Many times during my studies I was in urgent need of small, primitive computer-like device that would help me solve simple math problems, device known as calculator. Many phones have built-in applications for really basic calculations, so what can we expect from N900?

Default Maemo 5 calculator

Maemo 5 has it’s own built-in calculator, rather simple, with basic look-and-feel. There is possibility to switch to ‘scientific’ calculator, but still number of operations you can perform is relatively small, but it may be enough for everyday use.

NCalc - simple calculator

If you don’t really need any sophisticated math algorythms you will probably prefer something simple that will allow you to sum, multiply or divide floating point numbers. NCalc is such application (available in extras-devel and extras-testing), clear, simple, easy to use, good solution for less demanding users.

free42 scientific calculator

On the other hand, if you want to use advanced math, like trigonometric functions, logarythms etc. you should be satisfied with free42 (available in extras). Look-and-feel emulate plain calculator, with classical buttons and simple LED screen. By default free42 runs in portrait mode, so it’s easy to operate with one hand, while taking notes with the other. In my humble opinion it’s enough for most of math of physics classes, even if you want to fiddle with ‘black magic science’ like quantum mechanics.

Variety of calculators doesn’t end on this three, you may already know some other applications, feel free if you’d like to share your point of view.

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For more info on devel and testing catalogues visit Application catalogues tutorial

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