Growing up I used the most basic math calculator. Moving to the US I began my journey as a junior majoring in business at ASU, I wasted my time and energy when I calculated the financial problems by using the normal calculator. Besides that, I have always depended on using Excel's calculation functions, which has been highly inconvenient since I must constantly bring my laptop with me wherever I go. At that time, I realized that having a good financial calculator is essential for my studies. That is why I chose to purchase the Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator back in October after considering carefully.
After ordering the BA II Plus, it took around two weeks to arrive in the mail. When it came, it was packaged neatly in a small, rectangular box. Inside the box, the calculator itself was wrapped in protective plastic. Underneath the wrapped calculator was the user manual for the device. The packaging was simple but effective, allowing me to easily unwrap the calculator and manual and start using it right away without any problems.
Using the calculator is straightforward. The provided manual offers clear instructions, making setting up a quick and hassle-free process. The buttons are responsive, and the adjustable contrast on the display ensures readability in different lighting conditions. No assembly was required; it was ready for use right outside of the box.
The BA II Plus financial calculator has proven to be an indispensable and extremely helpful tool for completing financial calculations. Its performance is exceptional, handling time-value-of-money calculations and various financial functions with ease. The keyboard layout is intuitive, and the buttons provide a satisfying tactile response. The medium-sized, black design exudes a professional aesthetic, fitting seamlessly into both academic and professional settings.
The PROS:
- Designed specifically for business or finance majors, specialized finance functions like NPV, IRR, interest conversions, amortization, etc.
- Trusted Texas Instruments brand - they are known for high quality and dependable calculators.
- Nice LCD with sharp contrast, easy to see the numbers and results.
- Tactile keyboard buttons, pressing the keys feels responsive and satisfying.
- Reliable performance over months of use, calculations always accurate and battery life exceptionally long.
- Affordable price, under $40 makes it accessible for college students on a budget.
- Portability: compact design makes it easy to carry.
- Easy to use, well-labeled buttons and a clear manual.
The CONS:
- Limited graphing capabilities: The BA II Plus is primarily a financial calculator and does not have advanced graphing capabilities.
- Screen contrast adjustments: While the display has adjustable contrast, I might prefer a more advanced display customization option, such as backlighting, to enhance visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Fewer math functions than scientific calculators such as no trigonometry, logarithms, etc.
- The manual could explain advanced functions more, I had to look up YouTube tutorials on new concepts.
Overall, considering my usage context in the business field, these drawbacks do not pose a significant hindrance to my needs and productivity, and the BA II Plus calculator remains a suitable choice. I would highly recommend it to any college students taking finance, accounting, or business courses.
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments |
| Item Weight | 3.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6.49 x 0.69 x 2.99 inches |
| Item model number | IIBAPL/TBL/1L1/C |
| Batteries | 1 CR123A batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Black |
| Closure | zipper |
| Corner/Edge Style | rounded |
| Cover Material | leather |
| Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness) | 2H |
| Material Type | ABS Plastic |
| Media Stored | 10 |
| Core Size | 5 Feet |
| Coating | blade coating |
| Fastener Capacity | 2.5 Meters |
| Expansion | 4.5 Meters |
| Pre-printed | false |
| Tab Cut | straight |
| Tab Position | top |
| Binding Edge | middle |
| Number of Fasteners | 3 |
| Total Recycled Content Percentage | 25 |
| Post-Consumer Recycled Content Percentage | 100 |
| Pre-Consumer Recycled Content | 33.3 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | Medium |
| Lines Per Page | 1 |
| Sheet Size | A4 |
| Brightness Rating | 55 |
| Paper Finish | Embossed |
| Point Type | fine |
| Line Size | 0.3 Feet |
| Ink Color | black |
| Tip Type | marker, gel |
| Number of Holes | 3 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | IIBAPL/TBL/1L1/C |
