pelirojo18's Full Review: Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphic Calculator
I have at some point in my life used (and reviewed) the entire TI line of calculators, from 80-92, and I feel compelled to share with you, the consumer, the information you MUST have in order to buy the best calculator for you and/or your student.
What many consumers do not know:
Logic would maintain that the TI-80 came before the TI-82 and the TI 83+ before the TI-85 and so on, but there is an exception to the rule. What most folks don't know is that the TI-83+ is actually a newer model than the TI-85, and therefore it has more features...
Gee, Justin, what are some of those features?
Games: Let's start with the most fun of all. The TI-83+, just like all the other TI graphing calculators, can be programmed to play games like solitare, PacMan, and even Tetris. This is a fun feature that allows a boring calculus class to turn into a veritable fun-o-rama. Using the connecting cable, users can even play some games against each other. (very fun...trust me)
Programs: If you feel so inclined, you can write your own formula program and upload it to your calculator. I don't know exactly how to write calculator code, but if you do the process is extremely elementary from there.
Screen size/resolution: This is surprisingly good, and I would even venture to rate it better than all of its predecessors, including the TI-85. It is easy to read and graph with as well.
Customibility: Unfortunately, the TI-86 is the only calculator so far that I have been able to easily custom some of the more difficult options into one menu. The 83+ does not use the same menu format, and sometimes certain features are difficult to locate because they are hidden above a number or main key on the key pad and only accessible with the use of the 2nd or shift key.
Ease of Use: This calculator falls in line with its number in terms of usability. It is not extremely difficult, and with a careful combing of the instruction book you can master it all, but I still maintain that the TI-86 model (please see review) is the best calculator on the market.
Well, Justin, you seem to have rambled on for a good while. Is this calculator going to work for me?
I recommend this calculator for anyone in PreCalculus or lower. It is a quality calculator and it will last you long enough to get into the upper levels of math. However, experience has taught me that at least a TI-86 is necessary for excellence in calculus and beyond. For the price, you may not find a better calculator, and many of the newer textbooks are being written from a Texas Instruments perspective, so it is imperative that you stay within the TI family.
Advanced or business-oriented??? Don't sell yourself short with the 83+...go for the 89 or 92 (see reviews).
Following this guide should let you and junior be very happy with your bank account balance and math grade. Thanks, and happy calculating.
Texas Instruments TI-83PLUS ( TEXTI83PLUS ): TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator, 10-Digit LCD; Ideal for the algebra classroom. Lets students graph & comp...More at OfficeWorld.com
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