The 17bii is worth its price primarily because it is a good device that is not outmoded. Another aspect: it is not a commodity, whereas a hard drive or a modem is. The 17bii is a unique patented finished product with capabilities and qualtiy that simply have not been surpassed. Yes, a computer is more powerful, but it is not compact!
Features that keep the 17bii value going:
1. The equation solving system. A really innovative way to do things. I was floored when I first saw it on a finance friend's calculator a bout 2 years ago. I vowed right then, "I've got to have one of these!"
2. The mechanical design. HP, not TI. That is worth something---perhaps more than any single other aspect, it is the physical nature of the HP that gives them a minimum floor value. Even the 20s manages to collect on this aspect.
3. RPN as well as algebraic.
4. A complete set of business functions in a well organized format.
5. Excellent documentation.
My thoughts.
Regards,
Bill