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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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Regardless if I have Excel nearby, I'm a massive fan of the HP 12c.


1 posted on 10/05/2022 5:20:34 PM PDT by DoodleBob
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Democrats calculating inflation
2 posted on 10/05/2022 5:26:49 PM PDT by dsrtsage ( Complexity is just simple lacking imagination)
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To: DoodleBob

Everyone I know used the TI-89 in Engineering school.


3 posted on 10/05/2022 5:28:46 PM PDT by EEGator
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To: DoodleBob

I’ve more calculators than I know what to do with

Mostly TI


4 posted on 10/05/2022 5:30:13 PM PDT by NWFree (Somebody has to say it 🤪)
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To: DoodleBob

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.


5 posted on 10/05/2022 5:31:06 PM PDT by 21twelve (Ever Vigilant. Never Fearful.)
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To: dsrtsage
I'm calling BS, FRiend... clearly that's fake news.

Dems can't operate an abacus.

6 posted on 10/05/2022 5:31:12 PM PDT by DoodleBob ( Gravity’s waiting period is about 9.8 m/s²)
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To: EEGator

TI Scientific rules


7 posted on 10/05/2022 5:31:39 PM PDT by mylife (And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids...)
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To: DoodleBob
These electronic calculator gizmos are just a passing fad. I’m sticking with my trusty slide rule. It’s precise to three significant digits (I never needed any more). And batteries are not required!


8 posted on 10/05/2022 5:31:42 PM PDT by Leaning Right (The steal is real.)
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To: DoodleBob

One of my TI calculators is 45 years old but doesn’t really look dated


9 posted on 10/05/2022 5:33:14 PM PDT by NWFree (Somebody has to say it 🤪)
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To: DoodleBob

I still use my HP-11c occasionally.


10 posted on 10/05/2022 5:35:19 PM PDT by Dutch Boy (The only thing worse than having something taken from you is to have it returned broken. )
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To: DoodleBob

No Gakulator?


11 posted on 10/05/2022 5:35:37 PM PDT by InvisibleChurch (https://thepurginglutheran.wordpress.com)
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To: DoodleBob

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


12 posted on 10/05/2022 5:35:38 PM PDT by Karliner (Heb 4:12 Rom 8:28 Rev 3, "...This is the end of the beginning." Churchill)
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To: DoodleBob

Bought a TI financial calculator for a corporate finance class 20 some years ago. Used it one semester and never looked at it again.


13 posted on 10/05/2022 5:36:08 PM PDT by Larry Lucido (Donate! Don't just post clickbait!)
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To: NWFree; EEGator
In my profession, you have immediate street cred if you show up to a meeting with a physical calculator.

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.

14 posted on 10/05/2022 5:36:17 PM PDT by DoodleBob ( Gravity’s waiting period is about 9.8 m/s²)
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To: DoodleBob

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.


15 posted on 10/05/2022 5:36:24 PM PDT by rigelkentaurus
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To: DoodleBob

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.


16 posted on 10/05/2022 5:40:26 PM PDT by Think free or die
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To: DoodleBob

Bkmk


17 posted on 10/05/2022 5:40:59 PM PDT by sauropod (Unbelief has nothing to say. Chance favors the prepared mind.)
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To: DoodleBob

HP has no equal!!!


18 posted on 10/05/2022 5:41:05 PM PDT by fishtank (The denial of original sin is the root of liberalism.)
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To: Larry Lucido

Excel and phone calculators have essentially destroyed the hand held calculator market for many sectors.


19 posted on 10/05/2022 5:41:31 PM PDT by DoodleBob ( Gravity’s waiting period is about 9.8 m/s²)
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To: Leaning Right

Well, that’s how we got to the Moon...


20 posted on 10/05/2022 5:42:31 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it.")
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