Texas Instruments TI-30 XIIS Scientific Calculator

Pros: Excellent for all basic uses & capable of executing scientific calculations.
Cons: Not for calculus or Graph equations

The TI 30X IIS is a basic calculator that is very easy to use yet has many functions that are required of middle school or early high school students. Recommend for anyone with kids in 7th-9th grade.

Screen display is good. An outstanding feature is its a double lined display screen. There are two lines; a line that holds the equation and a line that reflects the answer; each line can hold up to 81 characters. This calculator can perform all simple math problems, and can also work scientific calculations. It has a scroll button, and built in memory. It allows you to write long equations, and since you can use the scroll keys, you revisit and edit an early mistake in your problem without doing the whole thing over. The equation is displayed on the top line, and the answer revealed below.

A slight drawback to the two line display; you can only see one equation at a time, so you will not be able to see the answers to recent entered previous equations which could be helpful. However on the Plus side, this compels students to display their work in written form and that helps them to remember the steps

This calculator is fine for early algebra classes and geometry classes. It has all of your SIN, COS, and TAN buttons and their inverses for the triangle problems in geometry; is also very helpful in science, with its scientific notation capabilities, and has a very handy fraction function that can be used to add/subtract/multiply/divide fractions. All in all, this calculator is versatile and very easy to use.

The fact that it has an auto shut off feature, and also runs on solar power tends to expand the life of the internal battery, so you do not need to worry about replacing the battery (Maxell CR2025) often on this calculator. It also comes with a sturdy cover that snaps in place over the face of the calculator and protects its screen when you aren’t using it. When it time to work with the TI-30 XIIS you simply slide off the cover and slip in onto the back.

In price is where the TI-30 XIIS stands out the most; considering cost vs. benefits, at $20 or less, Students whose parents don’t spoil them by surrendering to their every wish will be very satisfied with this calculator.


Furthermore, having access to its manual in the language of your preference is another PLUS, (Note: the following maybe subject to change):

TI-30 XIIS Instruction Manual for Teachers in four languages can be downloaded from Texas Instruments website at: http://education.ti.com/educat​ionportal/appsdelivery/downloa​d/download_eula.jsp?cid=us&​;displayMode=G&application​id=6135&contentpaneid=18

TI-30 XIIS Manual for Students in thirtheen languages can be downloaded from Texas Instrument's website at: http://education.ti.com/educat​ionportal/appsdelivery/downloa​d/download_eula.jsp?cid=us&​;displayMode=G&application​id=6134&contentpaneid=18