When I started my classes at San Francisco State University almost a year and a half ago, I had to take lots of math classes as my major was Computer Science.
I wanted to get a calculator that would make calculation in my Calculus classes a bit easier. I got a lot of recommendations for the
TI-89 but I already had the regular TI-83 and I liked the way it worked. So I went to Target and bought this
TI-83 Plus Silver Edition calculator for about $130 minus 10 percent employee discount (yes, I used to work there).
HOW USEFUL IS IT?
I was first introduced to Texas Instruments calculators when I started high school back in 1995. I used have those little Casio's in middle school. Since I already had the regular TI-83 I know this baby like I know the back of my hand. I picked up basic programming in high school algebra classes from fellow class mates. I used to program how to solve problems with set formulas in just seconds. I even tried making basic games (tic tac toe, racing, shooting, etc) with this calculator.
I like the key layout of this TI-83 Plus SE over any other model because I am so used to it that it just seems natural. And like me, everyone in my class thinks that the TI-83 is the easiest calculator to use, but it does not have some of the useful function as the TI-89 and the better TI-92. Even though I would love to own the TI-89, I am totally satisfied with this unit as it performs as I want it to and if it does not have a function built-in… I just program it myself.
You would probably want to know if this calculator can do differentiation, integration, or other calculus problems… right? Well unfortunately, unlike the TI-89 and TI-92 this calculator cannot do differentiation and integration, but I made a program that can calculate the results of definite integrals quickly. You professor may have a program or two like that. I would suggest learning to do the functions yourself before you program it in.
One of the new things available in the Plus editions is the application features; this unit came with about 16 or 17 application that help you with math problems, or just change some calculator settings. These applications run fast (like assembly apps) and add a lot more flexibility to the already huge list of functions built-in.
Besides math applications, you can download and transfer games to this calculator and pass time quickly without getting bored. The extra memory gives it more speed and storage space.
Electronics 
4 out of 5 Stars
