Do you still use stand-alone ("pocket") calculators?

[SiliconWizard]

Nothing very original here, but I was curious about this and just thought I would make a poll.

So do you still use a pocket calculator? I personally very rarely use one these days, as I have a few tools on computer that are way more powerful and ergonomic (to me). It can happen if I'm not in front of a computer (like working on some bench without one and needing a quick calculation), but it's very occasional. I still kind of like the "feel" of a real calculator (especially the older HP ones), but I just find myself not needing them much anymore.

What about you guys? If you still use one, what model/brand is it?

[jogri]

I use mine almost daily when i'm in the lab, mostly for longer calculations that involve fractions (the Windows calculator just sucks when you have to run the same lengthy calculation a few times with different values). It's a  Casio FX-991DEX Classwiz, i highly recommend getting one (even if you already have a calculator) as it has every function you'll need on a calculator (and a lot more) for 20 bucks.

[Mr Evil]

I don't physically use one, but on both my phone and PC I use software to emulate a TI-86, so I virtually use one.

[shakalnokturn]

There are a few hanging around in different places for different uses.
TI-89 in front of the computer, I'll go to that rather than the windows calculator, I just like pushing dedicated keys then knocking the calculator off the edge of the desk rather than clicking around, mainly a question of habits.
The others lying around are a French TI-82 stats, TI Collège plus solar, TI-30X, Casio Fx-92 College new.
Only the TI-89 was bought second hand, the others are all dumpster saves.

[george.b]

I use a HP 48G+ and a Casio fx-82ms regularly.

[nctnico]

The PC calculators all suck compared to a good 'pocket' calculator. I have been using the Casio ones for decades because they support editing long equations and also have suffixes like m,k,M etc.

[Gyro]

This was covered fairly comprehensively not so long ago... https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/whats-your-favorite-calculator/

[jimdeane]

A calculator is instant on, never changes, is durable, fast, cheap, and dedicated.

Calculator apps on the phone can be OK...like the HP48g emulator on Android. Most of them are crap.

Calculator programs on computers are terrible. If I'm not in python/matlab/maxima or something similar then I'm going to grab a physical calculator.

[andy3055]

I have a TI83 which I found on the road side years back! Also one of the first Casio scientific calculators which I bought at the time, among a few other basic calculators that were complimentary stuff from various sources. Hardly use any of them but on occasion. Mainly because I don't do heavy calculations and I do basic stuff just in my mind. I find it is rather funny to see the younger generation use calculators even for very basic stuff! By the time they punch the numbers in, I already have the answer. 

[Yansi]

Yes, if I am home I use my Casio fx-82ES which I have hacked years ago to the highest model from that line.

I do not bring it with me at work - there I swear by using the dumb calc.exe windows application.

[NivagSwerdna]

HP35S when I am explaining homework, backwards, to my kids and checking the odd invoice

The kids have CASIO FX-991EX which is really nice (but forwards) and pretty much standardised at school.

(Had to add a quadratic solver program to the HP35S to compete with the FX-991EX)

PS
I have also have a WP 34S knocking about but can never remember how to use it!

[Benta]

My trusty HP-15C is always on hand. I don't use it every day, but at least a couple of times a week. It turns on in a second and always provides the correct answer, depending on the user

During my engineering studies at university i learned to appreciate RPN. And my HP-15C hasn't failed me yet (it has it's second set of button cells since 15 years).

[fourfathom]

I've had my HP15-C calculator for about 35 years and I still use it daily.  I have an emulator on my phone, but the calculator is much more fun to use.  One corner of the display is showing some creeping black pixel crud, so I really ought to find an ebay replacement.  I can't recall the last time I changed the batteries, but it's been decades.

[Sal Ammoniac]

Yep. I've always been an HP man. RPN rulz!

Still have my ancient HP-65, HP-25, HP-41C, etc.

[vwestlife]

Yes, and I am amused by how many calculators that appear to be solar-powered actually have fake solar cells in them!

[blacksheeplogic]

My primary calculator is a Sharp EL-515S. The calculator is always at hand and beside me. Much quicker and easier than opening another desktop window or using my phone.

[Terry01]

I use a Casio fx-83GT PLUS most days. It does everything I need from it and loads more!

It's just for my hobby stuff, i'm not a EE or tech or anything like that.

[floobydust]

Calculators are an app you have to download, they come with ads and want access to your contacts and geo-location. It's absurd.
Windows calculator is just for dumb people, so much pain to do anything involved.

I'll reach for an old TI or Sharp calculator (aluminium case! EL5103, EL9000) and pound through that way. At least they have several memories, answers in engineering units, playback function to make edits etc. From an era where people did math beyond on or two operations.
Beyond that I use Excel for all my calculations.

[ataradov]

Have not used a physical calculator since university. On the phone I use RealCalc Pro. It does not want location and does not share the data.

On PC I use some random command line calculator from linux repo. I think it is called AP Calc or something like this. Works fine and I have it setup to pop up on F1 key, so it is always handy.

I don't get physical calculators. I can enter very complex formulas and then go and edit whatever I want. It would be a huge pain on a real calculator.

[I wanted a rude username]

The HP 48G was my pride and joy, but now mostly gets used for the occasional game.

We're on our computers all the time, being able to copy and paste numbers is an advantage. That and the advent of specialised online calculators. Plus spreadsheets can be useful for getting a bird's eye view of iterative calculations.

[unitedatoms]

..Pockets. You are kidding. Nobody needs more than one pocket anymore, because all you need to carry is a phone.

Gone are the days, when people carried things in pockets. Handkerchiefs, cigarette lighters or matches, port cigars, compasses, pictures of dear ones, perfume powder, watches, coins made of metal. There is only lint in my pockets and no calculator or small weapon will replace an empty space in my pockets. Pockets..

[NiHaoMike]

Have been using a TI-89 Titanium for a long time, but SpeedCrunch on the PC is a good substitute.

[VK3DRB]

I still use the Farad 808 scientific calculator I purchased in 1976. Still on my desk. Why throw it out when it still does the job for some work?
But for most engineering calculations and all hex and binary calculations, I use RealCalc on my Samsung S8. Nothing beats it, IMO. It also has RPN mode. Photos here.

[25 CPS]

I have an HP 15C at home and a second one at work, and it’s a rare day that goes by that I don’t use one of the,   I also get out a 16C and 12C as the need for the programmer’s or financial functions arise but the two 15Cs are the go to number crunchers when I can’t frigate an answer in my head.

[nctnico]

But for most engineering calculations and all hex and binary calculations, I use RealCalc on my Samsung S8. Nothing beats it, IMO.

That is because you never tried a an engineering calculator (like the fx-115MS for example) from Casio. These can deal with hex and binary just fine. And they also keep up with typing with two fingers. I found that to be a problem with TI calculators.