5 ms·

While the calculator itself seems really cool, I'm really perplexed by this design. I see little point to advertising it as something that can input and execut

While the calculator itself seems really cool, I'm really perplexed by this design. I see little point to advertising it as something that can input and execute python if it takes you at least 5 minutes to type `for i in range(10): print(i)`

mnoronha 8y ago
I think this tradeoff was to keep it compatible with Collegeboard's (archaic) calculator policies, which forbid keyboards. [1] Being able to market the calculator as SAT-approved is probably super valuable since most students won't buy multiple calculators. [1]: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/exam-policies/calculator-policy https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/exam-polici...
- redwheelbarrow 8y ago
  It'd be pretty tough to use it on the SAT if you take most of the allotted time trying to type out a function.
  - jedieaston 8y ago
    You can use it just like a TI-84, its just that it uses Python (which programming curriculums in k-12 are increasingly using) instead of TI-Basic.
  - uneekname 8y ago
    While you're right about how long it takes to type a function on a calculator like this, this calculator is a huge step up from the TIs kids use on the SAT right now.
    - redwheelbarrow 8y ago
      That's valid.
mjs7231 8y ago
I did this on the old TI-89 back in the day. It was fine for writing physics functions out. If you wanted anything more complex you presumable write the program on another computer and upload it to the calculator.
ivanfon 8y ago
It’s exactly the same situation with TI and Casio calculators (but with Basic instead of Python). For larger programs, it’s best to just download/write them on a computer and transfer them to the calculator. Writing smaller programs (at least on a Casio calculator) isn’t actually that bad once you get used to the layout and menus.

5 ms·

While the calculator itself seems really cool, I'm really perplexed by this design. I see little point to advertising it as something that can input and execut

by evan950 8y ago

mnoronha 8y ago
I think this tradeoff was to keep it compatible with Collegeboard's (archaic) calculator policies, which forbid keyboards. [1] Being able to market the calculator as SAT-approved is probably super valuable since most students won't buy multiple calculators. [1]: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/exam-policies/calculator-policy https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/exam-polici...
- redwheelbarrow 8y ago
  It'd be pretty tough to use it on the SAT if you take most of the allotted time trying to type out a function.
  - jedieaston 8y ago
    You can use it just like a TI-84, its just that it uses Python (which programming curriculums in k-12 are increasingly using) instead of TI-Basic.
  - uneekname 8y ago
    While you're right about how long it takes to type a function on a calculator like this, this calculator is a huge step up from the TIs kids use on the SAT right now.
    - redwheelbarrow 8y ago
      That's valid.
mjs7231 8y ago
I did this on the old TI-89 back in the day. It was fine for writing physics functions out. If you wanted anything more complex you presumable write the program on another computer and upload it to the calculator.
ivanfon 8y ago
It’s exactly the same situation with TI and Casio calculators (but with Basic instead of Python). For larger programs, it’s best to just download/write them on a computer and transfer them to the calculator. Writing smaller programs (at least on a Casio calculator) isn’t actually that bad once you get used to the layout and menus.