Ti 89 vs TI Nspire

maruhan2 · 10-29-2009, 01:22 AM

I want to pass down my TI 84 to my younger bro and get a new calculator

Which should I get??

Or does anyone recommend a Sharp, Casio, or HP calculator??

srunni · 10-30-2009, 01:00 AM

You should get a TI-83+. The signing key has been cracked, so soon enough it will be possible to run all manner of software on the 83, including the CAS from the 89 & the Nspire.

LordMango · 10-30-2009, 02:27 AM

Wouldn't the Ti 83's relatively slow processor render running many ti 89/nspire apps useless? ._.

I personally have a ti89, and love it. I heard the Nspire has a "testing mode" button, where an LED lights up, and locks you out of programs. Might want to do a little research on that.

maruhan2 · 10-30-2009, 09:39 PM

Hmmm....
I have heard some issues with Nspire
anyone else?

srunni · 10-30-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Wouldn't the Ti 83's relatively slow processor render running many ti 89/nspire apps useless?

I'm sure the CAS would run just fine. I suppose some 3D stuff might run slower, but that's about it.

kaekae · 10-30-2009, 11:36 PM

89 definitely. I've had mine for three years, precal to cal BC, and it's invaluable. Nspire is mainly for show.

ThisCouldBeHeavn · 10-31-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

I'm sure the CAS would run just fine. I suppose some 3D stuff might run slower, but that's about it.

I would just check before a test how long different things take just so that you don't enter something and lose your calculator for 10 minutes.

Lergnom · 11-01-2009, 11:41 AM

My only comment, since I know nothing about the Nspire, is whether it's allowed in tests. Some versions I think are considered small computers, not calculators.

ThisCouldBeHeavn · 11-01-2009, 04:47 PM

Most tests will have the same policy for the Nspire and 89, though some might let you take the Nspire in if it has the 84 cover. I doubt there are many tests that allow you to take the 89 in but not the Nspire.

maruhan2 · 11-01-2009, 06:08 PM

well, tests are not an issue cuz I'm planning to use it for college

ThisCouldBeHeavn · 11-01-2009, 07:48 PM

Then it doesn't really matter what type of calculator you get - you won't use it much.

silence_kit · 11-06-2009, 03:48 AM

what will you be using this calculator for? im in college right now, and i rarely have a use for mine.

maruhan2 · 11-07-2009, 12:20 AM

well, just to tell you what kind of person I am...
I am someone who programs apps in my TI 84 just for fun.
And I am someone who like to use a good amount of features in calculators
ex) When I do a dot product, I will actually create a matrix and get a determinant

ThisCouldBeHeavn · 11-07-2009, 04:09 AM

but dot products aren't solved by determinants..

excelblue · 11-08-2009, 07:09 AM

I'd just get another 84+. They're fast and reliable. This is after using many 83s, and owning both 84+ and 89. I've looked at the nSpire, and that seems to be a bloated mess that comes with neither the reliability of the 84+ or the roboustness of the 89.

Thing is, the 89 is more like a PDA and has a built in CAS, along with a nicer interface. The nSpire functions much more like a 84+.

Considering that you're posting here, I'm assuming you're going into college. As a tentative math major, my experience is that the more advanced you get, the less calculator you will need. In fact, ever since AP Calculus BC, I haven't needed anything more than a scientific calculator (though, to be honest, I stuck with a 84+ since it is an awesome scientific calculator with lots of extras that I never use, like graphing). After getting done with multivariable and finishing all my physical science classes, I haven't laid a finger on a calculator; not even a four-function calculator.

Thing is, calculators are for arithmetic, not for real math. Keep that in mind - a 84+ is cheap, rugged, and will do all that you will ever need to do, unless your are truly incompetent at math and remain that way.