Review: Canon DK-10i II Computer Keypad Calculator
Just The Facts
Model: DK-10i II (successor to the DK-10i)
Production: 2007 - present (DK-10i and DK-10i II)
Power: Solar with battery backup, 1 x CR2016, USB when plugged into a computer
Price: Varies from $8.00 to $22.00 (be a smart shopper)
Operating System: Chain
Functions
Arithmetic: +, -, ×, ÷
Memory Keys: M+, M-, RCM (Recall/Clear Memory, CALC mode only)
Tax Functions: Tax Set, Tax Recall, Tax+, Tax- (CALC mode only)
Decimal Selection: Float, 0, 2, 3. Press [ AC ] then hold the [ . ] key until the mode changes. You can change one decimal rounding mode at a time.
However, the DK-10i II lacks both a square root key and a change sign key. I find this to be a miss. I don't know how many four-function and simple calculators still lack a square root key.
To start off a calculation with a negative number: enter 0 [ - ] number [ = ]. I think Canon was going for more of a keypad approach.
The calculator also has four arrow keys.
A Calculator of Multiple Uses
CALC Mode:
In CALC mode, the DK-10i II is a four-basic function calculator. The calculator is solar powered, while using a battery backup to store tax rate and memory. In CALC mode, the memory and tax keys are functional.
The DK-10i II works in CALC mode when connected to a computer by USB. Results can be forwarded to an appropriate app by the [SEND] key: Calculator, Excel, LibreOffice, most text applications, and spreadsheet applications.
PC Mode:
The PC Mode is where the DK-10i II shines. In PC mode, the DK-10i II acts a numeric keyboard. The nice part is that the arrow keys are separate from the numbers, saving us from toggling Num Lock. The percent key becomes a comma in PC mode.
Numbers and calculations works in spreadsheet, calculator, and text apps. So far I used it on my home Windows PC and a Microsoft Surface without problems.
Verdict
I wish the DK-10i II had a square root and change sign key. However, it makes for a great key pad which fulfills a need for smaller laptops including Chromebooks. For that reason, I would recommend looking into getting a portable key pad of this type, especially for those who work in business in remote settings.
Eddie
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