Text and Images Copyright (C) 2006, 2007 Mike Sebastian

Sub-Five Dollar Scientific Calculators


Like the one-dollar calculators reviewed elsewhere on this web site, finding new scientific calculators for less than five dollars is really an astonishing feat of engineering and manufacturing.

While these 56-function calculators are functionally identical, there appear to be several different manufacturers of the chips. I have been able to find data on the following chips: the Integral IZ1242, the KS6042 (identified as an alternative part number for the Integral chip), and the Silan SC3442.

At left is the die from a DigiTech ATC-828 56-function scientific calculator purchased May 22, 1998 (markings on the back of the calculator indicate it was manufactured May 1997). That particular calculator had a small plastic cap over the die, instead of a blob of epoxy, making it practical to get a picture of the raw die.

I could find no markings on the die to indicate a manufacturer or part number.


Brand Name & Model Overall Rating Display Keyboard External Quality Internal Quality Purchase Comments
Kenko KK-82LB fair good 7 mm good, rubber keys good fair 7/1/06 $2.99 Good value for $3. Cover folds over front to protect the display and keyboard.
LeWORLD 2099 good good 7mm good, hard plastic keys good good 7/6/06 $4.96 Walmart Good value for $5. Cover folds over front to protect the display and keyboard.


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Last updated February 24, 2007