CASIO fx-5000F

Description

Brand:	CASIO
Model:	fx-5000F
Type:	(Semi) programmable scientific calculator
Picture:
Batteries:	CR 2032 x 2
Lifetime:	Introduced: 1987 Terminated: unknown
Notes:	This little machine (and its sibling, the CASIO fx-1000F which has a slanted case and lacks the hyperbolic functions) is meant for working with known formulae and formulae of your own. It has a library of 128 pre-programmed formulae and can store 12 user-supplied formulae using a maximum of 675 steps, hence it is (semi) programmable. The formulae can be accessed by typing their ordinal number followed by the "FMLA"-key. The formulaes’ numbers are listed in a small folder that can be stored in the calculators foldable flap. When requesting a formula the formula is shown in the alphanumerical upper part of the display. These formulae have unknowns which the calculator queries (after entering use the "EXE"-key to continue) before showing the result of the formula. A large part of the manual lists all 128 formulae and their meaning. Formulae can be entered in WRT (write) modus. They can easily be edited using the arrow-keys, "INS" and "DEL". Next to all the formulae, it also has has a library of 13 scientific constants. They are accessible by first pressing the "ALPHA"-key followed by the "CONST"-key (above the "Ln"-key) followed by one of "1" ... "9" or one of "+", "-", "×" or "/". Next to being a formula-device it is also a capable scientific and statistical calculator. It also does BASE-n calculations. Calculations can be recalled and edited by pressing the "⇦" or "⇨" arrow keys. When I saw a picture of this calculator I knew I had to have one. Until I knew of this calculator I was of the opinion that the TI-68 was the one with the most convoluted keyboard layout, this one is even more so. For me (all right I’m 59 years old when I type this), I can not use this calculator without reading glasses. Some of its keys ave 6 different functions! Still, when you get used to it, things start falling into place. It’s actually not so bad as it looks. For instance, when working with BASE-n calculations, only pay attention to all the green labels. The orange "SHIFT"-key’s functions are all labelled in orange (or an orange frame for shifted BASE-n operations). All physical constants are top-left to most of the keys in the lower part. Greek symbols are top-right. Statistical functions are in blue. Alphanumeric letters and symbols are on the bottom-right and can be accessed after pressing the "ALPHA"-key. But reading glasses are advisable. This 10 minute YouTube video (link valid 2024-06-12) by Calculator Culture has a nice demo of this calculator.