Casio FX991EX

[edryer]

Just received the FX-991EX and can compare it to the FX-85WA, a 1998 $15 Scientific, so about the same price twenty years ago.

FX-991EX Advantages/Disadvantages ($15-$20 2018)
Has far more functionality than the FX-85WA (Vectors/Matrices/Solver + much more)
Build is middling, keys wobble and even putting the plastic cover on is difficult (cheaped out tolerances)
LCD quality is fairly poor, certainly can't be called great, legible but again cheaped out.
However.. LCD is quite a bit larger than the 85WA and fonts (can be) smaller.
Interface a bit kludgy (I only tried matrices but very cumbersome)
Much faster than the 85WA at least twice as fast.

FX-85WA Advantages/Disadvantages ($15 1998, today around $5 or so)
Basic Core Scientific with all the stuff you'll need but nothing more (or less).
Superior build, cover smoothly fits every time, thick heavy plastic cover (with a durable quick ref card insert).
Keyboard solid old Casio feel.
Superior Ultra Sharp high contrast LCD (one of the best I have ever seen) can see even in low light.
Every function a keystroke or two away - very, very intuitive.
No need for a manual for this one - everything is self explanatory.

In summary back in '98 even the mass produced FX-85WA was a pretty solid durable product, well thought out and quite capable, cheap but solid, even twenty years on it feels and works like new, an indestructible cheapo workhorse.

The FX-991EX is a bit of a disappointment, yes, turbo charged, but quality is not great and whilst it "looks" better, a closer look and you will see how shoddy the whole build is. Useful for a few courses or so... but longer term it may well still be as reliable as the 85WA however physically I would not be so sure.

This to me is a reflection of the times... a trend towards disposability... whilst back in '98 I expect more was invested in decent manufacturing, nowadays cheap manufacturing to the minimal of standards is the norm.

Of course I expect to see disagreement but it is my view!