Just Got a Ti-84 Plus "Silver Edition"

[CubaTBird]

What are good games for this thing, lol, its still summer so no school yet... :D
I also noticed the software that interfaces with it is beta under os x, can it be trusted? Or is it hella buggy, im gettin the feeling it is even thought I havn't tried it. :confused:

[bigsteve3]

Don't know if you're already familiar with the TI calculators, or if this is your first one.

I have a TI-89, and I've had no problems using the OS X Ti Connect software.

Regarding games, I've gone to www.ticalc.org in the past, and then click on archives at the top. They have stuff for pretty much every Ti calculator. You will want to download games that are written in assembly language (abbreviated "asm"). Those will be faster than games written using the TI programming software. Hopefully that's enough to get you started. I remembering having fun with friends in high school during class playing two player Tetris via the link cable. But I'm sure you'd never consider doing that... :)

-S

[musicpyrite]

Yup, I have a Ti-83 Silver and a Ti-86, and I would say you could trust the software.

This is an excellent site for download Ti calculator games.

http://www.ticalc.org/

And it's also how I learned BASIC.

[Littleodie914]

I also just purchased a new 84+ SE, upgrading from a 83+ SE, which I have used for 2 years. I attend (for half the day) a Math/Science Center, in which the 83+ is required by all students. Considering everyone has one, we all share/discuss software among friends, and I have a few recommendations for you. First of all, make sure that when looking for games, look in the 83+ section. (The 84+ section is quite empty, and all 83 stuff works on the 84) I'd highly recommend MirageOS. It's an app that shows you all the games you have on your calculator. Then, download and install Phoenix 3.1. It was just recently revamped, and is, in my opinion, the best game you can get for your calc. Here're the links I've come up with:
(P.S. Both MirageOS games AND Ion games will show up in Mirage OS)

Mirage OS: http://www.ticalc.org/pub/83plus/flash/shells/mirageos.zip
Phoenix: http://www.ticalc.org/pub/83plus/asm/games/ion/phoenix83p.zip
Other Ion Games: http://www.ticalc.org/pub/83plus/asm/games/ion/
Other MirageOS Games: http://www.ticalc.org/pub/83plus/asm/games/mirageos/

Good luck, and have fun!

[janey]

sweetness!
how do you like the ti-84? im thinking about getting one for school..

[King Cobra]

Get that (if you want)... but seriously consider a TI-89. (Oh, no, here I go again...) "Everyone" keeps talking about it, since [1] it can do far more than the TI-83 Plus, [2] it solves many equations in 1-20 seconds, whereas you can't solve the same equation on a TI-83, requiring more manual labor, [3] it can be used for Algebra 1, to advanced calculus, to some differential equations, and even linear regression, and [4] it lasts a very long time, much longer than those f***ing CASIO crappers. Seriously, almost anyone here that has had experience with more than one TI-## (## goes from 80 to 92 Plus), such as myself, would rather be better off with the TI-89 than any other TI-##, because it can do so much more and quicker than other calcs.

End TI-89 bragging. :D

[Littleodie914]

Yea, if you're out of school (high school, i mean) and in college, the TI-89 is the calculator for you. (Didn't they just release a new one too? Like the TI-89 Titanium or something?) The thing is though, I don't believe the TI-89 is allowed on some of the tests you take throughout high school. (ACT/PSAT/SAT) If you're in college and need a big, beefy calculator for very advanced math classes, definitely grab the TI-89. For everyone else, there's the 84. ;) (That was a Mastercard reference for those who didn't catch it.)

[nizz]

i just got the ti-89 titanium and it is the best calculator i've ever used. it might be a bit overkill for high school though.

im sure the 84+ will be fine if you're in high school. try not to plan so far into the future though. if you dont need the 89t for another 4 years or so, dont get it. my ti 83 and 86 both died in less then 3 years.

ps : dont forget to download tetris!

[King Cobra]

I don't believe the TI-89 is allowed on some of the tests you take throughout high school
Luckily I never had to encounter that hardship and still haven't going into my second year of college shortly. Though some places actually BAN the TI-89 on some AP/SATs, because it's such a powerful calculator. Check with your test coordinators and teachers first to confirm that you can use it.

