Best calculator

[DITmoonlight]

Can you guys please tell me what you think the best calculator is for the MFE exam?

[Darkness Falls]

http://greymaple.com/%7Erochester/product_images/TI30XSMULTIVIEW.jpg

[DITmoonlight]

That was quick! thanks!

[Darkness Falls]

That was quick! thanks!
:toth:

[Smartbill]

http://greymaple.com/%7Erochester/product_images/TI30XSMULTIVIEW.jpg

yep that's what I used!

[taziniti]

Love this calculator!

[dzdydx]

too bad it doesn't have the looks

[Darkness Falls]

too bad it doesn't have the looks

Right this would be so much better looking, not to mention infinitely more useful. Too bad the option to program it and keep notes nullifies its use on exams.

http://inaz4husains.netfirms.com/images/ti89ti.jpg

As for the TI-30XS, only real problem with it is the stupid button between the = and +.

[gracyjoe]

I was thinking about going with the BA-II since i've been using that for the past 7 months.....any reasons why not? I guess there are no annuities in MFE.....

[Darkness Falls]

I was thinking about going with the BA-II since i've been using that for the past 7 months.....any reasons why not? I guess there are no annuities in MFE.....

It sucks for anything that doesn't involve finding interest rates. One line display is the suck when it comes to long calculations.

[Macroman]

What makes multiview better than regular TI30XIIS? I've tried both and still like the old one better..

[Darkness Falls]

What makes multiview better than regular TI30XIIS? I've tried both and still like the old one better..

4 lines, easier access to variables...

[taziniti]

I also like the fact that you get easily get prior answers. With the regular one, you can get prior entries, and you can save old answers as variables and use them later but with this one you can just scroll up and grab any answers that you have found (within reason). It's pretty sweet.

[abwoc]

I have the 30XS, the 30XIIS, and the BA-II. 30XS is by far the best choice.

[arto83]

30XS is by far the best. BAII + is great for FM, but for MFE XS rocks. It is very intuitive, and it actually displays fractions as fractions and exponents as exponents, without using the slashes or little up arrows.

[kota]

I have a TI-30X IIS and it does everything you could ask for in the exam. It's my main calculator (I also have a BA-II Plus, just in case)

[RabidMonkey]

The one problem I have with the XS is the placement of the arithmetic operator keys. The +,-,*,/ are all counter-intuitively placed one key higher than on other calculators due to the integration of the <> key (which I find more or less useless). So, during rapid calculations, I find myself hitting the wrong key instinctively. Other than that, the XS is a beauty.

[dmbfan41]

the multiview is clearly the best one to use

[chaz]

Yes, the multiview is the best. I use that all the time.

[GooseyGoose]

I think you guys might have talked me into buying a new calculator for C. I've been using the BA II+ for all 4 prior prelims. I really like the ba2+ because if you do like 10*4 you get 40 without hitting the equals key. I have a feeling for this new one I'll have to hit equals because of the display. Guess I'll just have to get used to it.

[Dedicated111]

by far, TI-30XS Multiview is the best calcultor especially for exams 3 and up. BAII Plus is my backup calculator. I feel that TI-30XS Multiview is really easy to use and I also think it is helpful for calculating and completing problems faster.

[PadawanOKC]

I think you guys might have talked me into buying a new calculator for C. I've been using the BA II+ for all 4 prior prelims. I really like the ba2+ because if you do like 10*4 you get 40 without hitting the equals key. I have a feeling for this new one I'll have to hit equals because of the display. Guess I'll just have to get used to it.

I totally agree. I started out using my old XIIS when I started FM and only used the BA2+ when I had a TMV calc to do, but then I got so sick of having to press equals, which seems like an easy enough step, but I just got used to the BA2+.

[Gator Cane]

Multiview - enhanced stat tables are terrific.

[Dedicated111]

Multiview - enhanced stat tables are terrific.

good call! I do have to say I have used this a couple times since I've started studying for 3L

[vividox]

I've got a TI-30XIIS and don't really feel like upgrading. I'm pretty comfortable with it.

