BASIC programmable calculators

BASIC programmable calculators have been around since the early 1980's, the first model being the Sharp PC-1210 . This model only had 512 bytes of available memory, so practical use was limited at best. Later models, like the Casio FX-880P and the Sharp PC-1403H could easily match the featureset and possibilities of the home computers of the 1970's era in the palm of your hand.

The accessable programming model has been a huge factor in the success of the BASIC programmables. Earlier models where often programmed using keystrokes. Even as this allows for very powerfull calculators, creating and especially editing programs can be challenging. Of course, editing a large BASIC application using only a 1 or 2 line calculator display isn't for the faint hearted either.

The largest manufacturer of BASIC programmable calculators must be Sharp with over 60 devices, Casio follows with almost 50. Hewlett-Packard and Texas Instruments where never big in this area, with only 3 devices each.