Speaking of TI cardreaders: Up until last fall I had a TI-52 (pre 59, TI's orgional answer to the HP65,67). I purchased it in the early '70's and used it until I got a 59 which I which convinced me to buy a HP67.
The amazing thing with that TI-52 was that in 2004 it would still ready 20+ year old cards with out a problem. And, this after 4 or 5 replacement batteries. The 52 finally blew its display and the battery contacts snapped off from age.