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Calculator Community => Other Calculators => Topic started by: Sorunome on January 10, 2013, 06:09:30 pm

Title: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 10, 2013, 06:09:30 pm
Hey, I only have a TI 84+ (non-SE), and I am taking AP Calculus.
I have noticed already when using the calculator in class that I can't do everything because the TI-89 titanium (which everybody else has) has better software.
My teacher also recommends to get a TI-89, and I'm wondering, should I get a new calculator for the AP test I'll be taking (AP Calculus AB and BC), and if yes, should it be a 89? Or is a nspire cx the better choise then?
Please help me :D
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Link on January 10, 2013, 06:12:24 pm
What do you have trouble with? It can probably be done on the 84+ On top of that, I suggest the Nspire, it would probably be a better choice.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 10, 2013, 06:15:29 pm
I have trouble with a lot of stuff, like derivative function (of cource by hand is possible but sometimes you just wanne use a calc), solving indefenite integral (again, same as derivative), factor, expand, sec, csc, cot (it sucks always doing 7/sin etc and i'm not using symbolic anymore as it doesn't play so nice with graph3), then also these functions (I forgot the name) where you draw the real funciton out of the derivatives (graph3 doesn't has so many options on it as the 89) and I bet there is more.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Link on January 10, 2013, 06:17:00 pm
Oh then, I suggest getting the ti89, sounds better for you.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: epic7 on January 10, 2013, 06:29:14 pm
I'm biased toward the nspire.
Get an nspire :P
Title: Re: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: TheNlightenedOne on January 10, 2013, 06:33:34 pm
I prefer the Nspire as well. Its an all-around great calc, at least with Ndless.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 10, 2013, 06:34:15 pm
Does the OS itself of the nspire have /all/ the maths features the 89 has?

EDIT: I just saw here a list of calculatores allowed in the policy for the ap test (BC) http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/calculus_bc/calc.html
And it says that the ti-84 has everything they recommend on software stuff, but I've been missing these other features mentioned above in class so i'm wondering now if i need a new calc at all..... D:
Title: Re: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: TheNlightenedOne on January 10, 2013, 06:46:22 pm
The CAS Nspires have all of the 89's math functions, AFAIK.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Spyro543 on January 10, 2013, 07:07:35 pm
If your teacher and peers use the 89, i would recommend you getting it too, for simplicity.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: _Nicco_ on January 10, 2013, 07:29:52 pm
I recommend the Nspire CX CAS.  I have it and I love it.  You might have a bit of trouble learning to use all of its features but once you have it down it will end but being a better calculator I think.

With the TI-Nspire you are also able to program in Lua if you didn't know.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: ruler501 on January 10, 2013, 08:16:16 pm
It may be useful to have it, but I would avise a CX CAS if it's allowed on the test if you choose to get one. I personally use my prizm in class. It does everything I need it to do. You can do numerical integration and I know symbolic well enough to do it quick on my own.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 10, 2013, 08:18:08 pm
If your teacher and peers use the 89, i would recommend you getting it too, for simplicity.
My teacher calls himself a hypocrite for not having one himself but telling everybody to get one, lol, and he explains for the 89.
With the TI-Nspire you are also able to program in Lua if you didn't know.
I know already lua for the pc, lol

And the question was only if to buy one AT ALL, as the I noticed also that the 84 fulfills the ap requirements.

