Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator Complete Review

Whether you are a student looking to secure the best grade possible or a teacher hoping to aid students in breaking the mystique around mathematics, the Casio fx-9860GII is the answer. You might wonder what’s so different about this particular calculator, compared to competition from the innovative Hewlett-Packard or the industry standard Texas Instruments. Check out our complete review on the Casio fx-9860GII to find out.

General Info About the Casio fx-9860GII

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The Casio fx-9860GII makes the most of showing off your graphs and data with its generously sized high-resolution LCD display, complete with backlighting for easy reading in various lighting. Already pre-loaded with many functions, you will find everything you need right within the calculator without needing to download additional content. It’s one of the best graphing calculators on the market today.

An extremely powerful unit, the Casio fx-9860GII is perfect for anyone requiring a solid calculator and can serve as the go-to device for any student ranging from high school, all the way through college. The Natural Display functionality allows users to work with any type of problem, regardless of complexity, in the same format used by textbooks. Further, the calculator has been built for ease of use, providing a button layout that makes the most sense. All this and more for a minuscule fraction of the price you would pay for any of the comparable but less powerful Texas Instruments calculators.

Casio fx-9860GII Product Specifications

Functions include unit conversion, random integers, probability, REF/RREF, regressions, pie charts and bar graphs, chi-squared GOF function, graph X=f(Y).
Dynamic graphing with dual graph and table display.
Built-in eActivity, geometry, and spreadsheet applications.
Natural input and output of inequality graphs.
Natural Display allows textbook-like entry and output.
Automatic power off.
Batteries last for up to 200 hours of usage.
Requires four AAA batteries (included).
Casio projectors connectivity.
USB connectivity for data transfer.
Icon-based menu system for ease of use.
Flash memory capacity of 1.5MB for applications and more.
Eight-line, twenty-one-character backlit LCD display.
Estimated dimensions of 3.6 by 0.9 by 7.3-inches.
Weighs approximately nine ounces.
Protective sliding case.
Downloadable Quick Start Guide.
Approved for use on PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT exams, as well as AP tests.

PROS and CONS of the Casio fx-9860GII

PROS

Extremely cost-effective.
Solid build with a user-friendly system.
Backlit LCD display.
Easy to grasp the calculator’s functions and capabilities.
Protective sliding case with a semi-rugged build.
Programmable.
More efficient and with a much speedier processor than competition.
Plastic keys offer super durability with labels that don’t fade.
Superior for users in search of Natural Display functionality.
Built-in functions that can be accessed without downloading additional programs.
No need to recharge batteries.
Accepted on a variety of exams and can be used throughout the span of both high school and college.

CONS

Rarely used by teachers, so training falls onto the student alone.
Fewer downloadable programs available than other calculators.
Runs on battery power only; lacks solar power ability.
Some users find the amount of flash memory to be lacking.

Common Issues with Casio fx-9860GII

Few downloadable programs available.
A slight learning curve for beginners.
Displays fractional values inside a matrix as decimals.
Lacks ability to operate on solar power, being powered by batteries only.
Utilizes disposable batteries, rather than standard lithium calculator batteries.

Despite these few issues some users have pointed out, the majority of users are nevertheless greatly pleased with the Casio fx-9860GII graphing calculator. The issues with batteries are simply matters of preference, as some users love the disposable batteries and the long life they provide, not missing the presence of a lithium battery. Other positive points mentioned by users include the general function of the calculator, the speed of its processor, and its ability to show equations using Natural Display.

The Verdict

While some calculator users might turn their nose up at anything other than a Texas Instruments unit, if you want to be one of the smart ones who desire the promise of value over popularity, the Casio fx-9860GII is the right calculator for you. Not only is it incredibly user-friendly but also the quality matches and even beats its competition in most aspects.
If you decide to join the ranks of all other Casio users, leave us a comment and share your experience.