Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS 2-Line Scientific Calculator

by Texas Instruments

• Robust, professional grade scientific calculator
• It has 2-line display shows entry and calculated result at same time
• Easily handles 1 and 2 variable statistical calculations
• Three angle modes (degrees, radians, and grads) and scientific and engineering notation modes
• It has 1-year limited warranty

Product Details

Product Manual [256kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000JBNX
• Item model number: TI30XIIS
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (225 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #4 in Electronics > Office Electronics > Calculators > Scientific
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 1, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com

The new two-line TI-30X IIS with the memory retention feature retains previous entries, memory values, and individual statistical elements, and is a great value for general math, algebra, trigonometry, statistics, science, and much more. It allows you to enter, delete, insert, and edit individual statistical data elements, and displays trigonometric functions in degrees and radians. It performs common and natural logarithms, fractions and fraction/decimal conversions, and degrees, minutes, seconds/decimal degrees conversions. The calculator features durable plastic keys and a protective cover, with a quick reference card and guide for easy assistance.

Product Description

The Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS 2-Line Scientific Calculator features two-line display and other advanced features users get with the TI-30x IIS. The display shows the equation you are creating on the top line, and the numbers or symbols you are currently entering on the second line. Once the equation is solved, the results are displayed on the second line, and you can use the four arrow keys on the front of the calculator to edit the original equation in any way you like for a recalculation. Better still, pressing the up arrow repeatedly lets you browse through a cache of dozens of previous calculations, meaning you can look back to see the answer to a problem. The device uses solar power when possible but can fall back on the internal batteries (which are included) if there isn't enough light. There are three angle modes (degrees, radians, and grads), scientific and engineering notation modes, and even one- or two-variable statistical modes. Five variables can also be assigned to their own memory slots. The calculator comes with a Snap-On cover that fits on the back of the device.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Got me from pre-algebra to pre-calc October 2, 2005

By Katy B

This is probably the best calculator for middle to high school kids. I got mine in seventh grade and it was all I needed until calculus. In fact, we weren't even allowed to use graphing calculators until pre-calc. I held off getting one until calculus, though, because my TI-30XIIS did everything i needed it to and was so easy to use.

The best thing:

-you can enter entire expressions and solve them. this is because, unlike earlier models, functions like sine, cosine, tangent, square root, etc. are entered before the number. for example, with other models you would punch in 45 and hit tan, and it would automatically give you the answer 1. With the 30XIIS, however, you press tan, then 1, then enter. It seems like a disadvantage at first, but when you are doing more complicated math and need to enter a whole line of info, it's a huge time-saver.

Other good things:

-You can go back and substitute other numbers into your expression. This is great when you are doing guess-and-check work, but it was most useful in chemistry and physics, when I had to use the same formula with a lot of different values. I was really bummed to discover the graphing calculators didn't have the ability to go back to an expression you've already solved.

-The buttons are arranged really logically. There were about three buttons grouped together up in the corner that I never used (I think they're maybe for statistics), but they were totally out of the way. When you're doing trig, all the buttons you need are near each other. Same with logs and everything else. After using this calculator for a while, you can key things in so fast. Hitting 2nd [ans] is like a reflex now.

Bad things:

-The buttons were a little loose after about my third year with my TI-30XIIS. this didn't cause any problems with how it worked (at least in the next two years), but the buttons were sort of crooked in their slots. Again, only an aesthetic issue. This didn't affect the performance at all.

-Sometimes, if you don't hit clear before you start your expression, it will use your last answer as the first number in your new equation. This isn't much of a problem, b/c it only happens due to operator error, and hitting clear becomes reflexive. It'll happen to you, I promise. Honestly, if you looked around during a test when i was in algebra II, you would see at least one person unconsciously mashing the clear button. which also attests to the durability of this calculator.

So, that is the TI-30XIIS from the perspective of a high school student. basically, it is the best calculator i've ever owned, far superior in basic math to my TI-84+. And it's incredibly cheap. Calculating just doesn't get any better than this.

61 of 65 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 Durable and Inexpensive! October 29, 2004

By M. Allen Greenbaum HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Main Points:
I used this calculator for over 10 years before it finally stopped working, and I treated it fairly roughly (e.g.,coffe spills). I think others here have attested to the functionality of the TI-30, so I just want to emphasize that it's a tough little gadget as well. Yes, the buttons are on the small side and there is a bit of play, but this was never a major problem (although at times it slows down data entry). You can go to http://education.ti.com/downloads for a good overview of TI calculators, and you can scope out one of TI's major competitors at http://www.casio.com.

A Little History:
This was also one of the first commercially available low-priced calculators that had two-line display and backspace to correct or edit data entry. The dual-power and scrolling display features were also once unusual. The top line (for data entry) shows up to 11 characters; you can scroll backwards or forwards up to 88! The bottom line (shows results) displays up to a 10-digit answer along with a 2-digit exponent.

Individual Needs Differ:
From the reviews here, it appears that high school math is now more difficult than it once was. If you know that you're going to need graphing capability, then obviously this is not the choice for you. Similarly, the prevalence of laptop computers and math/stats software may obviate the need for some of the more advanced features.

Recommendation:
The layout is very good and, for such a low price, it packs a lot of calculating might. However, high school (or college)students may want to narrow their choices and then ask their teacher which one has the most relevant functions for the next few years of math. Compared to twenty-five or so years ago, one can now get a lot more calculator for the money. Depending on your budget, therefore, you might determine that a calculator like this is sufficient for your short-term needs, but that you'll need a new one if you go on to more advanced stats and math. In any event, this is a durable calculator that works very well.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars An alright calculator for 2004 September 30, 2010

By Cody S.

Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 0:47 Mins

I needed a calculator for my chemistry class and I couldn't use my graphing one that I've had for the last six years so I went ahead and ordered this because it was the best selling scientific one from TI. Little did I know that it is an OLD model. I would avoid this product and go for the newer version of the TI-30! The TI-30XS is the same price and is much more usable and has more features! The buttons on this calculator are VERY loose and make data entry tricky for fast calculation. One must constantly verify that each button press has been recognized. These loose buttons are annoying if you are accustomed to quick calculations. It makes the calculator essentially unusable. I expected much more from Texas Instruments, as I really adore my 83+SE, but this is an utter disappointment.

I wish amazon had alerted me to the new version (as they do with some other products).

ALL POTENTIAL BUYERS, GET THIS ONE INSTEAD:

TI-30XS Multiview Calculator