tag_1234's Full Review: Texas Instruments TI-86 Graphic Calculator
I was required to have a graphing calculator as early as 10th grade. When the old one was "lost" (which unfortunately is a nice way of putting stolen) I decided I might as well upgrade to an 86. It looked better on the package, had more memory than the old one, could do more advanced functions and only cost around 5 dollars more than the old one. Was it worth it?
Durability and Dependability
I've now had this calculator around three years. Its never had any problems, I've replaced the batteries twice since I bought it (this with some insanely long use) and dropped it a few more times than I'd care to admit. With reasonable use and care this might be passed down to later generations!
What does it do?
When one first opens up the calculator there is a maze of buttons, keys and little abbreviations that would make your head spin. Each of these little buttons preforms a task or opens another list of commands. Basic calculations (as well as all commands) can be done with ease and in great number. In general it takes a while to learn the 86 compared to the other fine TI products.
The number of actual commands is astounding, a good deal of them are still a mystery to me as well. The 200 page or so manual included with the calculator shows the details of their use. Basically everything you could want for algebra, geometry, trig, and precalc is right here. It will also continue to be useful even in other classes. The easy conversions are just wonderful for Physics and other science classes as well.
Then of course there's the graphing aspect of it. You can graph several different types of lines including two and three variable equations, even differentials. The graphing interface is pretty easy to use.
Programming
Basic functions require no free memory and variable saving takes almost nothing. That 225k (at least its around that) has to go for something right? The vast majority is for user made programs. It takes only a few minutes to learn how to make simple programs and the possibilities are almost endless. Programming is generally done in Basic but apparently other languages can be used. Games, solvers and a virtually endless array of programs can be made if you've got enough time to work on it. These can be given to anyone with a link (included in most cases) and TI-86. My major problem with the TI-86 is that it compiles after any program change. This makes troubleshooting time consuming especially in huge programs.
OK, what's the best course of action?
The TI-86 is a wonderful product. The problem is that it comes along with a few other wonderful TI products. For the more basic classes (such as a person starting High School) the 83 is perfect, much more intuitive than the 86 and able to do most of what the 86 can do. The 83 Plus even has a similar amount of memory to the 86. The on the other side is the posh 89. Graphical interface and tons of nice little extras. The prices for these vary a good deal with sales but the 83 is generally $60-75, the 83+ $70-90, the 86 $75-90, and the 89 $85-115. Why is all of this stuff TI? Well they're the standard in most classes. It is hard enough for a kid (or even adult) to go along with a class and the last thing they need is to translate things for their calculator.
Get the 82 if you just need something, plan on doing little to no programming and have very little cash.
Get the 83 if you're starting out and need basics or don't have as much to spend. Get the plus if you plan on doing a lot of programming as well.
Get the 86 if you're really into programming or are taking advanced classes and are on a budget. This was the hardest one to get accustomed to in my opinion.
Get the 89 if you've got the cash. This is really the advanced functions of the 86 and the easy interface of the 83. It has the look and feel of a palm pilot.
I'm not recommending this because of the narrow scope and the other, superior products. I'm getting along fine with mine and I just feel that the other options are better for a majority of people.
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