Review: Pen + Gear SS-6613 Scientific Calculator
For some of us, it's already near back-to-school season. Need a scientific calculator and on a budget? The Pen+Gear SS-6613, which I purchased from WalMart for five bucks, may be fit. (or really, at least one to hold you over)
Quick Facts
Model: SS-6613
Company: Pen + Gear
Production Years: 2022 - present
Power: Battery, 1.5V
Type: Scientific
Operating System: Algebraic
Memory Registers: 9: A, B, C, D, E, F, X, Y, M
Display: Two lines. 10-digit numbers
The display has two lines. The top line is for equations and expressions. The bottom line is for results.
Features
The feature set of the Pen + Gear calculator is similar to the Casio fx-991 MS series. You get a lot a mileage for a five dollar calculator (that isn't an app).
Complex Mode: complex mode arithmetic with polar/rectangular conversions
Statistics: Single data (SD) and two-variable data statistics. Normal distribution functions (lower tail area, mid area, and upper tail area), conversion to z (labeled t) functions are included. The six regression models available are: linear, logarithmic, exponential, power, inverse, and quadratic.
Equation mode:
Unknowns: 2 or 3: 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 linear systems
Degree: 2 or 3: roots of quadratic or cubic polynomials
Matrices: 3 matrices up to 3 rows and 3 columns. Functions include row reduction form, transpose, inverse (by the [ X~1 ] key), and determinant.
Vectors: 3 vectors, either 2D or 3D. Cross product (by the [ × ] key), dot product, norm (via Abs, but it's hidden)
40 scientific constants and U.S.-SI conversions. Constants and conversions are called up by number codes, so don't lose the paper manual that comes with the calculator.
We also get multi-expression feature, which allows us to connect calculations with a colon (:). However, on the Pen + Gear, this is a hidden feature as the colon is not printed on the calculator. The colon is called up by pressing [ ALPHA ] [ SDX ].
The manual to the equivalent Casio fx-991MS is presented into two manuals:
Basic Operations, Complex Numbers, Statistics, Equations:
https://support.casio.com/pdf/004/fx115MS_991MS_E.pdf
Matrices, Vectors, Integration, Derivative, Constants, Conversions:
https://support.casio.com/pdf/004/fx570MS_991MS_E.pdf
Batteries
A major difference is the battery used. Instead of a AA battery, a coin battery (I'm thinking AR44 or LR44) but the manual states the battery is 1.5 volts. The battery is attached to the calculator's motherboard which will need careful removal. I am thinking that company expects the user to buy a new calculator when the battery runs out. I would prefer a better battery compartment.
Keyboard
Wow, the keyboard. First, all the text is in white. No differentiation between the shifted functions, regular functions, and alpha letters. Also the manufacture used plain text, which does not include advance math characters and Greek characters.
Here are the all the keyboard quirks I could find:
[ SHIFT ] (Pai): π
[ SHIFT ] (sqrt3): ³√
[ X~1 ]: x⁻¹
[ SDX ]: ∫ dx
[ YX ]: ^
[ SHIFT ] (sqrtX): √
[ SHIFT ] (10x): 10^x
[ SHIFT ] (ex): e^x
[ SHIFT ] (R<Q): r∠θ
[ SHIFT ] (<): ∠
The strangest is the Pai for pi (π). Theta, θ, could have been substituted with ang (for angle). I could understand the rest of it.
Hidden:
[ ALPHA ] [ SDX ]: colon ( : )
[ ALPHA ] [ ) ]: abs (absolute value, available only in complex and vector modes)
The keyboard is the weakest point of this calculator.
Final Thoughts
The Pen + Gear SS-6613 Scientific Calculator has a lot of features for a low-cost calculator. Unfortunately, the lack of keyboard color and math characters are what hold me back from giving this calculator a full recommendation. Experienced users only.
Eddie
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