Improves upon the already great Ti-83

Express Section: The Ti-84 Plus Silver Edition comes with several improvements over the Ti-83. It is faster, has more memory, and includes a new feature called "apps". The silver edition has more apps than the regular, and also includes more memory and a game package. Overall, if you're looking to save money, get the Ti-83. If you want something faster and don't like waiting for the "garbage cleaning" procedure, get the Ti-84 Plus. If you want even more memory and some helpful programs such as a polynomial root finder, get the Ti-84 Plus Silver Edition.

Back in Algebra I, I used the in-class calculators, which were Ti-83s. Then, I bought my own Ti-84 for Algebra II. After losing that, I replaced it with a used Ti-84 Silver Edition. Having used all three version of the calculator, I can report on the differences between them.

Description: Odds are, if you're shopping for one of these, you know what it is. This is not your average calculator. The Ti-83/Ti-84 includes:

Basic functions: The calculator, of course, includes the basic and not-so-basic functions that you would find on a pocket calculator ( , -, *, /, sqrt, ^). It handles them differently than a pocket calculator, however. With this device, you enter an entire algebraic sentence at one time (i.e. 4 5-3(2*3^4)*6), then press the enter key once. It is much easier than using smaller calculators, which can only show one operation at a time, making complex problems almost impossible to enter correctly without making a mistake.

In addition to the basic functions, the calculator includes several shortcut keys. Examples include a square key, an inverse key, a pi key, a 10^x key, an e key, an absolute value function, and an e^x key. These are all operations you could do yourself using the other keys, but putting the common ones on their own key makes them easier to use.

Scientific Functions: This calculator includes:

Trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, and the inverse of those get their own key. The others such as secant and cosecant can be found in a list of functions found by pressing the "catalog" key.

Logarithms: log, ln, 10^x, and e^x all get their own key. Other bases can be found by pressing the catalog key.

Exponential Notation: The "EE" (exponent) key is included. Alternatively, you can use the 10^x key to perform the same function.

Constants: Keys are included for pi, e, and i. Several other constants can be found by pressing the catalog key.

Logic: In the "test" menu, you can find equal to, not equal to, greater than/or equal, and less than/or equal tests. Type in an equation using these tests and the calculator will tell you if the equation is true or false. Also, in the nearby "logic" menu, you'll find Boolean logic operators "and", "or", "xor", and "not".

Graphing: Graphing is this calculators specialty. That's why it's called a graphing calculator. Here are the things this calculator can do with 2D graphs (it cannot do 3D graphs, you'll need the Ti-89 for that):

Graphing: The calculator can graph functions, parametric relations, polar functions, and sequences. All of these must be solved for their respective variables (y, x and y, r, and u, v, or w, respectively) before they can be entered into the calculator. The manual includes instructions on how to graph more advanced functions such as piecewise functions and cobweb generators. The Ti-84 Plus or Silver Edition include apps that allow for easy inequality or conic graphing.

Display: A window with varying x and y minimums and maximums and scale factors can be defined. You can choose whether or not to show grids, axis, or labels. You can choose from seven different graph styles (line, dotted line, thick line, shade above, shade below, trace line, trace). A "zoom" menu includes many commonly used presets for the window as well as zoom in and zoom out functions. A "trace" button allows you to move a pointer along any of the graphs on screen and see the exact coordinates of the point you're on at the bottom of the screen.

Calculations: Pressing the "calc" button opens a menu that allows you to find values, zeros, minimums, maximums, and intersects of graphs. There are also "dy/dx" and "f(x)dx" functions in that menu.

Table: In addition to plotting them on a graph, you can show your functions in a table. Simply press the "table" button to display it. Using the "tblset" button, you can change where the table starts as well as how far it jumps ahead with each row (the default is one).

Statistics: The calculator also includes a full-fledged statistics editor with the following features:

Entry: By pressing the "stat" key, you can set up data lists and fill them with numbers. You can also sort the lists ascending or descending and rename them from the default "L1, L2...).

Plotting: The "stat plot" key allows you to turn plotting of up to three statistical relationships on or off, either individually or at the same time. Each plot can be shown as a scatter plot, line plot, bar graph, box plot, or normal probability plot. Each plot can use a square, a cross, or a dot as its data point marker.

Calculations: You can calculate the full list of one- and two-variable statistics. Also, you can calculate regression lines (linear, quadratic, cubic, quart, ln, exponential, power, logistic, and sine) and plot them by transferring them to the "y=" menu.

Tests: A whole slew of statistical tests that I do not fully understand are included. They are: Z-Test, T-Test, 2-Sample Z-Test, 2-Sample T-Test, 1-Prop Z-Test, 2-Prop Z-Test, Z-Interval, T-Interval, 2-Sample Z-Interval, 2-Sample T-Interval, 1-Prop Z-Interval, 2-Prop Z-Interval, X^2-Test, 2-Sample FT-Test, linear regression test, and ANOVA.

Data collection: Tools can be purchased that will measure environmental variables and record the data directly into data lists in the Ti-84 Plus or Silver Edition.

Probability: The Ti-84 Plus or Silver Edition includes a probability simulator that can toss coins, roll dice, pick marbles, spin spinners, draw cards, or generate random numbers and record the results into data tables. All variables can be edited (i.e. number of spots on the spinner or number of cards in the deck). For someone just learning probability, these could be very helpful. Others will probably find it easier to simply use the probability equations.

Matrices: The calculator includes a matrix editor. Also, it can multiply and/or add/subtract matrices and calculate the inverse of matrices. In the catalog menu, you will find the function for matrix determinants.

