The MUST HAVE scientific and graphing calculator in terms of functionality. Having done the International Baccalaureate, my TI-83 was an integral part of my life. Insanely difficult to learn how to use simply because it does so much, once you do learn a few tricks with it you're set to do even the most complex calculations in the blink of an eye, assuming you actually know what you're trying to solve.
Being a graphing calculator, it does have a relatively large screen, but in the TI-83 this is only about 6 by 4cm. Still that certainly is good enough to see whether your data forms a curve or a straight line. Changing the window on your graphs (i.e. the X and Y scales) is dead easy using the aptly named "Window" button. But that's absolutely nothing. With a bit of manual reading (if you can bear the weight of the massive manual) you'll be able to list a set of data, obtain all the statistically relevant information from it, then graph it as a Box and Whisker plot (or however would be most appropriate), and transfer your graph to computer via the cable link so you add it to write-ups, publications, PowerPoints, or whatever.
The calculator itself is unfortunately massive about 8 by 18 by 2 centimeters, and rather heavy. The cover makes a loud, clancky sound as you slide it in and out, horrible during exams. The functions are impossible to decipher without a manual. Definitely not an easy calculator to use and I would never recommend it to someone who won't need its graphing and scientific functions.
So why did I say it is the MUST HAVE calculator? Simply because it will do, assuming you know which buttons to press, anything you could possibly need at secondary school or university undergraduate level. Matrices to differentiation. Logs to statistical analysis. Give you lines of best fit to calculating the area under a curve. It really does do it all. And if it doesn't, you can program it to! Yes, you can even program/upload games (including games like poker, packman, etc.).
The downside, of course is that you end up using it for things like 18 + 7. You become totally addicted (this is my experience and that of all of my friends). And that can really sting in exams where you are not permitted a calculator!
Jan 9th, 2007
helpful by (100%):
