Monday, June 21, 2021

Retro Review: Sharp EL-8131

Retro Review:  Sharp EL-8131







Many thanks to Christopher Brame for sending and giving me this calculator.  Thank you, my friend.


Quick Facts:


Company:  Sharp

Year Introduced:  1977, in production to 1978

Type:  Four Function

Batteries:  2 x AA batteries

Display:  8 digits


Background


The Sharp EL-8131 is a four function function from the 1970s with classic green digits in the display.  The calculator is nice and compact and held in one hand, while the other hand operates the well-designed keys.  


The functions of the EL-8131 include:


* Arithmetic

* Memory:  Store ( x→M), clear, recall, M-, M+

* Square Root

* Percent 


What is missing is the change sign key.  This presents a challenge when calculating with negative numbers.   


With any four function calculators, calculations are executed in the order you press the keys.  


Source:


"Sharp EL-8131 Handheld Electronic Calculator"  National American of American History.  Behring Center.  Washington, D.C.  https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_334546  Retrieved May 23, 2021


Eddie


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