calculation

Basic nutrition tracker

Mealformation is a multifunction food tracker that allows users to create meal plans, track their food intake, and analyze their nutrition. Overall it is a solid program, although some aspects of it could be more intuitive or better explained.

The interface is fairly straightforward, with various functions--personal profile, a food database, a recipe database, and so on--organized in tabs. The thing that threw us about the program is that it's never made clear what content is included and what content has to be user-generated. It turns out that the program does contain a fairly large database of foods, meaning … Read more

Quick money converter

Euro Calculator is a fast currency calculator that doesn't really separate itself from the myriad free online calculators. The program does its job well, but we were left wondering why users should choose it.

The program's interface will be fairly familiar to anyone who's used a computer calculator before. The program is organized the same, but with two data lines. Changing currencies takes a little experimentation or a brief trip to the Help file, but not too much work. Users simply input an amount of euros in the main data line or enter a math equation, then … Read more

Sparse pattern-making program

Cutter allows users to create basic patterns for shoulder and waistline garments. Although it does create patterns as promised, it offers little guidance along the way.

The interface is sparse and somewhat intuitive. The program's functions are somewhat obvious just by virtue of the fact that there are so few of them. You choose what kind of garment you want (jacket, pants, dress, and so on), enter the measurements of the person it's being made for, and the program creates a printable pattern. The built-in Help file is brief, and though it does offer helpful tips for measuring … Read more

Easy debt management

This debt management tool allows users to manage their debts using built-in formulas that automatically calculate the total amount owed and total interest paid. Users familiar with Excel will find it easy to use.

The Debt Management Calculator has three tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet: Calculator, Payment Schedule, and Chart. The program explains different methods of managing debt, namely the "snowball" or "avalanche" methods. The "snowball" method advises the user to pay the debt with the lowest balance faster, where the "avalanche" method advises the user to pay the debt … Read more

Simple astrology tool

MB Moon Sign gives users a peek at their characteristics based on the moon. With a simple layout and easy-to-read results, users will embrace this program and its advice.

The program's interface is its lone rough spot, thanks to the information users need to add. Actually inputting the data is not hard, but it requires you to go online and do some research (unless you know the longitude and latitude of your birthplace off the top of your head). Everything else with this program is so intuitive and simple to navigate, users will not have to utilize the Help … Read more

Rashi Astrology tool

MB Rashi is a great tool for users curious to learn more about Vedic astrology in their lives. Combining a mostly simple design with excellent advice, this is a great tool for newcomers and experts in astrology.

The program's interface might get some users upset, since a trip to an online site is needed to complete the otherwise smooth layout. Past this slip, the program is simple to read and easy to navigate, even for newcomers. Users can take a look at the Help file but shouldn't expect to find any astrological insight. MB Rashi's functionality was … Read more

HP reincarnates calculators on iPhone, Windows

It looks like a fourth generation of my family is going to be introduced to the ways of reverse Polish notation calculators.

That's because my three-year-old son, an iPhone fan in his own preschool way, is about to be exposed to Hewlett-Packard's new iPhone application that fully emulates the company's 12c financial calculator. The $14.99 application is accompanied by a $29.99 emulator of the 15c scientific calculator, which is better at handling trigonometry and integration than mortgage payments and net present value.

All that's missing is the pocket protector-like iPhone case, my colleague Ina Fried cracked as she mocked my nerdish tendencies. … Read more

Birth star detector

MB Birth Star tells you what your birth star is, and much more. Based on Vedic astrology, this simple program requires a lot of personal information, but rewards you with an in-depth look at your life.

This program's interface is simple to navigate, even though the information required might take some online research. The link to help users find the longitude and latitude of their births is clunky and not a good addition. However, the results page is intuitive, with its collection of tabs and descriptions presented in layman's terms. In addition, there is a Help file for … Read more

Simple numerology tool

MB Numerology Software provides users with easy access to the world of lucky numbers and astrological signs. With an incredibly simple interface and highly readable results, this is a great tool for all levels of curious users.

This program's interface excels with its simplicity, focusing on easy-to-understand information boxes and highly readable results. While this program feels very intuitive, users who need more guidance can inspect the online Help file, which breaks the program down in a little more detail. Getting our astrological details was a simple matter of entering our name and birth date into the program. From … Read more

Comprehensive calculator for sciences

No need to rely on an abacus or fingers and toes once you have this free Calculator for Science Students in your toolbox. A variety of calculators, converters, references, and glossaries reside at your fingertips through this full-featured app.

This calculator launches a nicely designed, easy-to-use interface--slightly drab, but easy to comprehend. It offers a numeric keypad and buttons for performing a number of scientific calculations. Below the keypad are six tabs that provide access to a wide series of tools that will make a handy reference for science students and teachers. This application performed quickly and very well in … Read more