I'm required to have a TI-83 calc, I've heard that some of the others do the same but are better. Any ideas?

Question

I asked this before but kind of goofed. The college math course I'm taking requires a TI-83 calc, but I've gotten the feeling that TI makes much better calcs that can do the samething. I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg, but I'd rather have a better calc with more power if that will help out.

Answer 1

Are you planning on using it past this class?

I remember in my engineering classes we were required to have a TI-82 (years ago). Silly me, I ended up buying a TI-85 (much better, much more powerful) but binary programs written for the 82 were hit or miss on the 85. That, and input was slightly different than the 82, so I had to learn alternate methods of input (as opposed to asking my neighbor, for instance).

Generally, if that's what the class recommends, I would stick with the 83.

Answer 2

I would strongly suggest also sticking to the recommended calculator, after all, if it is "More Power Scotty." then just get a laptop for that. Don't try to get more calculator power than you need, just like buying a computer you would not buy a corporate system, or mainframe for in your home simply beause it has a few features you like.
The school is suggesting this because of two facts, it has what you need, and maybe an extra or two, plus it is a well bugeted calculator that won't devestate your wallet.
Another way of thinking of this is ...ok you buy the More powerfull calculator. You start using certain function in this class, those same function on the cheaper model. As this class goes on, you still haven't used the Extra Functions, so you did pay for more but have yet to use the More, and are treating the More Expensive Calculator as if it were the cheaper model since you have no call for those advanced function that were not on the cheaper model. At the end of the day, you are not using any other functions that the other students aren't it is just the fact you paid more than they did to use the same function, and you have only a manual to guide you along, they can turn to the Professor for the class for help.

Trust Me, save your money for other things you will need to buy, don't waste your money like this. As stated, the odds are very great that once you are done with school it will probably sit on a shelf somewhere gathering dust - you'll use a computer more than you will ever use that calculator, so you may even want to check out ebay or another avenue for a used one. That is what I did when I had to get one for my math class, and it sat here gathering dust until I sold it on ebay(two years).

Answer 3

The reason that they require that model is that it has the functions that you need to do the work required in the class. The wrong model while it may be "better" may not allow you to do the same functions or may require different processes.(i.e. you may have to press different buttons) Unless you talk to the prof or another student(who got an A) then just get the calc they required. You'll feel pretty foolish if they start explaining how to perform a function and everybody is following the instructions, but you, because you have a different calc and the buttons aren't laid out or labeled the same. There is not better way to tell the world that you cannot follow directions. Just follow directions, thats the 1st step towards getting an A. Don't try to out smart the prof..or the school. In this case, just do what they tell you.

Answer 4

Get the TI-83 and save a few bucks! In the real world, you would use a computer to do your computations, and unless you need the compact size of a calculator for some reason, you probably won't use the calculator again once classes are over.

Answer 5

It would be foolish to buy the more expensive versions of the same calculator (ti84), but if you really want something that will do more, get a ti89 calculator. Those things are amazing.

Answer 6

Buy the calculator form Wal-Mart then return and re-buy it back every 30 days.....