TI 83- Educational tool

Author's Rating:

Pros: Loads of features, full alphabetic keyboard, can run programs.

Cons: Needs 4 AAA batteries, but they last a very long time.

The Bottom Line: 
Definitely a good calculator. Expensive, but well worth it with varied tools, functions and uses. Highly recommended if the features would be helpful to you.

Author's Review
Product

The TI-83 plus is a graphing calculator made by Texas Instruments. Its price is under $100 and includes many features that are very useful to students.


Features

Just taking a look at the key layout of a TI-83 gives you an idea of how many features and functions it really does have. Besides the basic numerals and functions, the calculator has all the components of a scientific calculator with a catalog of functions. To maximize the efficiency of the keys, a '2nd' and an 'alpha' key are placed. Each button is color coded for each function. For example, the x^2 button inserts a square root sign if 2nd is pressed directly before or an 'I' if alpha is pressed. The calculator has a full set of alphabetic keys on it. To save time, there is an alpha lock function which allows you to type a long series of letters without continuously pressing the alpha key.

One of the main reasons to purchase a calculator of this type is for graphing. The 83 has 5 buttons directly underneath its lcd used for this. They are; 'Y=', 'Window', 'Zoom', 'Trace', and 'Graph.' Again, each key has an additional function if the '2nd' key is pressed.

The TI-83 can produce graphs to almost any scale and the type of line, shading or lackthereof and view can be changed to meet the situation. In higher level math courses these features are a necessity. Even in lower level math, they are still very useful since they allow you to check the display of equations.

Another additional feature that I can testify to say is a very popular one amoung fellow students, is the ability to write, edit and execute programs. These programs can range from a vector calculator used for Physics, to the very popular and classic Tetris.

Personally, the features I use most are the science tools and games. Also, you can use the editing tool for a program as a blank template to write on. For example, someone could write their homework in a program. This allows the calculator to function as an organizer as well. Since you can write any program you want the possibilities are great.

The 83 runs on 4 AAA batteries. It would have been nice for there to be a solar power option, this would not be practical since the calculator uses a lot of power. Even still, the batteries last a long time.






Pros

-Very useful for students.
-Can execute programs for many different situations.
-Good graphing cababilities.
-clear, adjustable lcd screen.
-Many buttons and a catalog of functions.
-Can be used as an organizer.

Cons

-Uses AAA batteries.
-It is pricey.
-Pretty bulky.

Durability

The unit is very durable. It comes with a sliding case to protect the keys and lcd. Very sturdy design.


Value

The biggest complaint is probably simply the price. While it is not overpriced, it is still expensive.

Ratings

Features-{10}-Many, many features. Graphing, programs and a plethora of functions.

Value-{7}-This calculator is worth it, but pretty expensive.

Durability-{8}-No complaints with the build of the calculator except for the rubber feet. Sometimes they have a tendency to wear away or come off.

Satisfaction-{10}-Well worth the price. Not cheap, but is a very necessary educational tool as well as a game and programming platform.

Ease of Use-{5}-This is definitely the lowest score. The calculator's more advanced functions are definitely not intuitive. They are explained in the manual, but the learning curve is still high.


Conclusion:

A good calculator and very helpful for school. If you are a student or the parent of a high school student this line of calculators is highly recommended. In my experience with it, the TI-83 has been very useful in many classes, and obviously science and math classes. The vector calculator, one example of the calculator's possible programs, has been extremely helpful in the study of forces in physics.