I've used a variety of calculators in a high-school teaching setting, but this one is by far the best. The standard TI-83 is blown away by this model. The price difference can seem a bit steep, but if you are able to buy this model second-hand locally or from an upperclassman who no longer needs theirs, it is definitely worth the upgrade. I love the graphic interface, it's easy to use and very learner-friendly. This calculator can handle items from the lowest ends of algebra to the highest calculus programs, and it will even solve differentials! I wish I had had this during my college career, but now using it with teaching students, I much prefer this over the TI-83.

greenlightgo

USA

I love this thing! I have an older one that I got oh probably 8-10 years ago, but it's still going strong! It does take some getting used to. I think that the Ti-83 and the Ti-85 are both easier for those starting out with a graphing calculator. Especially, because some of the functions that you will be using a lot at the Algebra II and early Trig levels are a lot easier to find on the 83 and the 85, but once you start heading up into Calculus, then this is a nice one because it has more modes and options for calculating. I really like being able to change between approximate mode and exact mode on this calculator, it's a step up from the function that just changes decimals to fractions from lower level models. Basically, in approx. mode you get a decimal, and in exact mode it will give you not only exact fractions, but simplify things like radicals.

cashew22

Trumbull, CT

The TI-89 is far more powerful than some of the older models in that it can symbolically evaluate derivatives and integrals, something your TI-83 (and not even MATLAB) can't do. It can even solve differential equations for you. Many of the commands are similar to MATLAB, so if you are used to that, it is good. Programming on the 89 is quite a bit more difficult than on the 83, but still doable. Generally, it seems like an 83 will get you through about pre-calculus, but the 89 will help you go further and will help you in calculus (single and multi variable), differential equations, and linear algebra.

lazcisco

Chapel Hill, NC

The TI-89 Graphing Calculator is an amazing product.  It can perform so many more tasks than the TI-83 or -84 and it costs only a little bit more.  I used this calculator in my AP Calculus class last year and use it this year, in my Calc 2 class.  Every one of my friends was so jealous of me haha.  While they were having to memorize complicated calculus formulas and rules, I just laughed and scored higher than them on our tests.  And its all because of my trusty TI-89.  This calculator is great and I strongly recommend it to any high school or college student who is taking math classes.

uuklyph

Marstons Mills, MA

I was using a TI-84 throughout most of my high school career but once I got to college, the three calculus courses I had required the use of the TI-89. I can now see why high schools don't want you to use a TI-89. There is just so much more that the calculator can do than a 83 or 84. It doesn't take long to learn the basic calculus functions like integrals and derivatives. The provided manual does a good job of explaining how most of the functions work and is a good guide to come back to if you are confused. While these calculators have been out for a long time, the price remains the same. While I can understand why they stay the same price, it is a little bit annoying. If you are going into college into a field that is very math intensive like I am, then this calculator is a must. While a TI-83 or 84 can do most of what this calculator can do, it becomes a lot easier once you start using the TI-89. I would recommend the TI-89 to anyone going into college that will have to take multiple calculus courses.

steve64

Appleton, WI

The Texas Instruments TI-89 Graphic Calculator is the best graphics calculator I have ever used. I've worked as a mathematics tutor for years, so I've seen my fair share of them. My only warning is it is easy to get too dependent on its features and forget how to do things for yourself (which could be bad as this calculator may or may not be allowed in a particular class). It is only slightly more expensive than the TI-83 or TI-84, but it can do far more (and it is much easier to use than either of those). It can solve equations, do matrices, diferentiate, intergrate, and loads more. One of the best features is that is saves the last 20 or so entries you have made AND you can scroll up to those inputs and use them again. It is also really easy to go back and correct mistakes. If you give the 89 a chance you will never want to go back to and 83 or 84.

j9j

San Antonio, TX

When I first glanced at the Texas Instruments - TI-89 Titanium Scientific Calculator, i was baffled. I didn't know which menu to go to, or even how to punch in 2 * 2. Then i started playing around, and I soon found out how powerful and helpful this beast really is. The Ti-89 is basically everything you would ever want in a calculator, It had 3-D graphing capabilities and is perfect for Calculus, Statistics, and many more classes. It does anything form implicit differention to solving matrices. The TI-89 is the perfect calculator for the SAT. Do note though that the TI-89 can not be used on the ACT's. The Ti-89 titanium is the TI-92 jam packed into a smaller calcular. It also has a twice as large ram which is extremely useful. One fun thing to learn to do on these calculators is to make your own programs. You can also download a variety of applications and even games. Not much can get better than the TI-89 Titanium!

TalalMohammad

Warrenton, VA

At the beginning of this school year, I went into my first Advanced Placement Calculus class so I decided that I should probably upgrade my outdated TI-83 plus calculator to get the more advanced and severely more expensive TI-89 Titanium Scientific Calculator. I had heard great things about it from my classmates and that it can pretty much do your homework for you so I logically figured that it would be an amazing addition to my mathematical repetoire. But after I had used it for a month or so, I was sadly disappointed. There was nothing I had encountered in my B/C Calc class that I couldn't have done on my TI-83 plus calculator and I definitely could have done it faster on my old calculator. Although the Ti-89 has more perks and features, the sole fact that it is nearly impossible to find functions or actions to perform quickly detracts a lot from my overall impression of this calculator. So if you're looking for a calculator that has all the bells and whistles but is not so easy to use, purchase the TI-89 Titanium, but if you want a calculator that is simple and easy to use as well as high-tec, buy the TI-83 Plus

runnerdude1001

Dayton, OH

Texas Instruments - TI-89 Titanium Scientific Calculator is a well rounded graphing calculator. I needed one for my calc class and Texas Instrument was the only calculator brand I considered. The Texas Instruments - TI-89 Titanium Scientific Calculator was the best one that TI had out at the time and was actually recommended to me by my teacher and my friends. The screen on it is excellent and perfect for calculus. I like that it has some heft to it as well. This to me means that it is well build and will not fall apart on me after some heavy usage. I did not really like the fact that it eats batteries like a boss. I put new batteries into this beast every few months. I wish companies would start making graphing calculators with reachable batteries. Along with the cost of the batteries the Texas Instruments - TI-89 Titanium Scientific Calculator was also very expensive. But I guess for all that it does it is money well spent.

canonbomb1987

Washington, PA

The TI-89 was a lifesaver in high school (until I found wolfram alpha). The calculator solves complex variable equations and many differentiation/integration problems that are very hard to solve by hand. It is easily programmable, and the graphing features work like a breeze. Every aspect of the calculator was well thought out, and the menu is very intuitive and professional looking. There are a wide variety of applications available for the calculator, and some are very helpful. The calculator is not as helpful in college, but still good when you need a calculation here or there. My biggest complaint with the calculator, which is somewhat significant, is the price. TI has charged 150 for the calculator for the past few years, and keeps the price that high because they have a monopoly over the competition because of their age. I think 150 is a bit steep, especially with websites like wolfram alpha that can accomplish essentially the same thing for free.

wxmankid

Austin, TX