Edit: Correction... during my last year of H.S., I was involved in something called the Math Team, and on many Away meetings, TI-89s were not allowed, but TI-83 Pluses were.

[janey]

yeah i know about the ti-89...the thing is i havent been able to use mine for my last math class at school (algebra 2 :rolleyes:) so i sold it, but next year is ap calc and i can use the ti-89 but seeing as how i dont have that anymore and my ti-86 is starting to get screwy with me (its around 5 years old now lol, think i got it for a math class before junior high) its about time i got a new calculator..
yeah ive seen the new titanium one. i'm still not sure about which one to get though lol.

and all of the TI's up to 89 can be used on the SAT and APs and stuff; its the most powerful calculator allowed. The 92 Plus cant be used, what a shame ;) :p

edit: Urrrr they should allow you to use the 89 Titanium and the 89 in general. It meets the requirements for the college board, if the proctor doesnt allow you to take it, thats _really_ messed up...you should contact the supervisor if the proctor doesnt allow you to use a calculator that is entirely permissible.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/testday/calc.html

[King Cobra]

Click on each of the calculators below for more information.

I didn't use the Amazon.com version of the TI-89 (regular) pic, because it sucked. The real TI-89 reg. looks black.

http://rsc.hyperlinx.cz/ti/ti-89.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00000JF55/qid=1092353578/sr=8-2/ref=pd_ka_2/104-7512018-8971949?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846) http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0001EMLZ2.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001EMLZ2/qid=1092353578/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/104-7512018-8971949?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846)

[mactastic]

Ahh, I'm an HP guy when it comes to calculators. I still have my 11c from the late 80's when I was in HS, now I use the 48g I bought for college. Reverse Polish notation rules! :D

[Capt Underpants]

What are the differences between the Ti-83 Plus SE and the Ti 84 Plus SE?
I have the former, and don't really see a reason to upgrade now (only being a sophomore in high school).

[CubaTBird]

it seems people here really know their calcs! heh, well yeah, i got the 84 plus silver edition for 99.99 (ripped off? good price?) at sams b/c i need it for pre-cal this coming sep. I am going to be a senior in high school. :D

[iLikeMyiMac]

I have the Ti-83+ and love it. I used to play a lot of games on it but they drain the battery a lot so I stopped. Also, its really simple to write your own programs for it which is useful when you have to do a lot of repetive problems out of a text book. All you have to do is plug in a,b,and c and you get the answer. Though this method is not as useful when you have to show your work but you can always view the code of the program if you forget the formula.

[saabmp3]

Use an 83 (or 83+) for HS and then the moment you start college, get an 89. It will SAVE YOUR BUT when you go out and party too much before a calc test. Any college worth it's butt will let you use it, (basically, after the ACT and SAT's your fine).

BEN

[janey]

Use an 83 (or 83+) for HS and then the moment you start college, get an 89. It will SAVE YOUR BUT when you go out and party too much before a calc test. Any college worth it's butt will let you use it, (basically, after the ACT and SAT's your fine).

BEN
i dunno...a lot of people in ap calc seem to have 89s and everything but 83s...maybe because its pretty powerful and sweet :)
anyway, i need a new calculator and the price difference between the 84 and the 89 ti isnt too bad, i might as well just get the 89 ti.
and you can use the 89 on the SAT...not sure about the ACTs though, but not planning on taking it..

[Littleodie914]

What are the differences between the Ti-83 Plus SE and the Ti 84 Plus SE?
I have the former, and don't really see a reason to upgrade now (only being a sophomore in high school). The differences are... More memory, a slighly better looking screen, a built in clock (woo hoo!), and a new design. I'm not really sure what else there is... (Besides a USB port, but I don't see why they added that...) :D

[Littleodie914]

it seems people here really know their calcs! heh, well yeah, i got the 84 plus silver edition for 99.99 (ripped off? good price?) at sams b/c i need it for pre-cal this coming sep. I am going to be a senior in high school. :DGeez, that's a really good deal... My friend and I each purchased one, he got his for $130, and I got mine on sale at Target for $115. I might have to start shopping at Sam's Club! ;)

[kgarner]

Ahh, I'm an HP guy when it comes to calculators. I still have my 11c from the late 80's when I was in HS, now I use the 48g I bought for college. Reverse Polish notation rules! :D
Agreed, I can't even use another calculator hardly. I keep going 2...where's the enter key. :D

[krimson]

damn, i feel so lowly with my ti-85

[keysersoze]

damn, i feel so lowly with my ti-85

TI-82 Baby, TI-82

:D

[krimson]

heh, i dont feel so lowly anymore.. but it's nice to have company down here. :D

[gwuMACaddict]

what i dont understand is... any math teacher worth their salt is going to not allow you to use calculators on exams...

