<p>I'm going to be taking AP Calculus AB and AP Physics B next year and was wondering what brand of graphing calculator is best. I've been looking at the TI-84 Plus and the hp 50g. Can anyone tell me which one is better or recommend me to an even better one.</p>
<p>TI Nspire CX , the CAS version solves Algebra, but some teachers will not allow it. Ask your friends that have taken Calc/Physics before buying it.</p>
<p>Get yourself a Ti-89 Titanium. It’s extremely powerful, and there isn’t much more you could want. It’s also no-frills, so the battery doesn’t run out extremely quickly.</p>
<p>I second Studious Maximus; the TI-89 Titanium is a beast calculator. It’s the best thing you can get without a QWERTY keyboard. Keep in mind QWERTY keyboards are banned on college board tests and I believe the Nspire has one. The only problem is it’s a bit harder to learn how to use since it uses a format somewhat different than the other TI calculators. I have no experience with other brands.</p>
<p>^ about how much do they run? I told my mom to prepare for a hundred dollar plus calculator now so then when my new teacher for Calc comes in she won’t be blind sided.</p>
<p>TI-89s are well over $200+, I would suggest the 84. Don’t get Casio/HP as the layouts are much more convoluted.</p>
<p>Dang…I better get a 5 on this exam then.</p>
<p>Saxobeat, that’s wrong. The Ti-89 Titanium currently runs on Amazon for $139.20.</p>
<p>Phew that’s a lot better!</p>
<p>NSpire is the way to go. You don’t need the CAS or the CX, but they’re really useful for higher math.
Just so you know, NSpire does NOT have a qwerty keyboard, making it allowable on all tests (AP, SAT, and ACT), and it comes with a waiver for a free TI-84 faceplate, you just have to call and ask for it. But best of all is that, now that the CX and CAS are out, the original NSpire’s will run you right around $100
And to those that say teachers may not allow the NSpire’s; there exists a “test” function that prevents bringing in documents and programs that your teacher can activate.</p>
<p>If you’re willing to adapt to a new environment, I’d recommend going for the HP 50G. TI-89 power for the price of a TI-84. You’ll also learn to love your HP as if it was your own kin if you give yourself the chance. If not, just go for the TI-89.</p>
<p>The unfortunate part for me is that we’re getting a new AP Calc teacher so I have no clue what the teacher will recommend. I think I’ll prepare to spend about $150 or less. Is that a good price range?</p>
<p>I would suggest a calculator</p>
<p>Well the hp 50g looked very nice, so I was considering that, and it costs less than $120 on Amazon.com. Does anyone out there own one and can tell me if its good or not? Does this calculator have Algebraic mode too or just RPN?</p>
<p>I found the TI-NSpire CX-CAS for $145 online. It’s amazing. I’d rather pay the 145 for a really good calculator than, say, 100 for an average one now but then have to buy a new one in college</p>
<p>If there’s a new teacher, I’d just go with the TI-89. The CX-CAS color screen and computer-like features may worry a new teacher, and the last thing you want to do is buy a calculator that you can’t use in class.</p>
<p>What have you been using for precalc? An 84 does suffice for both physics and calc, just the 89 will make your life a bit easier.</p>