Opera widgets for the math and science whiz
I really like Opera (Windows | Mac) widgets. They all offer something unique. But I especially like the browser's science and math widgets.
If you're someone who just can't get enough of planets, you love building mathematical graphs, or you enjoy science, these widgets are for you.
Science widgets
Astronomy Picture of the Day Each day, when you load Astronomy Picture of the Day, it displays a picture it gets from NASA. When you click on that image, it gives you an in-depth description of what's being depicted and why it's important. I found it to be extremely informative. Practically anyone who likes astronomy should be pleased with Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Astronomy Picture of the Day gives you some beautiful images.
(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)Chinese Abacus If you want to get some addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division work done, look no further than than the Chinese Abacus widget. Much like the real thing, you can move the blocks up and down to keep count. The abacus will show a tally at the bottom to help you.
Before you start using it, beware that the Chinese Abacus widget requires some knowledge of the abacus to get it to work. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find that it makes performing basic math functions quite simple.
The Chinese Abacus widget is a really cool app.
(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)Functions 3D Functions 3D isn't for the novice mathematician. The widget lets you create a 3D structure based on a mathematical equation that you devise.
Once you set the X, Y, and Z boundaries, you'll create an equation to develop the figure you want to depict. You can create simple archways or complex statues by changing the equation to fit your needs. Functions 3D is one of the more powerful Opera widgets I've ever used. It's also one of the most difficult to understand.
Functions 3D helps you create 3D models with your equations.
(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)Math Workpad Math Workpad is a neat utility that not only lets you evaluate mathematical expressions, it also provides you with a vector graph to see the result of an equation.
Once you load Math Workpad, you can start defining different functions or letters. You can then use those functions and letters to create a mathematical equation that the widget will solve for you. I found that all of the equations I created were solved quickly and accurately. It's perfect for students in math classes or the geek who wants to create some vector 3D graphs with their mathematical prowess.
Create and solve your own equations with Math Workpad.
(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)PlanetWerks 2 PlanetWerks 2 is a great way to learn a little something about the solar system. When you download the widget, it displays the sun and all the planets orbiting it. You can zoom in on different planets and adjust your tilt to see better. If you want to learn about individual planets in the solar system, you need only to click on one of the celestial bodies, and the widget will provide information, including the object's size relative to Earth, how long its orbit is, and more.
PlanetWerks 2 teaches you about the solar system.
(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)Scientific Calculator The Scientific Calculator widget is a must-have for any science or math whiz. The app provides a slew of functions to satisfy your mathematical needs. It even has seven programmable memory buttons. I used it to perform some basic operations and was impressed. It completed equations in just a few seconds. It was like having a real calculator with me.
Scientific Calculator is like the real thing.
(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)Unit Converter Unit Converter is a handy widget to have when you want to quickly switch between different units. True to the science theme, the app includes unit conversions for velocity, volume, pressure, and the basics, like area and temperature. It's a simple widget that you won't always use, but you'll be happy you have it, when you want to convert some scientific measurements.
Unit Converter gives you all the conversions you need.
(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)My top 3
1. Chinese Abacus: The Chinese Abacus widget is designed well, and it's ideal for quickly solving mathematical equations.
2. Scientific Calculator: It's like having the real thing in front of you.
3. PlanetWerks 2: Who doesn't want to learn about the solar system?
Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has written about everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Don is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and posts at The Digital Home. He is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
Could it be that [i]no[/i] browser supports them other than Opera. Given this info, one can only deduce that running [i]any[/i] Opera Widget requires not only the system resources to run the widget, but also to run the browser, even at background level.... no thanks!!
Even 1Mhz 4 kb RAM machine can handle this with less than 0.1% max power.
But most fun starts then you have 4 core CPU 4 GB RAM 3D graphics card, windows and with this brand new computer you CAN NOT calculate something simple like: sin(0). :D
Sorry man you need Microsoft Office enterprise for this task. :D
What I want to say that entire windows computer usage is strange and let me say even idiotic in this way not only Opera widgets.
- by GreyWyvern July 6, 2009 3:15 PM PDT
- Thanks for mentioning my widget (PlanetWerks 2)! It's nice to get a little publicity. :)
- Reply to this comment
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(7 Comments)It's too bad that all the links now point to the CNET download site instead of the original download locations. The authors of these widgets upload their updates and changes to the original download locations at widgets.opera.com. Linking only to the CNET download locations is a disservice to users since the CNET links might not be updated for weeks or months after the author uploads a change to widgets.opera.com.
Here are the original download links for those who want to keep up to date on these widgets:
- Astronomy Picture of the Day: http://widgets.opera.com/widget/4314/
- Chinese Abacus: http://widgets.opera.com/widget/4884/
- Functions 3D: http://widgets.opera.com/widget/4408/
- Math Workpad: http://widgets.opera.com/widget/10041/
- PlanetWerks 2: http://widgets.opera.com/widget/4246/
- Scientific Calculator: http://widgets.opera.com/widget/5062/
- Unit Converter: http://widgets.opera.com/widget/3686/
If this post is disallowed because of the links, at least please add the links to the article in addition to the CNET download links.
Much thanks!