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: Just ONE thing!
Summary: 3 Stars
This is an outstanding machine. The keyboard layout is terrific. The one stroke Ans key, and the ability to call up and reuse old expressions are priceless. If it weren't for ONE thing, I'd put my TI-89 away and use the 115MS all the time. (Really tough computations are done on the computer, anyhow.) a) When the 115MS goes off, ALL THE OLD CALCULATIONS are lost, and b) The calculator TURNS OFF AUTOMATICALLY (with malice aforethought!) after a few minutes.
What are you thinking, Casio?? It almost seems as if they deliberately crippled this machine, so serious users would have to buy a more expensive calculator. The problem with that is, the more expensive (eg. graphing) machines are almost impossible to use due to "creeping elegance" (an old term that should be resuscitated). There are so many hundreds of functions, the simplest functions get buried under layers and layers of menus.
I can't tell you the number of times I've REALLY NEEDED an expression I put into the calculator a day ago, a week ago, even a month ago. Very frustrating. I have a few minor quibbles with the function set, and the way the editing keys work, but if they just got this one detail right, I'd fork over $100 for one of these babies.
But for now, until somebody gets it right, I'm forced to struggle along with my TI-89 and its creeping elegance.
Digital camera Review: Cassio vs. Sharp
Summary: 5 Stars
I have purchased within the last two weeks both the Casio fx-115MS and the Sharp EL-506VB calculators. If you enter (21)2 in both calculators and then press the equal key, the Casio will display "Syntax Error" and the Sharp will display "Error 1.". Why is an error message displayed in both calculators? Does this mean that there is the same "bug" in both calculators?On the other hand, if you enter 2(21) in both calculators and then press the equal key, both calculators will generate 42 in their respective display areas. It must be that each calculator's design is such that both do not recognize an "operator" (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) when a number enclosed in parentheses is immediately followed by another number.
If you enter (21)2, both calculators recognize it as an error in "syntax" or rules by which either unit can calculate or perform an "operation." You did not enter an operator so the calculator cannot perform any calculation. In the first case, (21)2, no operation (multiplication) is recognized by either calculator and as a result, both units generate the "error" message. In the second case, 2(21), both calculators recognize the "operator" (multiplication) and performs the operation to arrive at the correct answer, 42.
Nevertheless, both the Sharp and the Casio recognizes the "order of operation." For example, if you enter the expression (2 +3)2 and then press the equal key, you will again see the "error" message displayed by both calculators. However, if you enter (2 + 3) x 2, you will see the correct answer displayed by both calculators, that is, 10. It is evident that any number or expression enclosed in parentheses as the first entry which is then followed by a number will generate the "error" message.
I just tried entering (2 + 3)2 on the scientific calculator that comes with Windows XP Home edition. When I pressed the enter key, the display remained at "2." This means that the computer did not recognize any "operator" after (2 + 3). If you enter "(" then "2" then "+" then "3" then ")", you see immediately that the result of the operation is 5. Go on and enter "2" and press the equal key, and you see that nothing happens because you did not enter any operator (multiplication) after 5. You are stuck at 2. While the calculator in Windows will not generate an "error" message on the one hand, both the Sharp and Casio will to let you know that you have violated the "syntax" or rules used by either calculator. Remember, a calculator is just a dumb paper weight and it won't do anything for you until you tell it exactly what to do. However, both the Sharp and Casio will perform various calculations for you but will only follow the "syntax" or rules incorporated in their respective designs.
One feature on the Sharp that I really like is the fact that each numeral or expression you enter is displayed in the lower line of the two line display before you enter an operator. This allows you to see and make sure you are entering the correct data. Once you enter the correct data and follow it with some type of operator, the data you entered appears on the upper line of the display area. This allows you to "double check" all entries before you press an operator or equal key. The Casio fx-115MS on the other hand shows all data entered on the upper line first just as you enter it in the calculator.
I like both calculators equally well, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. But the advantages and disadvantages spring mostly from user preference. For me though, the Sharp EL-506VB has the edge because it comes with more thorough and user friendly documentation explaining each function more thoroughly than the Casio fx-115MS. So for five dollars more the Sharp is worth it.
The ... Casio graphing calculator also looks like a good investment and seems to come with a very adequate booklet of about 150 to 200 pages. That will most likely be my next calculator.
Digital camera Review: great calculator for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm amazed by the features in a $15 calculator. Basically all casual lab calculations I need are handled by this one. Of course it has all of the standard scientific/trig functions, plus a stats mode for mean, std dev, linear regression, etc. What makes it really great is the simultaneous equation solver for 2 or 3 variable linear equations, the quadratic solver, and the cubic (!) solver. Yes, you can solve these analytically pretty easily, but after awhile it gets tedious and you just want the answer.It also lets you enter an equation and solve for any variable without isolating the one you want first, though this is a bit less successful. The numerical integration feature is nice, though the algorithms for these last two aren't as robust as those of the old hp series (eg math error on I(0,1) [sinx/x) dx]). Also does numerical derivatives, fractions and complex numbers, though I have no need for these. The manual is pretty skimpy, but you can't expect much at this price. It's very easy to use and prompts for variables it needs.In summary, makes a great lab calculator, and any calculations it won't handle are probably best done on a computer anyway.
Digital camera Review: Terrific School Calculator
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this calculator from Staples for $14.99 on August 11, 2001. Then, I lost it about a week ago lol. After having it for two years, I'm VERY pleased with it. The look of it is a lot better than the Texas Instruments and all the buttons are in the place that you would put them if you were designing it. The two-line display works great and you can recall up to 8 problems on the calculator. The only drawback is the battery dies out after awhile, but then the solar panel comes in handy. Overall, this calculator is great. Any Casio product I have liked. Since I found this on Amazon I think I'm going to purchase another one as a replacement. I recommend it.Digital camera Review: Beware the bugs!
Summary: 2 Stars
I agree this is an excellent calculator ( along with its pared down sister the 300w ) but there are some disheartening bugs here...First , like my textbook, it doesn't allow right distribution as follows: enter ( 3) 2 and you get "syntax error" but 2(3) is acceptable.The I conclude this is not "very real" at all because anybody can read both of these = 6. Moreover, the calculator accepts 3(2 = 6 but rejects 3)2=syntax error.
I have also lost serious points when doing chi-square. Be sure to use parentheses or else! Try the following. Enter into Statistical mode. Then perform 10 -5 = 5 ,hit x-squared =25 then hit M+ as your first data point. Then call up the sum of the x= 625. Nasty surprise! In fact if you do any operation like that followed by any power or root, then hit M+ this calculator will repeat the power/root on your data entry. So , either be sure to use parentheses, or hit ANS then = keys before hitting M+ or you are in for a rude awakening. In summary, a really fine piece of workmanship, but watch the bugs!