Showing posts with label texas instruments calculator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label texas instruments calculator. Show all posts

Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS 2-Line Scientific Calculator

Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS 2-Line Scientific Calculator
  • Robust, professional grade scientific calculator
  • It has 2-line display shows entry and calculated result at same time
  • Easily handles 1 and 2 variable statistical calculations
  • Three angle modes (degrees, radians, and grads) and scientific and engineering notation modes
  • It has 1-year limited warranty

This is probably the best calculator for middle to high school kids. I got mine in seventh grade and it was all I needed until calculus. In fact, we weren't even allowed to use graphing calculators until pre-calc. I held off getting one until calculus, though, because my TI-30XIIS did everything i needed it to and was so easy to use.

The best thing:

-you can enter entire expressions and solve them. this is because, unlike earlier models, functions like sine, cosine, tangent, square root, etc. are entered before the number. for example, with other models you would punch in 45 and hit tan, and it would automatically give you the answer 1. With the 30XIIS, however, you press tan, then 1, then enter. It seems like a disadvantage at first, but when you are doing more complicated math and need to enter a whole line of info, it's a huge time-saver.

Other good things:

-You can go back and substitute other numbers into your expression. This is great when you are doing guess-and-check work, but it was most useful in chemistry and physics, when I had to use the same formula with a lot of different values. I was really bummed to discover the graphing calculators didn't have the ability to go back to an expression you've already solved.

-The buttons are arranged really logically. There were about three buttons grouped together up in the corner that I never used (I think they're maybe for statistics), but they were totally out of the way. When you're doing trig, all the buttons you need are near each other. Same with logs and everything else. After using this calculator for a while, you can key things in so fast. Hitting 2nd [ans] is like a reflex now.

Bad things:

-The buttons were a little loose after about my third year with my TI-30XIIS. this didn't cause any problems with how it worked (at least in the next two years), but the buttons were sort of crooked in their slots. Again, only an aesthetic issue. This didn't affect the performance at all.

-Sometimes, if you don't hit clear before you start your expression, it will use your last answer as the first number in your new equation. This isn't much of a problem, b/c it only happens due to operator error, and hitting clear becomes reflexive. It'll happen to you, I promise. Honestly, if you looked around during a test when i was in algebra II, you would see at least one person unconsciously mashing the clear button. which also attests to the durability of this calculator.

So, that is the TI-30XIIS from the perspective of a high school student. basically, it is the best calculator i've ever owned, far superior in basic math to my TI-84+. And it's incredibly cheap. Calculating just doesn't get any better than this.

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Main Points:

I used this calculator for over 10 years before it finally stopped working, and I treated it fairly roughly (e.g.,coffe spills). I think others here have attested to the functionality of the TI-30, so I just want to emphasize that it's a tough little gadget as well. Yes, the buttons are on the small side and there is a bit of play, but this was never a major problem (although at times it slows down data entry). You can go to http://education.ti.com/downloads for a good overview of TI calculators, and you can scope out one of TI's major competitors at http://www.casio.com.

A Little History:

This was also one of the first commercially available low-priced calculators that had two-line display and backspace to correct or edit data entry. The dual-power and scrolling display features were also once unusual. The top line (for data entry) shows up to 11 characters; you can scroll backwards or forwards up to 88! The bottom line (shows results) displays up to a 10-digit answer along with a 2-digit exponent.

Individual Needs Differ:

From the reviews here, it appears that high school math is now more difficult than it once was. If you know that you're going to need graphing capability, then obviously this is not the choice for you. Similarly, the prevalence of laptop computers and math/stats software may obviate the need for some of the more advanced features.

Recommendation:

The layout is very good and, for such a low price, it packs a lot of calculating might. However, high school (or college)students may want to narrow their choices and then ask their teacher which one has the most relevant functions for the next few years of math. Compared to twenty-five or so years ago, one can now get a lot more calculator for the money. Depending on your budget, therefore, you might determine that a calculator like this is sufficient for your short-term needs, but that you'll need a new one if you go on to more advanced stats and math. In any event, this is a durable calculator that works very well.

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I needed a calculator for my chemistry class and I couldn't use my graphing one that I've had for the last six years so I went ahead and ordered this because it was the best selling scientific one from TI. Little did I know that it is an OLD model. I would avoid this product and go for the newer version of the TI-30! The TI-30XS is the same price and is much more usable and has more features! The buttons on this calculator are VERY loose and make data entry tricky for fast calculation. One must constantly verify that each button press has been recognized. These loose buttons are annoying if you are accustomed to quick calculations. It makes the calculator essentially unusable. I expected much more from Texas Instruments, as I really adore my 83+SE, but this is an utter disappointment.

