<p>I’m doing calc BC and prob stat at some point as well…</p>
<p>And I definately need to buy a graphing calculator but I wonder whether if this is a good time. I am currently a sophmore and as you know, in the world of IT, things develop unimaginably fast. (I bought my computer half a year ago 1.8 Ghz, which was like very good at the time, but now, they selling 3.0s)</p>
<p>Do you think I should just save up the 150~200 bux and make a better use of it?</p>
<p>Currently, I use a Sharp El-509V sharp scientific calculator and have no problems so far…</p>
<p>Here are my questions…</p>
<li><p>Should I just borrow my friend’s calculator on the exam day?
I really think that I should familiarized with the functions but for 200 bux…</p></li>
<li><p>When do you think that the Ti-89 calc prices will rapidly fall and a new edition will come out? Perhaps I’ll wait until the price gradually falls and buy it. Is the developing rate somewhat similar to computers?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I recently bought a TI-89 Titanium and haven't had any regrets. Such a powerful calculator - but to make the best (or any) use of it, you really have to familiarize yourself with it - and it might take a while before you can expose and practice using all the different functions.</p>
<p>The prices won't drop <em>too</em> drastically in the next year or two - look at the TI-83, it still isn't that cheap. It's worth it to buy the calculator now, especially since you only have a scientific calculator.</p>
<p>I don't know what you're studying currently, but it's probably about time to get a graphing calculator - and I definitely recommend the TI-89.</p>
<p>well I'm not at the stage where I need a graphic calc... I just finished 2nd derivatives of diferentiation with application to min/max and have started definate integrals. I havent started differentiating sin/cos, just simple straightforward numbers. So basically, chain rule is the stage I'm at.</p>
<p>and about Ti-83... I strongly agree with you. My friend bought his like last christmas I think and the difference in price is only 40 bux. But is there a massive gap in functions between 83 and 89?</p>
<p>The TI-89 is definitively worth it. It is FAR superrior to the 83 in just about every single way imaginable. It is a little bit more diffucult to use, but it can do anything you want: solve eq, exact values of trig fncts, simplifying, der/int, expanding, factoring (very useful), roots, 3D graphs, etc.</p>
<p>It is especially useful on the Math IIC test.</p>
<p>the 89 is also allowed on just about every single standardized tests that calculators are allowed on (except the ACT)</p>
<p>i have one and i LOVE it. although i have no idea how you survived without a graphing calculator for that long...(i had to get my 83 freshman year for alg 2, and now as a junior in pre-calc i got my 89)</p>
<p>and the 89 really isn't useful until you've really familiarized yourself with it, so i would definitly recommend buying one. and i think mine at circuit city or something was ~150</p>
<p>NO. TI-83+ is much better for BC cal. It's easier to use and cheaper. Also, my school did not allow the TI-89 to be used on tests, and I don't think you can use it on most APs or SAT IIs</p>
<p>you can use the ti-89 on both sats and satiis. i am absolutely positive on this, because i checked with them and i used my ti-89 on my tests. and as far as i know, you can use it on the ap test as well. </p>
<p>I agree with hurricane, and I think that the 89 can be used on the BC exam. That's actually what I bought it for ...</p>
<p>You'll need a graphing calculator very soon, even if you're just at the chain rule. 89s help with everything - and graphing calculators in general are nice in order to get a quick and accurate graph with tables and what not.</p>
<p>I bought a Ti-89 Titanium a month ago and I love it.
If you get one, make sure that you don't depend on it too much; otherwise you won't really learn much. I think there is a section on the A.P. test that is non-calculator.
You should note that this calculator is made for calculus so algebra functions are not as easy to access. You press 2 buttons to get to
[Y=] and [Graph]. Also there is no [x(root)] button so you have to enter functions 8^(1/3).
However, you get used to it and it becomes very easy.
After having it a while, any other calculator will seem primitive.</p>
<p>I you don't have a TI 83 then I would strongly think about getting that first. In college math classes I've found that profs won't allow 89s but will allow 83s... my sister has found that same thing. Almost everything can be done with the calculator when you have an 89. I have an 89 titanium but also have an 83 and use them both for different purposes. If the teacher allows it I use the 89 because it ROCKS!</p>
<p>is there any way to speed up using basic functions like log?
u gotta go to catalog to get log. i just use ln whenever possible now, but still...this is just an example. also: whenever u take the sqaure root, or any other type of function, you gotta end it with a parenthesis. stuff like this bothers me. i don't like pressing extra buttons.</p>
<p>"now"?....TI-89 is the answer for Math IIC (along with your brain:P). Looking back, I think its one of teh best invenstments I had ever made. It helped me in Calculus, Trig...So, what, the teacher might not be punching the same buttons (all my teachers use 83), but you can use the handy dandy manuel and be satisfied or more satisfied than every one around you.</p>
<p>Wow... just 4 days and over 10 replies! thanx for all those who helped me out.</p>
<p>Man, does Ti-89 completely OWN other calculators? </p>
<p>Thanx again, and I better save up for it. </p>
<p>PS:
How long does the battery last
and
Is it delicate like iPods? (I heard that u can drop it and throw it in air and Ti-89 still will work perfectly fine thanks to its titanium cover. Is this true?)</p>
<p>Titanium cover? I thought it was plastic. Anyway, the Ti-89 is only about $140 at most electronic stores and it'll be the best investment you'll ever make. It's a frickin math book with all the answers!</p>
<p>check with your teachers first before you buy it since that might just matter more than the actual AP. it takes time to familiarize yourself with, and having used a TI like the 83 before makes it even more confusing after the switch. for the catalog functions, its all about getting the keystrokes down into a rythm with all the first letter button pressing and second down scrolling. if you know what I mean, you don't need my help, if you don't, then it'll eventually come to you out of experiance.</p>