Some Calculators can Talk
I love electronic gadgets that talk to me. The Amazon Kindle is a favorite and now there are talking calculators.
Why would anyone need a talking calculator? Those that are visually impaired, children and those of us that just like the novelty of it come to mind. How many times have you added a long list of numbers only to find that the fifth number was entered wrong? I say that it is best to know early on.
Calculators are not usually that interesting. However, there are some pretty unique calculators such as the water powered calculators, the solar powered calculators and the jumbo calculators. Some are quite simple but there are those on the high end of calculator hierarchy such as the Orion T136X Talking Scientific Calculator.
It is common on most calculators to find features such as a 10 digit display and the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide as well as figuring percentages. Sometimes there is a greater need for more complicated mathematical computations such as algebraic and calculus functions that are found on calculators such as the Orion T136X. One feature that is not common to most calculators of any kind is the ability to hear the spoken word – or maybe I should say the spoken number. Most calculators do not have or need earphones. How many calculators do you have that double as an alarm clock with music?
Talking calculators sell for as little as twenty dollars and for as much as two hundred fifty dollars so there should be one that pleases even the most difficult to please among us.
The Roll Up Talking Calculator with Alarm Clock is really unique. The features include the basic mathematical functions with an 8 digit display. Unlike most other calculators that just sit on a desk – this calculator is made of Soft PVC Material. It rolls up and can stick to any magnetic surface. It also serves as an alarm clock.
The Learning Resources Calc-U-Vue Talking Calculator speaks all numbers and equations entered. I would have loved this calculator as a kid. The volume is adjustable. This calculator works well for anyone but it works exceptionally for anyone with limited vision or dyslexia. There is a speaker as well as a headphone jack and headphones.
The Big Number Pocket Calculator with Clock features include the basic mathematical functions, the spoken time with the push of a button and large one-half inch buttons.
The Designer Talking Calculator Clock and Music Box features include the basic mathematical functions, the spoken time, a built-in alarm clock with the choice of 15 different pieces of music. The feature I like the best is that it speaks in common number language instead of individual digits. An example includes one hundred twenty three instead of 1,2,3.
The Jumbo Talking Calculator features include the basic mathematical functions. The size of this calculator sets it apart from the crowd. It measures 11.5 inches by 8.5 (the size of a sheet of printer paper). Each button measures a generous 1 inch by three fourths of an inch. The spoken voice volume can be adjusted.
The Talking Calculator and Talking Alarm Clock with Earphones features the basic mathematical functions. There is a repeat function in case you did not hear it well the first time. There is a volume control that offers settings of hi, low and off. This calculator gives you the choice of hearing the numbers as single digits or as units such as the above mentioned one hundred twenty three. Earphones are included. Personally I think that the ability to use headphones is great.
If you like to joke around the Excalibur JK01 Jackie’s Talking Comedy Calculator tells jokes between entries.
The Mousepad Calculator with Talking Clock and Temperature is another unique gadget. The 8-digit caluclator does not speak your digit entries but it will speak the time and temperature. Now there is no guessing whether the room temperature is getting to hot or too cold.
The 2000 Talking Calculator with Alarm Clock for the Visually Impaired is a 10-digit calculator. It may help the visually impaired user because the LCD shows digits measuring 0.6-inch. The user can choose whether they want to hear individual digits entered or they can choose to hear the entire unit – such as one hundred twenty three. It also features a talking alarm clock and the date and time is displayed on the LCD screen.
I had no idea that calcultors could talk. I really did not know that there are so many calculators that talk. There are many people in my family that for different circumstances could use the help of a talking calculator. It is difficult to come up with original gifts for some people so in my opinion a talking calculator would not only give them a smile but could potentially make their everday life a bit better.
