Casio fx-991CW Scientific Calculator Review

Calculator Culture
30 Mar 202311:26

TLDRThe Casio fx-991CW Scientific Calculator is a revamped version of the popular fx-991EX, designed for high school and engineering students. It features a circular convex button design for ease of use and reduced typing errors. The calculator retains the same functionality but introduces a new user interface with higher contrast and four shades of gray. Some controversial changes include the use of cursor keys for menu navigation and the amalgamation of functions into a single format key. The calculator also lacks the ability to copy values from the calculation history and erases history upon switching apps or auto power off. Despite these, the fx-991CW is praised for its exact answers, matrix support, and equation-solving capabilities.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“š The Casio fx-991CW is a design update of the popular 991EX, aimed at high school and engineering students.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ It features circular convex buttons, a departure from traditional calculator designs, aiming to reduce typing mistakes.
  • ๐ŸŒ The calculator comes in a series including 570CW, 350CW, and 82CW, each with varying features and functionality.
  • ๐Ÿ” The display on the CW supports higher contrast and four shades of gray, enhancing the user interface.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ The calculator includes an additional app called 'math box' for simulating dice rolls and coin tosses.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The navigation system has changed, requiring the use of cursor keys instead of numeric shortcuts, a move that may polarize users.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The 'Format' key now brings up a menu, consolidating several functions, which may slow down some operations but offers a cleaner design.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The 'Answer' key has been moved to above the keyboard, which might take getting used to for long-time Casio users.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Store and recall buttons have been replaced with a single variable key, streamlining the process of managing variables.
  • ๐ŸŒ The 991CW is not yet available worldwide but is expected to replace the 991EX in the global market.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ It shares strengths with the 991EX, such as support for exact answers, 4x4 matrices, and equation solving, but also retains some weaknesses like the inability to copy values from the calculation history.

Q & A

  • What is the Casio fx-991CW Scientific Calculator?

    -The Casio fx-991CW is a scientific calculator designed for high school and engineering students. It is an updated design of the popular fx-991EX, aiming to be more approachable and easy to use while preserving the same functionality.

  • What are the key differences between the Casio fx-991CW and the fx-991EX?

    -The Casio fx-991CW features circular convex buttons, a slightly different display with higher contrast and support for four shades of gray, and a streamlined user interface with menus navigated using cursor keys instead of numeric shortcuts. It also has a unified format key and a new variable and function management feature.

  • What is special about the buttons on the Casio fx-991CW?

    -The buttons on the Casio fx-991CW are circular and convex, which is a design not commonly found in scientific calculators. This design is intended to reduce typing mistakes and make the keys easy to press from any angle.

  • How does the display on the fx-991CW differ from the fx-991EX?

    -The display on the fx-991CW supports a higher contrast and four shades of gray, which are used subtly throughout the user interface, but the overall difference from the fx-991EX display is not dramatic.

  • What additional app does the Casio fx-991CW have that the fx-991EX does not?

    -The Casio fx-991CW includes an extra app called 'Math Math Box' that simulates dice rolls and coin tosses.

  • How has the key placement on the Casio fx-991CW been altered from the fx-991EX?

    -The key placement on the Casio fx-991CW has been altered significantly, with changes that will be discussed in the video, including the removal of store and recall buttons in favor of a single variable key.

  • What is the controversy surrounding the 'Format' key on the Casio fx-991CW?

    -The controversy is that the 'Format' key on the Casio fx-991CW brings up a menu, requiring the use of cursor keys to select an option, which is unusual for frequently used buttons located at the bottom right of the calculator.

  • How does the Casio fx-991CW handle variable and function management?

    -The Casio fx-991CW has a single variable key that, when pressed, shows all variables in memory along with their values. This allows for easy recording or storing into those variables, sacrificing speed for better visibility and management of variable states.

  • What are the strengths of the Casio fx-991CW Scientific Calculator?

    -The strengths of the Casio fx-991CW include support for exact answers, 4x4 matrices, equation solving capabilities, and a generally faster processor than its competitors.

  • What are some of the weaknesses or limitations of the Casio fx-991CW?

    -Some weaknesses of the Casio fx-991CW include the inability to copy arbitrary values from the calculation history and the erasure of calculation history when switching between apps or when the calculator auto powers off.

  • Is there a plan for the Casio fx-991CW to replace the fx-991EX?

    -Yes, the Casio fx-991CW is expected to eventually roll out worldwide and replace the fx-991EX, offering a more modern and user-friendly design.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ“ฑ Overview of the Casio fx-991CW Calculator

The video introduces the Casio fx-991CW, a design update of the popular fx-991EX scientific calculator. Aimed at high school and engineering students, the new model attempts to be more user-friendly while maintaining the same functionality. It's part of a series of CW calculators, including the 570, 350, and 82 models. The video highlights the unique circular convex buttons, which are designed to reduce typing mistakes and are easier to press from any angle. However, this design choice leads to less space for additional key labels, resulting in a cleaner look but potentially requiring users to rely more on menus. The key placement has been altered, and the display now supports higher contrast and four shades of gray. The calculator includes an additional app called 'math box' for simulating dice rolls and coin tosses. The video also discusses the controversy over the new menu navigation system, which requires the use of cursor keys instead of numeric shortcuts.

