I think you accidentally a verb. But, yes. Casio fx-991EX. It's designed for schools, I think, but at the time it was the most advanced one they made that wasn't a graphing calculator, since I figured that if I ever wanted to draw a graph I'd just fire up "Grapher", which is still bundled with every Mac. In about a decade I think I've done that once. The Casio is great. Looks like it's discontinued now? I guess the f…
Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
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Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#42In those circumstances, the calculator's compact form factor is quite convenient, compared to needing two hands at the computer keyboard, or one handedly hunt-pecking said keyboard. As for the mouse, that has to be the slowest, most focus stealing option of them all. The calculator doesn't take much room, so it can be kept within arm's reach without getting in the way, quickly gives me the numbers I need, without demanding I become fully engaged with it.
Also, those old HP buttons are just so nice to press, a refreshing break from the dead flat glass you get everywhere else these days.
Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#43There's a farm here in Zurich where we buy a lot of our groceries. The store is unmanned. You use their calculator (or your cellphone calculator) to add up what you're buying then use your phone to scan a QR code and pay.
Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#44I use RealCalc for most things (RPN style). Has many functions like a scientific, but I mostly stick to the basic four and it also converts units.
I switch to Graph89 when I need a graph/table involving trig or polynomial approximations. Sometimes I'll even write a basic program. If I'm using this app I probably also have measuring tools out for a DIY project.
I go to spreadsheets for anything beyond that using "Office: Planmaker". It handles the xlsx format perfectly! That's how I do my monthly budget, health tracking, etc. For reasons beyond my understanding, some people are still impressed seeing proper full-featured spreadsheets done quickly on a phone.
Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#45I actually own one, a Casio. Simple reason, I'm a ham radio operator and you need one for the exams.
Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#46Oh dude, no. The instant I could start using something like https://www.wolframalpha.com/ in college over a decade ago, I did. I've never, not once in my life, had any desire to use a physical calculator when I could use a full blown computer instead. I think it's inferior even for pedagogy purposes - I can't screenshot and make Anki cards out of a TI-84.
Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#47Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#48There's a farm here in Zurich where we buy a lot of our groceries. The store is unmanned. You use their calculator (or your cellphone calculator) to add up what you're buying then use your phone to scan a QR code and pay.
That’s so cool, I wish something like this existed in the states. That’s the kind of trust local communities thrive in <3
Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#49There's a farm here in Zurich where we buy a lot of our groceries. The store is unmanned. You use their calculator (or your cellphone calculator) to add up what you're buying then use your phone to scan a QR code and pay.
That’s so cool, I wish something like this existed in the states. That’s the kind of trust local communities thrive in <3
With Zelle, etc, there’s no box of cash sitting out and you don’t need to worry about making change.
Re: Ask HN: Do you still use physical calculators?
#50I don't, but I sometimes see them used here in Japan. Some small-shop operators use them to add up charges and show the total to the customer. I was recently in the office of a small company, and I noticed that the bookkeeper had a calculator next to a pile of paper (receipts?) on her desk. She also had a computer in front of her with a spreadsheet on the screen. When I moved here forty-three years ago, it was common…
(I'm in the US) I remember being taught how to use an abacus when I was in grade school. Not kidding. I'm not so old that they were used anywhere in real life. I believe the whole point was to teach different ways that calculating can be done. A little horizon expansion.