It was mentioned on the TI web site that this new TI-92 will cost the same as the current model. Does this mean that the older TI-92 will be cheaper or does it mean that it will stop being distributed?

I wouldn't be surprised if they were to discontinue the TI-92 soon.

This really annoys me. TI specifically said when they first released the TI-92+ module it WOULD NOT be available in a version like this, so I bought the 92 and the Plus module. Then about 4 months later, they went and released the TI-92+ in its own new case. In addition, this new TI-92+ will probably be cheaper. Did anyone else have the same thing happen?

Also, what have people heard about the proposed TI-86+ ??? If TI does develop it, when would it be released (as I am considering the purchase of an 89 or 86, probably an 86 since the 89 is not allowed on the ACT.)

Yeah, I'm a little annoyed also. I would have rather bought a TI-92 with the plus module than a TI-89. Especially since this calculator will cost just as much as the standard TI-92 according to their FAQ. Oh well..

If you read the news release, it says the street price will be about $200. Around 30-35 dollars more than the 92, about 45 dollars less than buying both the 92 and the plus module.

the TI-92 Plus have a new LCD more easy for read,
and it say that you will write programs in
assembly or in C. then maybe TI release a
compiler for C too.

Where did you read that ? I can't find it anywhere on th TI's site.

TI mentions "Optional C or assembly language programming (with appropriate C compiler for 68000)" on the TI-92 Plus' bid specifications page (follow the Web Page link).

I wonder if they actually have a specific compiler in mind, or if it's just theoretical. Folks, there's nothing special about C programs that would require a change to the ROM -- compiled C programs are just machine code like assembly programs (only significantly less efficient). The problem is finding a C compiler that's flexible enough.

Perhaps somebody should email TI and ask them to clarify this.

Chris

Does this also mean that it could be possible to write programs in C for the Ti-89 as well? Considering that Ti clams that the Ti-89 has the same functionality as the Ti-92+?

Just a little clarification here. In ticalc.org comments sections I frequently see comments about the efficiency of C as compared to assembly language, and they are almost all negative. Granted, it is possible to spend years debugging every last speed trap possible out of an assembly program and make it much faster than an equivalent C program. However, with modern C compilers the code is generally not that much worse. C compilers for RISC chips often actually produce better code than a human would by hand. The orders of magnitude between the development time of a C program and an assembly program to do the same thing outweigh any speed advantage an assembly program might have.

"The orders of magnitude between the development time of a C program and an assembly program to do the same thing outweigh any speed advantage an assembly program might have."

MOST of the time anyway...

Not likely. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the chip only adds to the RAM. There's no way it could upgrade the OS (which it would have to do to run C progs) or the LCD screen. Still, it's possible that just stupid...

Have you heard of something called electronic upgradeability provided by Flash technology ?

Yes I have, but the 92 doesn't have Flash rom. You're thinking of the 89 and 73. (was that sarcasm? I couldn't tell)

He meant the 92+ chip (which you were talking about in the first place) adds flash technology to the 92. (doesn't it?)

yes it does

Sorry, I didn't know that.

A C program must, of course, be compiled. All programs are compiled into machine code (except that assembly programs are 'assembled.').

All CPUs run machine code (and only machine code), so there is obviously no kind of upgrade needed. You can write in C for any calculator with ASM support, provided you have a compiler for it.

Anyhow, the TI-92 Plus will come with a new case and LCD screen. This is a new model that has the chip integrated, not just the chip upgrade like you can already buy.

I meant to say "it's possible that _I'm_ just stupid", but I guess that's been proven now.

the idea is you compile c on your computer into machine code and then transfer it to the calc. the calc itself has no on-board compiling engine.

-KAKE
IP

I'm not sure if this is what you are talking about, but the TI site does say (in the FAQ) that the TI-plus "incorporates an enhanced screen display" and something about anti-glare and black with gray contrast to improve readability.

In the section where TI compares all the calculators, there is a check next to assembly programming for the TI-92 plus, but not the TI-92.

Click on the URL above to go there.

read bit specifications