Customer Reviews

Sharp EL-334TB Semi-Desktop Basic Calculator

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm ordering this calculator as a replacement for the EL-334MB that my kids spilled soda pop on and gummed up the keys. Prior to that, the little dear functioned beautifully, was a replacement itself for a similar Casio and a no-name cheapy purchased at the drug store. Neither of those measured up to my day-to-day use. Goodness knows, I've owned dozens of calculators over the years, and in every case have had one reason or another to dislike them all. The Sharp EL-334MB was different. I loved using it and it became a sort of pet of mine, so when Matt's ginger ale toppled over onto it, I heaved a sigh and immediately began to plan where to get another one. The local Office Max didn't have it (that's where I got the first one) but Amazon did, thank goodness. Some notable good points: Nice size, keys feel good, attractive, always works regardless of ambient light, nice big display, has that handy "00" key that I've used a lot more than I would have guessed, doesn't need batteries, and the keys are intelligently arranged. I just really got used to it and was very happy with it. I highly recommend this calculator.

The calculator photo shown by Amazon IS NOT what this product looks like - not even close! If you want to see what it really looks like, then hover your mouse over the PHOTO that I uploaded. ALSO, if you zoom into Amazon's photo, you'll notice the model number is NOT an EL-334MB. If you search the Internet for the model number shown in that photo, you'll learn it does not exist, not even on Sharp's website.

I consider a calculator that is 1960's style out of date and ugly as sin. This thing is 3/4 of an inch thick! It's the same thickness as a wood board (eg:1"x4")at Home Depot.

I don't know about you, but I depend on these photos as being an accurate representation of what I'm buying. Well, this was far from accurate and you'll find out for yourself if you buy one.

As a last note, Amazon does a fantastic job in many areas - selection, price, product information, and especially customer service. After 110 orders in the last 8 months, delivery is always on time so thanks Amazon! I'll keep bragging about you.

Cheers,
Jeff

If you're looking for a calculator to use with the "Gary Starr" method of calculating on TSD rallies, this is a good choice. The buttons are large but have a soft touch, so they may be prone to accidental entry (or deletion!). Values entered in memory are retained even when the calculator shuts off, which happens automatically after about 7 minutes. If you press + MR =, the value in memory will continue to be added each time you press =. It's a large calculator, about 4.5 x 6.5 inches, so make sure you have room on your clipboard.

If you need to quickly do simple math, and actually be able to read the results, this is the calculator for you. It is my primary business calculator. It doesn't have all the functions of a financial calculator, but that just makes it easier to use for most of what needs to be done.

I do wish the keys were a bit firmer; they feel a bit spongy. However, it is hardly noticeable once you start using it.

PRO:

Digit Grouping
Percentages
Grand Total
Kick Stand
Big enough, but not too big.

CON:

Spongy Buttons

Overall, it works great, and I would recommend it.

I had to replace my trusty TI calculator after 20 years of solid service (I bought it in high school!) recently when the total/equal button started to act up. It was a solar only calculator but it got the job done for years and years.

I took a chance on this Sharp and I'm pretty much hooked. By the way, the one I got doesn't match the photo so while the layout and display is the same, the body and the keys are different (more square with an aluminum body and a glass overlay over the top section where the display is). I actually think it looks better than the one shown.

Anyway, I primarily use a calculator when doing the bills/finances and sometimes for quick calculations while working (programming...it's easier to do that then actually write up some calculations in a program when the calculations are simple). My biggest concerns are:

- Visibility (screen and buttons need to be clear and easy to read from arms length)
- Function (I need memory, the usual math, and things like percent and +/- minimum)
- Speed/Usability (it shouldn't be slow, of course, and the button organization shouldn't make my life harder)

This calculator basically meet all of these challenges with an added bonus or two. The buttons and display are very clear (I think the dark text on lighter buttons actually works better than the pictured light on dark) and I'm already used to tapping things out. I'm a big guy with big fingers but the way this is laid out I never have a problem.

The added bonus here is the tax and grand total features. The tax feature lets you set a tax rate and then use +Tax and -Tax buttons to quickly add tax to items (i.e. enter 10 -> hit +Tax => Displays 10.825 for a 8.25% tax rate). Hitting it again will show you how much the tax was (it basically toggles between the total with tax and the tax itself). I don't use this feature nearly enough but if you deal with sales tax or realistically if you deal with a regular percentage (discounts, processing fees) that gets added or removed from a starting value, this feature's for you.

The Grand Total feature is another useful one that lets you tally up a series of calculations, like you'd expect, so you can calculate a grand total. You hit the Grand Total button twice then for each calculation hit Grand Total again to rack it up. For example, if you're adding up a number of items, you can multiple the quantity with the unit price and hit the tax button to get a line item total. Then hit Grand Total to add it to the overall total. Do that a few more times then when you've hit Grand Total with the last item you'll have your running tally. This reminds me of my TI's parentheses function where I could do a "sub-calculation" while stringing together a series of calculations rather than having to jot down or hit memory add. And, sure, this is basically like using memory add (M+) and memory recall (RM) but it feels better/easier since with a single button hit you get the add and the display of the current running total.

Overall, I'm really loving this calculator at the moment...assuming it lasts as long, this could be my new TI for the next 20 years. It's definitely slanted towards business and office use but it doesn't have a ton of advanced features that could get in the way for personal or basic school use. It's not a pocket calculator (it's almost the size of a DVD case) though it's light and easy to toss in a brief or backpack.

It's a little larger than I thought but i wanted a 10-digit display. Otherwise it is a good basic calculator.Sharp EL-334MB Semi-Desktop Basic Calculator

I work from home and a office away from home. It is the right size and has everything I need at either location. Carrying it with me also deletes the need to have a desk top calculator at either location. Being small and light weight I put it in my computer bag so I always have it with me.

Everything about this calculator is fine except for one thing, which may not matter to others. The calculator turns off automatically in 7 minutes, and clears the balance at the same time. Since I use it to do checkbook stuff, I want the balance from the last use. So I have to remember to hit CM, clear memory, and M+, store balance to memory before I quit. Other than that, it's fine.

The item shipped is not the same as the one pictured, even though it is the same model number. What was shipped is an ugly tan with green and brown memory and tax keys. Not attractive at all.

Nice piece of equipment. I had hoped it would be a little larger, but once I received it, I found it does the job quite nicely.