was only $12.87, so I'll play with both! I would have bought a Sharp too, but the EL-W506 and EL-W506X are mysteriously not available for sale anywhere in the United States.

[Maxlor]

I ordered both the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX because they are so cheap. I think I'll like the TI-36X Pro because I have experience with the TI-83, TI-86, and TI-30XA, however the Casio FX-991EX was only $12.87, so I'll play with both! I would have bought a Sharp too, but the EL-W506 and EL-W506X are mysteriously not available for sale anywhere in the United States.

Hah, that's how it starts. And a while later you suddenly realize that you have a pile of 50 different calculators but don't really need even one...

[Muxr]

I have a Casio fx-9860gii. It's a lot of calculator for the money, it's also a bit more than I need. I always liked the HP's RPN so I got me an HP 35s instead. Would really like a 15c but they are just so expensive and hard to find.

[Bicurico]

Would really like a 15c but they are just so expensive and hard to find.

Not the real thing, but pretty close: https://www.swissmicros.com/

[Muxr]

Would really like a 15c but they are just so expensive and hard to find.

Not the real thing, but pretty close: https://www.swissmicros.com/

Yeah I've seen those. Wonder how close to the real thing they are.

[mathsquid]

I have a ton of calculators.  For a non-graphing scientific calculator, I'd recommend a Casio fx-115ES Plus or a TI-36X Pro. I have a mild preference for the Casio, but both are great.

[EEVblog]

Just saying "non-graphic" is kinda dumb.

correction. non-graphing, not non-graphic. if his place is similar to ours, non-graphing means anything that can plot a XY graph out of an algebraic function.

Yes, but the point is that you can have "graphing" calculators that have oodles of other programmable stuff built in and ones that don't.
Usually there is an "approved" list of calculators for a reason, because they don't want students to have an unfair advantage. Calc companies like Casio/TI/HP take this approved list very seriously and design their calculators to meet strict school requirements in order to get approved. They leave out features in order to get on this list.

Drawing the line at simply graphing/non-graphing is a silly line.

[LabSpokane]

If you're doing complex matrices on a calculator you probably also hit screws with a hammer...

Here in wall-buildin' 'Murica!, solving large, complex matrices on tests is the norm. It's why such capability exists in a scientific calculator.

Out in the real world, you're correct, nobody uses a calculator to solve matrices.

[setq]

I had the same thing at school in the UK in the early 1990s. Mathematics was taught with specific calculator features. We had mandatory TI-81s back then though. Still got mine somewhere.

[nbritton]

So the Sharp EL-W506X is on Sharp's USA website, but it isn't for sale anywhere in the USA. However, the Sharp EL-W516X is available in the USA, but it isn't on Sharp's USA website. WTF? As far as I can tell the EL-W506X and EL-W516X appear to have the same features. I'm getting irritated at Sharp for making me so confused.

[setq]

Casio are just as bad. You can't get the 991EX in the UK; you have to get it shipped from India.

[Warhawk]

Interesting, I am just dealing with this topic because my father asked me for a replacement for his old SHARP.

My findings (but I am not 100% sure):

Casio:
FX-115ES and FX-911ES is the same calculator with different labels for different markets.
There is also updated "plus" model. The "plus" model has faster MCU, few more functions and slightly different look. There is also a special "DE" variant for Germany with more functions.
I expect that other, country-specific versions, exist which may or may be not identical.

Version FX-570ES is again identical but without the solar cell.

The most recent model of 115/911/570 series is  the "X" version. It has again modern look, some extra functions, new menu. Also exists in "DE" version which is the most advanced, but however only with German manual and menu.

Sources:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casio_fx-991ES
http://www.numericana.com/answer/casio.htm

Sharp:

The answer on that from Sharp is "EL-W506" and the updated model "EL-W506X". The X version comes in different colors. I got it from amazon and I am going to return it immediately. First, I got the "violet" version. Second, the mechanical construction and overal look and feel is terrible. Over and above the front face, including buttons, is "piano black".... (do I need to comment on this ?) .

In the US, this calculator is sold as W516XBSL.

