CASIO 90+E vs HP Prime

[eried]

The nice guys at tiplanet.org sent me a Casio calculator because of http://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-11491.html

Here are my solutions: https://erwin.ried.cl/post/180137142402/...-universel just in case.

I have been playing with it and besides bringing me flashbacks about my CASIO Algebra FX2 (before having an HP one, it was my first real programmable calculator) I feel like CASIO is way off the competition (it is almost in a complete lower range, not even comparable) against the Prime. (Check the edits below)



Hardware wise:
CASIO: Feels bulky but well made. The keyboard is responsive. The contrast is good enough but it has the same issue as the first Prime in the yellow tones. You can rotate a bit the function keys... that is not very pretty

Display:
CASIO: Bright, and OK-ish. Angles change the color a lot, the Prime seems to have a better display.

Software:
CASIO: Super easy to use. But very limited. Exactly the same feeling I remember with my Algebra FX2 compared to the first HP I had (49g+). Like for example the lists are limited to 26. Everything probably has an internal limit, string length, matrix size, etc. I feel all the apps are way more intuitive to use than the Prime.

What impressed me badly is for example how limited is the 3d graphing functions. You just select a template from 5 and that's all. I think it was thanks to an update, but pressing "Z=" the user can just enter any equation. 3d graphing is not as fast as in the Prime. Check EDIT 2 below for an alternative.

What I really like is the physics constants and periodic table. The constants are modifiable, and the periodic table is just neat.

There is nothing like what you can achieve in the Prime with effort. No super powerful CAS, no super powerful Advanced graphs.

However... It has UNDO. Program code can be lock down with password (I know some people like that, I don't). And Geometry app allows you to enter the label and coordinates directly! In the UI!!:


I would say this is an awesome calculator for any kid (everything is easily decoded on the fly while using it) but thinking it like a gateway drug without not stronger drugs in the same brand... I would say go for the Prime and let the kid struggle from few days.

I need to correct that last statement now. I am actually liking the 90+E a lot... and if you can get this at a low price, I would say go for it. It is a proper contender to the Prime, besides the speed, slimness and a nicer overall integration of the HP, the Casio alternative is quite versatile and feels easier to use.
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PD: The french casio poster is neat. (NOUVEAU- Géneration de QR-Codes!...)



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EDIT:

More positive stuff:

1) To transfer apps, the calculator can act like as a usb drive
2) KhiCAS is awesome https://tiplanet.org/forum/archives_voir.php?id=1599842
3) Project to screen is quite usable too
4) Python editor is really cool! Highlights the code and there is a MicroPython terminal

__________________________________
EDIT 2:

Even more positive stuff:

5) When connected to USB the batteries are bypassed
6) Better 3d grapher https://www.cemetech.net/programs/index....ile&id=727

[eried]

I forgot: I have not tested the Python editor, with syntax highlight... that seems another plus. Uhmm...

[critor]

Thank you for your feedback on the Casio Graph 90+E / fx-CG50.

For information, you can add the KhiCAS app by Bernard Parisse for a more HP Prime-like experience :
https://tiplanet.org/forum/archives_voir.php?id=1599842

[eried]

(01-22-2019 12:52 PM)critor Wrote:  Thank you for your feedback on the Casio Graph 90+E / fx-CG50.

For information, you can add the KhiCAS app by Bernard Parisse for a more HP Prime-like experience :
https://tiplanet.org/forum/archives_voir.php?id=1599842

That is awesome!

I am going to add more positive stuff to the first post...

[ijabbott]

(01-22-2019 12:29 PM)eried Wrote:  What impressed me badly is for example how limited is the 3d graphing functions. You just select a template from 5 and that's all.

Try pressing the 'Z=' soft button on the screen with the templates.

[compsystems]

The section CASIO education, should incorporate by default Xcas/GIAC APP in the CASIO calcs products, and even in the classpad and give some compensation $$ to Mr. BP for his great work.

[Steve Simpkin]

"What impressed me badly is for example how limited is the 3d graphing functions. You just select a template from 5 and that's all. "

Try the Graph3DP 3D graphing app by KermMartian. I find if more flexible.
https://www.cemetech.net/programs/index....ile&id=727

This is no Prime killer but the going price of around US$60 (target.com), it is quite a bargain.

[eried]

(01-23-2019 04:13 AM)Steve Simpkin Wrote:  "What impressed me badly is for example how limited is the 3d graphing functions. You just select a template from 5 and that's all. "

Try the Graph3DP 3D graphing app by KermMartian. I find if more flexible.
https://www.cemetech.net/programs/index....ile&id=727

This is no Prime killer but the going price of around US$60 (target.com), it is quite a bargain.

