<p>How similar is the TI89 to the TI83/84? If I switch to the TI89 will it be difficult to use, ect?</p>
<p>It's really different. The TI89 has a separate screen for different applications. If you're going to be using the 89 for something really important, like the SAT test that's coming up or something, I wouldn't recommend just changing it at the last minute. It takes months to get used to.</p>
<p>I made the switch before taking the math SAT II and used the 89 on the AP calc exam.</p>
<p>Definitely different, definitely worth it. It won't take months to get used to. It took me about a week to get all the major/important stuff down, though considerably longer to learn all the other nice tricks it can perform. If you'll be using it on the AP exam, and you start now, you'll have much, much more than enough time to learn it.</p>
<p>I love the TI 89.</p>
<p>make the switch. you will never regret it (except maybe for doing stats, but you can download software to add those capabilities to the 89).</p>
<p>I wouldn't recommend the 89. It makes you darned lazy! I used to recommend it but now I prefer the good old paper and pencil.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that a TI-89 will become a lot less useful if you take math past single variable calculus. The TI-89 is an excellent tool, but eventually it just won't be powerful enough. If spending $100 for the upgrade isn't a problem, I'd personally get one, but it's really not all that vital.</p>
<p>Get it!!! It may make you lazy, but seriously, when you're taking a test, time matters--and it saves so much time. It factors, it writes everything pretty, it... stores study cards and games :DD (okay I know, they all do that, but it has a lot of space!) and...
I LOVE my 89 XD When I got it my friends told me "eek no it'll be super hard to learn!" but it's really not that hard, and so worth it. Whenever you don't know how to do something, all it takes is a 5 second google search to figure it out, and then you know it forevers :D</p>
<p>That said, though, I would not recommend getting it to use on the sat this saturday xD</p>
<p>I agree with you rhapsody. It isn't much useful past calc 1.
Lody--I tried that approach. Solving everything with the calculator. It takes much more time than figuring out everything in your head. I let the calculator rest for the summer and now I feel I am a lot better at math.
But I still cant wean off of it. I can't even try and use my 84. But I probably have to start using it...ACT doesn't permit 89.</p>
<p>lmfao, i bought a TI-89 in early september and i still only know how to graph & do some basic stuff. it's pretty sad. the only thing out of the ordinary i know about this graphing calculator is that it can solve Sudoku if you have the program, haha. woo!</p>
<p>i love the ti89. It can be so helpful in algebra, trig, and calc. It basically answers the question for you. Programming is a little different, but I think it can be easier once you get it</p>