SO WHY BUY THEM!?

i don't recall using a calculator through the last 2 years of high school, or all through college, or in any of my graduate classes. not for exams anyway. and if you work through equations on paper- better for understanding them anyway- you can use a 2 cent calculator from the drug store...

[/rant]

[CubaTBird]

in my high school, we have been able to use calcs in all my math classes on tests and even on final exams.... Im surpised you havn't been.. Where you from? :confused:

[SilentPanda]

*sniffle* I remember my TI-92 like it was... wow... 6 years ago. I've since sold it... but I have one game listed on ticalc.org... 2659 people have downloaded... poor souls... now that I think about it... that's the only game I've ever published on the internet... neat.

[King Cobra]

what i dont understand is... any math teacher worth their salt is going to not allow you to use calculators on exams...

SO WHY BUY THEM!?
When you have to solve something you know damn well how to do in your sleep, but would take a while to do by hand, then you should use a calculator and not waste your energy doing it by hand. I, personally, try to do every math homework assignment without a calculator, even if it becomes tedious, because I'm still learning the process involved with each assignment. I only use them if it'll save be a lot of work by hand that I know how to do... so when you take Pre-calculus and upper level calculus courses, you damn well better know how to use your brain and your calculator, not just either or.

Yes, I know, some would argue that people rely too much on calculators. Well, I don't rely too much... because I know how to do things like long division, 2x2 multiplication, 3x3 multiplication, 3x2, most any integral you throw at me, all derivatives, etc. w/o a calculator. But I could do it all with a calculator.

So my point is: It's best to know how to do something with and without a calculator for optimum performance. Higher level calculus exams involve very tedious problems, so a calculator works to one's benefit. Example: Applying Simpson's Rule with n=4. So any math teacher worth their status would require to show the formula, the inputted values, and the answer, and allow calculators to lessen tedious hand work.

... to answer your question.

[saabmp3]

what i dont understand is... any math teacher worth their salt is going to not allow you to use calculators on exams...

SO WHY BUY THEM!?

i don't recall using a calculator through the last 2 years of high school, or all through college, or in any of my graduate classes. not for exams anyway. and if you work through equations on paper- better for understanding them anyway- you can use a 2 cent calculator from the drug store...

[/rant]

That's the thing, you shouldn't be allowed to use a calculator to do the work your learning in class. Aka, in clac 1 you learn how to differentiate. Now that I'm done with calc 4 (3d), I don't have time to do long, tedious, (but not thought provoking) differentiation when the methods above that are not what I'm being tested on. Does this make sense?

Another example would be in clac 1 when you are learning basic calc. Using a nice calculator to do arithmetic for you isn't going to inhibit your ability to learn what the course is trying to teach.

Basically, any elementary (not elementary school, but elementary math) teacher (or professor) isn't going to let you use a calculator, but once you advance past some things, it's assumed you know how to do stuff in your head or on paper, it just takes too long when the real tests are about a broader subject. The calculator is just a means to an end.


Uber: I really encourage you to use restraint when getting a calculator for ap calc. I took it 5 years ago (wow, I feel somewhat old) and my ti 83 at the time was pointless. Go for either a good casio single line (not graphing) calculator or go for the gold and get a TI 89. However, when you do have the 89, DON"T LET IT DO THE WORK FOR YOU! This is the biggest downfall for students in calc 1 and 2 in college. They let the 89 integrate and differentiate, and by the time they get out of these courses, they don't even know what the actual methods are or what they are applied to. This will be important eventually.

I had an 83 in HS and then for calc 1 and 2. Then I lost it (which is fortunate I guess) and had to buy a new calculator for calc 3 to the end of my math career (9 to 11 courses total). I bought the 89 because I was responsible enough to use it at that time. I just as well could never have had the 83, I didn't use enough of the features on it (except for the games).

