Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
by Texas Instruments
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
Customer Review: Essential for any High-School Level Math Class
Summary: 5 Stars
Texas Instruments produces some of the most popular and well known graphing calculators in the industry. The TI-83 plus can do most any math problem found in Algebra I, Geometry, and even some Algebra II/Trigonometry. The wide screen allows for graphing equations and multi-line functions.The graphing capabilities of the TI-83+ are a superb choice for Algebra I classes. The ability to automatically find intersections and a variety of other important components of a graph are only key presses away.
The calculator has a powerful matrix editor allowing for easy multiplication, addition, and subtraction of matrices. Division of matrices is not possible. The list editor allows for statistical analysis of data both numerically and graphically. Graphically, the 83+ can plot data in several different formats.
Anyone who is familiar with the BASIC computer language can program the TI-83+ with ease. The calculator supports the use of almost every function through a program. Programs can be typed directly into the calculator, or on a computer. The TI-83+ also supports a special form of programs called Flash Applications. Flash Applications are generally quite complex, and are written in a special language on the computer.
The manual included with the calculator is superb. It goes into detail on every single option the calculator supports. Every section includes a Quick Start tutorial that provides an practical example covering many of the chapter's topics. Learning to program in TI-BASIC, the programming language of the calculator is possible through reading the entire manual and following the examples.
The TI Graph Link cable is the interface between a computer (PC or Mac) and any TI Calculator with a link port. It comes in several variations depending on what kind of computer it will be hooked to. The cable is not included with the calculator, but can be purchased as an option. The TI-83+ Silver Edition includes a Black Link cable for Windows PCs.
When the TI-83+ is outgrown, upgrading the TI-89 will require little work for anyone who has gained experience with TI's entry level graphing calculator. The TI-89 has the capability to do Calculus and 3-Dimensional graphs primarily.
Overall, the 83+ is an excellent choice for anyone taking an Algebra course or any math class above that. The calculator does basic arithmetic, graphic, statistics, matrices, and a variety of other mathematical operations.
Customer Review: 6+ years and still use it everyday.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had mine since pre-algebra and am still using it for differential equations and linear algebra. Although I have a ti-89 I still prefer the 83+ for its ease of use. It's also built to last. I've dropped mine on concrete, tile, and linoleum and it still works as well as the day I bought it. The only thing that has worn off are the rubber pads used to make sure it doesn't slip.
It works perfectly for matrix manipulation, plotting xy graphs (you can use it to help integrate in 3-D if you know what you are doing.) One thing that stands out is that all the buttons you will need are not in some submenu like they are on the 89; instead on the 83+ the most you will need to do to access things like Euler's identities or natural logs is push the 2nd button (akin to alt on a keyboard).
The 89 does beat it in it's ability to draw detailed graphs, graph in 3-D (which the 83+ can't do), integrate (83+ can't do) and some other things. However, if you are taking advanced math classes most instructors will want you to show your work so the 83+ is all you really need.
One thing I do recommend getting for this is a pack of rechargeable batteries like the SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries. Don't take this to mean that this calculator is a battery hog, in fact I usually go a whole year without recharging them which is great considering I use this thing almost everyday and carry it around everywhere.
Yes you can play simple games and yes you can store equations on this to look at *cough* during a test *cough* but don't think that this is just a glorified 3x5 card.
I would go so far to say that this is my most used electronic item I own. If I ever lost mine I would overnight one from Amazon without hesitation.
Definitely a must for engineers and math majors.
Customer Review: The Calc to end all calcs
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this calculator at the beginning of my 8th grade year. It is so great. My friend got an 86, and my other friend got a 48G. As a result I have tried these 3 calcs. I understand that in the $80-$130 range of calculators is that you want the calculator that is going to offer you the most amount of games. Well, this is the best even for that. My friend got some advanced games for his TI-86 but it is a really annoying process programming with them. (Menu-Based) You can simply type one button from memory and get a command. Whereas with the 86 and up they all have the several button combinations and you have to choose an M key or something to the tone of that. My other friend with the 48G was insulting the the TI about its easy specs and that he knows a guy that was a valadictorian that used the 48g. Just because you have a calculator with a faulty infrared link does not mean you have a great calc. Last my other friend uses the CASIO with the four colors. He was saying how it is SO great. (he thinks that color makes a calc. Hello! i.e. Palm is black and white but all the other PDAs with color are considered not nearly as realiable, and good.) Anyways my last friend that is not exactly the math genius was backing up his calculator. "Oh, Color is SOOO cool" Anyways who needs color with a calculator? Oh well. I believe that after trying four different calcs in this price range, I definitly believe that this is the best buy. I had one for a year and a half til it was stolen and plan on buying the 83+. I am now in the 10th grade and I found it to be the most useful tool and it is really enjoyable to have games. The graph link is great too. You can buy it with the 83 and buy a updated calc and still use the graph link!Customer Review: solid calculator - comparison to others
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using a TI-83+ for about five years. They are solid calculators with an easy-to-understand programming language. They have almost every function you need and are great for just about anything you do in high school.
However, a lot of reviews are ruling out the TI-89, saying it's hard to understand or it has functions you don't need in high school. However, the TI-89 shouldn't be entirely written off for high school math because 1) it can factor for you 2) it can solve equations for you 3) it can calculate derivatives and definite integrals. It can also express things in terms of "x" which the TI-83+ cannot. It's also a lot easier to understand, but it is very different from a TI-83+, so it's mostly just unfamiliar to users of the TI-83+.
The TI-84 and its various incarnations have become more popular for some reason. The main differences are that the TI-84 has between 2 and 3 times the processing speed of the TI-83+ and has a lot more memory. Those two attributes are only useful if you do a lot of programming, and for me the TI-83+ works just fine. The other differences are mostly cosmetic - the TI-84 looks cooler, the interface is cleaned up a little, the buttons are in curved lines rather than straight ones (something I actually find very annoying). However, the two calculators are basically the same in terms of functionality, so it's up to you. I prefer the TI-83+ myself.
If you're considering buying a graphing calculator or a scientific calculator, buy the graphing calculator. It's a lot easier to use and the large screen means you can see past entries really easily. Plus, it's a lot easier to store multiple values.
Anyway, I hope you do the right thing and get your hands on this calculator!
Customer Review: More useful than I originally anticipated!
Summary: 5 Stars
This particular model has been a very useful tool for the various college trig, stats, and finite math courses I've taken over the past couple years. Its two-dimensional graphing,, matrices, exponents/roots, & probability-crunching capabilities turn many otherwise daunting mathematics problems into less of a chore.The TI-83+ can also store various math programs. I've even discovered that there're a few game programs, including bowling and a few fairly simple word puzzles. Of course, you're gonna either need to punch in the codes manually, or download `em via link from another TI-83+ that has them. Mind you, these little diversions are a far cry from Nintendo Game Boy, but it does give you something to do when you're pretending to be paying attention to the instructor's class lecture. The program function is also a good place to punch in and store various formulas for those times you need a bit of an edge during those midterm exams, nudge nudge wink wink. Just remember: if you get caught, I disavow all knowledge! The only real problem I have with this machine's programming features is the deletion of old/unnecessary programs. The contents can be expunged rather quickly with the help of the Clear and Delete keys, but removing/renaming the program titles can be a frustrating task.
Although it's a bit bulky to be considered convenient, I also use this machine for everyday number-crunching (balancing the checkbook and such). The large screen is quite handy in these cases; it keeps track of the last few simple calculations you've made, as well as the results. So just in case you messed up somewhere, you can look back on the previous problem right above your present turns of numerals and see what you might've done wrong.
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