Hey thanks! I am actually quite impressed now with it. Well done Casio, it is weird how a couple of apps can make it so compelling

Funny how Norwegians customs charged me 52 EUR for the prize being 60 USD there... lol

[thenozone]

Looks like the FX CG 50, but that can plot all sorts of 3 d plots, you select "TYPE" and the enter equation starting "Z=" , i thought this was absent at the start myself.
one of the other features i like is that in the 2 d plots you can plot in polar and rectangular at the same time helps me sometimes.
speed wise it is no where near the Prime but is a good calc. it made me buy fx CG 500 to try, which seams limited to one graph in 3D but stumbled upon almost 80 digit precission.

[pier4r]

In another thread it was discussed the ability to keep the Casio powered by USB.

The 9850/9860 series can be powered by USB, while the fx cg (10 or 20 or 50) can't. How is with the 90+E ?

[grsbanks]

Can't say for sure because I don't have one but I'd guess not because, if memory serves, the 90+E and the fx-CG50 are one and the same. Different denominations for different markets.

[ijabbott]

(01-24-2019 02:17 PM)grsbanks Wrote:  Can't say for sure because I don't have one but I'd guess not because, if memory serves, the 90+E and the fx-CG50 are one and the same. Different denominations for different markets.

I think the 90+E has an LED for exam-mode, but apart from that, they're pretty similar.

[eried]

(01-24-2019 02:01 PM)pier4r Wrote:  In another thread it was discussed the ability to keep the Casio powered by USB.

The 9850/9860 series can be powered by USB, while the fx cg (10 or 20 or 50) can't. How is with the 90+E ?

The 90+E does not boot without the batteries (even if connected to power) but once is connected to USB the consumption from the batteries drop to 0 mAh

[eried]

(01-24-2019 09:09 PM)ijabbott Wrote:  

(01-24-2019 02:17 PM)grsbanks Wrote:  Can't say for sure because I don't have one but I'd guess not because, if memory serves, the 90+E and the fx-CG50 are one and the same. Different denominations for different markets.

I think the 90+E has an LED for exam-mode, but apart from that, they're pretty similar.

Yes it does have the LED. I dont know the older series but all software I have tried works here.

Actually I dont know which kind of spell CASIO has done to me, but I am actually liking this calculator a lot hahaha!

[Helix]

You can also try C.BASIC, much faster than Casio Basic :
https://community.casiocalc.org/topic/76...entry62015

You will find some benchmarks here :
http://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-758...#pid101597

[Dirk.nl]

Hi Eried,

I have a question to you (or to others).
Can the Casio fx-CG50 handle Linux (Linux Mint 19.1).
By that I mean, for example, updating and installing software.
I have a HP Prime (G2) but I still have problems with Windows 10.
Hopefully you can answer me (or others).
Thanks in advance! (Is this correct English?)

[cdmackay]

(01-26-2019 04:08 PM)Dirk.nl Wrote:  Can the Casio fx-CG50 handle Linux (Linux Mint 19.1).
By that I mean, for example, updating and installing software.

Sadly not; installation of a new CG50 firmware upgrade is delivered as a Windows/Mac executable/application.

Installing add-on files can be done using USB mass-storage, i.e. the calculator appears as a USB drive on the computer, but calculator firmware can't be updated that way.

[pier4r]

(01-25-2019 08:21 AM)eried Wrote:  The 90+E does not boot without the batteries (even if connected to power) but once is connected to USB the consumption from the batteries drop to 0 mAh

Interesting! For me it is already great. Do the Casio FX cg series (10,20,50) have the same behavior? This would change some purchasing evaluations.

[Dirk.nl]

cdmackay,
Well that's bad luck. Thanks for your reply !!

[eried]

(01-25-2019 10:29 PM)Helix Wrote:  You can also try C.BASIC, much faster than Casio Basic :
https://community.casiocalc.org/topic/76...entry62015

You will find some benchmarks here :
http://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-758...#pid101597

Wow! the community is quite active. I am impressed how my opinion was radically changed after few third party apps. Thanks for sharing

(01-26-2019 04:08 PM)Dirk.nl Wrote:  Hi Eried,

I have a question to you (or to others).
Can the Casio fx-CG50 handle Linux (Linux Mint 19.1).
By that I mean, for example, updating and installing software.
I have a HP Prime (G2) but I still have problems with Windows 10.
Hopefully you can answer me (or others).
Thanks in advance! (Is this correct English?)

As Dirk.nl say, firmware seems impossible, but you asked specifically about software and as a flash drive, this process is 100% compatible with Linux. Even with android (with a USB host cable).

(01-26-2019 05:23 PM)pier4r Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 08:21 AM)eried Wrote:  The 90+E does not boot without the batteries (even if connected to power) but once is connected to USB the consumption from the batteries drop to 0 mAh

Interesting! For me it is already great. Do the Casio FX cg series (10,20,50) have the same behavior? This would change some purchasing evaluations.

I am not sure about those other models. Knowing Casio it is a high chance that this is a normal behaviour.