Posted on: Thursday, July 31, 2008
Calculator still cool to carry to class
By Melissa Rayworth
Associated Press
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The TI-Nspire costs about $150 — and a student taking the SAT or a physics exam may need a calculator something like this.
Texas Instruments via AP
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In an age when mobile phones routinely take photos, shoot video, play music and send e-mail, it's easy to forget that hand-held calculators once seemed high-tech.
An electronic gadget that only does one thing? Those early calculators were an exotic, sometimes forbidden treat for schoolkids in the 1970s and 1980s
Today, school districts still debate whether calculators are practicality or cheating. But handheld calculators of all shapes and sizes can be found in students' backpacks. Their memory and speed dwarf those of early models. Among the cooler options available this fall:
Flexibility. Texas Instruments has unveiled its TI-Nspire, which boasts two interchangeable keypads (including one for graphing) and software. Added bonus for high-schoolers: This model is approved for use in the SATs. About $150.
Memory. HP's 50g graphing calculator boasts a huge 2.5MB of memory, plus USB connectivity. Font size on the display is adjustable and menu keys reduce keying errors. About $130.
Accessories. Casio's EA-200 Casio Data Collection and Analysis System lets students measure, log and graph real-world data such as temperature, light, voltage, motion, sound, force and pH. Up to seven Casio graphing calculators can connect to the unit at one time. About $300.
Glam factor. Target spokesman Joshua Thomas says school supply makers are "catering to the young fashionista" this fall. Among other posh things is Texas Instruments' 30X-IIS graphing calculator in bright pink with keypad buttons in coordinating shades of pink. About $14.
