An edge over the TI-83+
Pros:
USB Connectivity, Large Memory, Variety of Applications preloaded, same controls as TI-83+
Cons:
Price, complex
The Bottom Line:
This is the calculator for classes recommending the TI-83 . The additional speed when graphing and greater memory justify the extra $10-20 the calculator costs over the 83
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Texas Instruments calculators are by far the graphing calculator of choice at schools across the country. Texas Instruments has introduced the TI-84 Plus as a replacement for its widely-used TI-83 Plus.
The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is for advanced users in upper level (high school/college) math classes. Those already familiar with the TI-83+ will find the TI-84+ extremely easy to use.
Package Contents
TI-84+ graphing calculator
USB computer connection cable
Unit-to-Unit cable
Software CD
Thick manual
4 AAA batteries
The TI-84+ operates in exactly the same manner as the TI-83+ - every button/feature on the 84+ is exactly where it would be on the 83+. But to justify a new calculator, Texas Instruments needed to add a little something in. Improvements over the TI-83+ include a 480K flash ROM memory, 3x the memory of the TI-83+. The calculator is also 2.5 times faster than the TI-83+, which eliminates the time-consuming "garbage collecting" TI-83+ users are familiar with.
The calculator is technically multi-use, but it is targeted for students in advanced math classes and to a smaller extent, professionals who need to perform many complex calculations.
Graphing
The TI-84+ was made to graph. You can graph up to 10 functions at once
Financial
The TI-84+ comes preloaded with a Financial application that will compute many financial problems requiring only variable entry.
Analysis
The Ti-84+ allows you to enter data and examine it with graphs, histograms, standard deviation, etc.
Gaming
This thing is targeted to students, remember. You can get online and download games or get them from your friends using the unit-to-unit cord or the convenient USB cord included with the calculator. Since this thing has 3x the memory of the TI-83+, you can fit in 3 times as many games.
Online Support
Texas Instruments offers education.ti.com to users, allowing users to browse through a great assortment of extremely useful applications. Thanks to the USB cord and software CD, it is pretty simple to do it.
Thoughts
The TI-84+ is the calculator for high-school students in high-level math classes. If the TI-83+ is the recommended calculator for your class, I'd say go ahead and buy the 84+. It operates the same way, and as classrooms switch to the 84+ and the more advanced programs it can support, you'll find yourself left in the dust. The TI-84+ is allowed on all of the major standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.). For college math classes, I'd go with a more advanced calculator such as the TI-89. (but the TI-89 is not allowed on the SAT, ACT, etc.)
At $100 or so, the TI-84+ is pretty expensive, but it has been worth every penny when a big test comes up. It also uses 4 AAA batteries, but they will usually last upwards of 1 year under extremely heavy use. Be careful not to leave your calculator lying around, as it can become a target for theft. Durability isn't an issue. The thing is built solid and will survive the dozens of accidental drops you will subject it to.
