I was slightly put off this calculator when it arrived because it felt like it wasn't brand new. There was a 'low battery' message on the screen when I switched it on, and what looked like the remains of a previous calculation in the memory. This sours the experience.
But leaving that aside, this is a pretty good calculator, even though it's been around for years virtually unchanged. I've always used Casio in the past, but I can see how this has some advantages. It feels simpler to use than the Casio fx-991EX for instance. Not much, but things like the multi-press buttons are a clever way to avoid menus and always having to use the 2nd function key. You'll have to study the specs in detail to find out where the two models really differ, but I don't think the Casio can solve equations as directly as this. But then the Casio has the super clever QR-code generator that puts your results in a web page you can access with your phone and copy/paste into documents. Swings and roundabouts. Both have more features than most humans will ever comprehend.
I also think the Casio looks more stylish (this TI is borderline ugly to my eyes) and Casio's slide-on case feels faster and sturdier than the annoying and rattly clip-on case the TI comes with. On the other hand, on the TI, both the case and the calculator have non-slip rubber feet which makes it better to use on a desk. The Casio has a faster keyboard that I find hard to fault, but some may prefer the slightly more positive action of this TI.
Their displays are about the same, which is to say not all that good because of the solar power. The Casio's might have more dots. Both have battery backup, but the Casio's battery is easy to get at in its own little compartment whereas you have to screw off the whole back cover to get at the one in the Texas.
The point is that both this TI-36X Pro and the equivalent Casio are very highly developed and capable calculators that are as advanced as you'll probably be allowed to take into an exam and only one step below a graphing model. If you're using it in class, you might want to see what everyone else is using so you're not the odd-one-out when the tutor explains something that needs a calculator. Schools might even recommend one over the other.
But a big part of the decision might be the price. The TI-36X Pro was much cheaper than the Casio when I bought it. If they were the same price, I would buy the Casio. But I'd be happy with either.
| Fabrikant | Texas Instruments |
|---|---|
| Merk | TEXAS INSTRUMENTS |
| Modelnummer | 36PRO/TBL/1L1 |
| Productafmetingen | 24.8 x 17.2 x 2.8 cm; 115 gram |
| Batterijen: | 1 Lithium-metaal batterijen vereist. (inbegrepen) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Nee |
| Kleur | Zwart |
| Materiaalsoort | Kunststof |
| Aantal items | 1 |
| Regels per pagina | 3 |
| Onderdeelnummer fabrikant | 36PRO/TBL/1L1 |
| Gegarandeerde software-updates tot | unknown |