05:01

๐Ÿ” In-Depth Analysis of Design Changes

This section delves into the design changes of the Casio fx-991CW, contrasting it with the fx-991EX. The video points out that the new model has combined several functions into a single 'format' key, which brings up a menu for selection, a change that some find controversial. The format key's behavior differs in base mode, where it toggles between bases without a menu. The video suggests that the format key's menu function may not be necessary, as users can convert values using other methods. Another significant change is the elimination of store and recall buttons, replaced by a single variable key that displays all variables in memory. This change is praised for its convenience. The video also notes that global functions and definitions have been consolidated into a single screen, and the calculator's strengths, such as support for exact answers, matrices, and equation solving, are highlighted. The weaknesses, like the inability to copy values from the calculation history and the erasure of history upon app switch or auto power off, are also mentioned. The video concludes that while the 991CW is a bold design move, it may not be necessary for power users to upgrade from the EX model.

10:02

๐ŸŒŸ Final Thoughts on the Casio fx-991CW

The final paragraph discusses the broader implications of the design changes in the Casio fx-991CW. It contrasts the new model with older Casio calculators that used number-based menu navigation and similar keyboard layouts. The video appreciates Casio's attempt to innovate with the CW series and believes it will be more approachable for high school students. However, it acknowledges that the changes may not please all power users due to the trade-offs made. The video ends on a positive note, appreciating the new circular buttons, the unified number format toggle, and the new variable and function management features. It expresses interest in seeing how these features will evolve or be adopted by other manufacturers in the future. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to subscribe and stay updated with new content.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กCasio fx-991CW

The Casio fx-991CW is a scientific calculator designed for high school and engineering students. It is an updated version of the popular 991EX model. The 'CW' in its name suggests a design refresh aimed at making the device more user-friendly. The calculator retains the same functionality as its predecessor but introduces new design elements that are both praised and criticized.

๐Ÿ’กDesign Update

A design update refers to the changes made to the physical appearance and user interface of a product. In the context of the Casio fx-991CW, this includes the introduction of circular convex buttons and a slightly different display, which are intended to make the calculator more approachable and easier to use.

๐Ÿ’กCircular Convex Buttons

Circular convex buttons are a design feature of the Casio fx-991CW calculator, where the buttons are round and slightly curved. This design is said to reduce typing mistakes and make the buttons easier to press from any angle. It's a departure from the traditional rectangular buttons found on most calculators.

๐Ÿ’กUser Interface

The user interface of the Casio fx-991CW has been redesigned to improve usability. It includes a higher contrast display that supports four shades of gray for a more intuitive interaction. The changes are intended to make navigating the calculator's functions simpler and more efficient.

๐Ÿ’กMini Navigation

Mini navigation refers to the way users navigate through the calculator's menus. The Casio fx-991CW requires the use of cursor keys for menu navigation, unlike the 991EX which allows for quicker access via number shortcuts. This change is seen as a trade-off for a cleaner design but may be less efficient for some users.

๐Ÿ’กFormat Key

The format key on the Casio fx-991CW is a controversial change as it amalgamates several functions into a single key that brings up a menu. This is different from the 991EX where separate keys were used for each function. The change is intended to streamline the interface but may require users to adjust their usage habits.

๐Ÿ’กVariable and Function Management

Variable and function management on the Casio fx-991CW has been improved by doing away with separate store and recall buttons. Instead, a single variable key shows all variables in memory along with their values, allowing for easier recording and storing. This feature is praised for its clarity and efficiency.

๐Ÿ’กControversial Changes

Controversial changes refer to design decisions that may not be universally accepted. In the video, the format key and the removal of separate store and recall buttons are cited as examples. These changes aim to simplify the user experience but may require users to adapt to new ways of interacting with the calculator.

๐Ÿ’กGlobal Functions

Global functions on the Casio fx-991CW are calculator functions that can be applied across different modes and operations. The calculator has consolidated these functions into a similar screen, making them easier to access and use. This is part of the broader effort to streamline the calculator's interface.

๐Ÿ’กAuto Powers Off

Auto powers off is a feature that causes the calculator to turn off automatically after a period of inactivity. While this can be energy-efficient, it can also erase the calculation history, which is a drawback mentioned in the video. The Casio fx-991CW allows users to set the auto time off to 60 minutes, addressing this issue to some extent.

๐Ÿ’กExact Answers

Exact answers refer to the calculator's ability to provide precise results without rounding errors. The Casio fx-991CW retains this strength from the 991EX, supporting exact answers in calculator mode, which is particularly useful for complex calculations requiring high precision.

Highlights

The Casio fx-991CW is a design update of the popular 991EX scientific calculator.

Aimed at high school and engineering students, the calculator is designed to be more approachable and easy to use.

The 991CW is the most advanced in a series of CW calculators, including the 570, 350, and 82 models.

Circular convex buttons are a distinctive feature, making the calculator more ergonomic.

The space between keys is designed to reduce typing mistakes.

The display supports higher contrast and four shades of gray for a subtle UI enhancement.

The calculator includes an additional app called 'math box' for simulating dice rolls and coin tosses.

Menu navigation has been changed to only use cursor keys, a move that may polarize users.

The format key now brings up a menu, requiring the use of cursor keys to select options.

The answer key has been moved to above the keyboard, which may take getting used to for long-time Casio users.

Store and recall buttons have been replaced with a single variable key showing all variables in memory.

Global functions and definitions have been amalgamated into a similar screen for easier access.

The 991CW retains the strengths of the EX, such as support for exact answers, 4x4 matrices, and equation solving.

It has a faster processor than its competitors and shares the same weaknesses, like the inability to copy values from calculation history.

The calculator is expected to be rolled out worldwide and replace the EX model.

Casio's design changes with the CW are bold and may be more approachable for high school students.

The new circular buttons and unified number format toggle are innovative features of the 991CW.

It will be interesting to see if these features persist in the future or get copied by other manufacturers.