[nonactuarialactuary]

I had a finance course in college that's kept me using the BAII Plus ever since. I certainly wouldn't say that it's the best calculator ever, but momentum has kept me from upgrading. You won't need the TVM functions at all for this exam, so if you're going to switch to a better calculator, this might be a good exam to do it on. Just make sure that you study with your new calculator so that you're 100% familiar with it before exam time.

[mreevit]

They all do essentially the same thing. I recommend picking one calculator and sticking with it through all exams. I picked the BA II Plus Professional when I took FM and used it for MLC, MFE, and C.

In the end, the choice in calculator doesn't determine whether you pass or fail.

[Dedicated111]

....

In the end, the choice in calculator doesn't determine whether you pass or fail.

well yes, I think everyone realizes this...but the question is, which is best suited to your preferences and maybe which is easier to perform the particular calculations you need to make? Just makes taking the exams a little intsy wintsy bit easier.

[|B|rad]

In the end, the choice in calculator doesn't determine whether you pass or fail.

I promise that if I had taken a BA II into this exam, I would not have passed, even if I spent the last four months studying with it.

[vividox]

I HATE the BA II. It's so incredibly backwards minded. The only thing I use it for is annuities and interest rates.

[nonactuarialactuary]

I promise that if I had taken a BA II into this exam, I would not have passed, even if I spent the last four months studying with it.

Meh...

It's all in what you're used to. I used the BA II Plus for the exam and did fine. On the other hand, if I were taking the exam with the multiview, I would probably fail because I'm not familiar with it. Given 4 months of studying with the multiview, I'm sure that I'd pick it up. The BA II Plus really isn't that bad.

[Macroman]

Meh...

It's all in what you're used to. I used the BA II Plus for the exam and did fine. On the other hand, if I were taking the exam with the multiview, I would probably fail because I'm not familiar with it. Given 4 months of studying with the multiview, I'm sure that I'd pick it up. The BA II Plus really isn't that bad.

Do you frind the worksheets useful? Can you reccommend a way to get used to using them?

[MissAtL]

Right this would be so much better looking, not to mention infinitely more useful. Too bad the option to program it and keep notes nullifies its use on exams.

http://inaz4husains.netfirms.com/images/ti89ti.jpg

As for the TI-30XS, only real problem with it is the stupid button between the = and +.

Wow that is a beautiful calculator! haha. Is this rather new? I have never seen anyone use it before, but maybe that bc I am not in school anymore. lol

[SandbagQueen]

In the end, the choice in calculator doesn't determine whether you pass or fail.

I promise that if I had taken a BA II into this exam, I would not have passed, even if I spent the last four months studying with it.

I completely agree...your calculator choice can make a huge difference in ease of working problems and time it takes to complete a problem. I find the multiview 10x's better for MFE problems.

[no driver]

Does anyone else's MultiView freeze up sometimes when you are entering numbers? I find that it happens if I have it in Mathprint mode but it hasn't happened since I switched to classic (earlier this week, so maybe I just haven't used it enough yet). I liked Mathprint for the most part but it's a big pain to be entering a long formula and then look up at the screen to realize that it didn't get part of it. Seems like TI should have used a more powerful processor in this model if it can't keep up.

[|B|rad]

I haven't had any problems, but I only use the classic view.

[Darkness Falls]

I haven't had any problems, but I only use the classic view.

:iatp:

Mathprint view seems more appropriate for elementary/early high-school kids who are learning the basic of math.

[no driver]

:iatp:

Mathprint view seems more appropriate for elementary/early high-school kids who are learning the basic of math.
I liked being able to set up complex fractions (think Black-Scholes type problems) without three or four layers of parentheses, at least one of which I will invariably have to go back and [2nd] [Insert] to put in.

