TI 84 Plus Graphing Calculator Review
Intro To The TI 84 Plus Calculator!
The TI 84 Plus graphing calculator is one of the most used and best-known calculators for multiple reasons.
It has dominated the modern education environment and meets the majority of requirements that any student will need in a math class.
Personally, being a computer science major and struggling as the math continued to get more alien, it helped to have a tool I could rely on to make my studies easier.
Let’s look at a few reasons the TI 84 Plus is such a great graphing calculator and determine if it’s what you need.
Why Do You Need A Graphing Calculator?
I’m not sure which boat you’re in and why you may need a graphing calculator, but I can wholeheartedly say that the TI 84 plus can handle most fields of math. It has taken a strangle hold on the education community and accepted in almost every classroom.
Because of it’s dominance in education, it is incredibly easy to find help in using it. This help includes online videos for using the graphing calculator as well as step by step guides. In fact, many textbooks are written with TI 84 instructions inside for solving problems. So don’t worry if you’re having trouble using it, a simple search on Google will always offer up a relevant answer.
It is also accepted in most classrooms from high school and college, making it a decent investment that will usually be allowed (sometimes required) on tests. In fact, it has been authorized for use on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT college entrance exams.
Who Can Use The TI 84 Plus?
The calculator isn’t cutting edge technology and thankfully mathematics hasn’t skyrocketed in progression like the modern tech industry. So, the old is still capable of doing what the new can without the extra confusion of bells and whistles. This lack of extra (and sometimes unnecessary) features means that it’s easy to use for almost anyone.
Basically, you don’t have to be tech savvy or a genius to use it. While it has functions that go beyond a normal scientific calculator, I strongly believe if you’re in a class that requires you to use them, you’re probably prepared to figure out how they work.
A Budget Friendly Graphing Calculator?
Now to discuss the very important aspect of price! The TI 84 plus calculator is very budget friendly in comparison to it’s counterparts like the Texas Instruments Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator or the TI-89 Titanium Programmable Graphing Calculator. The usual price for the TI 84 Plus is around $60. It’s hard to say how much it’ll be when you shop around, since some places charge different prices. Which, if you’ve been shopping around before finding this review, you probably already know $60 for something so versatile is a steal.
Specifications
- Memory: 480KB ROM / 24K RAM
- Permitted on: SAT, AP, PSAT/NMSQT Tests
- Used for: Maths up to AP Calculus and some extra
- Multiple plotting functions including histogram, box and whisker, and normal probability distribution.
- Matrix operation and List operations
- Multiple graphing styles
- And obviously many more
Unboxing The Calculator
Depending on where you buy it from, the TI 84 Plus may come with extra accessories. Some packages come with carrying bags and other extras, but in reality they aren’t needed for most.
I bought a used TI 84 Plus because I’m frugal. While saving money, I still managed to get perfectly good graphing calculator that has yet to let me down (Pic below).
I received the calculator as promised, a protective cover, and a USB cable. Upon receiving yours, make sure it turns on and functions properly. If it’s a used calculator, consider resetting it. I managed to find a decent video explaining how to reset your TI 84 Plus back to normal if you’re having trouble.
Overall
Overall, the TI 84 plus calculator is easy to navigate with multiple resources to learn how to use it. It has a wide acceptance in the education community and its budget friendly. Honestly, what more do you need out of a calculator? If you have more questions about this graphing calculator, please comment or email me!