Our Best Printing Calculator in the World for You

What's your fondest memory? When you finished college? Or when you got your first accounting job? For many of the staff here at Monroe Systems for Business, it was when our product specialists introduced the Monroe Ultimate (today known as the UltimateX), our top-of-the line heavy-duty printing calculator that combines the best features of the Monroe Classic and Pro printing calculators.

Introduced in 2010, the Monroe Ultimate was not only well received by our staff — who test all new products before they go to market — but was also extremely well received by our customers — which include accountants and financial professionals in a wide range of industries. To this day, the UltimateX remains our most popular printing calculator.

"This has been the best calculator I have ever purchased in my life. My office thinks it’s incredible," said Stephanie, an UltimateX user.

"My first Monroe was a Monromatic that my Dad bought for me (that's when I started collecting typewriters & adding machines). I have always wanted a new Monroe & I finally splurged & bought one for myself & I'm so glad I did. I love it!!!!! Monroe's are the best," said Theresa, an UltimateX user.

"If you’re in accounting, finance and/or taxation, then this is the adding machine to get!!! True, there is a bit of a “learning curve”, but once you get past that, you’ll find that there’s no better adding machine. My firm owns 8 of these adding machines. We scan the tapes into the work papers and they become intricate part of our tax audit process," said a Monroe UltimateX user.

As 2019 marks the ninth year of the Ultimate, we thought it only fitting — and fair — to give the Monroe Classic and Pro their dues. After all, these previous models paved the way for the best calculator on the market today, the UltimateX.

A Look at the Monroe Classic

In 2003, Monroe introduced the Monroe Classic. The Classic was designed with the most popular keyboard (known as the Velvet Touch keyboard) that Monroe had employed dating back to the late 1980s. This was just one of the features that made Monroe calculators different from any printing calculator manufactured today.

The Classic was Monroe’s first four-function calculator that enabled the user to process the amortization of bank loans in a simple operation. The classic needed a battery that was installed in the calculator to maintain special submerged functions (the define or setup functions were maintained in the calculator), when the calculator was powered down.

The Classic model had crossfooting, spreadsheets, time-card functionality and independent memory (two). 

CPA's especially liked the soft key touch and the two independent memories that the Classic provided.

Many of those calculators are still in use today. In fact, it is not uncommon for us to receive calls from customers who have a Classic and are looking for supplies, have a question about functionality, or are simply looking to upgrade.

Adding the Monroe Pro into the Mix

In 2005, Monroe introduced the Monroe Pro. Aside from the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division functions, this model had the ability to calculate interest, future value and amortize a loan. Pro users were typically in the financial industries or other industries that handled loans.

The Pro utilized the same keyboard as the Classic, but the keys on the left-hand side were dedicated to financial operations, such as amortization, and were always available for that purpose. The Classic, however, needed to be accessed through the special submerged functions. The Pro did not require a battery to maintain any special features.

In addition, the Monroe Pro was designed with a special CPU assembly that maintained any special functions entered or the dedicated financial keys on the keyboard. That feature was not affected by powering down the calculator.

Monroe Classic and Pro Become the Ultimate

Due to the demand for the combined functionality of both machines, the company decided to incorporate both models into one. In 2010, Monroe introduced the Ultimate heavy-duty calculator. This model was the update of the Classic and the Pro combined and featured an enlarged display along with an editing feature.

The UltimateX was introduced in 2016 as part of the launch of our current "X" series calculator line. With this change, our calculators all received an upgraded printer to increase performance. 

Monroe used this opportunity to update features that were troublesome to the original Classic and Ultimate models — returning some features that were moved from the original Classic and Ultimate and adding features that would prevent operating mistakes by end users.

An updated printer made it easier for customers to order their supplies. The X series calculators, were for the first in Monroe’s history, to be compatible with universal supplies like the Monroe P65M ribbon spools, Monroe M33X ribbon cartridges and Monroe’s signature 20 lb. paper tape rolls.

The only software change that was made to the UltimateX was the modification to hit the define key twice when entering functions to prevent customer error during use. The Velvet Touch keyboard was maintained through all Monroe models.

The UltimateX also combined the time card, spreadsheet and limited financial programs of the Classic with the full financial programs on the Pro, to give Ultimate users access to the full array of financial programs.

Since it was introduced in 2016, the UltimateX has been well received by top accounting and finance executives across the country. Hearing our customers’ positive feedback about the UltimateX prompted us to create the phrase "Those who know choose Monroe."

Customers like the continuation of the soft key touch, and the larger display, adds Mike Prasch, business development executive at Monroe. “They also like having the ability to use the extra functions, as long as they don't erroneously interfere with their normal work (which they don't)”

Thank you to Bill Hines, Factory Service Manager; and Mike Prasch, Business Development Executive, who contributed their expertise to this blog.

Did you use a Monroe Pro or

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll cover the top 4 functions of the Monroe UltimateX!

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