Texas Instruments - TI-36 X Solar Scientific Calculator Review

Bottom-Line: Overall for a unit in this price range, the Texas Instruments TI-36X Solar Scientific Calculator provides enough power for most high-level math and science needs

It's time for me to head back to school, DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management that is.  This time I am in pursuit of my MBA with a concentration in Networking and Telecommunications. Why pursue a boring ole traditional MBA when new technology is to be learned.  So that means math; lots of math; loads of math in the form of algebra, calculus, and statistics.  Did I mention that I hate math!?  What does one do when one hates math?  Buy a calculator of course.  In this case a Texas Instruments TI-36X Solar Scientific Calculator.       

The 411

The Texas Instruments TI-36X Solar Scientific Calculator is medium-sized unit ideal for students at every level, from junior high school pre-algebra to college-level calculus, and statistics.  The solar-powered TI-36X packs a lot of mathematical punch in such a small, inexpensive ($19.99 at my local Office Max) unit. The TI-36X calculator combines features for statistical analysis, Boolean logic operations, and unit conversions in one sleek light grey package.

The lightweight TI-36X has the ability to perform fractional equations and calculate angle units (radians, grads, degrees) when performing trigonometric functions.  The TI-36X has 3 memories, 10 English/Metric Conversions and 8 physical constants

The TI-36X Solar Scientific Calculator can be used for: 

• o Algebra 1 & 2
• o Geometry
• o Trigonometry
• o Statistics
• o Calculus
• o Computer Science
• o Biology
• o Chemistry
• o Physics
• o Engineering

My Viewpoint

Ample time should be given to learning what the TI-36X can do.  All of the nine digits are there of course but the face of the calculator contains a whole lot more in the form of white special function buttons; and there are a lot of them!   However the However, TI-36X ships with very detailed, if not very thin instruction manual, so I plan to carry it with me at all times.  

Some might find the TI-36X's single-line, non-backlit  LCD is a little difficult to read when the unit is lying on a desk, but I a lot will depend on the lighting conditions.  And the unit is a little slow waking up after it has been off for a while; I suppose it needs time to gather enough light into the thin elongated solar panel affixed to the top of the unit.

Also, those looking for graphing functions will have try another calculator; it's a good thing I will not need that functionality.   Overall however, for a unit in this price range, the Texas Instruments TI-36X Solar Scientific Calculator provides enough power for most high-level math and science needs.