Staples Binder/Ruler/Scientific Calculator Review
Staples has two binder calculators:
* Regular Calculator for $4.99. The regular calculator comes in different colors and is sold online.
Link: http://www.staples.com/Staples-Better-Binder-Calculator/product_150007
* Scientific Calculator for $7.99. Model 27952. I have yet to find this calculator sold online.
Both calculators are solar.
This review will focus on the scientific calculator.
Features:
* 136 Function Scientific Function
* 5 inch ruler on the side of the calculator
* Holes that will fit the calculator in a binder. And yes, I'm happy to report that the calculator still works after being in the binder.
Function wise, the calculator is pretty much a clone of the Sharp 501-EL. Basically the features are:
* One line scientific calculator. One -argument functions (trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, square root, cube root) are executed after the number has been entered. For example: calculate the log 1.23, press: 1.23, [log].
* Binary, Decimal, Octal, and Hexadecimal conversions
* The two keys,[ a ] and [ b ] serve two purposes: polar/rectangular conversions and entering complex numbers (a + bi).
* The TAB function, normally called FIX, sets the number of decimals to be displayed (0-9), with the decimal point representing floating mode.
* Three angle mode toggle: Degrees > Radians > Grads
* "Straight-forward" percent key.
I would include statistics but unfortunately, when I tried to activities statistics mode, the calculator just clears itself.
The keyboard is very interesting but it looks like a standard 2-line scientific calculator. However, what would normally be the arrow keys are all the trigonometric keys and the hyperbolic function. I thought it was a nice touch deviating from the norm.
However, the some of the keys require more pressure for the key to activate. I found this to be for the [ - ] key, as well as the [ a ], [ b ], and [2ndF] keys. You really can't type on the keyboard quickly.
The manual is nice. Though it is a fold-out manual, the fold-out only expands to 3 pages, and you can easily divide the manual in half. The font is also readable, which I appreciate. There is one typo I have to point out:
On page 9 for the memory example, [CE] should replace [ON/C]. [ON/C] clears the memory and resets into Decimal/Floating Mode. [CE] just clears the entry.
Final Thoughts
If you buy this calculator (Staples 27952), the best features are that this calculator can be carried in a binder and the ruler/straight edge comes in handy. Overall, the keyboard is so-so and the [2ndf] [ON/C] not turning the statistics mode makes the calculator feel incomplete. I will still keep it in the collection, if only for the novelty.
I have no opinion on the regular, non-scientific calculator, but I'm sure it would score better than this scientific model.
Eddie
This blog is property of Edward Shore. 2015
Staples has two binder calculators:
* Regular Calculator for $4.99. The regular calculator comes in different colors and is sold online.
Link: http://www.staples.com/Staples-Better-Binder-Calculator/product_150007
* Scientific Calculator for $7.99. Model 27952. I have yet to find this calculator sold online.
Both calculators are solar.
This review will focus on the scientific calculator.
Features:
* 136 Function Scientific Function
* 5 inch ruler on the side of the calculator
* Holes that will fit the calculator in a binder. And yes, I'm happy to report that the calculator still works after being in the binder.
Function wise, the calculator is pretty much a clone of the Sharp 501-EL. Basically the features are:
* One line scientific calculator. One -argument functions (trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, square root, cube root) are executed after the number has been entered. For example: calculate the log 1.23, press: 1.23, [log].
* Binary, Decimal, Octal, and Hexadecimal conversions
* The two keys,[ a ] and [ b ] serve two purposes: polar/rectangular conversions and entering complex numbers (a + bi).
* The TAB function, normally called FIX, sets the number of decimals to be displayed (0-9), with the decimal point representing floating mode.
* Three angle mode toggle: Degrees > Radians > Grads
* "Straight-forward" percent key.
I would include statistics but unfortunately, when I tried to activities statistics mode, the calculator just clears itself.
The keyboard is very interesting but it looks like a standard 2-line scientific calculator. However, what would normally be the arrow keys are all the trigonometric keys and the hyperbolic function. I thought it was a nice touch deviating from the norm.
However, the some of the keys require more pressure for the key to activate. I found this to be for the [ - ] key, as well as the [ a ], [ b ], and [2ndF] keys. You really can't type on the keyboard quickly.
The manual is nice. Though it is a fold-out manual, the fold-out only expands to 3 pages, and you can easily divide the manual in half. The font is also readable, which I appreciate. There is one typo I have to point out:
On page 9 for the memory example, [CE] should replace [ON/C]. [ON/C] clears the memory and resets into Decimal/Floating Mode. [CE] just clears the entry.
Final Thoughts
If you buy this calculator (Staples 27952), the best features are that this calculator can be carried in a binder and the ruler/straight edge comes in handy. Overall, the keyboard is so-so and the [2ndf] [ON/C] not turning the statistics mode makes the calculator feel incomplete. I will still keep it in the collection, if only for the novelty.
I have no opinion on the regular, non-scientific calculator, but I'm sure it would score better than this scientific model.
Eddie
This blog is property of Edward Shore. 2015