EDIT:
It may be useful to have it, but I would avise a CX CAS if it's allowed on the test if you choose to get one. I personally use my prizm in class. It does everything I need it to do. You can do numerical integration and I know symbolic well enough to do it quick on my own.
The CX CAS is allowed.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: _Nicco_ on January 10, 2013, 08:22:26 pm
I would get one.  Although you can do many things by hand, the AP test is timed and a calculator with a CAS will save you time.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 10, 2013, 08:23:31 pm
Maybe I could get my parents into paying a part of it :D
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: fb39ca4 on January 10, 2013, 08:51:44 pm
Get an Nspire Clickpad (blue one) used, you can use it on any test you can use an 84 on, and you can also install the CAS OS using Nleash when you aren't taking a test so you have that.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 10, 2013, 08:53:18 pm
On the website linked it tells me that i'm allowed to use up to two calcs on the test >.>
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Lionel Debroux on January 11, 2013, 02:16:08 am
Indeed, find yourself a used TI-68k or early (Clickpad/Touchpad) Nspire, at $70 or less :)
Nspires are less programmable (some math programs haven't been converted to the Nspire, and assembly math programs are not usable but there are relatively few of them), the OS has slowed down so it's not as fast as the difference in raw CPU power between the Nspire and the TI-68k series could make us hope for, and I hate both Nspire keyboard types (even though I have long, thin fingers !) - but clearly, Nspires have more storage space.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: aeTIos on January 11, 2013, 04:55:43 am
I'd recommend getting an CX CAS if it's allowed.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Link on January 11, 2013, 06:14:50 am
Get both of them if you're allowed two :D You can never have too many calcs.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 11, 2013, 06:38:09 pm
Get both of them if you're allowed two :D You can never have too many calcs.
i don't have unlimited money.
And yes, the CX CAS seems to be allowed, and yes, you would be allowed to use both on the test, but there's also money....
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: jessedog3 on January 11, 2013, 06:53:37 pm
I passed the BC part last year (with a 5) using a CX CAS. The people that had 89's did fine too, but the people with 83/84's were definitely envious...
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: ruler501 on January 11, 2013, 08:10:26 pm
If you get the stuff an 83/84 should be fine. Most of the hard problems will not be calc anyways.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: TIfanx1999 on January 11, 2013, 08:10:44 pm
I can't imagine using two calcs at the same time during a test... one should be fine. As to whether or not you should get one with a CAS, I don't know.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Lionel Debroux on January 12, 2013, 02:47:43 am
For limited money, the CX CAS is obviously not a good choice, but used TI-68k (<$40 for 89, somewhat more for 89T) and Clickpad/Touchpad CAS Nspires would be.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Ranman on January 12, 2013, 02:54:42 am
The TI-89 is a great choice. I prefer the earlier models over the Titanic -- errr I mean Titanium.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Lionel Debroux on January 12, 2013, 03:02:02 am
The Titanic broke just about every program when it came out, but when HW3Patch or equivalent (tiosmod+amspatch) are applied / the Protection is disabled, the 89T is not so different from earlier models, and its built-in USB controller makes the overly expensive SilverLink optional. It may not matter to Sorunome, though, if he already has a SilverLink :)
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Stefan Bauwens on January 12, 2013, 04:23:33 am
I personally have two TI-89's(non titanium). They're both wonderful!
I still now and then try people who want to buy a new calculator to get this one, although I must admit, that the 89 community has kinda died, an d it doesn't really look like anything is going to boost is right-away up.

I don't think it is necessary to go and buy a CX CAS rightawy for what you have to do, but I can understand that it would also be a nice calc to have. But in my opinion, the TI-89 is for sure also a must in a collection.
I had luck and bough both my 89's second hand(the one was bytheway still looking brand new) for less than 30 euro's each(shipping included).
I can't say for you, but it may be a lot easier to find a cheap 89 hanging around than to find a nspire cas.
Also, I have to say it, I know the nspire's now have lua, but the TI-89 has a good TI-basic language as well, which ought to count for something.
I once wrote this short article, you might want to read it: http://www.omnimaga.org/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=92

Hope you're happy with your decision , whatever it may be. :D
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 12, 2013, 05:39:20 pm
Mhmm, the last few posts suddenly changed my mind more to a 89, lol
And no, I don' have a silverlink.
EDIT: I got now a TI 89 for $52 including shipping :D
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Lionel Debroux on January 13, 2013, 02:42:01 am
$52 with shipping and SilverLink, I hope ? Without SilverLink, it's a bit much.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 13, 2013, 02:42:58 am
Without silverlink, but IMO it is cheap, i looked around how much the others are.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Lionel Debroux on January 13, 2013, 02:46:30 am
How much were the 89T calcs ?
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 13, 2013, 02:47:14 am
50+ without shipping, and bidding, so probably even more.
EDIT: Oh, the titanium, 70+ IIRC
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: DJ Omnimaga on January 13, 2013, 02:55:17 am
I can't imagine using two calcs at the same time during a test... one should be fine. As to whether or not you should get one with a CAS, I don't know.
It would be funny if at a math test, a student had about 20 TI calcs on his school desktop. ;D

