With all the buzz about the return of the Commodore 64, the days of 8-bit computing and the BASIC programming language are probably getting more attention than usual.

Managing to get caught up in retro computing, I've recently bought the TI-99/4A that I always wanted as a kid. It was a 16-bit competitor that initially competed with the Apple II and TRS-80. Though the TI-99/4A failed in the market, Texas Instruments followed it with the similar but smaller Compact Computer 40, and finally the TI-74 BASICALC.

I'm highlighting the TI-74, because TI made a fair number of them, and the keyboard is a bit bigger than other pocket computers of the era. The TI-74 case is very sturdy.

To use the TI-99/4A, I had to buy a media adapter to plug it into my HDMI monitor. Though fun, it doesn't get used very much unless I'm playing old game cartridges.

My TI-74's get much more use, though basically as a calculator. If you have a thing for 8-bit computing, the TI-74 is satisfyingly sturdy, has a fairly complete BASIC, and is a bit easier to type on than its pocket computer peers with its larger keys. The display is limited, so its not a gaming platform however.