Texas Instruments TI-89 Advanced Graphing Calculator

The TI-89 has a built in algebra system which is easily better than the 83 and that the 83 does not have. The algebra system means that it can do derivatives and very annoying, sloppy, and difficult integrals easily and display it in simpliest form. It can also desolve differential equations in algebraic symbols (however it does not show the work, so you can't just use the calculator for tests and not study for it). It can also graph in 3D, very good for 3D plots which can be a pain in the [neck] in Multivariable calculus (second year of calculus). It also have many other smaller features (which i can't mention them all) and also a better screen (as in resolution-wise).Being in BC calculus, its much better to use a 89 than a 83. However, on MY tests and on the AP the 83 and the 89 DOES NOT have any advantage over one another. They gear the AP (college level which you can get credit for) test so that one another would not have that much of a difference in your results. I pulled off a 5 (highest score) with ease with the 83. In more advanced classes in college (not just calculus) you will need this calculator: it does a lot more things in algebraic form and also faster as well since the CPU is clocked higher.All in all, it comes down to price. In my opinion, its worth the extra 50-70 dollars. Usually in class when my teacher wants to double check the answer, he draws out his 89 or he gets another classmate to check. If you are not intending to push beyond first year calculus, the 83 is better. If you do intend to go further into math, then the 89 is needed. Who wants to memorize the derivative of arcsec(x)? With the 89, all you do is type that in and pops out the expression.

It was said of my grandparents that they knew how to turn a penny into a nickel, i.e. they could find values and bargains.I bought this original model TI-89 from a private seller here on Amazon for $45.49 including shipping, and while it really does have a few years on it, it barely looks a year old and is functionally like new. I could have gone to my nearest big box store and purchased a TI-89 Titanium for $155.13, including my local sales tax, and I would have wound up with very little additional functionality and a more gawdy and distracting outward appearance, and I don't think I'd like the curved keyboard. I could use my new/used TI-89 to divide 45.49 into 155.13 and see that I paid only 29.3% of what what I could have.Other reviews suggest that the '89 can't do logarithms of negative numbers. That is because by default, the '89 limits itself to real number inputs and solutions. For that reason, the square root of -2 gives you the same error message. Do Mode -> Complex Format and change the setting from "Real" to "Rectangular," and you'll be fine.My only caveat is that this is not a good calculator to use if your vision isn't good.

I bought this for a college class 9 years ago and the calculator has held up. I bought the used version so I am unsure how old it truly is. It is a calculator and does the graphing like I needed but these are a dime a dozen at the thrift store so in hindsight I would have just boughten this from there instead if I could do it over again. However the brand and model are solid so if you need a graphing calculator I would definitely recommend Texas Instruments, they are well known and make solid products.

It been 2 Years since I bought this calculator. I borrowed and used a TI-89 calculator for AP Calc. BC. It helped me pass the AP exam and ever since, I've been using the TI-89 calculator for all my math/science classes in college. Even when the profs. prefer a scientific calculator for their class, the TI-89 doesn't disappoint. It can do basic functions to the advance features. I rather not use any other calculator than this one. I have a feeling that this calculator will last forever - just need to replace the 4 triple-A-batteries from time to time. Worth the purchase. (:

I purchased this item from courtland and books and to say I was very displeased with what came in the mail at first I was looking for a good calculator for college which started the same day the calculator arrived and I got a bad scratched up marked up calculator with functions and programs that had dead pixels so you wouldn't be able to do a lot of things you could do if it actually was not defective. They didn't do anything to compensate for this gravely error I would never do business nor will I urge any of you shoppers not too either they will show you a standard looking pic of the item but when you buy it a p.o.s will come not the item. The only thing they are good at is returning your money in a fast manner!!!

It came with 4 AAA batteries but they weren't functional. The case was a little bit dirty but overall performance of the calculator is good and that's really all that's important.

This calculator is worlds ahead of both the TI-83 and TI-86.For the most part, the calculator is pretty intuitive. After 10 or 15 minutes, you get the hang of it and can pretty much do everything you could do with the other TIs.Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg. The CAS (computer algebra system) is great. You can take derivatives or integrals of functions of one (or more) variables. If you don't have caluclus, you can factor or expand expressions, which is great for avoiding tedious algebra.If you're into programming, you can find some great resources for programming it in C, or use the BASIC-like language built in to the calculator. With the built-in language, you can create both programs and functions that return values just like built-in functions.I feel that I must address a common complaint. I didn't notice the screen being tilted or at an angle, even upon close inspection.