I wish amazon had alerted me to the new version (as they do with some other products).

ALL POTENTIAL BUYERS, GET THIS ONE INSTEAD:

TI-30XS Multiview Calculator

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Nice to finally see TI step into the two-line solar calculator market. Very easy to use and the buttons have a solid feel. I also like the large display so you can easily see both the equation and the answer.

Why did it give the TI-30 II only four stars? For the same price, there are good two-line calcs (Casio FX-115 MS for example) which include a larger library of functions (base calculations, integrals, derivates, solve function) for the same amount of money.

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When I was taking courses in calculus and physics, I used the TI-86 because it had more functions and was more powerful, for the kind of math that was needed.

However, the TI30XIIS is an excellent scientific calculator. It has most of the functions of a scientific calculator, with the scrollable screen that lets you check your numbers before multiplying, and perform many operations using the "Ans" function. As an organic chemist, it's the only calculator I need when it comes to doing simple chemistry calculations, which involve a lot of basic operations.

If you need to do derivates, integrals, polynomials, etc, then you should get something more powerful. If you just want a calculator to do your basic math yet allow you to check your numbers with ease, then this is a great calculator to have.

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator
  • Graphing calculator handles precalculus, engineering, trigonometric, and financial functions.
  • Backed by 1-year warranty
  • Displays graphs and tables on split screen to trace graph while scrolling through table values
  • 11 apps preloaded
  • USB on-the-go technology for file sharing with other calculators and connecting to PCs

I am on my third TI-83+ (my first two were stolen). My brother owns an 84, and I can tell you that it offers nothing that the 83 doesn't have. Many of the preloaded apps are useless (an address book? please!), and take up so much space that the memory increase is worthless. The 84 is a continuation of TI's tendency to offer huge amounts of style with little or no substance. I prefer the 83 for its streamlined design. The one improvement is that the slip cover on the 84 does not become loose with a great deal of use, which is a problem I have encountered with my three 83s. It looks as though the USB connectivity could be a plus (for the 83, you had to buy a separate connectivity kit to connect to a PC), however, most buyers will not need to connect their calculator to their PC.

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This calculator is hands-down the best I have ever had the honor of using. While the TI-84 Plus may not have as much space or as many pre-loaded Apps as the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, the TI-84 Plus offers everything a high school (possibly some college) math student needs in order to successfully learn and solve mathematics material. The TI-84 Plus comes loaded with several Apps that will make things even more convenient, such as a Probability Simulator and Cabri Jr., a great geometry app. Student looking to upgrade from the TI-83 Plus will find comfort in the fact that the TI-84 Plus is 2.5x faster and has 3x the memory than the TI-83 Plus. The TI-84 Plus is also extremely easy to hook up to your computer to transfer new Apps and updates to it using the USB port and the included USB cable. The TI-84 Plus will be a great investment for any student's education.

Read Best Reviews of Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator Here

The new TI-84 Plus is a wonderful calculator. If anybody has had the TI-83 or 83 Plus, they know how easy and reliable it is. The 84 Plus is an all-around imprivement on the older version and even worth the additional $15-$20. I have had it since school started and have noticed than any problem I enter, it is solved immediately upon pressing enter, or solve. The speed is a great improvement over the 83-Plus. The computer features are nice, but rarely used by myself. For anybody who is supposed to buy a TI series calculator for school, the 84 Plus us definitely the one to pick up this year and for the next few years I assume. Easy, fast, reliable, durable, and even sleek. As long as you handle it properly and use it enough, you will get all of your $110 out of the TI-84 Plus.

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BE WARNED: What you are getting when you buy from this listing is the TI-84PTK-YELLOW Plus Graphing Calculator, not a black TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator (as pictured and labeled in the listing). The difference is, of course, it's YELLOW. School-freaking-bus yellow and that will alert any teachers that the calculator you or your kid is bringing to class belongs to the school (even if it doesn't because you bought it here), and if that doesn't make matters worse, the imprinted words "School Property" on the face plate of the calculator will be sure to create confusion down the road.

Do a Google search for "TI-84PTK-YELLOW Plus Graphing Calculator" for a good picture of what you're actually thinking about buying here.

Amazon doesn't seem to have any issues with this as they refused to update the listing with the correct/exact product number and picture. Check out the 2nd picture of this listing as that is the actual item you are buying.

Just know what you're buying...if I'd known this was the "Student/Loaner Edition", I would've spent a little more elsewhere.

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Many reviews have focused on what the calculator can do, but that's not all you should consider when buying something. Can something else do it better? Can something else do it cheaper? The answer to both of these questions is yes.

