Review: Texas Instruments 108

I like to begin each calculator review with a brief paragraph about something other than calculators, then segue seamlessly into the review. It gives each review its own sort of personality and keeps things fresh.

TI-108.

If you've never seen or heard of the TI-108, it means you haven't been inside a school since 1986. These things are everywhere. You can buy them in packs of 10 for like $30 on Ebay. But just because something is common and used by everyone doesn't mean it's necessarily good.

Yet the 108 is one of the best calculators ever created. Sure, it lacks any unique features, and can only perform basic operations, but just look at it. Seriously, find the nearest kid and take their backpack and dig through it until you find one. You most likely won't find a scratch on it, and it's definitely going to work. Texas Instruments made an extremely durable calculator that even a child would struggle to ruin.

The buttons are colorful and coordinated, have a great tactile feel, and everything is right where it should be. Not that it's needed, but they included a solid cover for added protection. It's impossible to tell how old a given TI-108 is because these things don't age. The solar cell works perfectly every time, so there's no need for a battery.

I really tried to find something to dislike about this calculator, and maybe nostalgia plays a role, but the TI-108 is simply perfection. These have been widely available since 1986 and will probably be used in elementary schools for at least the next thousand years. I got mine on Ebay for $4.

Older and newer variations.

* * * UPDATE * * *

The above was the initial Facebook review, but I have since learned that the TI-108 has at least two variations, both of which are discussed in the video review. The older version runs on pure solar energy while the newer is dual-powered. They also have slightly different external colors. Internally, they look like completely different devices.

Regardless of the variation you get, you won't be disappointed with the TI-108.

The TI-108 comes standard with a sturdy cover

Internal components removed from old version.

Face plate of old version exposed.

Top: Old version interior.
Bottom: New version interior.

Review: Casio fx-300ES PLUS

This Facebook review was modified for privacy reasons. It's also inaccurate because this was originally posted a while ago.

Yesterday my brother [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] got engaged, and I'm so happy for them. To celebrate this, I could think of no better calculator to review than the Casio fx-300ES PLUS.

Casio fx-300ES PLUS

Most of the calculators I own are at least twenty years old, but every now-and-then I come across something newer that is too good and inexpensive to pass up. The Casio fx-300ES PLUS is the third generation of a proud line of calculators often used for SATs and other nonsense academic testing. It's not quite a graphing calculator, but it's definitely not your average statistic or scientific calculator either.

Eight digits is, for some reason, the standard limit for most calculators. It's always interesting to see this limit be different, but what makes the fx-300ES PLUS- as well as its ancestors- so special is that there doesn't appear to be such limit. I typed dozens of numbers in and the screen just kept scrolling over to allow more. In fact you can type in massive equations and this modern masterpiece will handle them.

The scroll function is also a fantastic feature, allowing you to correct mistakes even after running an operation. This is on top of tons of other features that I simply don't feel like reviewing.

Released in 2012, this calculator is by no means vintage. It's made from a strong plastic and every button is clearly visible thanks to outstanding color contrast. It runs on a single LR44 battery and is aided by a small solar cell. I found it at Goodwill in a basket for $4.99.

If you'd like to learn about all of this calculator's features, Casio still has the guide posted on their website. Check it out here: https://support.casio.com/pdf/004/fx-300ES_PLUS_E.pdf

Sleek cover.

Back side, with battery removed.

Internal components exposed.

Review: Radio Shack EC-451

It's Friday, so that means a remake of a Facebook review! It's nice to go back and update my thoughts after a bit since I get my hands on so many different calculators. Usually my first impression is accurate, but sometimes I notice different things that are worth mentioning. As always, I'll include an image of the original review at the end of this post.

Radio Shack EC-451

The Radio Shack EC-451 doesn't look like much, and that's because it really isn't. It features a fairly boring color scheme and a clamshell design that, while practical, doesn't do much for its aesthetic. The EC-451 just wants to be a calculator, not a fashion statement.

As a calculator, it's really good. The buttons work great, and the display is contrasty and all those other things that can be good about a calculator. None of it is special or all that interesting, with the exception of the metric conversion table printed into the cover. I really like it when extra space is utilized, especially for a device that's clearly going for function over form.

Protective clamshell design. Neat.

Nothing about the EC-451 feels unnecessary. Everything is where it should be and because of this it's a reliable device. It's dual-powered, using solar panels and a single battery inside, allowing it to work in a variety of conditions (those varieties being bright and not very bright).

The clamshell design does its job in protecting the LCD screen and preventing accidental pocket calculations. It's small and thin enough to slide into any pocket and sturdy enough to withstand a reasonable amount of abuse.

It's not the type of calculator anyone is going to put on display, but if reliability is vital for your needs, the EC-451 is worth getting. I got this in a bag with several other calculators at Goodwill for $3 I think.

I wish I had more to say about this device. Enjoy your weekend.

Back, clamshell open.

Internal components
I couldn't safely remove the inner assembly.

The Original Facebook Review.

Note: I originally stated that the screen could be too dim at times, but during the re-review, I did not notice this issue.