Apologies if this is a hard hit topic, but just curious what everyone??s choice of Calculators are and why? Trying to decide which one to stick with and get most comfortable with. Using during the workday and my last semester before taking the FS next spring!
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I have a Casio fx991ex and also a TI-30Xa, I think I like the TI more for most things.?ÿ
The HP35S is an excellent choice, assuming you are willing to switch to RPN. It is very efficient for programming and routine tasks.
Looks like you have two NCEES approved models, and the HP also qualifies.?ÿ List was given in this thread.
I like an HP better for a lot of things, especially for complicated calculations, but have a TI-36X solar that is handy for quick calculations and will never have dead batteries.
With cell phone emulation, try both.?ÿ
I have been saying since the late 1980's that when my last HP41 calculator quit, I was retiring. With the emulators on cell phones, It looks like I will never get to retire! I have no idea about it's use for testing.
I have been using the same HP-41CX with Tomsrom 1, Surveying 1 and X memory since 1984
I have a hard time using anything with an = sign
I don't plan on using an emulator on my phone.
I've been saying the same thing - but I don't want to work forever!! As far as I am concerned it (with the Survey module) is perfect for surveying. Nothing else compares...
There is an emulator for the iPhone that mimics it PERFECTLY, down to the keypress sounds. It also runs all of the hundreds of modules created for the 41C. The guy that developed it has an unbelievable grasp of both the HP and the iPhone
An HP48GTX with SMI v7 DOT is my daily goto calculator and data collector and computer for everything in the field.
I second the HP35S.?ÿ You'll want to program it for the FS exam unless you're really strong at math.?ÿ The act of programming it will allow you to become very familiar with the functions as well.
I use an HP 35s because I like to use a calculator with RPN and more importantly, a tactile keypad!
@souperstar17 I recently took the tests and used an HP35S (on the advice of an older co-worker who said, "Buy the most expensive HP on the approved list."?ÿ While I do think that the HP is a superior calculator and it worked well for me, it is a considerable effort to learn RPN and to learn and understand some programs on it.?ÿ (You can buy HP35S calculators pre-programed but lacking the understanding of the programming makes that less useful.).
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Despite thinking that the HP is the better calculator, I recommend any approved calculator you're comfortable with.?ÿ If you're not going to adapt to RPN and learn to understand the programs, the HP is a great hindrance (about 15 years ago I tried using my boss's HP41 to do some simple math and failed to even add some numbers together).?ÿ
HP35s for sure.
@jamesf1 HP-41CX w/ Survey Pac & some of Joe Bell's routines is the shizzle.
Two TI 30Xs then throw them away after you get your license and use your cellphone and the data collector.
A calculator with a long history is the way to go. I currently use Mobi Calculator.?ÿ
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Do very little calculations in the field.?ÿ I was an HP-41Cer and went over to SMI for awhile but since total stations, data collectors and gps I've been using TSC-2 cogo routines and Carlson on the PC. ?ÿ
Calculate before I go out and when I get back.?ÿ
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When I took the national tests in '97 & '98 I had my HP48GX with SMI on hand. But there were only a few questions (perhaps 10 of the 165) that benefitted from the programming at all. Since then they have clamped down more on the allowable calculators, but I believe they have also modified the questions accordingly. By all means, get a calculator and program it (I recommend the HP35s). But if you are spending all your time in the test room pounding out coordinate solutions you are doing it wrong. Mostly you should be able to identify the only possible multiple choice solution by inspection alone.
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