~ Nerdy and proud ~ (Casio FX 83 MS)

Member Name: blue_ashleigh

Product:	Casio FX 83 MS
Date:	18/06/09 (146 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: This is a cheap and marvellous calculator

Disadvantages: None

I LOVE this calculator. Yes, I know that's a bit weird and geeky, but it's true! Mr Calculator has been my friend for the past 11 years and he still works perfectly.


~ A Casio fx what!? ~

The Casio fx-83MS is a scientific calculator (non-graphical). Basically it has all the functions you may require for science purposes. A normal calculator has add, subtract etc. and possibly square root buttons. A scientific calculator has all these but also more advanced buttons, such as factorial, trigonometric functions, ability to input and analyse data (standard deviation etc.), storage buttons, log and exponential functions amongst many more. It also allows you to work in degrees, radians, or standard deviation mode. It's a non-graphical calculator, which means you can't see 'pictures' of the sine curve, for example, but these calculators are often banned in external examinations (such as GCSE/ A Levels) so it's not worth spending the money on a graphical calculator unless you absolutely require that extra function (in my opinion, anyway).

I could go through all the functions but that would take a long, long time! The most important ones/ ones I like best:

1. Statistical data entry - if you do psychology (the other part of my degree) this will be invaluable! Rather than putting numbers into a formula you literally input each data value into the calculator (in SD mode using the M+ button) and then it can tell you how many participants you had, the mean value, standard deviation, variance and more. It also allows you to scroll through each data value so if you've entered one incorrectly you can change it without having to start again.

2. There is a big button in the centre which allows you to see your previous calculations (incase you forgot you needed that value and hadn't written it down) which is fantastic! It also allows you to scroll back and forth through your existing calculation adding and changing bits without having to start again.

3. It has an on/off button. Some calculators switch off after X amount of time which wastes the battery if you don't need the calculator. This one lets you turn the calculator off when you want to. Little things!


~ Why choose a Casio? ~

1. Many of the people who teach maths use Casio calculators (or at least the ones at my high school, college and university). "So what?", I hear you cry. Well, if they're teaching you how to do something, factorials for example, then if they're saying "you need to use the x! Key" but your calculator doesn't have this key then you're going to have to hunt out the instructions and try to find the right key. One my teachers at college said he would only help people with a Casio calculator as he was not going to read all the different instruction books. Also, some calculators require you to put 'inverse sin' before the number and some require you to press it after the number and it's just a lot easier if you can just follow what the teacher is saying rather than faffing around trying to work it out for yourself.

2. The battery life is amazing! 11 years of daily use (give or take) and Mr Calculator is still going strong. I'm very impressed that a non-solar powered calculator who's had a fairly active life is still going strong.

3. Casio calculators are so simple to use. Some calculators have weird places for hiding the buttons but on a Casio it's all in a sensible place - for example, the mean, standard deviation, variance, number option is all under one key, so if you're inputting data you can just type it in and then get all your information out without hunting around for the right buttons.


~ Is it worth it? ~

For GCSE maths exams you will certainly need a scientific calculator and this Casio one will last you for a long time after so if you intend to do A Levels/ a degree then you're sorted. Also, it's not just pure maths that you need a calculator for, if you intend to do Psychology, Science, Geography and more you will also need a calculator. You can buy one for around £6-£10 from new which is blooming good value for money considering how long it will last you.

There are newer Casio calculators (as there is with anything) and I'm guessing they are of similar quality (although I don't know, having been faithful to Mr Calculator for all these years). From my point of view, Mr Calculator has got me through basic GCSE maths right through to degree level maths and there's nothing which I've felt has been missing or that other calculators can do that mine can't.


~ Boring bits ~

10 digit display
Deg/ Rad/ SD modes
9 storage letters
Slide on case
Not solar powered
250 (ish) functions
Statistical data entry


~ And finally... ~

I would like to take the time to thank Mr Calculator for getting me through my degree. I hope you invest in one of Mr Calculator's relatives if you require a calculator.

Summary: I love Mr Calculator