[Dedicated111]

Does anyone else's MultiView freeze up sometimes when you are entering numbers? I find that it happens if I have it in Mathprint mode but it hasn't happened since I switched to classic (earlier this week, so maybe I just haven't used it enough yet). I liked Mathprint for the most part but it's a big pain to be entering a long formula and then look up at the screen to realize that it didn't get part of it. Seems like TI should have used a more powerful processor in this model if it can't keep up.

I prefer MathPrint, just because I can clearly make sure that complex exponents are in their place. And, no I haven't had any problems with it freezing, and this is the only mode I use it on and I have been using this calc for about a year now (used it for MFE-passed last sitting).

[Macroman]

the thing I didn't like was in setting up Black Scholes expressions I couldn't figure out how to get out of the exponential on the first term without hitting enter. With more time to play with it I can see that saving the partial first term result and calling it back in is pretty efficient but still not what I am used to.

[Dedicated111]

to get out of the exponent, just press the right arrow key (the circular thing in the upper right hand side).

[gracyjoe]

I think you guys might have talked me into buying a new calculator for C. I've been using the BA II+ for all 4 prior prelims. I really like the ba2+ because if you do like 10*4 you get 40 without hitting the equals key. I have a feeling for this new one I'll have to hit equals because of the display. Guess I'll just have to get used to it.

I have actually run into problems with this though when I need that 40 for the next calculation and I use ans, but that is from the last time I actually hit =.

[MissAtL]

Bought the TI-30XS Multi View today! They didn't have any at Office Depot and had it right in the front at Staples.

Hope I can learn to use this calculator efficiently..have never used it before.

[artemisrb]

With all the buzz, Ibought one too. I can tell I'm going to like it compared to my BAIIplus.

[MissAtL]

With all the buzz, Ibought one too. I can tell I'm going to like it compared to my BAIIplus.

I actually want to buy another one bc i like having 2 of the same calculator while i am studying. i have 2 baIIplus calculators as well. I just have way too many freaking calculators!! I guess one more couldn't hurt huh? Esp since everyone is saying the multiview is good to use on Exam C as well?

[sllagnire]

This thread inspired me to go buy a new calculator as well. I have a BA II Plus Professional. Was glad to see it was only $18. Not too bad, in my opinion. And it does seem like it should be a big help.

[youbetcha]

I have a question on the multiview mathprint. say I type in 85*3, and I want to change the * to a ^.

I when I type over the *, it puts a blank box between the 85 and the 3. I can't get the ^ operation to act on the 3, without deleting the 3 and retyping it into the box. Obviously, this would be somewhat helpful if the expression were longer.

Works ok in "classic".

[spencerhs5]

i have three thoughts on this calc since i got it on monday.
1) has a mode for improper fractions--thank god, its about time
2) why not have math print function more ti-89 style, the ablity to use the input as classic but when it prints to the line above upon pressing equals it transforms into pretty print
3) with the inclusion of a list you would think they could have made an easy equation editor so you could get a list of values for y.

[no driver]

i have three thoughts on this calc since i got it on monday.
1) has a mode for improper fractions--thank god, its about time
2) why not have math print function more ti-89 style, the ablity to use the input as classic but when it prints to the line above upon pressing equals it transforms into pretty print
3) with the inclusion of a list you would think they could have made an easy equation editor so you could get a list of values for y.
You can apply formulas to lists. Check the quick reference card for details.

[spencerhs5]

You can apply formulas to lists. Check the quick reference card for details.

Yes I know, but this is not what I want... on an exam for instance if I could enter y=x^2+3 and just get a list of points I could find the root without using quadratic and most likely faster. on an exam i would have to enter the equation and then enter a list of values, entering the list of values is going to be time consuming.