Equation Solver: The calculator includes an equation solver that only works if one side of the equation is equal to zero. The Ti-84 Plus Silver Edition includes a polynomial root finder that is much easier to use than this one.

Financial: The Ti-84 Plus or Silver Edition includes an app that provides a complete list of financial functions and calculations.

Apps: This is the main difference between the Ti-84 Plus and the Silver Edition. Apps are miniature programs that perform a specific function. The apps included with the Ti-84 Plus are:

• Cabri™ Jr. App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (geometry)
• Conic Graphing App
• Inequality Graphing App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• LearningCheck™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (testing)
• LogIn App (for classrooms)
• Probability Simulation App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Science Tools App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (formulas)
• StudyCards™ App
• TI CBL™/CBR™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• TImeSpan™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Topics in Algebra 1 (Chapters 1- 5) App for TI- 83 Plus & TI-84 Plus Families
• Transformation Graphing App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Vernier EasyData™ App (data collection)

The Ti-84 Plus Silver edition includes:

• Area Formulas App
• Cabri™ Jr. App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (geometry)
• Catalog Help App (description of functions)
• CellSheet™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (spreadsheet)
• Conic Graphing App
• Fundamental Topics in Science App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• GeoMaster™ for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (geometry)
• Inequality Graphing App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Language Localization App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (changes the language of the calculator)
• LearningCheck™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (testing)
• LogIn App (for classrooms)
• NoteFolio™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (notes)
• Organizer App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Periodic Table App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Polynomial Root Finder and Simultaneous Equation Solver Version 2.0
• Probability Simulation App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Puzzle Pack for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families (games)
• Science Tools App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Start-Up Customization App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• StudyCards™ App
• TI CBL™/CBR™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• TImeSpan™ App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Topics in Algebra 1 (Chapters 1- 5) App for TI- 83 Plus & TI-84 Plus Families
• Transformation Graphing App for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Families
• Vernier EasyData™ App (data collection)

Note that most of the applications included on the Silver Edition but not on the Ti-84 Plus can be downloaded for free. Some, such as Cell Sheet, are not free. Also, the Ti-84 Plus does not have enough memory to store all of the apps.

As you can see, these apps expand the capabilities of your calculator quite a bit. More apps and games can be downloaded (or bought) online, as long as you have enough free memory.

Alphabet: Using the "a-lock" key, you can use the keys to type letters instead of numbers (see the green letter above each key). Using these, you can store numbers to variables with the "sto" key. For example, you could type in the quadratic formula, then store different numbers to the variables and bring the formula up again (using the "entry" key) to use it with the new numbers. This is easier than having to retype the formula every time you want to change the values of the inputs.

Programming: If the calculator still doesn't do enough for you, you can learn its BASIC-based programming language and make it do a whole lot more. Keep in mind, however, than programming on the calculator itself is very lengthy and difficult. A much better idea would be to type a program on the computer and download it to the calculator.

By the way, for those wondering, the calculator uses four AAA batteries and includes one backup watch battery to preserve the memory while you are changing the batteries.

Aesthetics: The Ti-84 Plus looks less "dorky" than the Ti-83, with its rounded edges and angled buttons. The silver edition is white-on-gray instead of white-on-black. Personally, I liked the look of the non-silver edition better. Now, however, the silver edition is available with faceplates and covers in the color and design of your choosing. The screen has more contrast than the Ti-83, making it easier to see, but it still isn't backlit and therefore unusable in the dark.

Ease of Use: For someone new to graphing calculators, this will take a while to learn, whether you buy the Ti-84 Plus, silver edition, or Ti-83. Most high-school algebra courses, however, focus on teaching you to use this calculator, making things a bit easier. There are so many functions; I still don't know how to use them all. The included paper manual is very good and gives you a basic overview of how to use the basic functions and then provides you with several practice actives to learn the rest of the functions. This is much easier than trying to memorize a list of 200 functions! If you want to look up a certain function, however, the PDF manual on the included CD has comprehensive documentation on every single thing this calculator does.

The calculator actually includes three times as many keys as you see. The top-left buttons are colored blue and green. Each of the other buttons has a blue function and a green function written above it. To access these, you press the button for the color of the function you want and then press the key with that function written above it.

Switching to the Ti-84 or Silver Edition from the Ti-83 can feel awkward at first, as the buttons are angled differently, but after using it for a few days, you'll find that the new layout is more comfortable. All of the buttons are in the same place except the "matrix" button, which has been moved above the inverse button to make room for the new "apps" button where the matrix button used to be.

Build Quality: The calculator feels pretty sturdy. I've dropped it down the stairs several times and it is fine thanks to its built-in flash memory instead of a hard drive. Careful with the screen, though, because it can get damaged if something lands on it. You will get a big blob of dead pixels in the center of the screen that makes the calculator extremely hard to work with. So, be careful with the screen, and remember to always slide the cover on when you aren't using it.

Advantages over Ti-83 and Ti-84 Plus:

The Ti-84 Plus has a faster processor and more memory than the Ti-83. This is noticeable when plotting graphs. The Ti-83 just seems slow in comparison. I wouldn't say it’s worth an upgrade from the Ti-83, however.

The Ti-84 Plus Silver Edition has more memory and more apps than the Ti-84 Plus. If you don't need the extra apps, it isn't worth the extra money.

If you're buying your first graphing calculator, get the Ti-84 Plus unless you could benefit from the silver edition's extra apps.

If you need 3D graphing, you'll need the Ti-89.

Software: The included software is a data transfer tool, a version of the calculator in software form, and "Derive" advanced math software (this can do things such as 3D graphs and simultaneous equations that have not been solved for a common variable or zero). A mini-to-mini USB cable is included. I think this is for connecting multiple calculators together.