Apple Thoughts: CalcPad for iPhone/iPod Touch is Simple but Effective

Figure 1: Calculating in landscape mode.

There are numerous calculator applications in the iTunes store, as well as the built in one for the iPhone/iPod Touch. However CalcPad for the iPhone/iPod Touch is a bit different, and the simplicity of it makes it one to consider. There isn't a lot of flash to it, and you can see that as soon as you open up the program. But what it does, it does very well. The calculator does the 4 main functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) as well as calculating percentages and powers. You can either view it in normal view, or tilt your iPhone/iPod Touch to view it in landscape mode.

The operation is simple, touch the screen and the calculator keys display. Enter your numbers and touch the key for the function you want to perform and it displays as a line on your screen. Hit the "done" button in the upper right corner and they are hidden, but your calculations stay displayed allowing you to scroll through them by sliding your finger along the screen. And your calculations are saved even if you exit the program. Come back to the program and your list is there to refer to or modify as you see fit. The only way to clear them is by hitting the red "AC" (all clear) button, but just in case that is a mistake, it prompts you to verify.

The main feature of this calculator is the running tape of all of your transactions and the ability to edit those figures and change your answer. Should you need to change any of the numbers, just edit it with the new number and it recalculates the entire formula. To edit it is as simple as touching the screen and holding your finger down.

Figure 2: Edit your numbers within the list and change result on the fly.

Once you change the number, it recalculates your answer, similar to what happens in a spreadsheet. This is the big benefit with this program. Well, that and when you exit and come back, your results are still displayed. You can even start a new set of calculations simply by hitting the "=" sign a second time to move the curser down a line. As long as you don't hit the "AC" button you can put multiple calculations on the "tape."

Not sure you like working on lined paper, no problem. You can change the way CalcPad displays your results by going to your main settings on your iPhone/iPod Touch.

Figure 3: Change your settings to affect your display.

Once in settings, you can change a number of things such as type of paper you want displayed, number of decimal places (out to 6 maximum), font size, feed (to set the number of spaces between the calculation symbol and the number displayed) and if you want to round up your results and numbers (or not).

Granted, this is a simple calculator program, but what it does it does very well. The nice features and the selling points of this program, are the ability to save your calculations in a running tape and the ability to change them whenever you need to and have the answer recalculated for you. It is very easy to make sure you have entered the numbers correctly by reviewing the tape, and if you haven't, change a number or numbers to correct your answer. The landscape view is a nice option, which makes it look like my HP 12C calculator albeit without all the buttons and functions. The only problem I have with the program is the price, it seems to be to be a bit too high for what you get. However if you like this type of functionality and think you will use it enough to get your money's worth, this might be the program for you. Still undecided? More information can be found at the CalcPad site.

Jeff Campbell is a fan of all things Apple, an X-boxer (the 360 kind) and geek. He works as a floor supervisor in a 911 Center in the Portland, OR Metro area, and lives in a small town just south of Mt. Hood with his wife, two kids and the required two dogs.

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