The first electronic calculators were invented in 1961 and used cold cathode vacuum tubes for numerical display - the Anita MK VII was made for European markets and the Anita Mk 8 made for other markets. In 1965, the development of hand-held, transistorised, battery-powered calculators begun, with the first commercially sold being, the Canon Poketronic.

From here, begun an era of rapid calculator development with modifications such as, the introduction of microprocessors in 1971 and the addition of solar power in 1980. Consequently, calculators improved with better interfaces; more buttons leading to more usage and functions, and better processing power. Nowadays Casio calculators dominate the market with their flagship hand-held calculators being graphic calculators.

However, whilst calculators have evolved tremendously, their evolution appears to be stagnating in recent years. They serve only one purpose namely, calculation. Products, such as mobile phones and computers serve multiple purposes and which include calculation. Most people who need calculators already own multi-purpose electronic devices such as the ones above. So why do we still buy calculators?

1) Education Phones are banned in exams since students can easily cheat by sharing the questions through the internet or phone messaging, unless examiners actively block phone signals, which is sophisticated. A calculator is a simpler and cheaper alternative, allowing students access to a calculation tool that they can't cheat with.

2) Tactile feedback The pressing of a button gives a response in both touch and hearing, therefore, helping the user confirm if they've pressed a button. A phone is very limited in tactile feedback, limited to small vibrations. Thus, the user is more likely to make mistakes when using a phone for calculation. The same principle applies to why people would rather type a thesis using a physical keyboard instead of a virtual one on a tablet or phone.

3) Comfort As seen above, calculators have been around for a decent amount of time. Almost everyone alive right now will have used a calculator. People are familiar with them - the input interface is roughly the same on all physical calculators. Calculators are designed to calculate, so they have no distractions which is important as one works. In contrast the phone which may run notifications from time to time, disrupts the flow of work.

4) Size The average phone screen is around 4.7 to 5.5 inches whilst the average calculator size is around 6.7 inches. If we create a user interface on a calculator that follows exactly of the look of an average calculator, the buttons would be very small, and would call for lots of precision at the points of contact - thus the user interface of a calculator app is different to a physical calculator creating inconvenience. That being said, screen sizes do appear to be on the rise, with the newest iPhone 12 Pro Max having a 6.7 inch screen. Perhaps this size limitation will be gone in a few years.

Sales of calculators will probably continue in the near future; they are unlikely to become obsolete anytime soon but should we be encouraging their obsolescence?

Advantages aside, we cannot ignore that calculators are single-purpose objects. Today, technology is moving towards efficient and multipurpose products, such as... Phones which are equipped with increasing amounts of functionality e.g: being like credit cards through Google or Apple pay. Watches can monitor health conditions, physical activities and even message people, instead of only being able to tell the time. There are even toothbrushes that can play music.

Meanwhile we see, single purpose objects being replaced and out-dated such as the transition from pen and paper to electronic pens and tablets. Of course there are some single purpose necessities that will remain such as toilet paper; or will we one day be able to watch videos on it as well? Jokes out of the way, calculators are not necessities and since they are single purpose, isn't it time for them to go?