Monday, July 1, 2013

How to Spot a Good Calculator: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Since the time when business and numbers are created, man has looked into the possibility of making counting and other mathematical operations easy and fast. Inventions sprouted here and there because of man’s endless quest for a perfect device that meets their business requirement. Manufacturers have truly focused on math and engineering to come up with one innovation that will move man’s journey with technology to the next level. One of the best inventions that man has ever had was a calculator.
From the long history of using different kinds of abacus and other manual devices, and even the mechanical calculators in the 17th century, mankind has finally met the first solid state calculator in 1960s. Its development is almost simultaneous with the analog computers. Just like computers, the first calculators are bigger than the ones we see at present. It was only in 1970s that pocket-sized calculators came out as a result of the micro-chips technology.

What is a calculator?

A Calculator is defined as an electronic machine mainly used for calculations. Since it is a device for counting and perform simple to complex operations, the demand for calculator has reached a different level.  The design and the capability to perform the most complex operations are the features that serve as the basis for pricing. The simplest ones are almost given as giveaways, often inexpensive and not given any importance. As technology advances, calculator invention also drives for more competitive calculators.
Why are calculators important as the computers? There is growing demand for calculators all over the world. The growing market for calculators thrives because of the growth of the business sector, the academic sector engaged in numbers, and the general consumers (both home and office) which require easy and fast calculations.

What to look for in a calculator?

The most important parts of a calculator are the LCD or the Liquid Display Crystals, the Keyboard, and the digital buttons. High quality designs combining these three components are your key points in finding the best. Nowadays, finding the best designs and features is easier as they are visible online. Here is a list of what should calculators have for it to be considered a good buy.
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      Buying Guide #1 - Stand by time
For the display, consider the color. The red LED and the blue/green displays consume more battery, so it drains frequently. Short operating lifetime is important, as calculators are important gadgets helpful in day to day activities, especially when you are engaged in business. The dark over grey display is the most efficient these days.

·         Buying Guide #2 - Function
 Depending on its use, choose a calculator that functions according to your preference. If you are a college student, you need more the scientific calculator. Consider calculus, algebras, trigonometry and higher level sciences.

·         Buying Guide #3 - Size
Size preference is also a controversial topic when it comes to calculator. While people who are always on the go prefer a thin, lightweight, and compact kind of calculator, those who are in business on the other hand prefer a big calculator with big displays. Stores and offices normally prefer big calculators.

·         Buying Guide #4 - Added Features
If you are willing to pay for extras and added features, get the one that includes an organizer and a USB port for fast downloading. Stores for this matter, needs a calculator with a printer-compatibility feature. Most of these printable calculators use thermal printing technology.

·         Buying Guide #5 - Affordability
Spot for the best price in town. Earlier, I have indicated that the design and features of a calculator defines its cost. The more complex it gets, the pricier it becomes. That is not necessarily true. With thousands of calculator manufacturers today, the competition gets tougher. Some manufacturers sacrifice profit for the sake of the competition. For these manufacturers, high quality is the number one attribute of a calculator, but that feature is more discoverable in the market if they initially offer it at a low price. Now, that is the best opportunity you have been looking for. 

·         Buying Guide #6 - Brand
Consider the company’s reputation in getting a new set of calculators. The most trusted brand has the tendency to maintain quality of their products.

·         Buying Guide #7 - Warranty and Extra Services

Check out for the warranty features. It helps to decide which calculator to buy considering the warranty. Since calculators are complex calculating machines, there is a need for a great telephone inquiry service for FAQs and the how-to’s. It is a relief to know that you have a chance to exchange or replace or even ask for assistance when calculators break.

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