Sharp EL-531RB-BL 10-Digit Scientific Calculator

by Sharp

Product Details

Product Manual [87kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches ; 3.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004TJVC
• Item model number: EL-531RB-BL
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 25, 2000

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Sharp's EL-531RB-BL is the blue version of its EL-531RB basic scientific calculator, and, unfortunately, the cool color detracts from the unit's usability. It uses the translucent plastic so popular in electronic devices these days, and button labels tend to get lost in the clutter of internal parts that are visible.

Those willing to put up with this annoying byproduct of form over function will find that the EL-531RB-BL is a lot of calculator for the money, with features we wish every entry-level scientific calculator had. The display, for example, is a two-line design that shows the equation you've entered at the top and the numbers and symbols you are currently entering at the bottom. This makes it possible to keep track of your equation as you are entering it, and special editing and playback keys let you go back and make changes to anything you want before calculating the final results. This is a feature found only in the most expensive calculators just a few years ago, and it makes this device easy for anyone to use.

Another nice touch is the Direct Algebraic Logic entry method, which lets users enter equations exactly as they are printed on a blackboard or in a textbook. Output is purely digital--the calculator can't solve abstract algebra problems and display the results in terms of X and Y (or in any other alphanumeric terms)--and the calculator can't produce graphs, but it's excellent for number crunching and checking work for students who understand the fundamentals of problems they are working on. The calculator has 183 functions thanks to the use of a shift key, including the ability to perform statistical calculations. It also has an extremely clever integrated case cover that slides up and folds flush with the back of the unit without ever being removed from the calculator (meaning it can't be lost).

If not for the translucent casing, this model would be on equal footing with the black EL-531RB as a near-faultless entry-level scientific calculator. Its only other drawback is the lack of good documentation, as it comes with a single folded sheet that describes its operation. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Two-line display with editable calculation history
• Many equations can be entered as they appear on a typed page

Cons:

• Cool translucent case allows too much of the device's innards to show through, which makes buttons hard to read
• Poor documentation

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impossible to find in stores!, March 23, 2001

By 

Angela (Crete, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharp EL-531RB-BL 10-Digit Scientific Calculator (Office Product)

My jr. high son uses this in school. After his was damaged we went EVERYWHERE to locate a duplicate- not to be found! Tried a Texas Instrument model- but it lacked a function necessary in school, despite its 'scientific calculator' name. This one is special because it has an attached cover that slides over and completely forms its own hard cover case over the keys, really protects it at school... AMAZON to the rescue! Priced right and delivered to my door.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice set of options, easy to use, cool and inexpensive, December 21, 2000

By 

Raul Saavedra (Caracas, Venezuela) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sharp EL-531RB-BL 10-Digit Scientific Calculator (Office Product)

It's very easy to use, you can master absolutely all options really quickly. I particularly liked the fact that I can choose how many decimal places it will show on the display, the quick and handy deg<->rad conversion and the powerful 2-variable stats mode. It's also quite fast, I've noticed the results pop up sooner than in many similarly priced calculators. ....as a bonus it looks quite cool. I give it 5 stars for sure.

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a small great calculator., June 19, 2006

By 

Rolando Humberto "Rolando" (Honduras) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharp EL-531RB-BL 10-Digit Scientific Calculator (Office Product)

With this calculator finishes my bachelor studies before used casio fx115d very good also but this is but it practices because it is possible to be visualized the data already placed with this calculates the hydraulic structure, electrical and of concrete armed of a habitacional complex of 10 houses.