Monday, May 24, 2021

Review: Canon DK-10i II Computer Keypad Calculator

 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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