Do you think the Apple version would cost more? [Technabob]

WolframAlpha folks are billing this as a half-priced graphic calculator, with that added benefit that it plugs into the existing WolframAlpha search engine, but again I keep coming back to the fact that I can point my browser at that web site and it costs me substantially less than $US50 to do so.

Said WolframAlpha rep Josh Dilworth in an email to Gizmodo today, “How many people will buy it? We’re not sure, but looking at the other apps that are $US50+, we think that we’re of at least comparable in utility and functionality, if not more. And, part of what the company is also doing is making a statement about the non-trivial nature of WolframAlpha’s capabilities, and how much the system has matured since launch.”

What better way to show maturity than peg your inaugural App Store app with one of the higher price tags in the whole system. Amiright?

TI’s PR person told GigaOm that her husband, a realtor, uses the real live calculator at the office, but would use the iPhone app in the field, so he doesn’t have to carry extra stuff. I’d think sooner or later, the app, with its ability to relabel buttons clearly and instantly, would eventually win out. At least until a totally organic touch version that can do the same calculations comes out. (Why stick so religiously to these old forms?)

The cheating argument, however, is valid: TI suggests that people still buy actual calculators because test givers prohibit students from whipping out their iPhones. So there’s at least one strike against well-executed convergence. [GigaOm; iTunes Store link]

At first I wanted to make fun of him, but he told be that he always has his Sharp calculator in his pocket for work and such since he can’t stand the one on his BlackBerry Curve. It is true the calculator on the Curve kinda sucks, though the iPhone’s isn’t enough to make me switch. Granted I don’t use the calculator for much—not, apparently, nearly as much as this guy.

The Wall Street Journal is all over a different type of calculator dilemma, how TI’s newest $US135 graphing TI-Nspire is overkill for some and many students prefer older graphing models or just iPhone apps. Are you with this guy? Can nothing replace the old-school calculator? Or do you think he’s just a holdout, and calculators are destined to melt away entirely into mobile phone firmware, end of story?

From a fitness and educational standpoint, I understand the idea behind the Alpha Mat. It provides a plyometric type of workout while engaging the mind with numerical sequences—but it’s missing a key ingredient.

The problem is that the mat isn’t hooked up to anything. It’s not a gigantic calculator and it can’t connect with your phone to send text messages. Still, I see potential here. Working computer keyboard mats, television remotes and the like could make for an amusing fitness routine that wouldn’t grow old for at least a few hours…maybe even a few days. [Exergame Fitness via Shiny Shiny]

In high school, I made a pipe out of a TI-83 Plus calculator. the calculator still works, even now, as well as the pipe. Even though the tube is made of duct tape, it works fine. I cut into the bowl itself so it can be flat and still allow airflow, and put another piece of metal under it so the tape will not heat up. The stem can be separated and placed into the calculator to be more hidden. Inside the calculator, there are also compartments for matches, toothpicks (pokers), and screens. There is also enough room on the inside for a small bag of whatever is going to be smoked. It has been named the TI-420 Tokeulator.

Holy shit. The bar has been raised.

[Thanks, Dave!]

It can also tell your fortune, if you’re living life solo these days. I’m assuming both solo and couple fortunes are pulled out of thin air and are wildly inaccurate and/or vague, but hey, maybe it’s actually a magic calculator that can learn about the various nuances of your personality based solely on your birthday and the fact that you’d buy such a stupid calculator. Anything is possible. [Amazon.jp via Technabob]

Pricing starts at $12.95 for the LS-63TG and goes up to $34.95 for the TS-1200TG. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to try and find a picture of a sloth taking a nap for my next post…

[Canon]

The new calculator, in a noticeable change, now has a history of previous inputs. That’s more than handy for long equations where your mind gets so confused you forget what step you are on. Also new to Windows 7 is the addition of Programmer and Statistics mode. Since I suck at math and avoid it whenever possible, I can’t say much but, “awesome, functions I’ll never use or understand.” Still, it’s better to have too many options than too few, I say.

The real highlight of Calculator are the new extra features included. They include Unit Conversion and Date Calculation under the Options menu, which do exactly what it sounds like they do. Under Templates in the same menu, you’ll also be able to calculate your gas mileage, lease payment and your mortgage payment. Now, that’s handy. At least, I’ll be better prepared should I ever decide to own real estate. [Windows 7 at Gizmodo]

If you ever have ordered pizza for many people, you would love this:

• Input the ingredients for person 1 from a list of over 25 toppings.
• Add another person and repeat until you are done.
• Click on calculate.
• Select how much pizza each person wants to eat (just to keep things on the safe side–specially with Gizmodo readers in Gizmodo Gallery parties–add two extra slices per person).

Done. The Pizza Calculator will optimise the ingredients and pizza combinations so everyone is satisfied and there are no leftovers (although cold leftovers with Coke the next morning make for a Breakfast the Champions). [The Pizza Calculator]