Sharp EL-W516B Scientific Calculator with WriteView (Black) by Sharp HO
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Our Price: $39.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Sharp EL-W516B Scientific Calculator with WriteView (Black)
Digital camera Review: Light weight and easy to use
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for a statistics class. I like how it's light-weight and easy for me to find the functions I need (factorial, nPr, nCr...).Digital camera Review: Lot's of stuff to offer
Summary: 5 Stars
I used the Casio fx-300es in my last math class and got an "A." I keep my TI- 83 plus, in my bag if I ever come across a graphing or financial equation. I upgraded from my 300es and purchased both the fx-115es and the EL-W516B for my next math class because it is going to be one of those classes that touches on real life math situations and is very diverse. I read quite a bit on what both calculators offer and there are some very good reviews on both but I wanted to simplify things a little for those that may not understand some of the jargon used for these.
The similarities between both are:
Both have Write view/textbook displays
Dual solar power
General Math
Pre-Algebra
Algebra I & II
Geometry
Trigonometry
Statistics
Calculus
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Permitted on the AP, PSAT/NMSQT
The differences are:
The EL-W516B works with General Science and Pre-calculus has 556 functions and a 4-line display. The Sharp says that it in addition to the AP, PSAT/NMSQT, it is permitted on the AP Chemestry, AP Physics, SAT I, SAT II Math IC & IIC tests.
The fx-115es works with Engineering and 2-line display
These are the similarities and differences but to find which one is right for you depends on how involved you will be in math and how far you want to go. I hope this helps and good luck in school. Remember, once you are in, grab on and do not let go until you get your college diploma.
Update: I passed my last required math course and got an "A" using both calculators mentioned.
Digital camera Review: Not for engineers
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought this calculator to replace my beloved RPN calculator. This calculator must have been designed for high school students. The default display for results is in the form of a fraction. You have to press a few buttons to see it in decimal format. When I use a calculator the goal is to arrive at a number, not a formula. I already know that 2 divided by 3 is two-thirds. I never use this calculator.Digital camera Review: One or two significant problems
Summary: 4 Stars
Let me first say that overall, I really like this calculator. However, rather than focussing on the EL-W516's strengths, of which there are many (well documented in these reviews), I want to point out a couple of significant shortcomings. These are not shortcomings that would necessarily disqualify this calculator for most people, but there may be some for whom they are significant.
A few other reviews have done a nice job of comparing this model to the Casio FX-115ES. One thing I have not seen in those reviews, though, regards what I consider to be a significant shortcoming of the EL-516W, in comparison to the FX-115ES. There is no way to enter a generalized equation with multiple variables, such that the user can enter all of the unknowns except one, and have the calculator solve for the remaining variable. The Casio's FX-115ES has a "SOLVE" function, in which an equation (not just an expression, but a full equation) can be entered, and then any variable solved for. For example, if I enter "2X + 3Y = 14, X", and then hit the SOLVE key, the calculator prompts me for a value of Y, and then calculates X. I can easily change it to "2X + 3Y = 14, Y", and the calculator then prompts for X and solves for Y. If I enter "AX + B = Y, B", the calculator prompts for A, X, and Y, and solves for B. I use this handy capability from time to time, and it's something the EL-W516B can't do.
I am an engineer, and have generally used HP calculators over the years. A couple of things I love about HPs are the RPN input notation and the great tactile feedback of the buttons. But HP has (short-sightedly, in my view) abandoned RPN for their lower-priced calculators, and they don't have any calculator with anywhere near the EL-516B's capabilities in this price range. But oh, how I wish Sharp (and Casio) would emulate the feel of the HP buttons. It takes way too little force to push the EL-516B's buttons, so that as my fingers try to move quickly from one button to another, it is easy to inadvertently press buttons incorrectly. I end up using the backspace key much too often. Granted, I may be unusually clumsy, but these mushy keys drive me nuts.
Overall, though, this is a very good calculator. It was nice to be able to get a calculator for my son, who is in his first algebra class, knowing that it will be a great tool for him for years, while not having to worry about him losing or breaking an expensive calculator. That said, I would favor the FX-115ES by an eyelash over the EL-516B, primarily because of the equation solving feature I discussed above.
Digital camera Review: Outstanding calculator
Summary: 5 Stars
I use the EL-W516B primarily for number theory stuff and playing with sequences and the Riemann hypothesis. An outstanding calculator when you want the functionality of a TI89 without sifting through menus.