TI is having the same problem that caused apple computer to fall in '96-- too many models. IT should only have 2-3 calcs; a low end 83, an 86, and an 89. Having 6? models like it has now is confusing.

The 82, 85, and 92 (who uses the 92?. its exactly the same as an 89 [it has geometry software, but this can be added via a program or flash upgrade to the 89], and it can't be used on tests.) are too similar to the first 3.

cutting models will help ti in production, R&D, and support costs, while simplifying the shoppers experience.

I have an 89 and know that it is the best calc out there, but found out three weeks ago that I couldn't use it on the ACT why is this?

Because of its symbolic algebra capabilities.

I know what it can do but the people at ACT are really starting to piss me off. Almost everything the 89 can do can be programmed into an 86. If someone knows how to use the technology, I believe they should be allowed to use it.

Remind me again why you need a calculator for the ACT. The math is incredibly easy. Even if you feel you need one, a small pocket one will do just fine. I get your point about being accustomed to a calculator but they all have add, subtract, divide, and multiply buttons.

All i know is im 13 with a really cool 83 that works for my use and i can and have used it on the ACT's.

Shut up and leave. Do you even know the difference between an 89 and an 83

Actually, the 92+ is just as good as the 89, but with a slightly bigger screen, and a nicer keyboard.

"cutting models will help ti in ... R&D, ... while simplifying the shoppers experience."

There are no further R&D costs on a well proven design -- actually it costs more to add this new case design to the 82.

Also, "simplifying the shoppers experience" -- how would it simplify shoppers experience by reducing the number of products? That is one reason most of us use PCs rather than MACs; there are many varietys of PCs, but very few MAC models.

This is a very good idea. I noticed than basic programs on the 86 run a whole lot faster,and there is no need to wait 5 minutes for a big Ti-basic program to recompile after editing one command. The new screen is definately a plus, because the original 82 is a great calc with a crappy screen.

Hmm, glad to see TI is still supporting the 82, although the 83(+) has replaced it as the classroom standard. Perhaps the 85 will soon see a plastic makeover as well?... Personally, I think TI should have released an 82+, with more memory. *FYI*
Let's review the case models of TI's graphing calculators, shall we?

First was the blocky, square look of the 81,80, 82, and 85. Then we got the big two-handed mothers: 92 and 92+. Somewhere in between there came the sleek, sexy look of the 86 and 83. The latest design seems to be the big-buttoned look of the 89 and 73, with the 83 and 82 later redesigned in that same case type (my favorite). Maybe we'll see the 85 and 86 in those cases soon? What will TI's next casing look like? The mystery! The anticipation! Ah, history!

P.S. Would somebody please hack the 73 for assembly and make a shell for it? The poor little guy's feeling left out of the TI group.

Why would u even buy a 73? By now everyone should know that it is even crappier than the 82

Just for the record, I don't own a 73, I just have an equal respect for each and every TI calculator (and if that doesn't sound corny, I don't know what does)...IMO, the 73's got some potential, and...I don't know...I feel kinda sorry for it.
Anybody feel the same way, or am I just some whack who has feelings for inanimate objects?..

End segregation! Equal rights for 73's!

Well, if someone got me a ROM image i would be more than glad to hack the 73 for asm capabilities. Email me at wwd@zed80asm.org for more details

Peace-
Raven

It doesn't need to be hacked - assembly support is already built in. I have a 73, and I would hack it, except my audience would be elementary students. I think elementary should be a time they learn - if they want to goof off in high school, thats their choice - but in elementary they should at least learn something.

Do it anyways. It'll be a good project for you to do over the summer when all those other programs you are doing are done. Who knows? Maybe hacking the 73 will start a revolution causing all TI calcs to be banned because of the gaming capabilities.

Click on the URL for TI's explanation.

I dont understand why they would waste time on making on the ti 82 case, I can see the 83 but not the 82. I see that that ti made the 82 then they wanted something similar so it was a 83, so why get an 82 when the 83 is all the 82 and more. Just like the 85 and the 86 the 85 was good but the 86 is all that of the 85 and much more. I think that TI should make much better choices then these made. I think that the 86 should have been in line for a flash and a new case not the 82 or the 85.
Oh and the price is only like between a few bucks so money is not the isue because you pay more tax then on on the difference between on some of the ti prices!

I think it is misrepresentation to the customers for TI to make all of the calculators pictures on their website seems like they have black LCD's, when in fact the 82, 86, and 92 display in blue. They are just confusing the hell out of new comers. Then they advertise the "new display", but from the pics on the website, it looks like all the calculators have the same display.

The TI-86 has a black pizel display. Yes, the 82, 85, and 92 are blue, but the 86 is black. I have had an 86 since august, and it is the best TI calc because of the numbers of programs that have been writter for it.

look again, the ti 86's have black pixel screens

thats what he said smarty