What type of graphing calculator do you like the best?

[mulder]

I was looking into getting a new graphing/scientific calculator. I like the Texas Instruments the best; I have used both them and HP before. The one I am considering is the TI-89, which I believe is the model just below the top-of-the-line TI-92Plus. I wanted to see if you agree with the decision to go with the TI-89 or not. Has it helped you? And is it worth it to go for the TI-92Plus? I have heard that the TI-89 is basically the same, but in a different case and that the TI-89 is allowed on standardized tests whereas the TI-92Plus is not. If this is the case then why would anyone even consider the TI-92Plus? What would be the benefits to risk not being able to use it on a test? Thanks for your help. Later.

 

[Viper GTS]

I have a TI-92+ at home, which I've invested over $300 in. $200 for the original calculator purchase, $100 for the Plus upgrade the week it became available, & $40 or so for all the graphlink cables & adapters.

Why do I love my 92+?

- The 92+ has enough balls to rotate a 3D wire-frame graph in real-time.
- The 92+ has a full Qwerty keyboard, which I can almost touch type on (which is why it's disallowed on some test).
- The screen on the 92+ is HUGE.
- Windows-like interface with drop down menus for all functions.
- Huge memory, for a calculator.
- Nice text editor (probably there on an 89, but try typing notes on an 89's keyboard... )

I'd take a 92+ over an 89 ANY day.

Viper GTS

 

[OS]

Buy an 89. There are many situations where the 92/92+ is considered a small computer because of it's layout and as such is not allowed on tests and the like. Spending 150+ on a calculator you cannot use on a test does you no good. I don't know if the 92 does or not, but the 89 does symbolic calculus, including integrals and derivatives. This miraculous little calculator can do math more advanced than most people can do.

 

[Chooie]

I prefer the Power-One Graph applet for my $75 Palm V

 

[Imported]

The Ti-92+ is probably the best, but I'd get the Ti-89 since it can be used on any test except the ACT.

 

[mulder]

Thanks for the speedy replies. I was thinking after I posted earlier...I am already in college, so there are really not that many standardized tests left for me to take (actually I don't think there are any left). With that aspect taken care of, would you choose to go for the TI-92Plus? I am a computer science/information systems major, so the QWERTY style keyboard is cool. However, I would really hate to spend all that money for one and not be able to use it on a test. Do you think I might need to ask my professors what they think, or just go ahead and purchase one?

Edit:
I was reading some other sites that mention Assembly programming. This is a class I have yet to take, probably next semester. Would it be helpful to use the TI-92Plus in that class? If I can programm coll things on it, then I might like the advantage of the keyboard on the 92Plus.

 

[Viper GTS]

A standard 92 does symbolic calculus. But... It's not nearly as good as a person who knows their sh!t. It doesn't simplify things very well, & doesn't know it's trig identities well at all. It's nice to have, but don't rely on it.

I would definitely grab a 92+, especially if the money's not a problem. They're a nice tool, & if it really comes down to it they can be a nice toy as well. Ever heard of a calculator that can play Doom? Or Mario? With a thumbpad for direction?

The 92 will do that.



Viper GTS

 

[CyberSax]

I don't know if the 92 does or not, but the 89 does symbolic calculus, including integrals and derivatives. This miraculous little calculator can do math more advanced than most people can do.

WTF are you talking about? The TI-89 can't solve any integral or derivitave that you're likely to see on a Calculus test, unless you're taking an 8hour a week remedial calc class, but even then I wouldn't count on it

 

[OS]

have you even used an 89? In fact, why don't you post an integral of medium difficulty and I'll plug it into my calc here. And don't give me some bullsh!t nonelementary integral.

BTW, you spelled "derivative" wrong.

 

[mulder]

I not afraid to spend the money, because I see this as an investment. Something that will be put to good use. With that said I don't want to buy a lower model(TI-89), only to find out later that I would have been better off buying the TI-92Plus. I guess the only downside I see now is the geek factor. I don't want to scare off the girls in class.

 

[Soybomb]

OUterSquare out of my own curiosity whats it spit out if you ask it for the 1st derivative of x^2/(x^9+9)^(1/2)

I'd just like to see how simplified it puts it!

The 92 is a really nice calulator no doubt, but go ask your instructors first. If they wont let you use it on the tests you've wasted your money. If you can use it on the tests it cant hurt though...

 

[OS]

It spat out, -x(5x^9-36)/(2(x^9+9)^(3/2))

 

[OS]

"A TI-92 Plus is functionally almost identical to a TI-89."


http://www.ticalc.org/basics/calculators/

 

[arcain]

I'm partial to my HP48GX. It's has many great features and it is well constructed. However, they have not released a "new" calculator in a while (the 49 and whatever don't really count as they are really more of a derivative of the 48 series). I hope their future models will be "good". But since the original Corvallis team disbanded, the new team (largely French I believe) has focussed mroe on calculators targetting the educational market. I hope for a return to their roots, which are professional calculators.

 

[Napalm381]

I would concur with Viper GTS on this...while the functions are essentially the same, the usability of the 92 is much better than the 89. If you don't mind the slight cost difference, definitely go for the 92. As for tests, most of my professors here at Iowa State University either allow any sort of calculator, or else no calculator at all on a test. So the 89 doesn't have any advantage there either.

 

[Mday]

i have the ti 82, so like, is the 89. the 92 is just blah... just because i know how to use it. =p

i know less of how to use an HP, and those are niiiiiiiiiice.

either way, I CANNOT EVEN USE CALCULATORS. dammit =(

 

[Gatsby]

I personally got the 89 and I love it. Need to get it patched sooner or later but hey I;m lazy.

I had the 92 the first couple weeks it was out and although it was great, i was never able tpo use it on anything.

Still I would get the 89 cause it looks like an 85/86/83 and can get past people who dont know better.

Gatsby