A co-worker is spending two glorious weeks in Italy beneath the Tuscan sun. Instead of taking me with her, she left me with all her work. Is that fair? Since I can’t have the Tuscan sun, I’m basking in the glow of my co-worker’s
Casio Calculator -- Model # MS-80TE. Not quite the same thing ...
Description
Warm and breezy ... a beautiful Italian villa – Oh! I’m supposed to describe the calculator.
This is a compact desk-top solar calculator with built-in battery backup. It measures 5 3/8" long x 4" wide x 1 1/4" high. The top of the calculator, where the angled LCD display is located, is a two-tone blue combo. The bottom portion of the calculator is silver, with buttons in green, red, dark gray and light gray. Large buttons allow easy number entry, and the buttons are labeled with large numbers and symbols.
Button Description
Green – two oval Tax buttons (plus and minus)
Red – “on” and “clear” buttons
Dark Gray – mathematical functions
Light Gray – number buttons and decimal
Features
* 8-digit LCD display
* 3-digit comma markers to separate long numbers
* Tax & currency exchange functions
* Mark-up percent function
* Basic features (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, equal)
* +/- key to change a number to either a positive or negative number
* Independent Memory
* Automatic shut-off
My Experiences
Since I’ve been doing the work of two people, I’ve been using two desks. My co-worker’s desk has the Casio MS-80TE Calculator on it. When I first started using the calculator, I didn’t particularly care for it. I’ve used other solar desk-top calculators that I like much better than this one. However, this is not a bad machine, and I’ve grown to like it.
The calculator works great. The LCD display is slanted for easy viewing, and the large 1/2" tall numbers are sharply defined. Pressing the numbers is a cinch with the large buttons. It feels as if the buttons are supposed to have a rubberized texture to them. However, my fingers slide across the keys. They feel more like plastic than a non-skid material.
For some reason I have trouble remembering that the division key is on the top row of buttons at the right. It is vertically in line with the multiplication, subtraction and larger addition button ... but it’s just high enough that I tend to miss hitting the division button if I am not directly looking at the calculator.
A handy feature are the two Tax keys. Simply enter a number and then press the Tax key to have the calculator automatically add tax to the figure. There is also an Exchange Rate feature that I have not used (and don’t think I ever would). A percent feature and +/- key are also on the keypad.
One feature I definitely use often and could not do without is the independent memory. I can key in a series of numbers into the memory, do separate calculations between entries, and then press the Memory Total button for a total of all the numbers I’ve placed in memory.
Another interesting aspect of this calculator is that when a function is chosen (such as addition, multiplication, tax, exchange rate), a symbol for the function appears in the upper portion of the LCD window. For example, when the multiplication key is pressed, a small “x” symbol appears in the display indicating that the multiplication key has been chosen.
Though this calculator is designed to sit on a desk, it can also be held in the hand. It’s not as comfortable to hold as a slim calculator, but for short periods of time, I’ve held it in my hand without problem. This calculator is also small enough to carry in a large purse or briefcase. However, the angled LCD display does not fold down for compact carrying.
Since this is designed as a desk-top calculator, one would expect it to stay in place on the desk. I’ve had mixed results with the calculator remaining in place. There are two very small round rubber feet on the bottom of this calculator. The rubber feet are only 3/16" in diameter, not enough to anchor this machine in place. If I am using this machine on a slanted surface, the calculator moves. It is easy to push this calculator across the desk.
I prefer using solar calculators, and the auto-off feature is nice. Timing it, the calculator automatically turns off if not used in five minutes. This machine is a good weight, too. It’s not too heavy and yet heavy enough to anchor papers with a fan blowing at them.
Considerations
There are few features missing in this calculator that I would definitely use if it had them.
* 00 key – A double-zero key is a time-saving feature. I do a lot of calculations with double-zero entries, and pressing one "00" key is better than hitting the "0" key twice.
* Backspace or Last Digit Erase – The only way to correct a mistake is to hit the “C” key. There is no way to erase the last digit entered.
Also, if you need a paper printout, then this is not the calculator for you. And there is only one memory location, so if you do a lot of calculation and need more than one memory function, this machine won’t suit your needs.
Purchasing
Our office bought this calculator at Staples for $8.15. Amazon.com and Office Depot sell it for $7.99. OfficeMax has a great deal where for $9.98 you can purchase a Casio Calculator Combo Pack, which includes the Casio MS-80TE and a second calculator, model CP8LV.
Summary
Would I buy this calculator for my personal use? No. Would I let the company purchase this machine for my work in the office ... sure, I’m not paying for it. This is a nice little affordable machine that does calculations just as it is supposed to do. It’s nothing fancy, and is reliable. And for that reason I’m recommending it. However, for my personal use, I’ve used other calculators that I much prefer. I would rather have a "00" key than the Exchange Rate function. However, maybe if this calculator came with a trip to Italy ...
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Please read my other reviews:
Sharp Solar Calculator
Post-it Tape Flags
Sharpie Twin-Tip Permanent Marker
EraserMate Pen
PaperMate Flair Felt-tip Markers
Fellowes Magnetic Copyholder
Stanley Contemporary Electric Pencil Sharpener
Tombow White Correction Tape
Elmer’s Rubber Cement
Acco Electric 3-Hole Paper Punch
Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets
Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers
Wausau Exact Vellum Bristol Cover Stock -- in Blue (created brochures with it)
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
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