Although we develop software calculators, we are also keen on hardware
pocket calculators, and some of us have been using
them for a long time. When you're not at your computer, you need a pocket
calculator (unless you own a PocketPC with Calc98 installed!). And some pocket calculators
are now so powerful that they are really computers in their own right. Many
come with powerful programming capablities and graphics. Here we list some
of our favorites in various categories.
The links take you to our friends at 
where you can see more information or buy a calculator.
Most are offered at a considerable discount to the list price.
Basic Scientific Calculators
Scientific calculators offer, in addition to the basic arithmetic operations, transcendental functions such as sines, logarithms and powers. These functions are computed as required by the calculator using series expansions. Before calculators were available you would have looked these functions up in tables (to a much more limited accuracy).
They are heavily used by mathematics, science and engineering students.
In addition, these devices usually include a range of statistical functions to compute means and standard deviations, combinatorial calculations and possibly linear regression.
Most can also convert between different number bases and apply logic operators such as AND and XOR. These are especially useful to people working with computers and logic design.
The number of functions means that calculator designers have had to assign two or more of them to each button, which makes the fascia look fairly complicated when compared to a simple arithmetic calculator.
Because of the demand from school students, calculators in this category are produced in large numbers (with several million sold worldwide each year) and consequently the prices are relatively low.
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A scientific calculator with 144 built-in mathematical functions,
fraction functions,
accurate 10-digit plus 2 display,
and a backspace key to correct entry mistakes.
It supports single variable statistical calculations,
and is solar powered.
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This calculator supports fractions in numerator/denominator format,
trigonometric functions, logarithms, roots, powers, reciprocals, factorials,
polar/rectangular conversions,
1-variable statistics including results for mean and standard deviation.
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Advanced Scientific Calculators
Some manufacturers have tried to make scientific calculators easier to use by having a two-line display. An algebraic style expression is entered on one line and the answer can be displayed on the second line. The advantage is that the expression can be edited and the result re-calculated. The user has to observe the correct syntax, however, and some users prefer the more conventional style of calculator.
Other features in these more advanced scientific calculators are fractions and programmability. The programmables can be given a sequence of instructions for complex calculations which are frequently used. In practice, programming is quite difficult using the limited language and display capabilities of pocket calculators and tends to resemble programming in assembly code.
If you need to write programs it probably makes more sense to use a computer.
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Ideal for school use. It has just about everything
needed including a two-line display, and is inexpensive.
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This calculator supports fractions in numerator/denominator format,
trigonometric functions, logarithms, roots, powers, reciprocals, factorials,
polar/rectangular conversions,
1-variable statistics including results for mean and standard deviation.
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This is a two line scientific calculator with a solar panel.
It is capable of complex number calculation,
has 279 built-in mathematical functions, and can calculate with fractions.
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A two-line scientific calculator at an attractive price,
this calculator has been a popular choice.
It has a menu-driven user interface and can scroll
back and edit through previous calculations.
It has a solar panel and conventional battery back-up.
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Graphing Scientific Calculators
Graphing calculators allow you to display an expression in graphical form. This tends to be of most use in education where a student can quickly display a trancendental function or expression, which helps in understanding.
The effect of changing parameters in the expression can also be observed.
This has made graphing calculators very popular in education.
It has to be said that for graphical output the displays on these devices are quite limited, with a resolution considerably less than most PDAs.
If you need to plot real data, for example, you will probably want to use a computer.
The larger display size of the graphing calculators, whilst of limited use for curve plotting, makes it possible for the designers to add additional ease-of-use features, and so most of these calculators include some kind of menu system.
This also means that more features can be added without further adding to the complexity of the calculator key layout.
Most graphing calculators are also programmable, and the larger display makes programming easier and allows programs to interact with the user more effectively.
Many also have an optional connector to exchange data and software with a computer, which allows you to download software from the Internet.
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For the list price of this calculator you could buy a palm-held computer, or even a second-hand PC.
On the other hand, you would need a lot of software to match this compact unit.
Add to this the substantial discount and it starts to look like an essential tool for the
engineering professional or advanced student.
As you would expect, its capabilities are comprehensive.
It has a built-in equation library with more than 300 scientific and engineering equations.
You can create new applications quickly and easily.
Fully expandable memory and features with plug-in cards.
