
CASIO FX115ESPLUS NATURAL TEXTBOOK DISPLAY CALCULATOR




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While the mathematic and graphing tools are comparable to the TI-83 Plus, the Silver Edition boasts significantly improved speed and memory. Its processor is 2.5 times faster, and it has over 1.5 MB of memory--10 times that of the TI-83 Plus. These upgrades make the Silver Edition a significantly improved graphing tool, enabling you to work faster and save more of your equations and programs.
Like the TI-83 Plus, the Silver Edition has a large, easy-to-read 64 x 96 pixel LCD that fits 16 characters and 8 lines. Altering the contrast of the screen is intuitively easy, as is the key layout and graphing interface. Mathematic tools are substantial, including viewing equations, graphs, and coordinates simultaneously; advanced statistics and regression analysis, graphical analysis, and data analysis; and tools for engineering, financial, logarithm, trigonometry, and hyperbolic functions. The calculator is ideal for students in algebra, calculus, and statistics, as well as those taking the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT I or II, and AP College Board Tests.
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The calculator is also rich in tools for those studying biology, chemistry, or physics, including a pre-programmed periodic table. Other programs included with the calculator include a spreadsheet, organizer for phone numbers, puzzle pack, probability simulation, and CBL/CBR applications.
The most exciting bonus of the Silver Edition is TI-Graph Link, which lets you connect the calculator to a computer and download programs from Texas Instruments' Web site (http://education.ti.com) and from enthusiast sites like www.ticalc.org. There you'll find thousands of programs and games for TI graphing calculators, as well as a TI-83 Plus tutorial, electronic guidebook, programming support, and discussion groups.
The calculator uses four AAA batteries and one lithium battery for backup. All batteries are included, as well as a hard slide cover, the TI-Graph Link software and cable, and a remarkably readable 60-page instruction manual. Overall, the improved power, faster speed, and included TI-Graph Link for a remarkably low price make this a truly special "special edition," and we have to admit that the silver casing does look pretty cool. --Ariel Meadow Stallings

Calculator is perfect for advanced algebra, trigonometry, computer science, chemistry and statistics. One- and two-variable statistics include results for linear regression and trend line analysis. Adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides fractions entered in traditional numerator/denominator format. Three memories, 10 English/metric conversions and eight physical constants. Runs on solar power. Calculator includes protective slide case.




We had to throw out all of our typical calculator knowledge to use the 48G+, as it uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN, also known as postfix notation). For example, instead of pressing 2 + 2 = to get an answer, you have to press 2 ENTER 2 +. Once we learned the basics, RPN made complex calculations much easier to enter, eliminating the need for parentheses in most calculations. Studded with buttons and crammed with labels, the keypad looks impossibly crowded, but the color-coded secondary and tertiary function labels are easy to find and decipher with a little practice. A row of buttons at the top is used to select menu items that are displayed onscreen, providing even more functions in a relatively small space. Ultimately, the 48G+ offers more than 2,300 functions, over 300 of them built-in formulas and scientific constants encompassing the spectrum of the mathematical and scientific fields.
Using the 48G+ for a few weeks made it clear why this series of calculators is so popular; they're easy to work with once the initial learning curve is overcome. A complete set of built-in formulas coupled with the calculator's programmability give the device potential limited only by its 128 KB of built-in memory. If you need lots of RAM, its upgradable memory makes the higher-end 48GX a better bet; however, the 48G+ has plenty of storage for all but the most demanding students and professionals. It also comes with an infrared port for communicating with other calculators or a printer, and a connectivity kit--available separately--allows you to link the calculator to your PC for downloading new formulas and other data. --T. Byrl Baker
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The large 1.5 MB memory (512 KB RAM and 1 MB Flash ROM for data storage) encourages taking full advantage of the comprehensive library of third-party calculator programs, games, and software applications. The HP49G doesn't just give you the answer to your equation; it can walk you through the process of finding that answer by using the CAS step-by-step mode for dynamic derivation, integration, and other linear algebra problem-solving techniques. All steps and results are displayed in textbook mode on the 131 x 64 pixel, high-contrast screen. If you aren't fond of textbook mode, try traditional algebraic or RPN input modes.
With its smooth edges, streamlined curves, and light blue metallic exterior, the HP49G is a sleek and modern tool for professionals or students in the sciences, math, and engineering. --Dana Van Nest

