Digits Calculator and Soulver are basic calculators designed for the everyday use. I use “basic” categorically as both calculators are nothing but basic. Both apps offer unique features and capabilities that will make your life much easier and more productive.
With all the free calculators found in Apple’s app store, I thought long and hard whether it was worth it to pay money for a basic calculator but I found both Digits Calculator and Soulver to be indispensable once installed. Digits Calculator is $1.99 and Soulver for iPad is $5.99. For most people I recommend getting Digits Calculator over Soulver even though the latter has more robust features. Digits Calculator is better for someone who wants a simple and quick calculator. Soulver is more for the person who is does complex planning. Having purchased both apps; I actually use Soulver more often but in my humble opinion Digits Calculator is the better of the two for most consumers.
Digits Calculator for iPad + iPhone
Digits Calculator by Shift Apps combines a large, user friendly calculator with a tape. As you enter your calculations Digits Calculator keeps track of your entries and calculations on a digital tape, much like a receipt when you go shopping. If you make a mistake you can easily go back and correct it with Digits Calculator. Simply tap on any entry you previously made and enter the correct data. All the totals are automatically recomputed! Digits Calculator also allows other editing features for your tape. You can insert a new calculation in between previous entries, copy, add a label, and comment on your entries. Once you are finished with your calculations, your tapes can be printed, saved as a file, and emailed.
Soulver for iPad
Layout &Usability
Soulver by Acqualia is one of the few calculator apps that take advantage of the iPad’s unique features and large screen size. Soulver for iPad combines a calculator with a notepad allowing you to solve complex calculations seamlessly.
Soulver supports both landscape and portrait mode. No matter which screen orientation you choose, you will find the Soulver screen layout much like that of a French Door Refrigerator. The bottom of the screen has the input panel where you can switch between a QWERTY keyboard, special functions, and a calculator pad. The upper region of the iPad screen is divided into two panels. The larger left hand panel is used to write out your calculations and the right hand panel displays the answers instantly. Soulver also keeps a running total of all the lines in the bottom. This makes keeping track of expenses for bathroom remodeling or planning your budget for the next vacation seamless.
Soulver is like doing math on paper as your work is visible at all times. With Soulver you can go back and change any line. Soulver is unique in that it allows you to use words alongside your numbers, so your calculations actually make sense. The App does not execute calculations based on the words you type; words are just an optional reminder and commenting feature that helps you remember what numbers go with what calculation. (For example, Concert tickets was $25 x 3 )
Syncing
Soulver automatically saves your work and allows you to create files for each set of calculations. This allows you to switch from planning this month’s budget to planning next year’s vacation within a few taps of the iPad. Because the developer created Mac and iPhone versions of Soulver, you can sync with other Apple devices.
Advanced Features
Some of the unique features are that Soulver can convert currencies and manipulate percentages simpler with 14 dedicated functions. In addition there are 14 percentages functions so you can easily calculate sales tax, tips, take discounts, and more.
Scientific Functions & Variables
While it is not a dedicated scientific calculator, Soulver does have complex functions you can use. Soulver includes log, square root, factorial, mod, trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan, etc.) and more. In addition, the app allows you to solve for variables.
Programming Factions
If you are a computer programmer or computer engineer, you will love Soulver as it supports HEX and Binary conversions and calculations.
John Noel
