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.


A Highly Useful Calculator   November 10, 2000
starz35 (Los Angeles, CA USA)
65 out of 78 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!


Really?   March 14, 2004
44 out of 50 found this review helpful

The calculator is fine for school use, up through college as long as you're not majoring in math, physics, or something that motivates a top level device (such as the HP4* or TI89). One major benefit with the 83+ is that it's so common that most teachers know how to use it, many classmates will too, and there is tons of apps and info about it online.

However, this isn't really why I'm writing here. I want you all to take a good look at many of the reviews. Especially the five-star ones that say "this is the only calculator you'll ever need!!!", "buy now before it gets too expensive!!", "the Ti83+ is everything you'll ever need and more!!" Notice how they are all from anonymous posters, correctly spelled (a dead giveaway) and well articulated? I swear it breaks my heart that these type of reviews from "users" can't be trusted anymore. It's a fact that resellers and manufacturers actually pay people to write up their products on web boards and commerce sites such as Amazon.

Don't trust the ratings or the reviews here. For a proper evaluation, look at the technical magazines that review gadgets, and talk to teachers and classmates instead.


Great buy!   November 23, 1999
36 out of 42 found this review helpful

This is a great product! Just dont do what amazon did and put the case on backwards! That'll mess it up! If your a High School student, GET THIS! Graphing calculators are the only leagal gameboy allowed in class!You can get great programs(games too) for it! Spend the extra dough for the +, it has many more options, and has 8X the memory!