Sharp EL-W516B Scientific Calculator with WriteView (Black)

• Scientific calculator with 535 different scientific functions
• Extra large 4-Line, 12-digit LCD display screen
• WriteView Technology displays formulas as they are written in textbooks
• Modes: Normal, Stat, Drill, Complex, Matrix, List, Equation; Ability to solve three simultaneous equations
• Four programmable keys for quick use of user desired functions; Ability to solve three simultaneous equations

Outstanding calculator:
I use the EL-W516B primarily for number theory stuff and playing with sequences and the Riemann hypothesis. An outstanding calculator when you want the functionality of a TI89 without sifting through menus.

I don't want fractions displayed!:
This is a nice calculator but I don't like that it displays calculation results as fractions instead of decimal whenever possible! In order to see the decimal display, you have to hit the change key once or twice. It is really inconvenient to have to do this on a frequent basis! I have no need to see fractions!! I just want to see a decimal display only! I searched the manual to see if I could make it display results in decimal as a default, but as far as I can tell there is no way to change it! That sucks. It will always display fractions whenever it can so you always have to hit the change button to see it in decimal form. I think the calculator should allow you to set your preference so that it always displays results in decimal and then hit the change button to see it in fraction form IF you want to. What the hell - I learned about fractions in elementary school and I don't need this calculator to teach me fractions NOW! If I knew it was this way, I would not have bought it. I think it is really stupid to design it this way and I don't know how this helps anyone. I have used decimals all my life on calculators and now I get this fancy shmancy new calculator that insists on showing off that it can display fractions every dang time.

An Awsome Calculator:
I've always used Sharp calculators since elementary school. This calculator is by far one of the best if not the best. But you do need to read the manual before you understand how to use some functions. Once you understand them you would be blown away with how powerful this calculator can be at any level in school. From elementary to college. The only thing it doesn't do is graphing, but who cares. You can't go wrong with this calc and the price is fantastic. Before buying this I had the Sharp EL-506V model which cost me the same as this one, but it had close to 200 functions less than the EL-W516B. As I said ,this would be the best calculator I have purchased.

Display is Not Bright Enough:
The display on this calculator is not bright enough. Unless I use it in a well lit room with overhead fluorescent lighting the display is too difficult to read. My 20 year old Casio fx-115 has the kind of display brightness that I am used to and consider acceptable. I am very dissatisfied with this calculator.

Better Than Any Other Calculator of This Level:
I think I made the best decision buying this calculator. The "WriteView" is a great property. I haven't felt this much of comfort writing formulae into a calculator. Definitely recommended.