Hmmmm... I hadn't thought of the exam/test scenario you propose, where he may not be allowed to have access to his device. I will have to talk to teachers about that when the time comes. Even so, I can't imagine why a scientific calculator would cost that much. It's possibly one of the simplest computing devices you can get, so it just shouldn't be that expensive, to my mind anyway.

As for digitizing books, unless the original text books were typed out with a typewriter or hand written, I can imagine it would be too difficult. What was it that took a long time for your language booklets? Presuming you didn't have digital copies somewhere?

As for the changes in the classroom setting - I imagine there were changes every time a new technology has been introduced. This is no different. There are going to be adjustments along the way, for sure. It sounds like you're finding your way in your classroom, despite the limitations.