Programmable calculators are calculators that can automatically carry out a sequence of operations under control of a stored program. Most are Turing complete, and, as such, are theoretically general-purpose computers. However, their user interfaces and programming environments are specifically tailored to make performing small-scale numerical computations convenient, rather than general-purpose use.
A TI-59 with a magnetic storage card being inserted into the card reader on the side.
HP-41CX with magnetic card reader and thermal printer
A complete range of programmable calculators were developed in former USSR. Some of them (like this MK-52), was used even in space missions.
SwissMicros replica of the HP-15C in credit card size
A graphing calculator is a handheld computer that is capable of plotting graphs, solving simultaneous equations, and performing other tasks with variables. Most popular graphing calculators are programmable calculators, allowing the user to create customized programs, typically for scientific, engineering or education applications. They have large screens that display several lines of text and calculations.
A typical graphing calculator by Texas Instruments
Casio fx-7000G; The world's first graphing calculator
Graphing calculators are sometimes used for gaming.
TI-89 Titanium, capable of doing Symbolic Manipulation, Computer Algebra System (CAS)