So you probably know what this thing can do if you've read the description or the other reviews. It can do all the standard scientific calculator stuff, it can graph functions and with some extra programs it can graph curves that aren't necessarily functions. It can numerically approximate integrals, derivatives, roots, etc. You can create programs and it has financial applications, but I don't know anything about them. It's also portable, which is a nice benefit.

The cons are a lack of a CAS, so there's no algebraic integration, factoring, integrating, or solving differential equations to name a few. The resolution is low and there is no ability to do 3D graphs. But these cons aren't enough to warrant the low rating. The proliferation of laptops and FREE programs that perform all these functions and more is the reason.

Did you know there's a free graphing calculator with CAS called Geogebra that you can download? It will do almost any calculation the TI-whatever will, it will graph everything with higher resolution, it will numerically and algebraically (if possible) calculate derivatives and integrals, and you can create applets with it. In case it seems like I'm advertising Geogebra (which makes no sense because it's free), check out the new Wolfram Alpha site as well. Another free graphing calculator, among other things, with CAS, including matrix algebra and curve fitting. There are many more similar programs or sites available.

Of course, if portability is your main concern and you don't have a laptop, then a TI-84 is an option, but I can't think of any reason that a professional who needs a calculator would want this over what I just mentioned. In particular, I don't know of any mathematician, engineer, or physicist (I only know a few anyway) who actually uses a TI. If they need quick calculations done, they'll use a scientific calculator or for more advanced needs, something like Mathematica or Maple.

This leaves the students and parents who are told that this calculator is a must-have, that it will be used throughout their entire career as a student. I'm a high school math teacher. These are not necessary. A calculator may be necessary at times, but believe me, a scientific one will do just fine. Unfortunately, some AP tests deliberately put problems that require a numerical answer and can't be done by hand in any reasonable amount of time. If this applies to you, you may have to bite the bullet and get something like this. In the meantime, students and parents should be asking their schools why these outdated machines are used in place of better, cheaper options.

Summary for the lazy: If you would pay full price for a 10 year old TV instead of taking a free lower end 2009 HDTV, then buy this item.

Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator

Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator
  • Performs common math as well as various financial functions
  • Worksheet mode includes tables for amortization, bond, depreciation, and compound interest
  • Built-in memory for storage of previous worksheets
  • Can perform cash-flow analysis and advanced list-based statistics
  • Slide-case included to protect screen

The TI BA Plus II is a better calculator than most of the current TI models.

Pros:

It's a nice conservative brown color and not a day glo blue or some other candy color.

The button feel (button feel a critical factor in buying a calculator) is much better than most TIs but it still could be improved. (It is not as good as the HP 12c). One shouldn't have to keep looking at the display to see if the number was keyed correctly.

The different colored keys make it easy to find the various functions.

The display is uncluttered and easy to read.

The alpha characters on the left side of the display make it easy to know what data you are entering and what the resulting number from a calculation refers to.

It has a backspace key.

The manual is well written and very complete.

Cons:

The number of key strokes that you need to do the simplest things is unbelievable. For example, to change the decimal format you have to press 2nd, format, [the number referring to the number of places], enter, 2nd, quit. Compare this to the HP 12c where you just press F and the number referring to the number of places. Six steps on the TI verses 2 on the HP.

The calculator has no weight to it. It seems flimsy. I would be very afraid of dropping it. The HP 12c is a tank by comparison.

The hard plastic slip "case" doesn't fit securely.

There is no way to change the contrast of the display.

Extra steps are required to do TVM calculations as compared to the HP 12c since with the TI you have to press the CPT key to get an answer. If you forget to do that then the display number becomes a new, unintended variable.

It doesn't retain the display when you shut the calculator off.

The arrow on the backspace key points the wrong way. Compare it to the backspace key on your computer.

It's easier to change the battery in your watch than it is in this calculator.

The "cheat sheet" in the plastic cover is only paper and very easy to loose. The HP has it printed on the back of the calculator.

No rubber feet! How much can these cost? That means you have to use two hands with this calculator; one to hold it so it doesn't slide around the table and one to enter data. You can't enter data with one hand and keep track of your place on a list of numbers with the other.

Not noticeably faster than the HP 12c which was designed over 20 years ago.

Conclusion: This calculator is better than most on the TIs in this price range mostly because of the improved button feel and the quality of the display but it would do well to take some lessons from the 80's and incorporate some of the features of the HP 12c. It's the little things that make a good calculator a great calculator. A calculator should be like an extension of you and not something that you have to constantly think about in addition to the business/math problems that you are working on. My first choice for a business calculator is the HP 12c but, if you are short on money, this is a good second choice.

