Re: A better calculator, for what?

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Re: A better calculator, for what?

I would always reccomend the newer calcs over the old ones, like the 83,86 and
89 not an 81, 83 or 85.  The newer versions of the older calcs are better
because TI learned from the older ones.  As far as which to buy, an 83, 86, 89
or 92, depends what you are going to need it for.  For more info, go to TI's
site on their calcs.

Tucker wrote:

> You said no one-liners, but I have one with a good argument: More
> functions. You can do more faster with newer calculators.
>
> Ladnor Geissinger wrote:
> >
> > I have just been on the CALC-TI mail list for a few weeks, but I'm
> > struck by the number of questions about what calculator should you buy,
> > and should you upgrade to a 85,86,89,92 etc.  Also there are those who
> > proclaim with certainty that you should get an 89,or ...  These
> > exchanges are curious because there is almost no context provided,
> > except sometimes the statement that you are taking calculus or precalc,
> > and there are no reasons given (something more than a word or two, a
> > thoughtful argument with enough details to be understandable if not
> > believable) for why certain calculators are being recommended.  I have
> > used an 81, 82, and 83, but not a lot, and I don't see why I should
> > suggest to my calculus students that they really should have an 86 or 89
> > or whatever. For the occasional need for more power or bettter graphics,
> > or to use interactive math workbooks, of course one turns to a computer
> > algebra system with a reasonable size monitor.
> >
> > I would like to hear from those who make strong recommendations in favor
> > of the 86 or 89 or 92 - and not just one-liners, but carefully thought
> > out, detailed responses. And don't tell me about games, I'm only
> > interested in arguments about calculator use for learning and doing math
> > in school and college.  (Well, I might listen if you spin a serious
> > thesis about the role of certain kinds of games.) What more is it that
> > you want that the 82 or 83 doesn't provide, and why?  And why wouldn't
> > this "more" be better provided by a CAS on a PC?
> >
> > --
> > Ladnor Geissinger, Prof of Mathematics
> > Mathematics Dept, CB 3250  Phillips Hall
> > Univ of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA

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