Survey posted 2005-02-21 19:15 by Jon.

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Survey idea by me.

Interesting Idea, but...

I like my calculator for it's ability to do cacluations with very low poer consumption. This sounds like we're trying to make a PDA out of the cacluator. Slapping too many hardware feature drains power like the wind.

power*

I agree with you.

Agreed. However, if TI were to start using more efficient power methods (like a Lithium-ION cell instead of AAA's), additions like infrared would be insignificant to add. It would only be on when in use. However, additions like backlighting, color screens, etc would be a detriment to the calculator's battery life. One would have to charge it once a week.

Right now I change my batteries once every 3 months. If TI were to start using rechargable Lithium-ION cells for power, and added no other modifications, my guess would be that the calculator could last for a half a year on a single charge.

I just wanted to say that I use AAA NIMH batteries (rechargeable) and it works perfectly! Nearly same performance as with alkaline.

i also use rechargable batts and they seem to last longer than normal batts!

Oh, very much so!!! I don't know how hard I've been on my 83SE, and I haven't recharged for many months! Just biting that $10 cost for batteries and a charger was worth it!

i think that they should have a solar panal (not for battery just to help with less power consumcion)

Adding too many features would also drive up the cost...I agree that they shouldn't be built in, but building a wireless adapter yourself or buying a third-party one is great. That's why I voted for the third option.

Correction: second option.

I'd like to see something like Bluetooth 2 implemented but I don't like the way Bluetooth operates. =P
The calculator should be customizable so that you can only receive communications from the ID of another calculator based on the IDList. This would avoid Bluetooth virus' etc.

With bluetooth you could potentailly bluejack peoples cell phones in school! It would be great to see their expressions.

The problem with integrating wireless connections is that we wouldn't be able to use them on tests anymor :(

liar. it was by me!!!

lol. Actually that is what Jon said "by me" as did you :-)

Imagine a calc with 802.11b or Bluetooth Type I/II...
swapping files and multiplayer gaming w/o wires in class!

Well, it's a really good idea, but why not build a cell phone in it with web browser and sms?

A wireless network would be great though.

Like this:
TI-83 Plus Server ($200) and TI-83 Plus ($80)

But who wants to buy a server then? It should have much more memory, speed and so on.

It's just fantasy... (-:

I think it would be cool. That could support some neat linking options, though if this were integrated, calculators supporting this might be removed from those allowed on standarized tests. (It would be really easy to cheat if you could chat with a friend downstairs via wireless link)

That would be my only concern. Otherwise, it would be awesome. :)

By the way, cool survey.

I'd buy one if it was allowed on exams and we could set up some kind of "answernet" during exams (How evil)