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I have used (and own) many of the available financial calculators on the market. I "recommend" the HP-10B to my university finance students, both graduate and undergraduate.

The HP 10B is a directly positioned competitor to the TI-BA-II+, but HP's entry is superior. The keys feel more solid, the machine itself "seems" better made. Having worn out more than one of each, my experience has been that the HP has more staying power. And, the TI-BA-II+ often requires more keystrokes to accomplish the same tasks (i.e., NPV calculations). Oddly enough, when there is a difference in price, the HP often sells for around $1 less; though I would gladly pay more.

The Like the HP 10B, the TI-BA-II+ has a well written manual, including examples on using the functions. TI has the manual available on-line on their website for the inevitable time that the user needs it and has lost the original.

While there are cheaper financial calculators, it seems that this particular level is the minimum I would recommend to professionals or students. Less expensive versions, while saving a few dollars, miss important features. As a general rule of thumb, if the calculator can perform the "IRR" function, as this one can, it will be able to handle pretty much any calculation into which the finance student, professonal, or banker will run. Lesser machines do not have this function. So, skip the cheaper TI, HP, or other financial calculators.

Ironically, even larger fancier calculators, such as the venerable HP-12C, are in my estimation inferior as well. The 12C uses RPN logic which, while saving even more keystrokes, is simply foreign to most students. More importantly, some functions, such as the Time Value of Money functions, on the 12C require interpretation. On the 12C, for example, solving for the number of periods in an annuity, the value gets rounded UP to the next integer. Not so in the TI-BA-II+ or HP 10B.

While I can recommend the TI-BA-II+, it is second only to the HP 10B as the best value in inexpensive financial calculators.

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Bought this calculator a few months ago and it has already paid for itself many times over. I also own the HP12C and the 19B for a number of years (as well as other TI calcs) but prefer the BA II for high pressure situations i.e. CFA exam and purchasing any item with financing.

Was recently at an auto dealership helping my girlfriend buy a car and saved lots of $ and frustration by having this little jewel along. The finance mgr started quoting some strange monthly pmts and I was able to sit him down with the BA II and show him that his numbers made no sense based on our agreed purchase price. After a few rounds of this he gave up the tricks and started dealing straight. Yes I could have probably done the same thing with the 12c but in a situation with real $ at stake I reverted to thinking in Algebraic io RPN: Its very easy to get confused with several salespeople pressuring you to sign on the dotted line.

While the 12C will always be a classic compared to the BA I appreciate the BAs straightforward design.

Cons: Construction is a little weak, reverts to 2 decimal places after power is turned off

Pros: Excellent manual, menus for cash flow calcs, no need to learn RPN, faster than 12c

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It's hard for me to give anything 5 stars, but for about $30 this calculator is such a great bargain. If it was more expensive, I would give it 4 stars. The other calculator I tried was the HP17BII+. My HP stopped working after 3 weeks. I will probably stick with the BAII+, but I did like the HP's ability to store functions.

Pros

Lots of built-in functions. Seems like as many or more built-in financial functions than the HP17BII+.

Better statistics functionality than the HP17BII+. Statistics is very important for business classes. The HP suprisingly lacks some basic functions, like population standard deviation.

Has some trig functions. It can actually be a decent scientific calculator. Overall it's more versatile than any of the HP business calculators.

Better build quality than the new HP's.

Can be used for many standardized tests. You will not be accused of storing functions because you can't.

Cons

In my opinion, not as user-friendly as the more menu-driven HP17BII+. The BAII+ usually requires more keystrokes and is not as intuitive. However, it's not so difficult that a good student can't learn it.

Cannot store functions. Of course, if it did it would cost more and could be banned from certain tests.

If you're one of the few out there that like RPN, it is not an option. The new HP's let you choose between Algebraic and RPN.

One thing that suprised me about the HP was how much their quality has gone down. They used to be the best built calculators. Now they are the worst. Look at the reviews of the new HP's. It's true! If HP doesn't get their act together, I think they will be out of the calculator market.

It would be nice if TI had a business calculator that could store user-defined functions like the HP17BII+ and have a more menu driven interface. The solver function would justify the price of the HP17BII+ if only the build quality was up to par. The quality of the newest BAII+ is not quite as good as the older ones, but it is much better than the quality of the new HP's.

