Battle of the Calculators: A review of Calcbot

Posted by Technacity on November 13, 2011 12:34 pm 3

Calcbot is a $1.99 calculator app from the makers of Tweetbot, Tapbot. It is designed to present a more elegant and slightly more powerful alternative to the default iOS Calculator.

via dl.dropbox.com

via dl.dropbox.com

The iOS calculator app embodies Apple's design principles, only show what the majority of users need. In this case, a simple numeric keypad, the basic functions, a clear button, etc. To reveal the more advanced scientific calculator, you rotate the screen landscape.

via dl.dropbox.com

via dl.dropbox.com

Calcbot's approach is slightly more complicated, but easier to use once you get a grasp of the app. The numeric keypad, the basic functions, a clear button, etc. is the same as the default Apple calculator. But the main differentiator, is how you access the scientific calculator. All you have to do is slide the keypad to the left, in order to reveal the scientific functions. The ability to slide, instead of turning the device in landscape is much more convenient.

via dl.dropbox.com

via dl.dropbox.com

Like other Tapbot apps, Calcbot contains a key differentiator they sets it apart. Calcbot is missing one feature that the default calculator has, memory functions. Instead, by sliding down the calculator display you get a history  of previous answers. You can use the result, use the expression, copy the results, and even email it.  I have found that this ability effectively replaces the missing memory functions.

Conclusion
Would I recommend Calcbot to all iOS users? Actually, the answer is no. For iPad users in need of a calculator I would recommend Calcbot, as it is a universal app. For iPhone and iPod touch users, I can't justify spending $1.99 for something that only offers minimal improvements over the default app. Don't get me wrong it is a great app and will definitely be replacing the default calculator for me. But, unless you hate the default app with a burning passion or find rotating the device landscape to access the scientific screen to access the scientific functions to be extremely daft you do not need to buy Calcbot.