(Still a)²︎ Handy utility – Calculator HD Pro Review

Update³︎ I like this app so much I felt compelled to revisit my previous reviews. Very pleased with the EE option for exponent entry (E key). Probably an easy change, but most developers wouldn’t bother. Continue to be amazed this app can fit a full scientific calculator into a portrait layout on a smaller screen (iPhone 6s). Other calculators require rotating to landscape mode but I keep the rotation lock on so that the display isn’t constantly flipping back and forth. And it looks like a traditional sci-calc (in the vein of the original 1970s HP and TI handhelds). Keep up the good work! 2018: Update to my 2015 review: Still giving it 5 stars because there are so many good features and the annoyances are relatively minor. I keep this app on my phone's home screen so I can get to it easily. Niggles: I find the real-time calculations distracting and haven't seen a way to turn that off; I prefer to wait until I'm done to see final results. When compared to (physical) calculators I've used over the years (I'm old enough to remember when a 4-function handheld was a big deal), I stumble over the square-root and some other operation keys. Old-school algebraic calculators had you enter the argument first, then press the operation key but this app requires you to press (e.g.) square root first. Habits of 40+ years are tough to break, and IMO this algebraic implementation is a little too strict, esp. when working on-the-fly – with little or nothing written out beforehand. An option (or separate mode) to alter this behavior would be great. Really minor: Old-school calculators labeled the E key as EE (Enter Exponent), and I often fail to recognize the key when I need it; an E/EE label option would be nice. From my previous review: Really like the parentheses in the basic mode – a small detail but very useful. Also like that it can support the scientific mode with the portrait display – saves me from having to unlock rotation to go to landscape, which I really hate about the built-in calculator app. (Remainder of previous review deleted.)
Review by Tremolux66 on Calculator HD Pro.