Emulation is an endlessly fascinating subject. We can emulate computers, consoles, microcontrollers, and even personal assistants — but what about calculators? Many models have accompanied us through years of classes, and today we can bring them back thanks to a new project called The Calculator Drawer, developed by the Internet Archive. With the right files and a healthy dose of MAME, this environment offers a total of 25 calculators, ready for use.
Calculators have been (and still are) extraordinary allies for millions of students. In fact, some classic models have already reached collectible status, commanding significant prices on marketplaces like eBay. Now, nothing stops you from dusting off your old calculator or hunting for a deal online — but why not give an emulator a try? The Internet Archive has exactly what you need: it's called Calculator Drawer, and like other emulation projects, it runs directly in your browser.
Calculator Drawer: Classic Calculator Emulation on the Internet Archive
For now, the emulated calculators number 25, with Texas Instruments models dominating, but the project is very young — it was announced on Sunday, January 29 — and I imagine more models will be added in the near future. A technically interesting detail is that the emulation is handled by a special version of MAME, with an additional layer reproducing the calculator's functions. In other words, the buttons are clickable just like in real life. You'll even need to press the ON button to get started.
The Internet Archive acknowledges that some calculators aren't entirely beginner-friendly, and it offers a link with access to most of the manuals. While that documentation isn't hard to find (especially for the most popular models), I think it's an excellent decision. As always, emulation in Calculator Drawer requires a bit of processing power from your PC, along with an up-to-date browser.
Official site: Click here
