Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ask Slashdot: Cheap Second Calculators For Tests?

Posted by timothy on from the do-the-beads-slide-smoothly? dept.

Rich0 writes "I own an HP 48 calculator that I'm quite content with, but soon I'll need to take a certification exam where this calculator will not be welcome. I'm sure this is a common problem for those who own higher-end calculators. Sure, I could just buy a random $15 calculator with a few trig functions, but I was wondering who makes the best moderately-priced calculators for somebody who already has and appreciates a programmable calculator and just needs something simple. Bonus points if the calculator can handle polar vector arithmetic and unit conversions, but it has to be simple enough that virtually any exam would accept its use."

4 of 328 comments (clear)

  1. Calculator by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    I believe the TI-36X Pro would probably do what you are looking for. It is approved for use on Professional Engineer tests, from what I have read.

    1. Re:Calculator by skutterbob · · Score: 5, Informative

      I have a ti-36 solar... if you're taking the PE exam check the NECEES website,http://ncees.org/exams/calculator-policy/ that is the definitive site for what is allowed. Get the calculator a few weeks ahead of time if possible take a short practice exam with it... since you "know" your normal calc. (which btw is not allowed) Heck have a spare anyway... I had 2. shit happens Engineers Prepare for anything ;)

  2. My 2 cents by thatkid_2002 · · Score: 4, Informative

    I have a TI-36X Pro for basically the same reasons you outlined. It's quite affordable too, and if you're in the US (I'm not) then it is really easy to find.

  3. NCEES Calculator Policy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    Check out the NCEES Calculator Policy.

    I had a non-programmable calculator in college but it died and I didn't need a calculator at work. I bought a TI-30Xa for when I took the state professional engineering exam. I am still using this calculator as an engineering professor. Plenty of capability.