Which is the best scientific calculator for college engineering students?

I'm heading to college next year for engineering and want to get a reliable scientific calculator. Any suggestions on which models are popular among engineering students or which features I should prioritize?

To excel in your engineering classes, having a sturdy, capable, and user-friendly scientific calculator can definitely make life easier. Here are three options that have a great reputation among engineering students:

1. The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro: This calculator is commonly used among engineering students due to its ability to solve for unknowns in equations, calculate matrices, and plot graphs. It's incredibly useful as it's accepted in nearly every testing situation since it lacks graphing capabilities. This is an example of a fundamental non-graphing scientific calculator that can carry you through your engineering classes.

2. The Casio FX-115ES Plus: This is another popular model with engineering students. It's approved for use on most exams and, like the TI-36X Pro, offers equation solving capabilities, complex number calculations, and matrices. It's recognized for its natural textbook display, which shows mathematical expressions like roots and fractions as they appear in your textbook.

3. The HP 35s: If you're interested in a Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) calculator, an entry method adopted by many engineers, the HP 35s is a great pick. It cases fantastic functionality and has programmable space for equations. Some engineering students also find RPN more efficient in solving complex equations once they get the hang of it. HP calculators are also known for their durability.

When selecting a scientific calculator, consider its functionality (does it have dedicated keys for common mathematical constants, operations and functions you'll often use?), its display (does it allow for multi-line viewing so you can read inputs and outputs simultaneously?), and intuitive layout (Is it easy and comfortable to use?). Last but not least, make sure it's approved for use during your examinations!