[Wufai]

Alright, you've convinced me. I'm ordering a new calculator lol, I'll just have to accept the nerdiness of owning multiple calculators. It feels like math club all over again :D

[spencerhs5]

just started studying the new sitting with the new calc and my first thoughts are:
1) starting to get used to the location of the plus key being 2 up from the equals
2) kinda wish the division key automatically (or at least had an option) to work like the n/d key
3) ln and e^x functions are quite inconvenient, hopefully i'll get used to them
4) Wish that the 1/X key was not a "2nd function", and wish it displayed as the -1 in mathprint mode instead of making the reciprocal

3 and 4 dont apply to this calculator

[OldOne]

Got the new calculator per this thread & like it so far. The data/formula editor works perfectly for the new section on generating lognormal random numbers. However, I'm stuck trying to get the results out of the list (L3) and into another formula - it won't let me grab them or store them to memory - does anyone know how to do this?

[spencerhs5]

just realized why i dont like the calculator so much....got the frickin wrong 1, got the 34 multiview instead of the 30xs, looks like i'll be out about 10 bucks after amazon

[tian]

I've been using the BAII Plus Pro even before I started studying for actuarial exams and it's really hard for me to change. I also only use AOS (instead of Chn) because that's how I was brought up. I'll give those multi-view calculator a try but I doubt I can get used to them.

[MissAtL]

I've been using the BAII Plus Pro even before I started studying for actuarial exams and it's really hard for me to change. I also only use AOS (instead of Chn) because that's how I was brought up. I'll give those multi-view calculator a try but I doubt I can get used to them.

I am slowly getting used to the multiview, but you're right, it will take a little while since i've been using the ba2plus all along...

[spencerhs5]

I've been using the BAII Plus Pro even before I started studying for actuarial exams and it's really hard for me to change. I also only use AOS (instead of Chn) because that's how I was brought up. I'll give those multi-view calculator a try but I doubt I can get used to them.


What does the AOS part have to do with anything? If you used CHN that would be one thing, but the multiview's mode is AOS.

[tian]

What does the AOS part have to do with anything? If you used CHN that would be one thing, but the multiview's mode is AOS.

Oh, I assumed that it's also using CHN. How much is this calculator? And would it be sufficient for all the rest of the exams?

[GooseyGoose]

Oh, I assumed that it's also using CHN. How much is this calculator? And would it be sufficient for all the rest of the exams?

I got mine at Best Buy for 17 bucks. Target had it for 20 bucks. Didn't look anywhere else.

[spencerhs5]

I got mine at Best Buy for 17 bucks. Target had it for 20 bucks. Didn't look anywhere else.

Target by me doesnt carry it, Goosey, I mistakenly picked up the 34 Multiview from target first, might want to make sure you have the right one. I got mine at Office Depot for 15, Office Max was sold out at 15 bucks a piece too, staples for 13 but none by me.

[GooseyGoose]

Target by me doesnt carry it, Goosey, I mistakenly picked up the 34 Multiview from target first, might want to make sure you have the right one. I got mine at Office Depot for 15, Office Max was sold out at 15 bucks a piece too, staples for 13 but none by me.

13 bucks huh? I can do you one better. I stole it from a co-worker that I don't like, for free.

[spencerhs5]

13 bucks huh? I can do you one better. I stole it from a co-worker that I don't like, for free.

That only does Me one better if you are willing to sell it to me for less than the 15 I bought it for. Granted I am taking your "expression" literally. :toast:

And since you now admitted to stealing it I assume that probably violates the code of conduct and should proably report you. <sarcastic>

[MissAtL]

am slowly getting used to this new calculator!

[GooseyGoose]

I have a couple of questions about this calculator:

1. When I'm in the stat function, is there a way to store values I get for standard deviation, E(x), etc.?

2. Is there a way to put in a quadratic and get the roots? Someone brought it up before, but I don't think anyone addressed his point. If I don't have to do quadratic equation on the test that could save some big time.

Lastly, this isn't a question, but any tips people have and would like to share? I know this is in the MFE thread, but I'm taking C, so any tips geared towards that exam would be really helpful.

Thanks

[no driver]

I have a couple of questions about this calculator:

1. When I'm in the stat function, is there a way to store values I get for standard deviation, E(x), etc.?

2. Is there a way to put in a quadratic and get the roots? Someone brought it up before, but I don't think anyone addressed his point. If I don't have to do quadratic equation on the test that could save some big time.