Sources:
http://www.sharp-world.com/products/calculators/sc_calculator/index.html
http://sharpcalculators.com/index.php/products#!/EL-W516XBSL-Advanced-Scientific-Calculator-with-WriteView™-4-Line-Display-&-Solar-Power/p/44939237/category=11711077

Isn't that madness ?

I would go with Casio "X" version (non-de). However I can not find this on Amazon.de so I may buy him EL-W506 (the old model) or Casio ES+ variant (that one is also available here in English).

I hope it helps.

[Mechatrommer]

$15-20... https://www.amazon.com/Casio-FX-570MS-Scientific-Calculations-Calculator/dp/B0044AH1Z4

[TohKah]

I use( still do today)  the ol $14 TI-30xIIs. used it for years in highschool and college. Never have owned a graphing calculator. Does all the usuall scientific claculator stuff and can type in an equation (watch your parentheses) and it can figure it out. I used the store function alot so bigger equations I broke down into chunks then stored the answers and plugged them into the final equation to get an answer. it can add subtract multiply and divide fractions and mixed fractions and convert to decimal.


I did have a casio something I got strictly for adding and converting binary, hex, octal, decimal numbers. Done enough of that crap long hand so not anymore haha.

[nbritton]

I received both the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX a few days ago. My first impressions are I love the Casio. Every time I've tried to use the TI-36X Pro I ended up getting frustrated with it really quickly and end up putting it down and picking up the Casio fx-991EX. To me the Casio has been way more intuitive to use, within minutes I was being productive on the Casio whereas on the TI I still haven't figured out the basics. The build quality of the Casio is also better, it feels like a better and more modern calculator. The 192 x 63 dot matrix display on the Casio puts the TI to shame, when you look at both calculators side by side it makes the TI look antiquated.

Casio has a 200+ page activity workbook for the fx-991EX here: http://edu.casio.com/education/activity/

[borjam]

Would really like a 15c but they are just so expensive and hard to find.

Not the real thing, but pretty close: https://www.swissmicros.com/

I ordered the large 16C (DM-16L) from them and it's pretty nice. I own a real HP-16C and the re-issued limited edition of the HP-15C. The keyboard in the HP reissued calculator is not that good: keys bounce now and then. I haven't experienced any bounce on the Swiss Micros 16. As a downside, the keys are a bit too stiff, but reliable. The tactile feedback is excellent. The package is pretty solidly built, and as far as I know they run the HP firmware on an emulator, which is how the limited edition 15C works.

The smaller, credit card size models don't have the advantage of a nice keyboard, however, so I would recommend the "large" ones.

These RPN calculators can be tricky to use at first, but once you get used to them you won't want to go back. The full featured model is the DM-15L, the equivalent of the sorely missed HP-15C

[nbritton]

Update: So the Casio fx-991EX has become my daily driver. For a $13 calculator the things that this thing can do are amazing. I spent twice as much as that on just my set of colored erasable pens, so what you get for $13 is an incredible value. I'm not sure if I even touched the TI-36X Pro since my last post. Every time I compare the two calculators side by side the overwhelming thought in my head is the TI is an obsolete relic because the screen on it is just so shitty when compared to the screen on the Casio.

The table mode on this calculator is a great time saver, simply plug in your equation with x variables and it will generate a table with x, y values. It's a good alternative for those who don't have access to a graphing calculator for whatever reason. It came in real handy the other day when the teacher had me graph a sixth degree polynomial by hand on an exam. The function had a hidden vertical asymptote with a discontinuous triple step jump that I was able to see using table mode once I changed my increments to 0.2 steps.

I was going to mention a few cons about the Casio, but honestly I can't even remember any that are worth mentioning. Most of the ones I was thinking of are just quirks or minor annoyances.

[setq]

Learn how to use the solver as well. That saves me a lot of algebra

[billfernandez]

I see the OP has found a solution.  Congrats.

Just to add my 2 cents to the general discussion:  I prefer RPN, and have found the HP 35s very satisfactory for daily calculator use in my office, and the pCalc app very satisfactory on my iPhone.

[TimFox]

Would really like a 15c but they are just so expensive and hard to find.

