More Power Than We Deserve. Texas Instruments TI-34

The Texas Instruments TI-34 scientific calculator has proven to be one my best buys. This highly underrated little device has saved many hours of laborious and potentially error-wrought bookkeeping and numerical base conversion. For those who do no more than add and subtract, this model is like using a machine gun to hunt turtles. If you're looking for easier algebraic, trigonometric, or computer science number crunching, this is your pulverizer.

The TI-34 is average-sized in its class at 5.5" X 3" X 0.5", is lightweight, and will comfortably fit in any nerd-grade shirt pocket. A sliding protective cover, instructions, and a handy quick reference card complete the package.

I won't go into a detailed listing concerning every available operation as that would result in little more than useless review padding. Some of the more general functionality, however, includes:

* Numerical base modes (decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal)
* Basic math functions
* Advanced math functions (logarithms, hyperbolics, degree/minute/sec-to-decimal)
* Display formats (floating decimal, Scientific notation, etc.)
* Trigonometric functions including rectangular-to-polar conversion and back
* Basic computer math (AND, OR, NOR, etc.)
* Parentheses - example is (3 + (4 X 7))
* Basic statistical analysis (mean, sum of data, standard deviation)
* Memory storage

The plastic construction would miserably fail any 8-lb sledgehammer test, but has survived 4-foot fumble-and-drop-on-tile maneuvers. The corners are rounded and despite carrying 42 buttons, I don't have a problem with pressing two of them. Sometimes calculators get too dense to be really useful. I have a Casio that has some of its buttons too small and too close together. No problem with the TI-34.

The solar-power apparatus appears to work well down to moderate light. Don't cover (or partially cover) the solar cells with tape or fingers while using though as this will fade out the display.

I find myself primarily using the TI-34 for basic number crunching, such as adding bills, income, and them there high-dollar Epinions Royalties. I also use it extensively for base conversions as I'm constantly having to convert between decimal, binary, and hex at my job.

This has also proven itself an invaluable tool in my racing efforts. Sometimes I needed to know what angle a new piece of tubing was sitting at so I could cut it properly. Figure the rise (height the tubing is going up), the run (the length horizontally the tube spans, put the rise over the run and hit inverse tangent...voila! I now know what angle to cut the tubing, which makes subsequent fitting and welding a snap. And some think racers are unedumicated rednecks...

Texas Instruments calculators are a textbook definition of durability. I still have a 1970s TI-30 - battery powered, red LEDs, and bulky chassis - and it still works. I have owned this TI-34 for 6 years and it shows no appreciable signs of wear.

Complaints? Just one. The sliding case is easy to slide off when the calculator is covered, but when it's in place when uncovered it's hell to get off again. The body could use a couple grips on the side to ease this.

This calculator is solid and a great value. It's also overkill for those who are looking to do no more than balance checkbooks. For add/subtract fiends I recommend one of the stripped-down models. For those who need a good general-purpose scientific model that will last for years, the TI-34 is an excellent choice.