Is a TI-86 much better than a TI-84?

[fr]

I never had to use one in high school and I know nothing about them, but now I need to buy a graphing calculator for someone.

I'm looking at the TI-84 because of it's compatibility with TI-83 plus it is faster and has more memory. I see the TI-86 is about the same price. Would it be better for calculus?

EDIT: The instructor doesn't allow TI-89 or 92 on exams.

 

[5489]

i would go for the 83 if you want simplicity.
but i like the 86 more, i think it has more features.
if you're in calculus and have the money to spend, the 89 pretty much does everything for you. (useful for checking answers, and a big help on SAT II Math IIC)

 

[AFB]

TI-89, but those are banned here. I would go with the 84

 

[ndee]

my ti-92 pwns all of you.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

I have a TI-83+ but I have been thinking of selling it and getting the TI-84+. I ought to be able to sell it for what I paid, since I won it with a raffle ticket.

 

I just bought the TI-84+ SE and love it

 

[zixxer]

I have the silver version ti-83+... is the ti-84 THAT much better; or a scam because TI isn't making as much money as they used to

 

[stonecold3169]

Originally posted by: armatron
I have the silver version ti-83+... is the ti-84 THAT much better; or a scam because TI isn't making as much money as they used to

The TI-84 IS the TI-83 silver edition, just a different button layout and a few freeware programs preinstalled. The functions are IDENTICAL

 

[FoBoT]

an 86 is "2" better than an 84

 

[TerryMathews]

The -86 has a higher-resolution LCD IIRC.

The -92 is the ultimate homework killer. I carry a -86 for tests and a -92 for homework/tests in Physics.

 

[Winchester]

the TI-86 can do Matrices without having to type a bunch of stuff in. I remember being done with my homework at least 1-2 hours before the people with an TI-83 because of this.

IIRC my professor said that is pretty much the only difference.

 

[Excelsior]

Id say get the 84, since most others will have one. If you want someting to do homework with, etc..get a TI-89 or 92.

 

[djNickb]

Originally posted by: Winchester
the TI-86 can do Matrices without having to type a bunch of stuff in. I remember being done with my homework at least 1-2 hours before the people with an TI-83 because of this.

IIRC my professor said that is pretty much the only difference.

Aside from this I would say go with the 83 I have both a 83+ and an 85 - for a lot of the classes I had that required a graphing calculator they always had instructions for the 83 and said it might work with the other ones but you're on your own. If they recommend a 83 for your classes I'd recommend you get one too. Just my 2 cents ..

 

[thirdlegstump]

It's about 2 better.

 

[digitalsm]

Originally posted by: stonecold3169

Originally posted by: armatron
I have the silver version ti-83+... is the ti-84 THAT much better; or a scam because TI isn't making as much money as they used to

The TI-84 IS the TI-83 silver edition, just a different button layout and a few freeware programs preinstalled. The functions are IDENTICAL

No its not the TI-84+ has 480K flash rom compared to the 1.5MB the TI83+ Silkver has.

TI-83+ < TI-84+ < TI-83+ Silver < TI-84+ Silver < TI-89 < TI-89 Titanium

 

[NYHoustonman]

The 86 is not as supported anymore, it seems to me that TI is trying to phase it out. I had to search quite a bit just to find a serial link cable because, for some odd reason, the 86 doesn't support the much more common USB one.

 

[digitalsm]

Originally posted by: Winchester
the TI-86 can do Matrices without having to type a bunch of stuff in. I remember being done with my homework at least 1-2 hours before the people with an TI-83 because of this.

IIRC my professor said that is pretty much the only difference.

Uh? Matrices on the TI-83 arent that time consuming if you have the right program.

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

89 is pretty awesome. It can do lots of algebra, calculus, etc. Factoring? No problem. You can get answers with variables. "Pretty Print" to display stuff they way you'd write it instead of with tons of ( ) is great. The higher screen resolution is good too.

I'd get a TI-89 Titanium. (nvm, he can't use it...)

Don't become dependent on it to do everything for you if you can get away with it. It's good to check your work and to learn about stuff, but not to replace learning. I can't use ANY calculator on my exams now that I'm in college, but I did good on the first one so I think I'm okay.