31 out of 31 people found this review helpful.
TI-83+ "What you MUST know!!!!!
Date of Review: Dec 14, 2000
I have at some point in my life used (and reviewed) the entire TI line of calculators, from 80-92, and I feel compelled to share with you, the consumer, the information you MUST have in order to buy the best calculator for you and/or your student.
What many consumers do not know:
Logic would maintain that the TI-80 came before the TI-82 and the TI 83+ before the TI-85 and so on, but there is an exception to the rule. What most folks don't know is that the TI-83+ is actually a newer model than the TI-85, and therefore it has more features...
Gee, Justin, what are some of those features?
Games: Let's start with the most fun of all. The TI-83+, just like all the other TI graphing calculators, can be programmed to play games like solitare, PacMan, and even Tetris. This is a fun feature that allows a boring calculus class to turn into a veritable fun-o-rama. Using the connecting cable, users can even play some games against each other. (very fun...trust me)
Programs: If you feel so inclined, you can write your own formula program and upload it to your calculator. I don't know exactly how to write calculator code, but if you do the process is extremely elementary from there.
Screen size/resolution: This is surprisingly good, and I would even venture to rate it better than all of its predecessors, including the TI-85. It is easy to read and graph with as well.
Customibility: Unfortunately, the TI-86 is the only calculator so far that I have been able to easily custom some of the more difficult options into one menu. The 83+ does not use the same menu format, and sometimes certain features are difficult to locate because they are hidden above a number or main key on the key pad and only accessible with the use of the 2nd or shift key.
Ease of Use: This calculator falls in line with its number in terms of usability. It is not extremely difficult, and with a careful combing of the instruction book you can master it all, but I still maintain that the TI-86 model (please see review) is the best calculator on the market.
Well, Justin, you seem to have rambled on for a good while. Is this calculator going to work for me?
I recommend this calculator for anyone in PreCalculus or lower. It is a quality calculator and it will last you long enough to get into the upper levels of math. However, experience has taught me that at least a TI-86 is necessary for excellence in calculus and beyond. For the price, you may not find a better calculator, and many of the newer textbooks are being written from a Texas Instruments perspective, so it is imperative that you stay within the TI family.
Advanced or business-oriented??? Don't sell yourself short with the 83+...go for the 89 or 92 (see reviews).
Following this guide should let you and junior be very happy with your bank account balance and math grade. Thanks, and happy calculating.
