<p>Hi. Im going to attend UCSD as an engineer in the fall and i was wondering which calculators do most engineers use? At my school TI-83 and TI-89s are most popular and i have been using them throughout highschool. However, one of my teachers told me that most college students end up using Casios because they are better. What do you guys use?</p>
<p>For me, it doesn't matter as math/engineering classes don't allow calculators. I only do simple calculations that any four function calculators can do. But as far as calculators are concerned, I hear the HP-49 is pretty good as with the TI-89.</p>
<p>phpguru</p>
<p>I use a tI83plus, but we can't use it on any tests. I just like the ability to have some extra help on homework and the large screen/memory. A simple calculator with trig buttons is what you'll really need. I don't know a single person with a Casio, personally. You might as well wait before you purchase anything to see what your universoty allows.</p>
<p>Everywhere I've been the TIs have been the most popular.</p>
<p>DJdooey, UCSD does not let you use calculators during math/physics/engineering tests...Thats what i have heard.</p>
<p>While doing the HW etc, you can use one of the TI calcs</p>
<p>Wow, i did not know that. UCSD does not allow you to use a calculator even on calculus tests???</p>
<p>And also, i meant that my teacher said most college students use HP calculators, but i accidently said Casios.</p>
<p>I can't confirm for 100% because some1 told me...I think it depends on the teacher...but usually TI-89 TI-90 are definitely not allowed</p>
<p>In high school TI-89 calculators are allowed on all math/science tests. Why don't colleges allow it? The calculator don't give any added advantages.</p>
<p>If you know how to do math w/o a calculator, you sure know how to do it with one. Doesn't work vice versa (programs/formulas/etc). And besides, the problems are usually tailored to not have nasty numbers.</p>
<p>phpguru</p>
<p>cant u program ur calcalator to do the math?</p>
<p>I use a slide rule and log tables because I'm hardcore.</p>
<p>trig tables too.</p>
<p>I use a both a TI-83 Plus and a regular scientific calculator.</p>
<p>You won't get to use your calculator until upper level classes and then some of the tests will be tests of your ability to know the material and use your calculator quickly and efficiently. I use it nearly every day, I am a ChemE grad student. </p>
<p>Buy the TI-89. It's the easiest to use and it does everything except solve nonlinear equations. It is awesome. I just can't stress it enough. It will solve multiple equations, do calculus, statistics, linear algebra, convert units (including temp.) and more. It is 100% worth the money. Trust me, I used a TI-10X for years before switching and so wish I had done so sooner.</p>
<p>I see many students with fancy calculators but not a clue on how to use them! Whatever you get, learn all of the features.</p>
<p>My daughter, a eng. soph, has been using her ti83 since h.s. My impression from her is that what the ti83 doesn't do for her, computer software she has does. She's kept w/ the 83 because she is very familiar with using it. </p>
<p>Dr Reynolds, how's enrollment going for your engineering camp?</p>
<p>When you say upper level maths would analytic geometry and calculus C qualify(basically the third year of calculus)? I'll be a student at UDel in the fall and will be starting with calc III.... just curious what to expect</p>
<p>I would assume that you still wouldn't be able to use a calc but would be great if you could!</p>
<p>
[quote]
I see many students with fancy calculators but not a clue on how to use them! Whatever you get, learn all of the features.
[/quote]
haha...that is true.</p>
<p>anovice, I doubt your Multi-Var Calc prof will let you use a TI-89, TI-92 cuz the class contains various topics like 3D graphing (rectangular, polar, cylindrical, sphericle co-ord), partial derivitives, etc which can easily be done with the CAS system that is hard-wired on to your TI-89 and TI-92....So I doubt it...</p>
<p>If the teacher does let you use it, I would say the teacher reallly does not know what he/she is doing.</p>
<p>Dr Reynolds, how's enrollment going for your engineering camp?</p>
<p>It's going well...lots of interested students.</p>