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I have used the BA-II in my business for over a decade and it is a very good calculator for relatively simple financial applications. I have since purchased an HP-10B that has greater capabilities on more complex problems, but I find myself still using the BA-II for many simple ammortization and Time Value of Money calculations. It is a great calculator to "cut your teeth" on financial problems with. It has a well written manual and the calculator's logic is easy to pick up. Someday you may want greater capability multiple ledgers & etc. In that case you will need to "graduate" to the HP-10B. But in the mean time, if you are doing calculations where an average rate of return is adequate, the BA-II will not fail you. Like I said, I have both of these calculators in my office, but I still use the 'ol BA about half the time.

Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator

Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator(Packaging may vary)
  • NEW packing does not contain user guide and CD.
  • Graphing calculator handles calculus, engineering, trigonometric, and financial functions
  • Can display graphs and tables on split screen to trace graph while scrolling through table values
  • LCD screen features 64 x 96 pixel resolution for clear, readable display
  • Built-in memory for storage and analysis of up to 10 matrices
  • Backed by 1-year warranty

If you are a high school student, then this calculator is for you. It has everything you need, for algebra, precalculus, and calculus. The good thing about the 83+ is that it is upgradable, so the need for a new calculator doesn't arise, every few years. Purchasing a graph-link can add on a TREMENDOUS amount of programs to use for Physics, Geometry, and even 3D-Graphs, (previously only on the ti-89 and up). If you are in High School, do NOT get the ti-92 or ti-89, because they will probably be banned from standardized tests, and high math classes, so ask your math teacher, because they are too hard to use and understand. Also, these 2 calculators are aimed for more college-level students, so if you are in college, try the ti-89. But in every case, a ti-83+ is ideal!

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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.

Read Best Reviews of Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator Here

Why would I want a TI 83 you may ask? What about the 89? It's a higher model, and has more buttons! Yes, that's exactly it, it has more buttons, and way to many features you won't use. I have a Ti 83+ (More memory than the origional, but same everything else) and it is great! It has built in Financial Apps, which is a nice addition (and helpful!) compared to the 82 (which it is also compatible with!). But the 89? Even the 85? They take greater than calculus students to even need/use those functions, and they are a much harder to learn calculator. The Calculus teacher at our school says that the 83 will get you all through calculus and most likely beyond college. My calculator, which is really easy to learn, came in handy the first day in Geometry. We had to figure an area of a wierd shape and we only had the co-ordinates, i punched them in, and POW, found the area. If you do get this calculator, a TI-Graph Link is a must, this allows you to download software and updates from TIs website, some software could almost be considered cheating, while others can be games for fun. Unless you want to spend $200 for a TI-92+ (not even allowed by most teachers, it's so powerful), this is THE calculator for you!

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If you are thinking of using this calculator for Algebra, Geometry, basically any straight math, especially Calculus, DON'T. That is not to say it won't work, just that there are better things out there, namely the TI-89. The 89 is somewhat more expensive, but, in my opinion and experience, it is far superior for these applications. A few reasons: easier to get the results from previous entries, support for derivitives and integrals, and the higher resolution looks better and lets you put more on the screen at one time, as well as allowing more symbols. However, if you are planning on using the calculator for Statistics, get the 83, because, for some unknown reason, the TI engineers declined to put ANY suppport for stats on the 89, but the 83 is great at it. I have owned TI calculators for many years, and I have never experienced any quality or production problems with them and have never had any of them break except when treated REALLY badly, such as having very heavy, blunt objects dropped on the screen, and I do tend to use mine pretty hard.

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The Ti-83 is a technological marvel, it is the only electronic device that stays in its original price range no matter how old it gets. These specs aren't just out of date, they're so old that you would expect them to be preceded by the phrase "remember when...."

The Ti-83 Plus came out in 1999. Aside from an extremely small amount of extra flash memory, it's the same as the Ti-83 released in 1996. And the Ti-83 itself is really not much different than the Ti-82 which came out in 1993. But somehow after all this time the price hasn't moved. Seriously, look at the listed specs: 16KB of RAM and "Big 160KB archive space." Are they kidding? That's so out of date that I can't even remember the last time I saw kilobytes used as a unit of measurement.

And talk about an awful, extremely low resolution display. This is the same 96x64 monochrome display from the original Ti-81 released in 1990. Decent displays cost almost nothing now. And it would be helpful to have a basic color display so you could have different colored lines when you mapped more than one function at at the same time.

Where does TI even find suppliers that make components this out of date? Actually, maybe that's why this thing is so expensive. The components are so old that scarcity is a big problem.

How TI has been able to dominate this market by selling extremely overpriced and out of date technology is amazing. The only good thing: if someone is ever trying to convince you that monopolies are good things that will lead to better products, just hold up your TI graphing calculator and you've won the debate.