Review: Casio DE-12E-WE Ergonomic Calculator
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| 3° Tilt |
Quick Facts
Model: DE-12E-WE
Company: Casio
Years: Internationally: 2022 - present, United States: March 2023 - present
Type: Desktop
Power: Solar with CR 2025 backup battery
Display: 12 digits
Original Price: $30.99 US Dollars
Memory Registers: 1
Operating System: Chain
Casio's promotional video (United States):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6NlPVBSK7U
Casio released a series of ergonomic desktop calculators:
DE-12E-WE: $30.99 retail, 12 digits, width of 140 mm (about 5.512 inches)
JE-12E-WE: $27.99 retail, 12 digits, width of 111 mm (about 4.331 inches)
The features between both calculators are virtually the same, except (1) the arrangement of the keys are different, and (2) the DE-12E-WE has two extra settings, which we will discuss next.
Features
Decimal Setting Switch: Add Mode, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (DE-12E-WE only)
Rounding Setting Switch: F (Float), CUT (truncate), 5/4 (regular rounding), UP (round everything up, DE-12E-WE only)
[M/EX] Key: Memory and Exchange mode toggle. The mode affects four keys, which text of these keys are in blue.
Memory Mode (no indicator):
[ M+ ]: add the number in the display to memory M
[ M- ]: subtract the number in the display from M
[ MR ]: recall the value stored in M
[ MC ]: clear the value stored in M (set M to zero)
Exchange Mode (EXCH indicator):
[ M+ ] (C1): currency 1 - base currency; always set to 1
[ M- ] (C2): currency 2
[ MR ] (C3): currency 3
[ MC ] (C4): currency 4
In exchange mode, currency 1 is the base currency is always set to 1, which the other three currencies are set to the exchange rate relative to C1. Each of the other three currencies can be set one at time. Start by with holding the [ AC ] and the [ % ] keys simultaneously. Keep holding the keys until the display refreshes and a SET indicator appears. Choose a currency (C2, C3, or C4), enter a rate, then press the [ % ] key to set the currency rate.
We also have the tax functions, which text are in green.
[ TAX- ]: subtract the tax rate from the number in the display
[ TAX+ ]: add the tax rate to the number in the display. Use this key to add sales tax to a purchase.
The tax keys are available in either Memory or Exchange mode. To set the tax rate: hold the [ AC ] and [ % ] keys until the display refreshes and a SET indicator appears. Then press the [ TAX+ ] key, enter the rate, then press the [ % ] key.
The DE-12E has the square root function, and I am big on the square root function on the desktop calculators.
The 3° Tilt
Casio markets the 3° tilt to promote ergonomic typing on the desktop calculator. The tilt on both the DE-12E-WE and JE-12E-WE tilt downwards from the left, which is designed for right-handed users. The keys themselves are curved to facilitate easier finger movement.
The titled keyboard is comfortable to use, and I did notice a slight increase in typing speed. The keys are big, which allows me to type without the worry of pressing a neighboring key or two keys simultaneously by accident.
I also tried the DE-12E-WE with my left hand, at first the keyboard was intense, but I did feel comfortable. Being right-hand dominant, I am faster with the right-hand. I am thinking if this series is a success, perhaps there will be a left-handed version of the calculator.
Final Thoughts
I like the 3° tilt and the clean, professional look of the 12E-WE. I like how the keys are designed for fast typing.
I can see the currency exchange mode used for conversions of a common measure, such as feet-meters-miles-kilometers or liters-quarts-cups-gallons.
Because I tend to use the memory keys in practice, I wish the those keys on the DE-12E-WE were the same size as the number keys, but it does not take away from the comfort and use of this calculator.
With ergonomics being promoted in the office and financial settings, I expect this series to sell well, which will lead to more ergonomic-friendly calculators in the future. The 12E-WE is worth checking out if you want a desktop calculator with a lot of features, ergonomics is important, or you are type fast on a desktop calculator.
Eddie
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