Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator

With the TI-83 Plus, you can view an equation, its graph, and the coordinates all at one time. Jump from point to point by entering a number. Several useful plot types are available, including scatter, box-and-whisker, XY-line, histogram, and normal probability plots. Advanced statistics and regression analysis, graphical analysis, and data analysis are readily accessed, along with features for calculus, engineering, financial, logarithm, trigonometry, and hyperbolic functions--all crucial tools for advanced analysis.

Matrix operations  Graphing features

Educational Apps(TM)  Equation solver

With its clear display and fast processing, the TI-83 Plus incorporates graphing tools for mathematics and science course work, including statistics and finance. Incredibly useful for college boards--PSAT/NMSQT, SAT I, SAT II, Math, IC, and IIC--the TI-83 is essential equipment for advanced placement courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus.

The addition of the optional TI-Graph Link (software and cable) allows you to connect the calculator to your computer, permitting the transfer of files and data between machines. The TI-83 is powered by four AAA alkaline batteries and one lithium battery for backup, with an automatic shutoff to save energy. It also comes with a hard slide cover and is supported by a one-year limited warranty. --Barbara Price

The graphing capabilities of the TI-83+ are a superb choice for Algebra I classes. The ability to automatically find intersections and a variety of other important components of a graph are only key presses away.

The calculator has a powerful matrix editor allowing for easy multiplication, addition, and subtraction of matrices. Division of matrices is not possible. The list editor allows for statistical analysis of data both numerically and graphically. Graphically, the 83+ can plot data in several different formats.

Anyone who is familiar with the BASIC computer language can program the TI-83+ with ease. The calculator supports the use of almost every function through a program. Programs can be typed directly into the calculator, or on a computer. The TI-83+ also supports a special form of programs called Flash Applications. Flash Applications are generally quite complex, and are written in a special language on the computer.

The manual included with the calculator is superb. It goes into detail on every single option the calculator supports. Every section includes a Quick Start tutorial that provides an practical example covering many of the chapter's topics. Learning to program in TI-BASIC, the programming language of the calculator is possible through reading the entire manual and following the examples.

The TI Graph Link cable is the interface between a computer (PC or Mac) and any TI Calculator with a link port. It comes in several variations depending on what kind of computer it will be hooked to. The cable is not included with the calculator, but can be purchased as an option. The TI-83+ Silver Edition includes a Black Link cable for Windows PCs.

When the TI-83+ is outgrown, upgrading the TI-89 will require little work for anyone who has gained experience with TI's entry level graphing calculator. The TI-89 has the capability to do Calculus and 3-Dimensional graphs primarily.

Overall, the 83+ is an excellent choice for anyone taking an Algebra course or any math class above that. The calculator does basic arithmetic, graphic, statistics, matrices, and a variety of other mathematical operations.


This is the one!   January 25, 2000
23 out of 24 found this review helpful

I don't recommend spending $100 on a calculator if you don't really need it. Being a college student taking a Statistics class, I was forced to buy the TI-83. I am very happy with it and the various things you can do with it. If you do buy the TI-83 (which I recommend), you should definitely purchase the Graph-Link cable to go along with it. The cable allows you to download various programs and even some cool games from the Internet.


A Highly Useful Calculator   November 10, 2000
starz35 (Los Angeles, CA USA)
69 out of 81 found this review helpful

I bought the TI-83 PLUS during my high school freshmen year. I bought it because we needed for Geometry. As a sophmore, I found this calculator to be a very useful tool as I continue to use it! I use it for algebra II AND chemistry -- plus, like they said, it's upgradable. Of course, I don't know ALL the functions of this calculator, but it's very useful nevertheless. It has a great keypad, a ton of functions, and it's easy to change modes. The TI-83 PLUS is incomparable to an ordinary scientific calculator -- it is SO much more! I think the TI-83 PLUS is the best buy, since it's upgradable and all. It's better than the the regular TI-83 and a better buy (since it's only a few bucks more). Even the overall look of it is different -- The TI-83 PLUS is pretty slim, in my opinion and its screen is better than the TI-83 screen. Overall, this is one of the best graphing calculators out there!


It made a horrible class easier   March 21, 2006
Jill M. Hunter (Eugene, OR USA)
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

The TI-83 made my statistics class easier to endure. I am not a math major, but had to take this statistics class to graduate. This calculator saved me many hours of homework time.
If you buy the TI-83 for Dummies book along with this calculator, you will be glad you did.