Also over Canada, most calcs found on EBay are sold from American sellers and they usually range from $0.01 to $35, but shipping ranges from $40-60 and takes 3-4 weeks.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 13, 2013, 02:56:31 am
O.O You would take up all the time choosing which one to use them and there was no time left to actually solve the problems XD
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Stefan Bauwens on January 13, 2013, 07:28:08 am
Congratualtions with your choice! :D
I hope you enjoy it, like I have. It's actually my favourite calc btw.


Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: TIfanx1999 on January 13, 2013, 07:55:10 am
Mhmm, the last few posts suddenly changed my mind more to a 89, lol
And no, I don' have a silverlink.
EDIT: I got now a TI 89 for $52 including shipping :D
Very nice Sorunome! ^^ It's probably the better decision since that is what your class recommends anyways. :)
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 13, 2013, 03:11:34 pm
Even thought most overs have the titanium, my math teacher hates the titanium edition anyways, lol
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Lionel Debroux on January 13, 2013, 03:19:32 pm
Thanks to its USB port, the 89T is clearly better than the other TI-68k models.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 13, 2013, 03:22:35 pm
Well, my parents just told me that they would buy for the calc, so I got a 89 for $0 :P/me runs
Title: Re: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: DJ Omnimaga on January 14, 2013, 03:54:30 am
Now we can poke sorunome every 2 day for progress on Reuben Quest 68K :trollface:
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Stefan Bauwens on January 14, 2013, 04:02:24 am
Thanks to its USB port, the 89T is clearly better than the other TI-68k models.
I would still like one like that, but I haven't seena great deal yet.
And usb is lovely. Only last year I bough a TI-83+SE with a silverlink, which made my life a lot better. Before that I only had serial, and most of the computers here didn't support that. The only problem is that TI-Connect doesn't work well on mac os x for some reason, which requires me always to use another OS. But perhaps I should poke Jim to install TILP on it.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Ranman on January 14, 2013, 04:04:20 am
Woo hoo.

Great choice. You will not be disappointed!  ;)
Title: Re: Re: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: TheNlightenedOne on January 14, 2013, 07:27:57 am
It would be funny if at a math test, a student had about 20 TI calcs on his school desktop. ;D
I routinely have 3 graphing calcs on my desk at school.
Anyway, nice choice! Hope you like your free-ish calc
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Adriweb on January 14, 2013, 07:37:39 am
The only problem is that TI-Connect doesn't work well on mac os x for some reason, which requires me always to use another OS. But perhaps I should poke Jim to install TILP on it.
Yeah it's annoying. However an updated version will come soon (with the release of the whole 84C things and all)
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: DJ Omnimaga on January 14, 2013, 02:36:57 pm
Will the new version only be for the 84PCSE? What would be nice is if they increased compatibility with the older calcs now that TI-Graph Link is no longer hosted on their server (notice how the TI-Planet links are no longer working).
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: Sorunome on January 14, 2013, 07:09:35 pm
Now we can poke sorunome every 2 day for progress on Reuben Quest 68K :trollface:
I already thought about a webbrowser port as I program a lot more for the browser than for the calc :P
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: blue_bear_94 on January 14, 2013, 07:56:49 pm
You should ask Kerm about how he did that for the z80, then.
Title: Re: Should I buy a new calc?
Post by: DJ Omnimaga on January 14, 2013, 07:57:21 pm
Now we can poke sorunome every 2 day for progress on Reuben Quest 68K :trollface:
I already thought about a webbrowser port as I program a lot more for the browser than for the calc :P
Maybe but I hope you don't quit making Reuben Axe lol