Lastly, this isn't a question, but any tips people have and would like to share? I know this is in the MFE thread, but I'm taking C, so any tips geared towards that exam would be really helpful.

Thanks
1) When you're in the stats results you can move your cursor to the line you want, \bar{x}, etc, and hit [enter] to get that value on the main screen. Then you can store it as a variable or just use it in a calculation. Also, once you've done the stat calculations you can hit [2nd][stat]->StatVars to get to the results without picking your data set and having it calculate again.

2) When I have to do a quadratic I put the coefficients in x,y,z and punch in \frac{-y+\sqrt{y^2-4xz}}{2x} and if the result isn't what I want I just go back and change the + ahead of the root to a -. If the coefficients aren't long decimals etc you could possibly save time by using them directly. A long shot advantage of doing it symbolically is you can reassign the vars and do it again if you run into another quadratic in the next question or two on the exam. The first time I took P it was the first CBT sitting and my first two questions both used the same z value off the normal table so you never know.

[tian]

just got the new calculator, now i officially feel like a geek owning 3 calculators.

[MissAtL]

In section 6 of the 6th edition, we have to estimate volatility. Is there a shorter way to do this using this handy dandy calculator, or do i really have to calcuate each of the ratios and do the entire formula by hand?

[radoaos]

Picked up the calculator yesterday per this thread. I too feel dorky with my 3 calculators. Looks pretty. Feels nice. Going to try to use it exclusively (accept for annuity work) to get very comfortable with different calculations. Thanks for the tip guys. BTW I picked it up for $15.99 american.

[scotth]

In section 6 of the 6th edition, we have to estimate volatility. Is there a shorter way to do this using this handy dandy calculator, or do i really have to calcuate each of the ratios and do the entire formula by hand?

You can also do this with the older TI-30II, and I think a similar process on the Baii
go to data, L1
enter...
ln(s1/s0)
ln(s2/s1)
ln(s3/s2)
...

then quit
open stats
L1, FRQ 1,
then scroll down to S=blahblah
multiply by the annualization factor and your done

[ZoomStat]

Originally Posted by MissAtL
In section 6 of the 6th edition, we have to estimate volatility. Is there a shorter way to do this using this handy dandy calculator, or do i really have to calcuate each of the ratios and do the entire formula by hand?

You can also do this with the older TI-30II
go to data, L1
enter...
ln(s1/s0)
ln(s2/s1)
ln(s3/s2)
...

then quit
open stats
L1, FRQ 1,
then scroll down to S=blahblah
press enter and then square it
there you have the sample variance which estimates the volitality

Ah, Sx is much more direct than sqrt( sigma(x)^2 * k/(k-1) ) -- and now I know some basic statistics. :roll:

Don't forget to multiply Sx by sqrt(n), where n is the number of periods per year (so 52 for weekly or 365 for daily observations), in order to annualize volatility. I'm not sure why you're squaring Sx.

[scotth]

yes, forgot to mention the sqrt(365) to convert daily volatility to year, or whatever time measure conversion they might decide to throw at you

and no, there is no need to square Sx, because we don't want sample variance, we want sample standard deviation. Sorry.

[MissAtL]

yes, forgot to mention the sqrt(365) to convert daily volatility to year, or whatever time measure conversion they might decide to throw at you

and no, there is no need to square Sx, because we don't want sample variance, we want sample standard deviation. Sorry.

thanks guys!

[ZoomStat]

thanks guys!

And thanks to the person who started this thread and everyone who suggested the 30XS. I'm liking it way better than BAII Plus; I feel a lot more comfortable that I haven't missed anything when doing BS calculations. I think the mathprint feature is an added bonus, cutting down on the amount of parentheses I need to double-check.

