One looks at the Hewlett-Packard versus Texas Instruments calculator differences several decades ago as an example of the price delta between Porsche and Tesla.

Both manufacturers of calculators produced artifacts that performed basically the same level of mathematical calculations; however, the difference was in the materials and design.  Back then, HP products were legendary for their robust construction and industrial-grade gold circuit board construction.  TI calculators were by far less expensive but also prone to failure after a fall from a desk.  

Good memories. In high school, I lusted after an HP-67; unfortunately, I ended up with a TI-58 (I think). Ultimately I bought myself an HP-41C in college (university); not as well-built as the older HP-67 and even HP-21, but I still loved it. The feel of the keys...