Sharp EL-506RB Scientific Calculator

• Direct algebraic logic simplifies equation entry
• Large 10-digit LCD screen
• Playback option
• Performs fraction calculations
• Formula memory for storing customized formulas

Amazon.com Review:
The EL-506RB is a beefed-up alternative to Sharp's EL-531RB line, offering more functions (330, to be exact), limited programmability, a dual solar/battery power supply, among other features, without adding much to the price. This calculator retains the best features of those other products, like the two-line display (12 digits as opposed to 10) and integrated plastic cover that slides up and flips down to conform to the back of the device without detaching. The two-line display will be of greatest interest to prospective buyers, and it's a feature not normally associated with products in this price range. As you enter data, your entire equation is displayed on the upper line, while the information you are currently entering is shown on the bottom line. That way, you can check your work for mistakes before calculating the results. If something is amiss, you can use the arrow keys at the top of the keypad to navigate through the equation and make appropriate changes. The calculator also maintains a history of your equations, so you can press the up arrow to browse backward through equations you entered anywhere from a few minutes ago to several months ago, as long as you haven't exceeded the storage capacity of the memory buffer (the oldest equations are removed from the list to free up space when this happens). As for usability, it's hard to find fault with the EL-506RB's design. The keys are responsive, and the fact you can see everything you've entered at once really cuts down on mistakes. There are two function keys that let you set up a standard formula and then assign it to one of the keys for easy recall later. Along with all that, this inexpensive calculator can handle one- and two-variable statistics, differential and integral calculus equations, physics constants, and nearly anything else a high school or college course will throw at it. It's an exceptional value, marred only by skimpy documentation. --T. Byrl Baker Pros: 330 built-in functions and very basic programmability features Unbelievable price/performance ratio 12-digit, two-line display with browsable and editable calculation history Clever sliding plastic cover that doesn't detach from the unit Cons: Poor documentation

Amazon.com Product Description:
The Sharp EL-506RB scientific calculator is designed for the high school or college student in pursuit of ease of use and accurate equation entry. To simplify entry of equations, it offers Direct Algebraic Logic (DAL), which shows the expression and results simultaneously. It has formula memory for storing customized formulas and a multiline playback that replays entered equations. The continuous calculation function allows you to keep the prior result for the next equation. The EL-506RB has 326 functions, two variable statistics, and can do differential and integral calculus functions.

Convenient Functions and Easy to Use:
I work as an Engineer and I find the 32 physical constants and the 32 conversions to be invaluable. I've looked and looked around at those graphing calculators that brag all sorts of fancy functions useful to Scientists and Engineers, yet none of them have the constants and conversions that so often come in handy! I have used the older EL 506L for several years now, and this new edition can't be beat with the new features such as: Formula Memory for storing customized formulas, Multi-line playback replays entered equations, Continuous Calculation function that allows user to keep the prior result for the next calculation, Constant calculation, Differential and Integral Calculus functions, and 2 variable statistics. The buttons are a perfect size for most fingers, are easy to push, and even have a slight contour to fit the finger tips. Access to different functions are logically laid out and easy to find and access. This calculator boasts a total of 326 total functions, and is a fantastic value.

For the price, unbeatable!:
I use one of these as a desk calculator, and it does pretty much everything one would want from a calculator before reaching for the PC. Very good value for money and an excellent display, large and sharp. For science and engineering, student or professional, highly recommended.

I love this calculator!!:
This calculator is the BEST for any type of math student from middle school all the way up to college. The best feature of this calculator is its ability to perform matrix calculations and solve systems of equations. It has been really helpful for me when taking math tests as well as in math competitions. I strongly recommend this calculator for any high school sutdent taking higher math, such as Algebra 2, Precalculus, Trig, Calculus, or Statistics. If you're in math club and participate in math competitions, you'd better get this calculator fast!!

For Math Heads Only:
This is a `Math-Head's' calculator. They say it is for `high school' ... who are they trying to kid. It is neat the way many of HP's RPN things are. (I am only an electronc's nerd not a mathman and way past highschool (by 40 years) by the way). O.K. so its has constants and neat conversions and can do math stuff on it that I don't think I''ve ever seen : -) but, hey, for high school? I have a grand nephew doing time there now and he told me that 3 kids in his pre calculus class tried these but only for a week before they went back to their vastly more expensive graphing TIs or their pretty low priced TI and HP scientific calculators.. But as I wrote this is a neat calculator and the price ---wow--- but high school? No.

A good scientific calculator.:
Pretty good calculator for Engg Applications. Good features for a low price compared to the other calculators(TI,HP etc..)