EL501X2BWH Engineering/Scientific Calculator

In my systems programming work, I often have a need to convert between decimal and hexadecimal base systems. Instead of tying up more precious screen real estate with a calculator program, and juggling that window among too many others that need to be open, I just wanted a simple calculator that could do the task. I was somewhat surprised to find that converting between base systems wasn't more common on inexpensive calculators, like it is in symbolic or graphing calculators. But I already have an old TI-8x series calculator, and it's just too big and goes through batteries too quickly for my simple needs anymore. This calculator fit the bill, and I'm very happy with it. It's simple enough to use that I remember all but the fancier functions quite easily. The manual could have used a little more descriptive text, but I was still able to figure everything out without too much trouble. I probably won't ever use some of the more advanced stuff, but there were a few things that I was pleasantly surprised by, like the ability to convert from decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, & seconds, or Cartesian to polar coordinates, or work with complex numbers. The one complaint is that the front panel is a shiny plastic that is an absolute fingerprint smudge magnet. It looks cool when you first get it, but as soon as you press any buttons, it will always look a bit dirty. Somebody in product design made a poor choice there, but in the end, it doesn't get in the way of what is otherwise a great little calculator.

I got the updated model (EL-501X2) and quite like it! They kept what I liked about the previous version - mainly digit-separating commas in the display - but reduced the size a bit and added some functions, like combinations & permutations. Fits in your hand nice and seems to work fine. And I like the random number generator for doing test work.

As scientific calculators go it is quite usable. It is LR44 powered so it works even in dim light that might challenge a solar calculator, but it also means it can be flat and need new batteries... I don't know how important that is, it isn't back-lit or anything so using it in full darkness is impossible. The base conversion is handy if you need it and the stats are OK, but realistically who does stats on a calculator any more? Biggest thing I do not like is the lack of a reciprocal key which is very useful for fraction inputs in longer calculations, easy flipping of the current result before multiplication or division by the next term. Yes you can use the "y^x" key and input -1 but that is more work and hand calculators are for quick use not extended calculations that you would just program a computer to do. I also prefer calculators with an engineering/scientific notation formatting key. This one has an "F<->E" key that transforms to scientific format, but not engineering that groups to powers in 1E3 steps which is very convenient for 3 significant figures or ~1% engineering tasks. Mentally moving the point and changing the exponent isn't difficult, but error prone if you are tired or rushing. I prefer the CASIO FX-260 solar, but this one works fine. Physically the Sharp EL501X2BWH is a nice package with a protective cover just like the FX-260. It is a little cheaper but lacks some of the features of the FX-260 that you will probably never use anyway. They are generally quite similar like all modern scientific calculators though, so the extra couple of dollars is just getting you a slightly more convenient button selection and battery free operation, which is worth it IMO.

Good size screen and keypad. Great response. I use the dec/hex/oct conversions with good results.

I love the color, it’s cute and makes using it more enjoyable. I’ve had this Sharp EL501X2BWH calculator for years and it still works perfectly. It is small, compact and reliable, great for everyday use and fits easily in my bag or on my desk.

excellent scientific calculator, particularly like decimal/octal/binary, of course it has radians, it also has Random numbers, wicked. easy clear "2nd Function" implementation. very convenient size, 10 digits. Buy it now.

This calculator was made for electrical engineering labs. It does complex arithmetic, and has the most intuitive and easy to use base conversion (binary, octal, decimal, hexidecimal) I've ever seen in a calculator. It's an incredible value for $8. And for the cost, it won't make you cry if you drop or lose it. It has larger more distantly spaced keys for the numerical keypad and arithmetic buttons. It even has a factory reset button if you manage to mess up the settings and want to return to the default. Someone over at SHARP obviously put a lot of thought into this calculator.

Not quite what I hoped. I wanted this for programming, where I have to use base-16 numbers a lot. My previous calculator could just switch modes very easily. This one is kind of a PITA—two buttons to press to enter a hex digit. As I would fully expect it does the math right :-)

It's a nice calculator. Has all the functions on it, and is easy to use. It also comes with instructions for the more complex functions on it.

Prodotto perfettamente funzionante e ottimo in tutto..

bought for my son's they're happy with it

Light weight and easy to handle. Though i feel quality wise casio is better.

Buen precio de la calculadora para los precios que se manejan acá en México, el único detalle es que está en inglés, si no tienen problema con esto está excelente.