A great calculator value.

I'm currently the proud owner of my second TI-34 scientific calculator, since my original one wore out in the late 1990s - after about 15 years of use! Yes, these things are built to last.

Durability aside, the TI-34 offers an incredible selection of functions for about $20, making it an ideal choice for students in junior high and high school, and even college students dealing with general forms of mathematics.

The TI-34 offers a range of functions for algebra and trigonometry, as well as base conversions for computer science, calculations involving fractions, and some statistical functions. Starting in junior high school, I used mine through two years of algebra, a year of geometry, a year of trigonometry and pre-calculus, a year of calculus, and ten years as a computing professional.

Over the years, the design has changed slightly. The new TI-34 still costs about the same as the old one did, but it's slightly thinner, lighter and more rounded. The buttons remain the same, but are also more rounded and contoured. The only change I don't like is the sliding cover - the old cover was easier to remove and replace.

I look forward to getting ten or fifteen years of service out of this calculator. After that, we'll buy two new ones - one for me and my wife, and one for our daughter. She should be ready for algebra by then.

If you're looking for a calculator with a great range of functions at a bargain price, I'd recommend the TI-34. Even if you're not planning to use all its functions frequently, it's inexpensive enough to be bought as a calculator for basic use, then "come to the rescue" when the need for a more advanced function abruptly arises.