There are precisely two electronic device categories that I have a fond affection for: my 1996 era TI-82 calculator and my nostr:npub12ctjk5lhxp6sks8x83gpk9sx3hvk5fz70uz4ze6uplkfs9lwjmsq2rc5ky #coldcard collection.

There is something very satisfying about using a purpose built machine with easy to navigate, well organized linear menus with every menu option having an important function…but no so many functions that you’ll never know what most of them do…

The physical interface of the Q is a massive improvement over the mk4, which was massive improvement over mk1. If you can only have one, get the Q. If you want or need small, mk4 is better but if you really need small, consider just teleporting the seed instead of transporting it on the device.

The only thing that would make me love my Q more would be simple games, or maybe a more easily accessible calculator function, both of which would be kind of absurd to put on the device…but the fact that the Q has a calculator mode is awesome.

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TI is still selling that calculator line and they don’t give them away. Talk about a cash cow.

Indeed. They have python built-in too now, which is an improvement. And a color screen. And a processor that’s probably 8x faster. But in its essence, it’s only been free / forced upgrades as the old stuff fell off the market.

Interesting. I didn’t know they had progressed that much to add Python.

I had a 81 or 82 back in the day then my kids needed one and my old TI had screen issues so we ended up having to buy one new four or five years ago.

The markup on the hardware is ridiculous. I haven’t tried their newer algebraic / symbolic calculators yet…but I kinda want to buy one just to try it out.

My TI calculator has watched me shed many tears 😂

TI 83+