TI-89 versus TI-92

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TI-89 versus TI-92

Using a set of TI-92 's in my calculus and geometry classes (higher secondary school) with great satisfaction, I deplore the decision of TI to release a "watered down" version of the TI-92 with the name TI-89.
 
The TI-92, with its symbolic calculations, its geometry module and its QWERTY keyboard, is a cheap and hand-held alternative to a computer.
 
Most of all I deplore the dumping of the geometry module : this feature, as well as the computer version of Cabri, is about to give a new life to geometry education, which was in a deplorable state worldwide since the last 15 years.
Thanks to this technology, math educators and pupils rediscover the beauty and value of geometry.
 
To take in geometry on the TI-92 and to distribute Cabri was in my view a couragous decision by TI, the proof of a long term vision on education and technology. In some more years this would pay off due to an increased interest in geometry. Look at all the important educational publications about geometry education : Cabri (and other geometry software) are applauded as being the best thing that happened to geometry education since Euclid.
 
By suppressing the geometric possibilities of the Plus Module in the new TI-89, I think TI is giving the wrong signal to educators. Maybe it will give a quick profit in sales, but in the long run, it ruins the TI-92 concept where all mathematical topics of Calculus, Algebra, Trigonometry and Geometry are presented in one environement, allowing to explore their relationships.
 
I can accept the necessity to have a calculator with symbolic calculations and without a QWERTY keyboard, allowing it to be used in exams. But please reconsider and try to implement some form of geometry in the new TI-89 !!
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Jan Vermeylen
 
Koninklijk Atheneum Kapellen
Streepstraat 16 
2950 Kapellen
Belgium.