PCalc is an incredibly versatile and feature-rich calculator app, making it an excellent choice for scientists, engineers, students, and programmers, or anyone who needs a robust calculating tool. Developed by TLA Systems Ltd., this app is priced at $9.99 and is available on a wide range of Apple devices including the Apple Vision Pro, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
One of the standout features of PCalc is its optional Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) mode. Users who are familiar with HP calculators and have a predilection for RPN will find this feature particularly appealing. It eliminates ambiguity over operator precedence in complex calculations and brings a sense of nostalgia to those who have used RPN calculators in the past. The multi-line display is another valuable feature, allowing users to track their calculations more effectively. Moreover, the app offers various button layouts, an extensive set of unit conversions, and scientific constants, making it a powerhouse for complicated and everyday calculations alike.
Customization is where PCalc truly shines. The app supports an astounding range of customization options that allow users to tailor their calculators to their exact preferences. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant design reminiscent of the original HP35 from 1972 or a highly sophisticated and functional layout, PCalc has got you covered. You can adjust and save these custom layouts to iCloud, ensuring consistency across all your iOS devices. The layout customization is highly sophisticated, featuring secondary keys that appear when the 2nd key is pressed. Additionally, all labels for each key can be customized, providing an extreme level of personalization.
PCalc also supports a myriad of numerical bases including hexadecimal, octal, and binary calculations, which is invaluable for programmers. The app’s engineering and scientific notation capabilities add to its versatility, making it suitable for specialized fields. Users will also appreciate the multiple undo and redo functions, giving them the flexibility to correct mistakes easily without starting over.
The seamless integration with Apple Watch stands out as another strong point. Having a handy calculator on your wrist can be tremendously useful for quick calculations on the go. The Apple Watch app includes a tip calculator feature, making it convenient for various everyday tasks like dining out.
User reviews for PCalc are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its depth, versatility, and customizability. Many users appreciate the app’s attention to detail and ease of use. The interface is smooth and responsive, crucial attributes for any calculator app. Lag or misregistered touches can be incredibly frustrating, but PCalc performs effortlessly, which is a testament to the skill and dedication of its developer.
However, the app is not without its critiques. Some users point out that while the multiple memory function is good, it lacks certain features such as combining storage (STO) and recall (RCL) operations with arithmetic operations (like STO * 2 or RCL / 7), which are present in many classic RPN calculators. Others have noted that the app lacks functionality in specific areas, such as displaying numerals in inches and feet, rounding to specific fractions, or performing scientific calculations on the Apple Watch. A few users were also disappointed by the lack of certain features that they expected given the app’s higher price point.
Nonetheless, the vast majority of users agree that PCalc is an exceptional calculator app, particularly praised for its customizability and range of features. For professionals who handle complex calculations regularly or anyone who wants an advanced tool at their fingertips, PCalc delivers an experience that is both powerful and flexible. Despite a few areas where users had hoped for more, the dedication and attention to detail from TLA Systems Ltd. make this app a standout in its category.
PCalc is more than just a calculator app; it is a meticulously crafted tool that offers extensive customization options, multiple modes, and a broad range of features that set it apart from other calculator apps on the market. Its reliability, speed, and elegance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a high-quality calculator. Whether you are a professional requiring precise and detailed calculations or someone who simply enjoys fine-tuning your tools, PCalc is likely to become your calculator of choice.
