Sharp Electronics 8-Digit Twin Powered Calculator (EL-243S/EL-243SB)

I first got this calculator model some thirty-odd years ago. It still works, I have never changed the battery, and the solar panel is great. Even after being in storage for several years, it charged up off the solar panel in the ambient light in the room and was working in a few minutes. It is thin, light weight, easily fits in a pocket or pencil case, and does the basic computations. I most recently bought this one for my toddler niece who wanted to keep my original, but I didn't want to give it up because I still use it for quick computations at my desk, even with my (much more powerful) computer around. The display is still clear, the buttons are much more responsive than many of the "dollar store" varieties, and it has a useful memory function. Being limited to the basic four functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), this is definitely not a substitute for a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator, but if you just want to tally your bills or check your addition on your homework problem, this is just the thing. The new model is nearly unchanged and even came in a nice little protective case. My niece loves her new calculator, and it is perfect for her to learn her numbers and basic math. I hope it will also serve her well for her studies and basic computations as mine has for me for many years. Mine has certainly stood the test of time!

Great to drop in messenger bag/backpack/briefcase or even carry in portfolio. 8 digits handle most calculations. Three key memory (m+, m-, cm). square root and percentage keys. Standard calculator, battery/solar powered. Good price. Should last a long time. Button size generally good fo such a compact calculator. Blue soft buttons on a light grey background.

Hinged rigid plastic cover snaps shut nicely or folds back when using calculator.Keys are "rubber" not plastic. Feel and look of quality.Keys have a nick click feel when pressed. It would takeyears of constant use for numbers to wear off.Dual powered by solar and battery.The numbers are tall and skinny if you like that. Easy to read.Very handy for purse or pocket or desk drawer.Comparison with EL-233SEL-233S Very attractive. Nice display that does not have those tall skinny numbers.Very nice cushion feel when you press the keys.Keys are plastic, not rubber. Does not have a cover. Same size. SmallBattery only. No problem The battery will last "forever."EL-243SDual battery solar.Has the hinged rigid cover.Keys are "rubber" but a feel of quality.Tall skinny numbers, but clear and easy to read.Has the -/+ keyA little bit easier to use for larger fingers.Both have M-, M+, R-CM, Square Root, %,

The best thing about this calculator is that it's got a cover that latches. No, it doesn't lock, but that little hard-plastic door closes over the keypad, so when I toss it into my briefcase and head out, I don't have to worry about damage to the keypad, or the thing being turned on and staying on as a stray pen or something just keeps pushing its buttons. The main power source is light, but it's got a simple battery backup, the batteries being accessible when you pull two small philips-head screws from the back of the case.This thing is small and mobile, and is perfect for my mobile business needs. I'm not going to be plotting spacecraft trajectories or formulating amino acid degradations today, so I don't need anything more than the basic arithmetic functions it offers (as well as %, square root and basic memory functions).The buttons are just the right size, not so big that I feel like this thing is a learning toy for a 2 year old, or has been made for the myopic over-70 set. The buttons are big enough that I can quickly tap out my work without mashing down multiple buttons.To conclude, if you want a small calc you can tote with you and that will not let you down by running out of power, this is the one. If you're after a reliable little machine to crank out your daily checkbook totals or to tally up the pro-rating on your timesheet entries, then this is the one you want. Recommend.

If you want a VERY BASIC, SMALL calculator that only adds, subtracts, divides, and multiplies, and has a memory, square root key, plus/minus key, and percent key, this is the one to get. Most important is that it has a CE ("Clear Entry") key: If you're adding or subtracting a lot of numbers and enter an incorrect value halfway through, you can delete it from the display by pressing CE without disturbing the calculations that you've already done. NEVER BUY A CALCULATOR THAT DOES NOT HAVE A CE KEY, because if you enter a wrong number somewhere along the line, you'll lose all your work when you press the only Clear key, which clears everything! (As you can tell, I made this mistake.) The buttons are a good size (not too small or too large), the calculator takes up very little room on a desk or in a purse or briefcase, and it calculates quickly. The cover is attached and unobtrusive if you just want to leave it on a desk. After seven years, the calculator is still working fine. At this low price, I'd have no problem replacing it once a year if necessary.

Nice little calculator

Very small calculator, so if your a guy with regular guy hands, I wouldn't recommend. I bought this for my husband, would not have purchased if I'd known it was so small. Also, cover is very flimsy and cheap. My recommendation is to bite the bullet and spend a little more money. It functions just fine, though. It will fit in a regular front shirt pocket.

Muy buena!