What is the best calculator in the world and why?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around opinions on the best calculator, exploring various models and their suitability for different fields such as engineering, business, and statistics. Participants share personal preferences and experiences with different calculators, considering factors like functionality, ease of use, and historical significance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants favor the TI-83 for its historical success and ease of use, while others suggest the TI-84 as a more modern alternative.
  • One participant argues that the TI-89 and HP 50G are superior for more advanced applications, although they may not be necessary for all users.
  • Another participant highlights the TI-83/84's strengths in statistics, suggesting it may be the best choice for business or technology majors.
  • Some participants recommend the HP 48 for its efficiency among engineers, noting that it is no longer in production.
  • There are suggestions for pocket calculators, including the HP 35s and Casio fx115 ES, emphasizing programmability and specific features.
  • One participant mentions using both a TI-89 and a Casio fx-115 for different types of calculations, indicating a preference for having multiple tools.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of preferences and experiences with different calculators, indicating that there is no consensus on a single "best" calculator. Multiple competing views remain regarding the suitability of various models for different applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants' recommendations depend on individual needs and contexts, such as the specific fields of study or types of calculations required. Some calculators are noted for their historical significance, while others are critiqued for their limitations in certain testing environments.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and professionals in engineering, business, and statistics, as well as anyone looking to purchase a calculator for academic or practical use.

Lammy
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What in your opinion is the best(or even just your favourite) calculator in the world? And why?
 
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TI-83, because reasons.
 
TI-83 is the most successful historically but it's showing it's age. Little reason not to go for the 84+. The 89 is powerful, but currently not allowed for the ACT test.
 
This is a loaded question. Take for example the suggestion of the Ti-83/84 (same calculator aside from speed and memory, the extra memory holds extra calculator apps). It is a nice easy to use graphing calculator of moderate complexity. It is NOT in the same league as the Ti-89 or Hp 50G, but for a business or technology major, it could be an excellent choice and deemed the best. Why? it has Excellent statistics functions and features that are not as well implemented by the higher end calculators. If I were a heavy user of statistics, it might be my 1st calculator recommendation. I have seen engineers get their engineering degrees with this calculator and swear by it.

However, I used other features more often. Here is the order I would suggest you consider if you looking to buy the best:
Ti-89
Hp Prime
Hp 50G
I won't recommend the Ti nspire as a calculator, but if you want a math tool, it may be something to consider ( I would definitely buy a Ti pocket calculator to complement this, if you select an Nspire).

If you are looking for a pocket calculator:
Hp 35s (only because it is programmable and OS selectable ie RPN or algebraic (EOS)).
Ti-36 Plus
Casio fx115 ES
Hp 17Bii (Business calculator, NO TRIG, but has solver with 32 K of RAM and is OS selectable RPN or algebraic (chain logic)).
 
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The smartest, most efficient engineers, use the HP 48. They don't make them anymore, so if you want a new calculator, you are going to have to get an hp 50g
 
I've got a ti-89, ti has a book for ee applications, as well as the ti-89 for dummies, also got a fx-115 for quick calculations. get both of those is my suggestion.
 

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