Casio FX-115MS Plus Scientific Calculator by Casio
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Digital camera reviews of Casio FX-115MS Plus Scientific Calculator
Digital camera Review: got it for PE exam, now I use it every day
Summary: 4 Stars
This was one of the few calculators on the list for the PE exam. It was also the cheapest (I think). I bought it, and started practicing with it at work so I'd be comfortable with it at the exam. It turns out that I love the data entry format. I used HP's RPN for a LONG time and thought it would be difficult to switch, but this makes even more sense because you enter the problem EXACTLY how you would write it on the paper (i.e. square root sign comes BEFORE the number)! I don't even use my trusty old HP now unless I accidentally leave this one at home. I am even thinking about getting a 2nd one so I can have 1 at work and 1 at home to study with (and I've heard that sometimes calculators walk away during lunch hour at PE exams, so it might be good to have a 2nd hiding in my bag).
The only flaws I've found so far are the instruction manual, quick auto power-off and the plastic cover. The manual does not go into enough detail but there are several references available online so, not a huge deal for me. When I get close to the exam, I'll probably print out my favorite and take it with me. The quick power-off (after about 6 minutes) can be frustrating, but I haven't really had a huge problem with it.
The plastic cover is annoying because it snaps on and off instead of slides. I don't know why this bothers me, it just does. Also, it would have been nice if the cover was flat. Instead, it is slightly rounded with "feet" to stabilize it. The feet work great as long as the entire calculator is sitting on a flat surface but if one corner is off, the whole calculator rocks back and forth every time you hit a button. Also, with the cover snapped onto the back, it is kind of uncomfortable to hold in one hand and enter data. With the cover off it is better, but I'm worried I'll loose the cover.
I am definately happy that I purchased this calculator instead of the more expensive HP that was on the PE approved list.
Digital camera Review: Wow!
Summary: 5 Stars
This little thing is really a gem! I'm shocked at how much math a $20 calculator can do. Really helped me get through the FE as this thing solves quadratic & cubic equations, and even does numeric integration and differentiation! A very well designed tool.Digital camera Review: Best calculator I've owned
Summary: 5 Stars
Does everything I need it to do for engineering classes without all the extra frills and distracting buttons people never use.Digital camera Review: Excellent calculator for the price.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the HP 33S last year for the sole purpose of taking the PE. I have been using HP calculators and the RPN logic for more than 20 years and felt very compfortable with it; however, the 33S was a dissapointment to me, for one reason, good luck trying to see the decimal point, so 33.457 looks like 33457, that one little thing turned me off from using the 33S, so I went and purchased the casio fx-115MS, what a calculator!!! So many functions, and ease of use, the two lines are a beauty, and the numbers are huge, and don't forget the decimal point, I can really see it. I think I'll buy another one as back up. Now, if only the Casio can take the PE test for me!Digital camera Review: Casio FX-115MS, a very good calculator
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a faithful user of the HP 48G since 1995. However I needed a calculator that is permitted on the EIT exam. Since I am comfortable with Reverse Polish Notation entry format, my first inclination was to look for a HP product that is approved for the exam. However after reading the reviews on-line and seeing the price of the HP33S, I decided to look for an alternative. The TI 30XIIs and the Casio fx-115MS were viable options at a better price. I bought both of the TI and the Casio for comparison.
Both calculators are about the same size, approximately 6"(T)X 3"(W)x1/2"(D). The feel of the buttons/keys on the TI was a bit dull when pressed. The Casio keys had slightly more engaged-feel when depressed. The engaged-button feel helps when I am keying numbers without looking at the screen to know whether the calculator took the string of digits and operators correctly. The color scheme employed for button labeling on the TI does not make the "2nd" functions stand out. This is made worse by the shadow cast by the tall buttons, which make the lettering for the "2nd" functions harder to read. The Casio uses fairly distinctive colors for lettering and function schemes. This makes it easier and faster to find the correct key.
I find that for engineering problems, Casio had more built in buttons. Thus I don't have to always use "shift" or "2nd" functions. I also liked the layout of the buttons on the Casio. I feel it is a bit easier to find the right keys, due to more logical key placement for certain functions. On the TI, I have to spend more time hunting down the button.
A few reviewers have noted that the Casio manual that comes with calculator to be mediocre. That is also my perception after reading through the manual. The TI came with a manual and a practice guide. The TI manual is more thorough and sequential in presenting the information. The TI practice guide presents some simple problems and show the keys that need to be pressed. This helps get the user to become familiar with the key layout and input sequence.
To overcome the mediocre Casio manual, I searched on the internet and found a tutorial on how to use the fx-115ms written by a math instructor for his or her students. The tutorial is fairly detailed and easy to follow.
Overall, both the TI 30XIIs and the Casio fx-115MS are very capable calculators. However I found the Casio to be more suitable for my needs. I would give this Casio product somewhere between 4.5 to 5 stars.