Non-graphing calcs and Electrical Engineering.

[Johnh]

Whether you need complex numbers on a calculator might depend on your particular circumstances, or if studying, any constraints for use in exams or in class.

I teach and practice engineering (structures) but also do a lot of electrical circuit analysis (hobby) using complex numbers to analyse large LRC circuits. I reckon that the need to do complex functions on a handheld device is very small. Once you learn the theory, which any calculator can support by simple arithmetic and geometry, then then next level, in practice, is best done using spreadsheets and then dedicated analysis software.

But a high-quality RPN calculator with nice positive buttons and some basic programming for quick ad-hoc tasks is still very nice, though I think most engineers just use a high-school Casio.