Not the real thing, but pretty close: https://www.swissmicros.com/

Yeah I've seen those. Wonder how close to the real thing they are.

I took delivery of the swissmicro 15C clone just before travelling.  It's beautifully built, with very nice button feel.  I haven't tried anything exotic yet, but it does have a three-position setting for the heaviness of the font--I preferred the medium setting, but it defaults to the fine setting.  The battery is a modern Li cell, instead of the -hp- alkaline cells.
RPN is the only way to go on regular hand-held calculating.  I own four real -hp-s from pre-Carly days.  The battery life is very long, and the mechanics are robust.  Actual computation speed is not an issue for hand-held use.  If I need to do real computation, I use a computer.
The manufacturer claims that there is no copyright in the original -hp- microcode from the years of production, and therefore copied it.

[saturation]

AFAIK Casio is the only one to use QR codes to pass calculator values to another device and offset a need for added cost in making a graphing calculator.  QR is more convenient and flexible over USB or IR used in the past since most everyone has a smartphone, tablet etc., to pass data to a website then abstract from there. It also ties one closer to Casio.

One can also use the less intuitive virtual calculator from Casio to do everything and not have a hardware calculator, once you get the syntax right, and use it on your phone:

http://keisan.casio.com/keisan/service.php


Casio spreadsheets have small data sets, e.g. in the stat function I see the 991EX has N <= 160; table are N < 45.  On the older FX260 N ~ unlimited but no table functions. 

There are ~ 100 more functions on the German "991EX DE".

What I like with hardware calculators is if I can use it faster than anything else: software via phone, tablet, or PC, its in my workbench.

[ez24]

I'm taking a refresher mathematics course and the teacher won't let us use graphing calculators on the tests because she believes that not everyone in the class can afford to buy one.

I went through the same thing.  We were using slide rules and I argued with the teacher to allow calculators.  He said that when they cost as much as a slide rule, he would allow them.  One day during the class I showed him an ad that proved they cost as much as a slide rule. So I asked if they would be allowed and he said yes, but for the next semester's class.     That was the end of slide rules.

[Hydrawerk]

I have a Casio FX-5800P since september 2009. It works very well and i love it. It runs on one AAA 1,5V battery.

[TimFox]

I'm taking a refresher mathematics course and the teacher won't let us use graphing calculators on the tests because she believes that not everyone in the class can afford to buy one.

I went through the same thing.  We were using slide rules and I argued with the teacher to allow calculators.  He said that when they cost as much as a slide rule, he would allow them.  One day during the class I showed him an ad that proved they cost as much as a slide rule. So I asked if they would be allowed and he said yes, but for the next semester's class.     That was the end of slide rules.

An unfortunate consequence of the obsolescence of slide rules is that no one understands "slide-rule accuracy" anymore.

[ez24]

Now scientific calculators are obsolete:

http://www.mathlab.us/calc/index.html

[setq]

Now scientific calculators are obsolete:

http://www.mathlab.us/calc/index.html

This is a typical comment I hear when it comes to app based calculators.

It doesn't have real buttons. That's the biggest gripe with these things. You need tactile feedback when entering things into a calculator. Plus all the other distractions, updates, battery life, display etc.

No thanks.

[HighVoltage]

Try to find a Sharp PC-1350 and you can program everything in to it with a pretty large display for an ancient calculator.
I use this one or a HP 15C as a daily calculator.

[Maxlor]

Try to find a Sharp PC-1350 and you can program everything in to it with a pretty large display for an ancient calculator.

Hah, I have one of those too. But... while you can program everything on it, an ancient line-based BASIC with rather crude editing capabilities is really not what I'd want to use on a daily basis Also, heh, the keyboard is horrible. And yet, when it came out it was impressive in its features and capabilities.

[HighVoltage]

Also, heh, the keyboard is horrible. And yet, when it came out it was impressive in its features and capabilities.

Very true.
It has a RS232 serial port and it was my first "PC" to be hooked up to an instrument, reading out data and analyzing it.
That was kind of impressive in the early 80s

[borjam]

I've got an ancient PC-1430.

And now, for something funny. It suffers from a buffer overflow, you can bypass the password used to protect the programs