Question

Microcomputers and handheld calculators – An argument can be made that the development of powerful, inexpensive microcomputers has made the hand-held calculator obsolete. Yet, there are smartphones that serve as microcomputers. Write a paper about whether hand-held calculators are obsolete and if so, have they been replaced by smartphones? Include a discussion about microcomputers and whether they are being replaced by smartphones.

Requirements:

500 words,

Answer 1

Yes, hand-held calculators have almost become obsolete. This is true with regards to general hand-held calculators. On the other hand specific purpose calculators like scientific calculators and financial calculators are still being use and as these calculators serve a specific purpose they are not at the risk of becoming obsolete and being replaced in their use and functionality by smartphones.

Now let us understand what a microcomputer really is. A microcomputer can be defined as a small and a relatively inexpensive computer. It is based on single chip microprocessor. Now while many functions of a microcomputer can be performed on a smartphone we cannot really say that micro-computers have been rendered useless and obsolete by these smart phones.

These days’ people use different types of tabs that serve basic functionalities of computers as well as smart phones. All these rapid technological advancements and progress have surely made the hand-held calculators obsolete and people now can easily make computations in their smart phones rather than having to keep a calculator. As already pointed out that while general purpose hand held calculators are fast becoming obsolete it should be kept in mind that special purpose calculators like scientific calculators and financial calculators are still useful and will not become obsolete.