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TriBlox6432
August 12th, 2010, 10:18 PM
Starting school in 2 weeks and six days. I'm required to have a Texas Instruments brand Graphing Calculator. I was looking at the TI-89 and the TI-83. What do you recommend? What's the best for the job?

Simian Man
August 12th, 2010, 10:29 PM
If you plan on continuing on into advanced math in college, the TI-89 will be worth the money. If not, then go with the 83.

kamaboko
August 12th, 2010, 10:30 PM
Depends on the classes, how many you'll take that require a calculator, and the instructors. Some instructors will insist on a TI-89, while some could care less. Best to talk to the department chair.

drawkcab
August 12th, 2010, 10:31 PM
I had to buy a T 81 back in the day and I almost never needed it. I used it more in college I guess. I'd look around on ebay or ask some recent grads if they're willing to sell theirs.

Maybe you can sink your money into netbook or android tablet if you show them that you have the equivalent software installed?

Thelasko
August 12th, 2010, 10:35 PM
It's been a while since I've been in school. But almost no teacher/professor allowed an 89.

It wasn't allowed on the ACT or SAT when I took it.

However, I own one today, and almost never use it. Most of what I need to do is using a computer these days.

Obligatory xkcd. (http://xkcd.com/768/)

Thelasko
August 12th, 2010, 10:36 PM
I'd look around on ebay or ask some recent grads if they're willing to sell theirs.

TI completely redesigned their calculators a few years back. Now that have USB to connect to your computer.

computerkid2000
August 12th, 2010, 10:40 PM
Starting school in 2 weeks and six days. I'm required to have a Texas Instruments brand Graphing Calculator. I was looking at the TI-89 and the TI-83. What do you recommend? What's the best for the job?
TI-84

nuff said

earthpigg
August 12th, 2010, 10:41 PM
whatever you find for cheap on craigslist.

ti-83's craph trig stuff slower. 15 seconds instead of 5. no big deal.

samalex
August 12th, 2010, 10:59 PM
I had to buy a T 81 back in the day and I almost never needed it. I used it more in college I guess. I'd look around on ebay or ask some recent grads if they're willing to sell theirs.

Maybe you can sink your money into netbook or android tablet if you show them that you have the equivalent software installed?

If the course has no requirements of using a specific calculator, I agree with a netbook or laptop. There's tons of great software that is equal to or trumps calculator software now'days.

As for a TI81, I still use the one daily I bought in high school in 1994... it's sitting next to my keyboard now :)

Sam

TriBlox6432
August 12th, 2010, 11:33 PM
I'm starting school in two weeks, 6 days. I'm required to have a Texas Instruments brand graphing calculator. What do you recommend? I was looking at the TI-89, but I'm not sure yet.

jeffathehutt
August 12th, 2010, 11:40 PM
Get the TI-89 for sure if you can afford it. It has almost all the functions of every other TI calculator, so it can be used on pretty much any course level. I had one throughout high school and college and it helped with all my courses. :)

Dustin2128
August 13th, 2010, 12:07 AM
if you can't afford the 89, you can usually find 84's for around 40-50$ on ebay.

lisati
August 13th, 2010, 12:55 AM
Threads merged.

TriBlox6432
August 13th, 2010, 01:23 AM
Okay, I've narrowed it down to two. The TI-89 and the TI-84 Silver Edition.

Lisati: Thank you. I didn't realize I had posted twice. My internet connection flaked out on me in the middle of posting, so I assumed it hadn't posted. Which is the reason I reposted. Thanks again for merging.

Cam42
August 13th, 2010, 02:52 AM
84SE.
The problem with the 89 is that it cannot be used on a lot of standardized tests.

I'm going to second the 81 love as well. I've still got mine, works perfectly.

T2manner
August 13th, 2010, 05:19 AM
The TI-89 will be more than enough for you, but because of the price and problem with standardized tests, go with the TI-84. Mine has been great for me.

wewantutopia
August 13th, 2010, 06:03 AM
I have a TI-89 Titanium... very nice calc. Check with your professors though because some may not let you use them on tests (like Cam42 said) if they recognize what you have and know it is as capable as it is.

Laptops are great for class, but they are NO replacement for a calc since you can't use them on tests. WAY too many ways to cheat with a computer (although there are plenty with a graphing calc too, like hiding formulas as code for a program named something that sounds like a game etc)

kamaboko
August 13th, 2010, 06:12 AM
a buddy recently picked up a ti-89 titanium on craigslist for $75

Giant Speck
August 13th, 2010, 06:18 AM
Get a TI-Nspire. It has the computing power of a TI-89 with a special "TI-84 mode" along with a snap-in TI-84 keyboard in case you are stuck in a situation (a standardized test, for example) that disallows the TI-89 but allows the TI-84.

Tristam Green
August 13th, 2010, 01:11 PM
get all old-school. get a 92+ :>