Calling all calculator nerds

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>First off, I have absolutely no idea of anything about TI calculators, the differences between them, etc. All I know is that they are ridiculously expensive. </p>

<p>I'm in PreCal and Chemistry. Chemistry calls for TI-83t / TI-84 (I'm pretty sure it said t after TI-83). PreCal calls for a TI-83 / TI-89. I'm guessing TI-83 and TI-83t are not the same thing. So in worst case scenario, I buy TI-83t and the TI-89, unless the TI-83 and TI-83t are not too different. What are the differences between TI-83 and TI-89? How difficult are they to learn to use? I've also read that you can program them using Assembly and BASIC. Assuming that I know one of these languages, how difficult is it to get an application running on them, and how beneficial can it be? </p>

<p>I have saved up enough money to purchase both, I just wonder about the learning curves and the rest of my posed questions.</p>

2

<p>Most of the calculators TI produces are extremely easy to learn how to use. I'd just buy the 89 because it probably has all of the functions that the 83 has as well.</p>

<p>PS. there is such a thing as the 83t, I just googled it. :)</p>

3

<p>I guess it was TI-83p then, standing for plus?</p>

<p>My predicament is that my chem class calls for TI-83P(?) / 84 and my PreCal class calls for TI-83 / 89. </p>

<p>If it's not a difference at all between TI-83 and TI-83P(?), then I guess I'd just buy the TI-83P. But I need a breakdown on everything. Most of the resources I've found are for people who are already efficient with these things.</p>

<p>And if not, I'd go for TI-89 and TI-83P(?), but I'd rather not spend all that money and learn how to use both.</p>

4

<p>I don't think this helps much, but here is an article on "Exploring with the TI-84 Plus"</p>

<p><a href="http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/pd_exploring_84.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/pd_exploring_84.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

5

<p>Um, I'm not sure if it's even possible to just get a TI-83 and not a TI-83 plus, except second hand or something.</p>

6

<p>Get the TI-89, the Titanium edition if possible. It shows the equations you punch in in written form, has the same functions as TI-84/TI-83, has an easier cursor, and automatically uses "Ans" for your next calculation unless otherwise specified (very useful for chemistry).</p>

7

<p>Get the 84- although you're math class doesn't call for it, it's pretty much the same as the 83.</p>

<p>Personally, I think the 89 makes you rely on your calc too much.
But of course, check with the teacher first.</p>

8

<p>^Yeah I like my 84 a lot. There are more features on it than the 83, but it's still easier to use than the 89. And many teachers and test proctors won't allow 89s anyway.</p>

<p>If tokyo's description of the 89 is complete, it's really not much better than the 84. Isn't the Ans function standard?</p>

9

<p>Ti-89T pwnz. Tokyo's description includes about 1% of all of the 89T's functions.</p>

10

<p>I'm sorry but I didn't want to sound like a super calculator nerd. Just kidding.</p>

11

<p>Get the TI-84 + or a TI- 89 titanium.</p>

12

<p>You really don't need a ti89 for pre calc. actually, in my class not a single kid had one.</p>

13

<p>^ it would be useful for the future though...</p>

14

<p>I believe the ans thing is standard...I have a TI-34 and it does that.</p>

15

<p>Just got back from Staples 3 hours ago with DD, she has AP calc, we got Ti84, we were told it is basically the same as the 83 except more memory and 9x faster. Also, it was only $99, with a $15 rebate, and all the other "office" places we called it was 119 to 139. But you might want to call your local staples, the one near us was out, we drove to the next town over to get one.</p>

16

<p>83+ is nice .I have both and I still have problems learning the 89.the 83's and 84 are basic enough and still get the job done</p>

17

<p>if you want to actually learn the material for calc class then get the 84. in calc class, you can solve 5 - 10min problem in seconds with an 89, but it really hinders your learning of the basic concepts if you rely on the calculator too much.</p>

18

<p>Thanks GA2012MOM.</p>

<p>It turns out that my dad already has an 83+. I'm probably going for the 89T then. Chem isn't a math class, so I doubt the teacher will get all bent out of shape if I'm using an 89T in her class. And if she does, I also have the 83+. So I think it'll do all well.</p>

<p>If anyone programs BASIC/Assembly for 89T, let me know because I'm interested. And if an 89T is too advanced for PreCal, then it probably means it'll be easier to check my work with it then :D</p>

19

<p>TI-89 titanium
nothing can beat it
:)</p>