It seems nobody likes the 97

[Maximilian Hohmann]

Hello!

(05-23-2023 12:49 PM)John Garza (3665) Wrote:  Why is that? It seems the 97s are less popular than the 67s.

I think that this is a general problem of desktop calculators/calculating machines versus pocket calculators. At least as far as I am concerned, collecting destop calculators would quickly consume more space than I have. And from a technological point of view, they are much less interesting than pocket calculators, because they usually do not require miniaturised components or power efficient circuitry.

(05-23-2023 12:49 PM)John Garza (3665) Wrote:  What of the usability of the 97?

It's usability is great, the 97 is one of the few calculators that I actually did use for real work (ca. 1983), albeit only for a few weeks. If you can work from a desktop then it is much preferable - for me at least - to working with a 67. Larger display, larger keys, single shift key and a printer. Once you get used to the keyboard you can really type in large amounts of numbers in a very short time, much better than with any pocket calculator.

(05-23-2023 12:49 PM)John Garza (3665) Wrote:  I can imagine when we were in school, or physically commuting to work everyday, a smaller form factor would be desirable. But if you have have a secure workplace (like working from home) and a desk, the 97 is superior - at least to me. Printer and larger display make it an easy choice.

Exactly.

(05-23-2023 12:49 PM)John Garza (3665) Wrote:  I'm curious what others think of this. If you had a choice between a 67 or 97 to use, what would you pick?

Well, apart from the fact that I would use neither to do any serious work (Excel, Matlab/Scilab, Mathematica or dedicated software for the task at hand is what I would use instead) I actually do have the choice :-)
And my vote goes to the 67, one of which lies always charged on my desk ready to be used. The 97 is too big for leaving it on the desk permanently - my desk is small and full of other stuff - and I would have to get it out of storage every time I need it for which I am far too lazy.

Regards
Max