Casio SCHULRECHNER FX-CP400 CLASSPAD II

As a engineering + physics student, a powerful calculator is absolutely key. I previously owned the Casio FX9860 G2 which saw me comfortably through A-Level. Sadly I left the previous calculator at the bottom of my bag and the screen cracked. I decided it would be worth the extra price to obtain a calculator that could do anything I could want of it.The product was well packaged and included 4 batteries to get me started. I have been using the calculator for around 4 months now and can't think of many situations it's left me wanting more. There have been a few instances when performing infinite integrals that the calculator becomes stuck in a loop and struggles to solve it. This is not necessarily the end of the world as the calculator can provide an Indefinite integral which you can then solve for yourself. The touchscreen does take some getting used to, but whilst entry may not be as fast as on a conventional calculator, it did not take me long to learn where all the commonly used functions are on the "keyboard" that is available on screen. The inclusion of the stylus in the top slot is frankly a genius idea and means you're not carrying around a stylus loose in the bag. Only problem is a believe the stylus' are quite hard to get hold of in the UK, so don't loose it!The calculator can perform a huge range of functions, ranging from matrices calculations to fourier transforms of functions. There are two ways of inputting each functions and these methods fall under the headings "interactive" or "Action". While they both perform the same operation, the entry method is different. Generally, Interactive will ask for a function and then ask what the dependent and independent variable and when execute is pressed, will generate the syntax on the screen and perform the calculation. Action requires you to enter the syntax yourself in the correct order. I'm still in the process of learning this method as it allows more complex equations to be input. Casio have used a "textbook" style entry system all the way down to their cheapest scientific calculators, and I find this a lifesaver, but the "Interactive" mode only allows you to input functions in the more old fashioned line mode. This makes entering complex functions with denominators and definite integrals very difficult. It is a learning curve, but learning how to enter the syntax is worth it if you're going to be using difficult functions.I have mostly used the main calculation functions, but have dabbled into the other functions available. The graph function is vastly improved on previous models, and the colour screen means you can overlay many functions and it remains clear. It is also possible to change the line into various dotted forms to further emphasise the difference in functions. The spreadsheet function may be helpful if you do a lot of work on the go and can't carry a laptop around, but I've found no use for it as of yet.The statistics function allows you to enter a range of values and it will automatically calculate variance and means and the like. Again, useful, but not something I have used extensively. 3D graphing is available, but again, I have not mastered it yet.It is also possible to install various other programs on the calculator that are not provided such as Physium. This program contains a full periodic table with details about each of the elements. It also contains a list of most of the physics constants that could be required.The main criticism I find people have about my purchase of the calculator is "why have you bought that? Wolfram Alpha is free." Whilst this is true, and Wolfram alpha is possibly the most powerful openly available mathematics calculator, The web format of Wolfram does not lend itself to entering functions, or matrices, or in fact most of the calculations that you use at degree level. I have very often entered a huge integral equation for wolfram to ask me "Did you mean, "1/N" ". When the functions grow too big, Wolfram struggles to interpret your text input into mathematics. I have had no such problem using this calculator due to the textbook style entry. If I come across a function the calculator struggles with (a few infinite integrals) then I will revert to Wolfram Alpha and then use the output from wolfram alpha in further calculations. It says a lot that I would prefer to use the calculator to wolfram alpha generally.Whilst there are a few improvements that could have been made, they all pale into insignificance when compared to the sheer amount of things this calculator can do. I really feel it's helped me to understand what the maths is doing, and is an invaluable resource to me. Were it to break, I'd save up and buy another as soon as possible. If you're still unsure between this and the TI nspire, my friend has an nspire, and is incredibly jealous of the classpad, and in fact plans to buy one for himself. It's converted a die hard TI user, could there be any better praise?

Having had the ti 89 Titanium which was good but failed after 1 year and HP50G which was my favorite calculator Until now.The HP50G while uindeniably a powerful calculator, it is not intuitive and unless used every day requires the handbook to be available at all times in order to recall to which flags should be set to perform specific commands.Casio have really raised the bar with this stunning new calculator and, with correct marketing will be the calculator of choice for many that wish to move away from the TI dominated market.It is early days - but my initial impression is that anyone considering purchasing a serious calculator for serious math consider the CP400.There is a free (90 day) trial emulator available from the Casio webbsite for those considering calculator options to get a real feel for theis device.Currently I cant fault this device. I have no doubt that some may think not being able to play games on a calculator but a minus. However if you want to use a calculator for math I cannot recommend this device is trialed before making the descision.

Perfect product! Perfect transaction!

This is a beautiful, ingenious device.Once you get the hang of a couple of recurring themes (e.g. how the menus and commands are organized etc) you realize just how powerful and versatile and useful this thing is.Its peers don't even come close to what it does and how it does it.Recommended to download a user's guide from the internet (The Classpad 330 manuals work just fine for this device also), to become familiar with the capabilities of this thing. Most recommended (Google it) - How do I on the CalssPad 300? & Casio Classpad Help Series

I had been considering the Classpad 330+ but when I saw this one I knew I had to have it. I have read other reviews stating that it isn't as fast as a rival calculator and I wonder if a couple of seconds really makes that much difference with a calculator. It does everthing I want and lots more, it does it well and the screen is a joy to view.. The softkeypad does take a bit of getting used to and the sheer number of functions can mean that some can take a bit of finding but with use it will become easier and quicker. All in all a first-rate machine

The media could not be loaded. Hi, I have had to recently purchase a new Casio class pad - you can confirm this by checking your purchase order/records, as the one I purchased in 2020 has started malfunctioning. Although I already have a brand new one I would really appreciate a replacement of this one. I’ve purchased the new one from yourselves. Please, I do need a replacement as it’s just been 3years…it should last for a decade before repair or complete breakdown. Thanks you! Ken

It is undoubtedly a good calculator, but I could not get used to the software keypad and the overall size of the calculator is a bit bulky. It is also quite slow in terms of graphing performance when compared with the much slimmer HP Prime. It all comes down to what you need and want out of a calculator in this price range. I returned mine and bought the HP Prime, and to be honest I'm glad I did.

Great value for money for anyone wanting to do advanced maths. The display shows equations as they would be written on paper.Calculations are fast and a graphical plot of the result is also great for understanding the answer as well as a numerical value.