A couple of years ago, all I needed from a scientific calculator was its ability to compute the trigonometric functions of certain angles that cannot be given precisely be mere introspection. Back then, precision in this measure was all that mattered.
Nowadays, however, things have become more complicated and more redundant for me to carry on with my old calculator. Today, it has become burdensome to input the same digits over and over again for a couple dozen of times. Why do I have to do with a cheap scientific calculator in the first place when I can purchase a more sophisticated and more efficient model?
I guess the same can go for anyone else out there who is just beginning with the life of numerous computations or limitless graphing. With the limitless models of calculators getting released by major manufacturers, however, choosing the right scientific calculator can be quite a task.
Personally, I will have to advise you to choose a calculator based on three merits, namely, function, price, and ease of use. First and foremost, you will have to ask yourself what kind of work will you with a calculator. Will you use it for function graphing, or for accounting purposes? This will greatly diminish the choices available for you.
Then there is always the issue of cost. You can always have two calculators with almost the same functions and yet have different prices. Do consider this vis-à-vis the brand and quality you desire.
Lastly, there's the issue of ease of use. I put this as the last requirement because scientific calculators typically work the same way, especially if they are of the same brand. Nevertheless, you should always test a potential calculator of choice for possible difficulties in key manipulation.
Choosing a scientific calculator may require some time and effort, but with these tips in mind, one should find it easier to do.