BEN

[janey]

what i dont understand is... any math teacher worth their salt is going to not allow you to use calculators on exams...

SO WHY BUY THEM!?

i don't recall using a calculator through the last 2 years of high school, or all through college, or in any of my graduate classes. not for exams anyway. and if you work through equations on paper- better for understanding them anyway- you can use a 2 cent calculator from the drug store...

[/rant]
Err...I've been required to have at least a scientific calculator in algebra 1, recommended to have a graphing calculator in geometry and required to have a graphing calculator except for the 89s and above in algebra 2 and all the classes above. my teachers have spent entire class periods telling us how to utilize some of the features on calculators because they think if we use them correctly it'll be very helpful. They dont want us making stupid, small mistakes either, and using a calculator especially to doublecheck things can help a LOT. And if they're uncertain that we might not know the material, we're not allowed to use calculators. But once you know it, you can freakin have the equation stored on your calc, or a program to do it for you because the teachers know you know the material already and its a moot point to waste like 10 minutes doing cramer's rule when you could just input the numbers on your calc and let it do the work for you in a few seconds.

We can use them all we want on tests, the only one where we weren't allowed to use a calculator was on the CAT-6 standardized tests, and even that was a moot point because the only thing a calculator could help you with was powers/logs and if you knew anything, it was easy sans calculator.

and yeah you can use them and skimp on the learning part, but that's just stupid. It might be easier to use a calc to do the harder stuff, but you're just screwing yourself over for later tests and classes.

[zulgand04]

Hey i know in my colllege the advanced courses ban the TI-89 to even be in the class but any other one is allowed.

-Neal

[janey]

i just got a ti-89 titanium a few hours ago. Software's uberbeta for Mac OS X, but these screenshots and one movie are just...droolworthy lol.

http://applegoddess.org/3d.mov

http://applegoddess.org/screen.jpg
http://applegoddess.org/device.jpg

[mattroberts]

I've had a Ti85 for over 8 years (I borrowed it from my father who never used it)

The thing is my workhorse & I used it to learn assembly :-)

But i've grown and matured (not really) and no longer do any (real) math on it - anyone have some good graphing Biz calculators they'd like to advise me on getting. I do a heck of alot of PV NPV calculations aswell as Interest rate, Bond and futures calculations. Something that programmable along these lines would be great.

cheers
m

[saabmp3]

I've had a Ti85 for over 8 years (I borrowed it from my father who never used it)

The thing is my workhorse & I used it to learn assembly :-)

But i've grown and matured (not really) and no longer do any (real) math on it - anyone have some good graphing Biz calculators they'd like to advise me on getting. I do a heck of alot of PV NPV calculations aswell as Interest rate, Bond and futures calculations. Something that programmable along these lines would be great.

cheers
m

HP financial calculators are supposed to be the creme de la creme for financial calculations, some going on ebay for more than the orginal purchase price. I would check them out first.

[mactastic]

HP financial calculators are supposed to be the creme de la creme for financial calculations, some going on ebay for more than the orginal purchase price. I would check them out first.

I believe the 12c was the financial calc. It looked like my 11c (which was the scientific version) but had all the financial functions handy. Nice compact little machine.

[Wyvernspirit]

I have a TI-83 That I got for college. Before that I had a TI-85 in HS but it was stollen. The 83 is now 5,6 maybee 7 years old, and still going strong. Well sort of, it needs new batteries. Anyhoo, you might want to find out what your school recommends and what they allow and make your decision based on that info.

[AmigoMac]

I believe the 12c was the financial calc. It looked like my 11c (which was the scientific version) but had all the financial functions handy. Nice compact little machine.

Me here! I have a HP 48g, got it for the university, but haven't used with my mac because of the lack of software, do you know a way to backup my transfer files between my mac and the 48g ??? Thx!

[o1no1ne]

This is my first post....I hope I'm not boring people to death :P

At school, they don't allow any programmable calculators. It's kind of funny, though, because during my first exam there I didn't know that and I brought my chunky TI-86. They didn't even know it was a graphing calculator :P

My TA found out (before the exams started, thankfully) when I asked if it was OK that I brought a graphing calculator