TI BA II Plus vs Professional

CFA General
#1

Hi, has anyone compared the BA II Plus calculator with the new Professional? are the new functions in the Professional helpful in the exams? Thank you

#2

If you are talking about CFA exams then it doesnt make any difference. You won’t even need the calculator for more than 20 questions or so. Anish

#3

it looks nicer, the buttons are harder to press, and the screen is a bit clearer. otherwise no difference.

#4

I have both. I used the professional for LI. It had one or two more features the than the regular edition (like modified IRR) that might save you from memorizing one formula on Level I. You don’t have to use a screw driver to change the battery on the pro edition. Basically there is no difference whatsoever.

#5

Thanks, guys.

#6

I used the Pro for Level I. Advantages It does have a few more functions, looks nicer, and its easier to replace the battery Disadvantage It is a real pain to press the buttons. So much so, that I went out and bought the Plus for Level II, and was glad I did. Do not underestimate this disadvantage, because it can cause you input the wrong figures into your calculator, and get answers incorrect. If you can, try before you buy.

#7

I find the buttons on all of these calculators suck. I had an old graphing calculator where i could barely tab the buttons and the number would go into the calculator. The BA2 and the BA2 Pro, i feel like you need a sledge hammer sometimes.

#8

Hi guys, im a little ashamed to admit this, but i cant seem to understand how to use the calculator…is it just me? did you need to learn how to use it? i mean all the different functions for cash flows…i thought it would be pretty intuitive…(or is it?? maybe it is just me!) Anish, are you serious? you only need it for about 20 questions?

#9

or if you wanna be taken seriously - get an HP12C that’s what your boss and his/her boss was probably brought up on… and yes, you’ll only need it for maybe 10% of the exam questions…

#10

Yes the choice of calculator is often a make or break decision in a finance career.

#11

relax - i’m just waiting for the inevitable 457 posts about “which calculator should I buy?” to start…