<p>I've been thinking about getting a ti 89. For a couple of reasons</p>
<p>Now the pros that I see are:
faster graphing capabilities
infinitely more other functions
Allowed on SATs and AP tests
More Memory</p>
<p>The Cons vs my Ti 84 (black)
Can't think of any</p>
<p>But there are a few swaying factors
For example, I often program my calculator for fun
Is the 89 better for programming? Does it have more programs on TIcalc.org?
Does the 89 really make you worse at math? I'm going to be going into an engineering field and I don't want to become reliant on a calculator and not be able to do my work.
Will Ti calc come out with another Ti calculator ie. TI 99 that will be useable on exams in the near future?</p>
<p>So should I get an 89?</p>
<p>I consistently ace Standardized math exams and participate in math team if that makes any difference.</p>
If you're a good programmer yes, if you're a noob, it'll probably be harder.
[quote]
Does it have more programs on TIcalc.org?
[/quote]
I don't know if it has more, but the programs it has are definitely better
[quote]
Does the 89 really make you worse at math?
[/quote]
That probably depends on what math class you're in, and whether you really like math or are just smart and have managed to get by in it better than others. If you ask the question, it probably won't make you worse. Just don't be lazy and realize that lots of calculus problems you'll see (have seen?) can be done as quickly without the calculator.
[quote]
I'm going to be going into an engineering field and I don't want to become reliant on a calculator and not be able to do my work.
[/quote]
good
[quote]
Will Ti calc come out with another Ti calculator ie. TI 99 that will be useable on exams in the near future?
[/quote]
probably not. there are already TI calculators that are higher than the 89, and they're not allowed on tests (92). i could be wrong though
[quote]
So should I get an 89?
[/quote]
i dunno. i'm planning on getting an hp 50g. you might want to look into that if you're interested. no rush though, as you don't really need it now.</p>
<p>fate granted me with a ti-89 in 7th grade when my mother found one for me in the library. We posted a note for somebody to reclaim it and nobody ever came so I began to use it.</p>
<p>I made a lot of fun discoveries with the 89. I was quite proud of myself for having figured out a lot of the fundamental functions before even began learning about them.</p>
<p>I have taken Calculus 3 and I tell you when you get up to that level, it's impossible (not completely) to have any other tool with which can help you with your problems. </p>
<p>Sure it has taken away a lot of practice opportunities from me, but I think my math foundation is really solid, with the help of my calculator</p>
<p>
[quote]
there are already TI calculators that are higher than the 89, and they're not allowed on tests (92). i could be wrong though
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is true. The only thing that may happen is a more advanced version of TI-89 (like the TI-84 Plus --> TI-84 Silver), but it probably won't for several years. After that there will probably be another couple years before organizations check it out and allow it.</p>
<p>If you don't have a calculator, a TI 89 may be worth the extra $30 - $50. If you already have a calculator, I really don't think it's necessary. Unless you're making graphs where x is in the limits of integration (which can take ~12 minutes on a TI 84 lol), the faster processing probably won't make a huge difference. Symbolic logic might help, but only if you need it. The amount of memory shouldn't be an issue, unless you have a ton of very big programs (games?).</p>
<p>The pros are basically slightly better speed + symbolic solving; the cons are the price tag ($150?) and some college classes and competitions still don't allow it.</p>
<p>FYI, it's slower at graphing pretty much every basic function. Graph x^2 on an 84 and 89 side by side, the 84 will win by a landslide.</p>
<p>The main reason why I like my 89 is because it gives exact answers automatically, like 2pi instead of 6.28..., rad(2)/2 instead of whatever</p>
<p>Obviously, the CAS is convenient, but it's not perfect. Sometimes it will take a long time (several minutes) and the answer will be a foot long string of garbage. Or it will just say "false" as the answer, and that's never fun. You should buy an 89 only to save time, not because you don't know how to do it by hand.</p>
<p>
[quote]
^Agreed, except for the price.
The 89 is only like around the low 100s, ~110?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I looked on staples website, and it was $150 there. You probably can get it for cheaper though.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The main reason why I like my 89 is because it gives exact answers automatically, like 2pi instead of 6.28..., rad(2)/2 instead of whatever
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The one benefit of not having that is that you learn to recognize numbers, like 1.414, 1.732. It's useful to know some of those common "round" numbers (also like 53 degrees means 3-4-5 triangle).</p>