[willel2338]

[Thread Highjack]




Right this would be so much better looking, not to mention infinitely more useful. Too bad the option to program it and keep notes nullifies its use on exams.

http://inaz4husains.netfirms.com/images/ti89ti.jpg





A far better calculator than TI-89 Titanium is HP 50G. Of course, it too is programmable with a lot of memory [and a far superior processor] and that nullifies it.

http://i.expansys.com/i/b/b139834.jpg






However, a calculator that isn't allowed [for no good reason as far as I can tell] is the HP 12C. It runs in RPN and is the "gold standard" among most financial professionals [and among most non-North American actuaries]. FWIW, the IA and FA explicitly recommend it. Americans, however, are fixated with Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments has a strong network among American middle schools and high schools. IMHO, the reason for their success is due to strong marketing and not better products.



http://www.cs.miami.edu/~burt/images/12c2.jpg





[/Thread Highjack]

[vjvj]

However, a calculator that isn't allowed [for no good reason as far as I can tell] is the HP 12C.

Isn't the HP 12c programmable? That would be a reason it is not allowed.

[SandbagQueen]

i heart my HP12C

[Rake]

http://xkcd.com/645/

[scotth]

I have a hp 17bII+ on my desk. I like it better than the 12c

http://www.thimet.de/calccollection/Calculators/HP-17BII/HP-17BIIplus-M.JPG

[scotth]

I think everyone should just get the best calculator ever:
The iPhone

http://www.ixplora.com/wp-content/2009/10/Wolfram-alpha_w500.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7122/hp12candhp15cscientific.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2025/ipp12c.png

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1661/graphingcalculatorheade.jpg

[SandbagQueen]

I think everyone should just get the best calculator ever:
The iPhone

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7122/hp12candhp15cscientific.jpg


Is there really an app for that?!? I might get an iphone after all... HP 12C, text messaging, phone, email, ipod, all in one?! woohoo!!!!!

:lol:

[daaaave]

Is there really an app for that?!? I might get an iphone after all... HP 12C, text messaging, phone, email, ipod, all in one?! woohoo!!!!!

:lol:

Yes (http://www.macworld.com/article/141364/2009/06/hpcalcapps.html), but it isn't super cheap ($30 for the 15c).

[scotth]

Yes (http://www.macworld.com/article/141364/2009/06/hpcalcapps.html), but it isn't super cheap ($30 for the 15c).

12c classic, while not written by HP themselves, only $5.99 and might even be a better app.

Plus they have the 17,10,11, and 12 Platinum

http://www.rlmtools.com/iPhone/12CC/Detail.html

RPNCalcPro is similar and for Android, the interface is still being worked on, and HP has said they are working on an android version, just not available yet.

[SandbagQueen]

Wow. I am amazed. This might be even better than my initial reaction to the TI 30XS multiview. (which can be found somewhere in this forum) :)

[daaaave]

But I don't want a 12c, I want a 15c! I guess I could find mine and just buy new batteries, but the 15c was the greatest calculator ever made. I knew someone who had a truck drive over his 15c, so there is a big dent in it but it still works.

[Mickey O'Neil]

I've had a 12c for as long as I can remember and use it frequently and I can honestly say I don't think I have ever changed the battery.

But I fell in love with the HP 32SII RPN Scientific in high school - (People from Texas may know about the UIL Calculator Competition?)

Anyway, I'm taking P in about 3 hours so I probably shouldn't be on here...and definitely not in a thread thats not even related to P.

[Wisa]

i heart my HP12C

Ditto.

[willel2338]

Isn't the HP 12c programmable? That would be a reason it is not allowed.

Yeah, it's "programmable", but not in the sense that the TI-89/HP50G are programmable using BASIC or Assembly Language or C#... and it's not like the HP12C has any built-in spreadsheet programs like "CellSheet" on the TI-89 Titanium.

So, calling it programmable is sort of a misnomer. It's "keystroke programmable" and only up to 99 lines. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't see how it being keystroke programmable gives a big advantage provided that the memory is cleared prior to entering the exam room. This is because there are only roughly 30 problems on an exam and taking the time to key in a program when it would only be used for one problem would be (i.) just as difficult as actually solving the problem and (ii.) would waste a lot of time.