What calculator should I get?

MacTech92
Sun, 20 Aug 2006 20:24:55 +0000

The only problem with calcs other than TI is that the math texts often write for TI users. But if you can adapt it to a better calc (like a Casio, in your situation) then it’s worth it, just like it would be worth it to use that software.

And as for the TI-83 question…if you need a TI-83 and they won’t let you go higher, the TI-83 is dirt cheap right now. Usually it’s $85 or less (five years ago if you could get it for $85 you were very lucky). But I think the TI-89 (or even TI-86) is a better choice if you’re doing higher level math–it’s got more stuff on it that you’d be likely to need, especially at the highest levels of math/engineering.

I’ve had a TI-89 for three years and I love it. It took a little getting used to at first but now I find it almost impossible to use a TI-83. The display is also better (if only it were backlit). It also has a ton more power–in fact, it’s got the same chip as the original Macintosh and runs 2MHz faster (the chip is the Motorola 68000). I also found the manual for the TI-89 was better written than the TI-83’s.

Standardized tests are quirky with calculators. Some make you use a scientific, some want a TI-83, and some you can use anything except maybe the TI-92 (the one that looks like a mini-laptop).