I was provided this calculator by my school so didn't purchase it myself but I know it is readily available in most shops (WHSmith - £9.99, Tesco, Argos).
The calculator is made by Casio which is a well known and trusted brand for calculators. The dimensions are 84x155x12mm and it is light to carry. It comes in two parts - the main calculator (black face and grey base) and plastic sliding lid (grey). The lid is easy to use although personally I just keep the lid on the back leaving the calculator displayed all the time. The keys are large enough for easy use and also all writing is clear on and above the keys.
This is a scientific calculator with 249 functions (164 scientific functions) - including statistic functions. It is ideal for and aimed at secondary school students (11-16) but can also be used post 16. (I got through my A-levels and degree with an ordinary scientific calculator - never needed a graphical one).
One of the key features of this calculator is the 'Revolutionary Natural Textbook Display'. This allows you to enter expressions as seen in a text book and displaying answers in the same way. For example, fractions are written as one number over another. In a regular scientific calculator you can only display this using the ‘a b/c’ button and end up with a symbol like this ┘. But with the natural display you can type a fraction as a fraction should be written and the answers are given in the same manner. This works for surds as well, but for other functions you can type it in text book manner but will get your answer as a number (for example in indices 7^4 x 7^3 gives the actual value and not 7^7).
I think this feature is very useful but I find it fiddly to use as you have to use the scroll button to get the number in the right place. It’s easy to get use to, especially if this will be your first scientific calculator.
It is solar powered so will hardly ever require battery replacement (I have never changed the battery in my own Casio solar calculator which is over 5 years old now!). The calculator came with fold out user guides in several languages. I think a booklet would have been more useful; nevertheless, it is easy to follow and covers all the functions of the calculator and everything you will need to know about it, e.g. getting started, precautions, and technical information. Lots of diagrams and examples are included making everything clear.
Overall, I would describe the as a modern calculator and the natural display is probably something that most new calculators will feature. Personally I wouldn’t buy it as I am very happy with my older model.
It is definitely a good buy though! Casio is a well known calculator maker so you can be assured that you are getting a good product. Being solar powered saves on batteries and a good scientific calculator can be used throughout all education years (secondary onwards, not needed for primary).
Thanks for reading :-)
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Jun 9th, 2007
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