What do you want for 6$?
Pros:
Dirt cheap
Cons:
Very poor instruction leaflet, only basic functions available
The Bottom Line:
Cheapest unit for basic functions. The Texas Instruments and Sharp calculators have much better instructions though.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I got this calculator to use in an exam when programmable calculators were not allowed (Otherwise, I would have used my awesome TI-89). Not wanting to spend money for a calculator that I would almost never use again, I took the cheapest one that was available at Staples: the Canon F-502. At around 6$US, I did not expect it to do much apart from basic arithmetic operations.
Here are my impressions:
THE REALLY GOOD:
-The price. The calculator was actually cheaper than my lunch. Need I say anything more?
THE GOOD:
-It's a good basic calculator. It does all the basic trig functions, as well as basic algebra and basic stats. It says it can handle complex numbers, but I have not figured that one out.
-The display. It's easy to read and can handle 10 digits, as opposed to 8 digits for most low-end calculators.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD:
-Limited functions. The calculator doesn't do that much, and the statistical functions it claims to possess are difficult to use, and the complex number functions are so obscure I just gave up on them.
-It should also be noted that the calculator relies solely on battery power, but the battery should last quite a while. It might prove difficult to change to battery whenever it does give up, as there is no battery door which means the whole casing would have to be taken apart.
THE REALLY BAD:
The instruction sheet. (it's a fold-out poster type of instruction sheet) It is too basic to be of any use. Only the very obvious functions are explained. There's no explanation of statistical functions, although the calculator is labeled as a Scientific Statistical Calculator. You'll have more luck just trying buttons on the calculator than reading the instructions.
For a few dollars more, a calculator like a TI-30 will at least include a useful instruction booklet.
