Graphing calculators?

[elgerber]

Does anyone know anything about graphing calculators? At open house last night, my 7th grade ds's math teacher (it's 9th grade algebra) said graphing calculators are highly recommended for his class. I figure he'll need one sooner or later anyway. But, I know nothing about them. How do I know which one to buy or which is a good one? Texas instruments seems to make several price levels of them. Can anyone point me to a good one??????

Thanks!

 

[Twinkles6892]

I have a TI-83 Plus. But I'd go with the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, because it has more on it, plus it has games!

The TI-89 is the best, but it's not allowed on standardized tests because you can do everything and anything with it.

 

[elgerber]

I have a TI-83 Plus. But I'd go with the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, because it has more on it, plus it has games!

The TI-89 is the best, but it's not allowed on standardized tests because you can do everything and anything with it.

Games, LOL, just what he needs! That one I noticed comes in fun colors.

 

[Galahad]

DS is in Algebra II and will do the AP Calc class. They were required to buy at least the TI-83 but the TI-84 was recommended. We got him the 84. They are both allowed on for use on the SAT II and the AP test I believe.

 

[Twinkles6892]

Games, LOL, just what he needs! That one I noticed comes in fun colors.

I think that they both come in fun colors, but I just got a black one and put stickers all over the front. Which might not seem practical, but I know it's mine! (Especially when almost everyone has one like mine!)

lol, games are handier than they sound. Especially on tests when you finish early!

 

[alliecats]

Another vote for the TI-83. I bought it in 2000 and it is still going strong. Not to mention that TI has OUTSTANDING customer service, really above and beyond. When I got stuck, I would email them my Precal problems and ask them how to plug them into the calculator. And they would answer within 12 or so hours, and tell me exactly what keystrokes to use, and everything. This was lazy of me as it came with a thorough instruction booklet, but I didn't have time to go through it so it was great that they were so accommodating and so gracious. I needed all the help I could get with calculus!

 

[chrissyk]

You can get TI-81's and 83's pretty reasonably on Ebay. They are just fine for Jr. High/High School math. As an engineer, I always found my TI-86 did the job just fine. I never upgraded to the 89...can't justify the cost over my existing 86.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Jsut a recommendation - ETCH his name into the back of the actual calculator, not just the cover. That way it can be proven to be his if his is stolen. Anyone can throw away the cover to it if that is marked.

Kimya

 

[lap3]

I've used an HP 48GX throughout college and works well for me but this may be overkill for him. Plus, to use it, you have to get used to RPN. Anyways, the Texas Instruments calculators are fine. Check your local Target for them. On another discussion board, someone found them at 75% off and got it for $37.00. However, this is a huge YMMV. Good luck!

 

[elgerber]

Jsut a recommendation - ETCH his name into the back of the actual calculator, not just the cover. That way it can be proven to be his if his is stolen. Anyone can throw away the cover to it if that is marked.

Kimya

Good advice, I had thought about doing something like that, since they are so pricey!

Thanks!

 

[GoodFairies]

I have a TI-81 from my early high school days (early 90s) that still works like a champ. I use it every week. My dad wrote my name in black sharpie on the back and it has never worn off.

 

[elgerber]

So from everyones answers, it is probably best to stick with a TI rather than a cheaper Casio or other brand?

 

[Twinkles6892]

So from everyones answers, it is probably best to stick with a TI rather than a cheaper Casio or other brand?

 

[ChristmasElf]

Yes. Stick with the TI brand. And expect to pay $84.88 if you buy it at a Target. (just bought one a few days ago)

 

[4greatboys]

But I'd go with the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, because it has more on it, plus it has games!

just got that one for my oldest. $140

 

[The Mystery Machine]

The TI-84 Plus Silver is on sale at Target now this week for $114.00, I do believe. Of course I don't know if that is everywhere.
I got it for $116.00.

They are approved for the SAT & PSAT tests.

 

[elgerber]

Thanks so much everyone for your help!! Ds is all over the "I told you so" bandwagon right now. When we were supply shopping he saw one, and wanted it, so he told me he was sure he needed one for school. Poor kid got whiplash spinning his head around to smirk at me during open house last night when his teacher recommended one LOL.

 

[Lars624]

I have a TI-83 Plus. But I'd go with the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, because it has more on it, plus it has games!

The TI-89 is the best, but it's not allowed on standardized tests because you can do everything and anything with it.

My DD has the TI-83 & we just got the TI-84 Plus Siler Edition lsat night for DS....Target had it for 116.00

 

[goofyforlife]

Ebay has some really great deal on these type of calculators....people are selling them for a little over half of what they are in the store.

We dodged a bullet in that my DD thought she needed it this year but doesn't need it until next year....

 

[sharbear]

My kids have TI-86's. I am sure that they will serve them well through college.

Just one comment about the ti-89, the package on the 89's says that they can be used on AP and SAT test's.

I thought that my DS need an 89 for AP Calc. but the teacher said to buy the 89 if you need a new calculator, that your old calculator would be fine. I was glad not to spend $150 on a calculator!

My DH is a HP man. He bought his HP in 1976, it still works! He finally bought a new calculator 3 years ago, it doesn't have as many funtions as my kids. If he needs to graph anything at this point, it is always done on the computer.