Comments on graph calculators?

I just bought a TI-84 Silver edition graph calculator. I'll familiarize myself with it for a couple of weeks and then give it to my son (8th grader) I'd like to hear your comments on the TI-83/84 series.

What do you like about it?

What don't you like about it?

Your experiences, comments.

Your experiences on other non-TI graphing calculators.

Thanks.

P.S. I never had a graphing calculator when I was in high school or in college. Still have the TI-30 Solar.

Comments on graph calculators?

i personally have always used the 86, there really hasnt been a difference in models though. the 84 is excellent for your sons level. and as for upgrading, its not necessary. like mentioned before some classes or standardized testing doesnt allow the ti-89 to be used. the school i went to had 83s and 84s available to the students, unless you purchased your own, but we didnt use them until reaching the 3rd or 4th level math class in school (soph available, normally junior or senior year classes).

getting used to that calculator is like touching a computer for the first time, but i sure your son will have it down pat quickly...you can also download additional programs off of the internet onto the calculator. but the down fall, i had games like mario bros and donkey kong on mine... not so good sitting in class... haha... but there are some definately good helpful programs available through the links on TIs webpage.

Comments on graph calculators?

They're great calculators but i didn't need one until highschool so your son may not need it for 8th grade math classes unless he is in advanced math classes

Comments on graph calculators?

I think the TI-83 is a great calculator. The 84 is basically the same, just a step up. You really need to read the manual to realize what all a graphing calculator can do. I would even advise that your son read the manual too. But when I was in 8th grade, and you asked me to read a calculator manual, I would have laughed. But when you do read the manual and follow along with examples they show you, it really is amazing how powerful this calculator is. I would stick with this version, because any version above this is not allowed on some standardized tests, like the ti-89 and above (Because these calculators have more functions like symbolic manipulation). I would stick with a TI calculator. I bought a Casio graphing calculator and did not like it. That was probably because I was used to the TI, but still, TI is more common and if he has questions his teachers will probably know more about TI's than other brands. Again, read the manual, the calculator can do alot.

Comments on graph calculators?

I have the same calculator. I am a grad student and I use it for everything. It's got me through all of my undergrad courses as well. I've never had any problems with it.