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Scientific calculator recommendations

M

metroplex

Golden Member
I've been spoiled by my TI-86 and TI-89, and recently learned that I will need a scientific calculator to take a standardized exam (PE). The board lists 3 brands:
Casio FX-115
TI 30X / 36X
HP 33s / 35s

Which of these should I buy? I'm looking for something that is the most flexible, has the most functions/power, and is reliable. I have no use for RPN / Reverse Polish Notation, but fast conversions and pretty print might come in handy.
 
I had the casio for my FE because it has one line of "buffer" and I liked it a lot...
 
It doesn't really matter they all do the same thing pretty much... it's not the same as choosing between graphing calculators.

That said, go with the Ti-30, because it'll feel slightly familiar in function since you're used to the ti graphing calculators.
 
I also used the Casio (FX-115MS) when I took the FE and had no complaints. It even includes a little cheat-sheet on the inside of the cover! It wasn't particularly hard to make the transition from using a TI-83 and TI-89 (I bought the Casio a few days before the test and barely used it beforehand), although the FE doesn't really require much in the way of calculator gymnastics. I don't know if the PE is different in that regard.
 
Originally posted by: BlackTigers91
I've had the TI-30xA/B for as long as I can remember, I love it. 😀
Click to expand...
Me too... but that Casio looks pretty sweet with that extra line on it.
 
Originally posted by: metroplex
I've been spoiled by my TI-86 and TI-89, and recently learned that I will need a scientific calculator to take a standardized exam (PE). The board lists 3 brands:
Casio FX-115
TI 30X / 36X
HP 33s / 35s

Which of these should I buy? I'm looking for something that is the most flexible, has the most functions/power, and is reliable. I have no use for RPN / Reverse Polish Notation, but fast conversions and pretty print might come in handy.
Click to expand...

My friend this is the best calculator, and my trustworthy companion for coming onto 7 years now. What makes it great

* very large memory (i.e. it can remember what u asked it 100 operations ago etc), this feature is immensely useful once you get used to it for error checking
* great scroll feature
* reliable
* cheap
* looks good

Get it! Go to Amazon.com and read up all the rave reviews it got. All other calculators suck compared to this.
 
Casio Calcs are horrible... except for that one they came out with like 10 years ago that graphed in 3 colors...

but even that one in comparison to the TI, it was like compaing a 4 cylinder engine and a V8...


casio calcs are like MACS... dumbed down for the everyday idiot.
 
Doesn't the TI 36X II have more power than the TI 30X IIS? Why did they discontinue the 36X II? Which TI should I get? They have quite a few 30 / 36 models.

The HP 35s looks very antiquated (retro-styling) and the layout is very different from what I am used to seeing.

I will be using this scientific calculator for the PE Exam and maybe for general engineering work if it is good. I will keep my TI-89 but obviously I cannot use it for the standardized exam.
 
Originally posted by: metroplex
How does the HP 33s / 35s compare to the FX-115 and the TI-30X IIS?
Click to expand...

The 33s / 35s exist because some people (me!) prefer RPN to algebraic. You can use algebraic with them, but if you're going to do that, just get a TI.

Between the two (33s / 35s), the 35s is superior and worth the extra $$$. The keyboard is vastly better than the 33s and came out much later.

But if you don't like RPN, then get the TI or casio. Algebraic on the HP is rather clunky.

Edit: I notice you have an 89. If you want to take RPN for a test drive, install this. I used it for about a year before I broke down and bought an HP.

Edit again: I've been using the 30XIIS quite a bit since it's one of the approved calculators for the actuarial exams. I think the keyboard is quite mushy, so try before you buy. In comparison, the TI BA II Plus, also an approved calculator for me, has a much better keyboard.
 
I checked out RPN on Wiki and it's definitely not for me. I'll look at the TI but I'm still confused on which model to buy.
 
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