I own both this and the regular BA 2 plus. They have the same functionality but the build quality on this model is much better in every respect in which they differ. Both models share the same weaknesses, though.
Strengths:
* Allowed on the CFA exam and in many finance classes. This is the real reason for its use
* Has most finance-related functions you would need reasonably handily available
* An alternative to the ubiquitous HP 12C
* Has both chain and algebraic mode. Chain mode calculates everything up to now immediately, so 2+3*5 = 25. It also has algebraic mode, which would give you 2+3*5=17. Some people like one way and some like another. I'm glad they provided both. Personally I use algebraic mode but you have to get used to it.
Weaknesses:
* The biggest weakness in both this and the regular BA 2 plus is their decision about key presses. You CANNOT press a key until you have completely released the previous key or it will not register. This leads to big problems if you are typing fast on it. You really have to use the same finger for all keys you press or some of your key presses will not register. You may think this is a small problem because this is how many people use a calculator. However, the BA 2 plus has many important functions that you can only get to by pressing "2nd" and then the key. It would be very desirable to be able to press second with one hand and the key with another. I can't tell you how many errors this has caused for me. I think TI had to implement this on purpose, so I have to blame their engineering and/or design department. The HP does not have this failing.
* Screen construction. The plastic over the screen is really, really thin and in contact with the LCD. This means a very gentle touch will turn your LCD black or put crazy designs on it. This is problematic since this calculator only provides a soft case and the screen is not recessed, so the screen WILL get pressure applied at times. No need to make things so delicate, TI.
* Friction with the table. The regular BA 2 plus has no friction between it and the table so as you type, your calculator will move around. Awful. This pro model has two small rubber bumps at the top of the calculator but the bumps at the bottom are plastic with no friction. This means the calculator has a tendency to rotate as you use it. I don't know why TI didn't just use rubber at the bottom like they used it at the top.
* Interface design. This is not the worst design in the world, but it does seem like the guys at TI could have put more thought into which functions are frequently used in finance. For example, you must press "2nd" in order to use the exponential function. That's a very common function in finance! They made really obscure functions like inverse hyperbolic cosine as easily available as really basic and important stuff. Another example of a poor decision: it takes multiple keystrokes to clear basic items like the values stored in the time-value-of-money spreadsheet or the memory locations. Why make these commonly used key so obscure. What TI really needs to do is video people actually using this calculator on the CFA and in classes and see which keys get used. Make them easy, preferably one keystroke. Bury things that are *never* used in a menu or something.
Neutral comments:
* Some people say the keys require a lot of pressure to press. This is true but it's also true of the HP and generally, I think, a fine choice. They could have made them more gentle, but these positively click, so you really know when you have pressed them. You won't accidentally press wrong keys. I think it's fine. Anyway all three main financial calculators (HP 12C, BA 2 plus, BA 2 plus pro) have high pressure keys.
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments |
| Item Weight | 5.9 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6.6 x 9.8 x 1.6 inches |
| Item model number | IIBAPRO/TBL/1L1 |
| Batteries | 1 CR123A batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Black |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | 9.8 Inch |
| Lines Per Page | 2 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | IIBAPRO/TBL/1L1 |
