Pros: Powerful programming capabilities, logical control setup, very capable, popular in schools
Cons: Recently eclipsed by TI-83 Plus, not suited for more advanced classes
The Bottom Line: The premier example of why I've used nothing but TI for the last 10 years. And because they send me cherry smoothies every couple weeks.
KnightRT's Full Review: Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphic Calculator
Four years have passed since I first purchased my TI-83, and I continue to use it today. The TI-86 I bought to replace it a year back now collects dust, a testament to the TI-83's capabilities.
Overview
The TI-83 has been the popular choice by high school teachers for quite some time now. The TI-89 and TI-86 are based respectively on the TI-92 and TI-85, both of which were introduced prior to 1994. Although it bears the lowest series number, the TI-83 is actually a derivative of the TI-82, TI's most recently designed calculator. It benefits from a more user-friendly interface and a number of usability enhancements. Once you've determined what the function abbreviations mean and where to place your thumbs, TI's layout becomes a logical extension of you.
Directly below the 64x96 pixel screen is a row of 5 keys and secondaries that control graphing functions. The 3-row section following holds a multitude of other functions that further differentiate the TI-83 from scientific calculators. Included are extensive list, matrix, and programming capabilities, coupled with a statistics set that I have yet to use.
For more specifications and a more in-depth overview:
http://education.ti.com/product/tech/83/features/features.html
Graphing
The TI-83 supports 10 regular, parametric, polar, or sequential equations at once, with a number of different graphing styles. Two forms of split screen complement the package, and a table is available for exact data values. The TI-83 can graph up to 6 statistical plots, again with a multitude of styles, from data inputted into any number of lists.
Most equations and plots can be graphed in less than 10 seconds. The 6 MHz Z80 chip powering the TI-83 makes quick work of all but the most complex equations, along with the associated calculation set that is a secondary to 'Trace'.
Programming
Programmability is a strong suite of this particular calculator. The TI-83 supports TI-BASIC and Z80 Assembly (ASM), but only BASIC is supported on the calculator.
TI-BASIC is similar to DOS BASIC, but not quite a firm fit. There are a number of ways to input and output data, 27 variables (not including list entries) to play with, at least four ways to craft a repeat, and nearly unlimited display options.
The TI-83 has 27 KB of user memory that you can use to store variables, lists, programs, matrices, pictures, strings, and graphing databases. I spent a good deal of time in my HS math classes creating a calculator game that would eventually consume 1/3 of my available memory.
The lone aspect improved upon with the TI-83+ was memory support. The TI-83 has more than 100 KB of flash memory for archival purposes to complement the same amount of user memory as the original TI-83. Unless you have a significant number of large user-created programs/games, you won't use any more than a bare minimum of memory. My game had over 2000 lines of code, but I never came close to exhausting the remaining storage.
Assembly is an extremely low-level language that allows one to take full advantage of the calculator at a hardware level. ASM is not a built-in TI-83 language, but there are a plethora of aftermarket ASM utilities and games available at www.ticalc.org. Note that assembly programs can hard lock the TI-83; basic programs cannot.
Programs
Everything. Factors, derivatives, 3D & conic graphing, car payments, integrals, polynomials, statistics, if you need it, it's been done. Application suites covering algebra to calculus and beyond are available.
Perhaps even more impressive is the array of assembly games, some Gameboy clones, at the TI-83's disposal. Mario, Zelda, Tetris, Duckhunt, Tron, Chess, Nibbles, Minesweeper, Solitaire, and even Final Fantasy have been created for the platform. Math suddenly becomes a sideshow to he who attempts to beat Frogger's 5th level.
General Experience
There is very little this calculator does not do well. I've been able to find every function I've ever needed on the TI-83 from middle school to my second year of college. The programming capabilities have amused me through innumerable math classes, and I no longer look at the buttons when inputting data.
Conclusion?
If you buy one calculator for a young student, the TI-83/83+ should be it.
Next time I write a review for a calculator it'll be laced with random quotes from George Carlin. This is almost as painful to read as it was to find things to write about.
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