Free42 vs Scalar Scientific Calculator

Struggling to choose between Free42 and Scalar Scientific Calculator? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Free42 is a Office & Productivity solution with tags like emulator, rpn, programmable, hp42s, opensource.

It boasts features such as Programmable RPN calculator, Emulates the HP-42S calculator, Open source code, Customizable skins, Import/export programs and data, Expandable via packages, Accurate emulation of HP-42S and pros including Free and open source, Powerful RPN calculator, Extensive programming capabilities, Accurately emulates the HP-42S, Customizable interface, Cross-platform availability.

On the other hand, Scalar Scientific Calculator is a Education & Reference product tagged with calculator, math, science, education.

Its standout features include Clean and intuitive interface, Powerful graphing and plotting capabilities, Supports matrices and vectors, Handles symbolic and numeric calculations, Customizable interface and preferences, Supports multiple notations, Extensive math function library, Can handle complex numbers, Unit conversion tools, Supports exporting results and graphs, Keyboard shortcuts, Multi-language support, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Lightweight and fast, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Active development and user community, Powerful math engine, Extensive documentation and help, Customizable and extensible, Can be used offline, Clean and uncluttered interface.

Feature	Free42	Scalar Scientific Calculator
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Office & Productivity	Education & Reference

Product Overview

Free42

Description: Free42 is an open-source programmable calculator app designed to emulate the HP-42S calculator. It provides RPN mode, programming capability, expandability via packages, and accurate emulation of the original HP-42S.

Scalar Scientific Calculator

Description: Scalar Scientific Calculator is a free and open-source calculus software designed for studying and teaching higher level mathematics. It features a clean interface and has advanced matrix and plotting capabilities, as well as support for symbolic math.

Key Features Comparison

Free42 Features

• Programmable RPN calculator
• Emulates the HP-42S calculator
• Open source code
• Customizable skins
• Import/export programs and data
• Expandable via packages
• Accurate emulation of HP-42S

Scalar Scientific Calculator Features

• Clean and intuitive interface
• Powerful graphing and plotting capabilities
• Supports matrices and vectors
• Handles symbolic and numeric calculations
• Customizable interface and preferences
• Supports multiple notations
• Extensive math function library
• Can handle complex numbers
• Unit conversion tools
• Supports exporting results and graphs
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Multi-language support

Pros & Cons Analysis

Free42

Pros

• Free and open source
• Powerful RPN calculator
• Extensive programming capabilities
• Accurately emulates the HP-42S
• Customizable interface
• Cross-platform availability

Cons

• Steep learning curve for RPN
• Limited documentation
• No graphical/symbolic capabilities
• UI not as polished as some commercial apps

Scalar Scientific Calculator

Pros

• Free and open source
• Lightweight and fast
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Active development and user community
• Powerful math engine
• Extensive documentation and help
• Customizable and extensible
• Can be used offline
• Clean and uncluttered interface

Cons

• Less commonly used math functions may need to be added manually
• Not as full-featured as proprietary math software
• Graphing could be better
• No mobile app available
• May require tinkering for some advanced uses

Pricing Comparison

Free42

• Open Source

Scalar Scientific Calculator

• Free
• Open Source