When you’re studying A-Level Statistics in Year 13, having the right calculator can really help you out. From what I’ve noticed, the best calculators are easy to use and can do lots of statistical tasks. Here are some of my top choices based on what I've seen in class and while getting ready for exams:

1. Casio fx-9860GII

• Pros: This graphing calculator is simple to use and can handle all sorts of statistics functions like mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and even regression analysis.
• Features: You can also draw graphs and work with data sets easily, which helps you see and understand your statistics concepts better.

2. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus

• Pros: The TI-84 is a classic option that’s well-known for its strong statistical features. It’s great for doing calculations with permutations, combinations, and other statistical distributions.
• Features: It’s commonly used in schools, so you can often get help from friends or teachers if you need it.

3. Casio fx-9750GII

• Pros: This one is a bit cheaper than the others but still has a lot of useful statistical features. It comes with a good set of stats functions and has a nice display.
• Features: It’s great for people who like to enter data easily and get quick statistical results.

4. Online Statistical Software

• While physical calculators are great, don't forget about using online tools like R or Python libraries for more detailed analysis. These tools can do complicated statistical calculations and create visualizations that might be hard to do on a regular calculator.

Tips for Choosing:

• Check your syllabus: Make sure the calculator works with what your exam board requires.
• Ease of use: Pick one that you find easy to navigate; you don’t want to struggle during a test trying to remember how to find the functions.
• Practice: Whichever calculator you choose, practice with it using past exam papers. This will really help when you’re actually in the exam room.

In conclusion, whether you go for a graphing calculator or use software, what’s most important is that you’re comfortable and can easily do statistical analysis. Happy calculating!