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Much less expensive than the TI92, the TI83 can cover a lot of the same ground.
It is very widely used in US schools and colleges.
The TI83 Plus has more memory than
its predecessor the TI83. There is an optional input/output port and cable,
letting you connect to other TI-89s, TI-92s, or
PCs.
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This "special edition" version of the TI83 Plus has more than just a fashionable
translucent case. It has a faster processor and much more memory than the
regular TI83 Plus.
And it includes the link cable letting you connect to PCs and download programs from the internet.
If you are considering the TI83 Plus, this is probably worth the extra money.
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Less expensive and smaller than the TI-92, the TI-89 is still very powerful
and has many of the features of the more expensive model.
It includes a Computer Algebra System, advanced mathematics software,
and includes an input/output port and cable,
letting you connect to other TI-89s, TI-92s, or
PCs. Upgradeable flash memory.
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As with the HP48, for the list price of this calculator you could by a palm-held computer, or go most of the way towards a low-cost PC. But when you look at the specifications you find that it very nearly is a PC, with 800 kilobytes of memory!
The graphics are impressive for a calculator, and
it even has a QWERTY keyboard.
It includes a Computer Algebra System, advanced mathematics software, and is electronically upgradable using flash memory technology. Warning: this calculator is so powerful that it is forbidden in some schools and examinations.
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An advanced graphing calculator with an unusual colo(u)r display, which is
large (21-character, 8-line)
and supports an icon-driven menu.
32 KB memory and stores up to 38 programs.
Includes over 900 built-in functions.
Built-in communications port to link to PC.
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Advanced graphing calculator with icon-driven menu.
Large 21-character, 8-line display.
768 KB ROM flash memory for downloading new software.
Algebra tutor for step-by-step solutions.
Includes factor/expand, simplify, simultaneous equations, and other functions.
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This calculator features a large 131-by-64-pixel, high-contrast screen.
It can perform hypothesis tests and measure confidence intervals.
Connects to your PC.
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HP's latest has sleek modern styling, but underneath is a powerful calculator:
Dynamic algebra and calculus functions.
Fast, flexible, and intelligent editor.
Ideal for either hand-held or desktop use.
Step-by-step mode for dynamic derivation, integration, and linear algebra problem solving.
Algebraic but RPN capable. 1.5 Mb memory. 2300 built-in functions. Optional PC link.
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Financial Calculators
Financial calculators are designed for people working with money, particularly those making investment decisions over long periods where the time value of money becomes significant.
Many lack the full range of mathematical functions found on scientific calculators, but have
many specialized features.
The classic financial calculator of the 1980's was the HP12C, which is still made, albeit with updated electronics.
The most important application in financial calculators is the time value of money.
In essence, the calculator solves for the initial amount, interest (or discount) rate, the final amount, the number of periods, and the repeating payment (possibly zero).
You can input all of these values with the exception of one, which the calculator then solves for.
This allows you to compute all kinds of leases and investments.
Other features are typically date functions, depreciation and bond and option calculations.
Most financial calculators are programmable, but as for the programmable scientific calculators, programming is not easy with a limited display and programming language.
However the manufacturers often supply useful pre-written software for solving more complex problems.
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As you would expect from something called a "Business Consultant" this calculator is expensive.
But it is also the best.
Over 450 business, statistical, and scientific functions.
Includes HP Solve application,
graphing display for histograms, scatter diagrams, and curve fits.
List-based, 2-variable statistics and forecasting.
Tracks loan payments and computes interest rates, amortization and internal rate of return.
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This is a less expensive version of the HP19B with many of the features of the more costly device.
It has over 250 built-in functions and supports both algebraic notation and RPN.
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The BA (Business Analyst) II Plus is a popular financial calculator made by Texas Instruments for business professionals and students.
It is easy to use including powerful features such as cash-flow analysis and advanced statistics.
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The Hewlett Packard HP12C is the classic RPN financial calculator of the eighties.
This is the one Gordon Gecko would have used!
It is still in production, with updated electronics but functionally the same.
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The Hewlett Packard HP10Bii (updating the HP10B) is a newer offering from HP with similar capabilities to the HP12C but using
more conventional algebraic logic instead of RPN.
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Product information presented on this page is for guidance only. Please follow the links to amazon.com for up-to-date product specifications.