| Model | Pros | Cons |
| TI-82
|
- Cheaper
- Fewer Key Presses
|
- Fewer Stat Functions
- No Downloadable Apps
|
| TI-83 Plus
|
- Fewer Key Presses
- Complete Stat Dist/Functions
- Handy Complex number Notation
- Downloadable Apps
- Reasonable Price
|
- Slower than Silver Ed
- Less Memory
|
| TI-83 Silver Ed
|
- Fewer Key Presses
- Complete Stat Dist/Functions Built in
- 2.5 times quicker than ANY other calc
- More Memory for Apps
|
- Expensive
- No Algebraic Manipulations
|
TI-84/84 Silver Ed |
See TI-83..This new version of the 83 has more memory, speed, and a USB Connection |
More expensive |
| TI-89
|
- Flexible Memory for more Apps/Programs
- Algebraic Manipulation
- Indefinite Integral/anti-derivatives
- Automatic simplification of irrationals and ratios
|
- Even More Expensive than the quicker TI-83 Silver Ed
- Many keys to type to get to answer
- Not permitted on the ACT
- Must download Apps for complete Stat Functions
- Unstable OS for Assembly programs (Often clears out everything!)
|
| TI-89 Titanium Ed |
See TI-89..This new version of the 83 has more memory, speed, and a USB Connection. It is icon driven. |
More expensive and requires you to learn the loaction of the proper menu for a desired stat function |
| HP 48GX
|
- RPL (fewer keys to press for answer)
- Real time Clock
- Standard RS-232 I/O
- Infared I/O
- Sound
- Expandible Memory
|
- RPN (big learning curve)
- Slower processor
- Expensive
- Fewer students have this (so less help from peers)
|
The best value is to buy a calc from someone upgrading.
The next best value is to by a color Casio, but few people on campus have one, so you have to figure it out on your own. If you want the ability to ask fellow students how your calculator works, or for cool programs, you are better off with the TI, as it is more common around St. Francis.