Retro Review: Casio fx-450 Calculator
General
Information
Company: Casio
Type: Solar
Scientific Algebraic (postfix)
Memory: 1 (store,
recall, M+)
Years: 1983 (probably
produced during the 1980s with various editions)
Original Cost: Unknown, my guess is $20-$30
It’s a Folding
Calculator!
The Casio fx-450 is a folding scientific calculator: one
side has the normal, plastic keys with the display and solar panel. The scientific functions are located on the
other panel are touch, rubber-like keys.
The large amount of keys allows for a relatively uncrowded keyboard
since the shift key only affects a few keys.
Modes included on fx-450:
* Single Variable Statistics
* Base Conversions with Boolean conversions (BIN, OCT, HEX)
In addition, the fx-450 has fraction calculations and nine
scientific constants (by pressing [MODE] [SHIFT] [1-9]). The constants, with the exception of the
speed of light, have older values (they were updated as of the 2014 CODATA) and
they are:
1. Speed of Light (c)
2. Plank’s constant (h)
3. Universal gravitational constant (G)
4. Electron charge (e)
5. Mass of an electron (me)
6. Atomic mass constant (u)
7. Avogadro’s constant (Na)
8. Boltzmann constant (k)
9. Molar volume of ideal gas (Vm)
Verdict
I like the idea of a folding keyboard, especially one of
this design. However, I recommend that you
take extra care of the calculator. If the calculator was shipped in bubble wrap,
I would keep the bubble wrap and store the calculator. A concern is the contacts to the scientific
keys could be worn.
The fx-450 is a multi-function scientific calculator with a
great set of features and it makes a good collector’s item.
Eddie
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