I'm tired of all the gripes...

[freelanzr]

I too can agree with the OP's sentiments.

I consider the HP Prime an amazing, modern device that has evolved capabilities (CAS, storage, connectivity, graphing, programming) well beyond that of a traditional 'calculator'... to the point that, in my mind, I consider it much more suitable as a math/science focused educational tool rather than one designed specifically for engineering support.

And I do not fault the designers for that; it is a perfectly reasonable evolution to me, and is the best among it's competitors, in just about every aspect.

Pick the right tool for the job. I prefer the simpler interface and capabilities of a good basic/mid level scientific calculator to fill the engineering support role, where as the more complex calculations and analysis is better performed (also documented and shared) by dedicated SW.

That said, it is rather frustrating that modern scientific calculators do not compare in terms of industrial design, quality, feel, and overall usability to the those of the previous generations.
Which is why the old models are still able to command such high resale value in the used markets.