Datasheet legend
Ab/c: Fractions calculation
AC: Alternating current
BaseN: Number base calculations
Card: Magnetic card storage
Cmem: Continuous memory
Cond: Conditional execution
Const: Scientific constants
Cplx: Complex number arithmetic
DC: Direct current
Eqlib: Equation library
Exp: Exponential/logarithmic functions
Fin: Financial functions
Grph: Graphing capability
Hyp: Hyperbolic functions
Ind: Indirect addressing
Intg: Numerical integration
Jump: Unconditional jump (GOTO)
Lbl: Program labels
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
LED: Light-Emitting Diode
Li-ion: Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Lreg: Linear regression (2-variable statistics)
mA: Milliamperes of current
Mtrx: Matrix support
NiCd: Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable battery
NiMH: Nickel-metal-hydrite rechargeable battery
Prnt: Printer
RTC: Real-time clock
Sdev: Standard deviation (1-variable statistics)
Solv: Equation solver
Subr: Subroutine call capability
Symb: Symbolic computing
Tape: Magnetic tape storage
Trig: Trigonometric functions
Units: Unit conversions
VAC: Volts AC
VDC: Volts DC
Years of production:   Display type: 7-segment
New price:  
Display color: Black
    Display technology: LCD
Size: 2½"×6"×½" Display size: 8+2 digits
Weight: 3 oz    
    Entry method: Algebraic
Batteries: 3×"LR44" Advanced functions: trg, exp, log, stat
External power: N/A Memory functions: +
I/O: N/A    
    Programming model: N/A
Precision: 9 digits Program functions: N/A
Memories: 1 number
Program display: N/A
Program memory: N/A
Program editing: N/A
Chipset:   Forensic result:  

mr610.jpg (24109 bytes)Although not a programmable calculator, the MR 610 does have a special place in calculator history: it is one of the last calculators made in the DDR, the country better known as East Germany.

The MR 610 is a surprisingly decent calculator. Small and lightweight, it nevertheless has a sturdy feel, a good quality display, and a pleasant set of buttons. Internal algorithms appear to be fairly well-designed, with no obvious precision problems. The display has high contrast, and a set of useful, highly legible state indicators, including a separate indicator for the F (second function) button. The calculator comes with a high quality faux leather case; about the only indication of the traditional East Bloc sloppiness is the fact that the case doesn't have a proper opening for the calculator's buttons, some of which therefore remain hidden inside a semitransparent plastic pocket.

Until recently, I was under the impression that this calculator does not resemble any Western model. Mike Sebastian's famous calculator forensic test reveals the truth, however: it confirms that the MR610 uses what appears to be a Toshiba chip, from a family of calculator chips found in several Western models. Maybe it was a chip imported or licensed by East Germany; or possibly, it was yet another piece of Western technology that was obtained, and copied, by an East German regime that was notorious for its liberal attitudes with respect to Western intellectual property.