<p>Specifically, to anybody who is majoring in or has taken classes in physics or mathematics: what calculator do you use? I'm a senior in high school right now (apologies for posting out of my age group), am taking multivariable calculus and am considering switching from a TI-83 to an 89. Is an 89 powerful enough to be useful throughout four years of courses in math and physics (my expected majors)? Will it become obsolete in the upper level classes, to be replaced by more advanced computer software? Is it allowed in most exams?</p>
<p>Thanks for any help you can give. My trusty, much-loved 83 was just stolen (of all things for people in a ritzy private school to steal, they choose a calculator! i don't get it) and I have to order another one or upgrade to an 89. If I do get the latter, I don't plan on overusing it--I actually enjoy being able to factor, differentiate, integrate, etc with paper and pencil--but the 3D graphing would be incredible helpful for my calculus class. Also, being able to check my answers (I'm using a normal student edition of the textbook with no solution manual) would be excellent. But I'd rather not spend the money if I'm not going to get much use of it in university or if most professors don't allow it in their exams. Thanks again.</p>
<p>TI-89 should be fine. I found it easier to use than a TI-83 especially for stuff like Prob-Stat. And yes, the TI-89 will take you through higher level math.</p>
<p>I have both, upgraded to a TI-89 midway through HS Algebra II. I prefer the TI-89 not just because it does more but I like the interface better as well. Think of the TI-89 as Windows and the TI-83 as DOS (that old command line system for computers). I hear the TI-89 actually has the same processor in it as those old Macintosh SE computers. That sort of power from a calculator is pretty awesome!</p>
<p>I used my TI-83 from 9th grade (when they came out with them...signifying my age) through all of college and now grad school. I personally didn't need anything more than the 83 for up through Diff Eq. and my physics/geophysics classes and once you get up high enough in math and physics, everything is done by computerized programs such as Matlab anyway. I don't see the purpose in learning a new calculator when after the first year of so of college you will be pretty much soley dependant on computer programs.</p>
<p>TI-89 is the way to go. be warned though, most calculus courses have tests that are either no-calculator or half is no-calculator and half is with calculator, which is because the TI89 can easily integrate. so, get the TI89 to help you with homework/studying, but dont rely on it for tests in college. AP/IB courses in high school will be the same way (half calc, half no-calc) because the tests are formated that way.</p>
<p>Couldn't use a calculator in Calc. 1 & Physics 1, & was limited to a scientific calculator in Calc. 2 & Chem. 1. Don't know about the rest, never got that far. Besides, all the tests were designed so that the numbers involved were doable by hand, or it was all theory.</p>
<p>My parents and I had a big argument about this a while back when I started alg 2 trig and was about to purchase my first graphing calculator: Is there anything better/higher than a TI-89?</p>
<p>I'm a 2nd year student in a good engineering program. I don't use my TI-89 for anything but the basic 4 math functions, sin, cos, and logs. If I ever have to graph something I use computer software. Calculators are rarely allowed on exams. If you can get by with a TI-83 save the money although I do love and support the TI-89!</p>
<p>^^ Eh, I'm not exactly sure. Somebody called me right-brained the other day and it stuck with me.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help, everyone. My old calculator just showed up again, so I'm at an even bigger loss for what to do. I'll probably upgrade anyway, because all that power sure is enticing. Thanks again.</p>