Texas Instruments Keyboard for TI-83 and TI-83 Plus Silver Calculators

I got it as part of a grant. I really didn't want the keyboards at all, but they were part of the grant. As part of my grant, I needed to find a use for them in my classroom. So far I have used them for taking lab notes and for writing lab reports.

This has been wonderful. Students have easy access to data, can easily share lab notes, and can even take notes in class. I'm a science teacher, so naturally I enjoy this equipment. However, now the English teacher is interested in borrowing it. She likes the idea of the students typing essays in class (instead of hand writing them). It's almost like giving each student a lap top computer, but without the distractions or the hefty price tag.

I strongly recommend this tool!

So, why 4 stars and not 5? I've watched classrooms full of kids use the keyboard and I have used my own. I have noticed that the keyboard and cradle have very flimsy stands. They can break off even when a student is being careful.

In addition, there is too much cable. I like the way the cable is stored inside the cradle, but I do not like all the excess that can't be stored in it. These two feet of cable are hard to store (a consideration if it travels in a backpack).

Finally, I wish the keyboard came with a cover like the calculator does. I take mine at home at night to write up papers for my students (no, I don't own a computer). I don't like all the buttons out in the open to collect dirt and filth and to be held down by my books.

Other than these quibbles, I am very happy!


Terrific product, easy-to-use, great addition to TI 83   February 29, 2004
David Schlewitz (Pampa, TX)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

This keyboard is a great addition to my TI 83S+. I already have a laptop, but this is much easier, lighter and quicker to use in class. And I have the TI 83 with me anyway for the class I originally bought it for. Now, with the light weight keyboard I walk into other meetings/classes and in the space of two-three seconds it is up and "running" vs. my laptop friends who are just turning there laptop on or still waiting on it to complete loading. I was worried about the size of the font in the screen on the TI 83. No need to worry, it is very easy to see and is actually a delight. As for a note taker, I disagree with one of the other raters. The NoteFolio has menus and all and as a note-taker it seems sophisticated. The TI 83 has lots of room for memory and you can read it later or load it into your computer at home/apt. to print. The keyboard is full size and unlike other compacts I have used (my palm pilot GoType keyboard is much smaller). When I use this keyboard (for the TI 83) it is easy just as on my desktop at home. In fact I just type away. I recommend this to all. Real good way to avoid purchasing a laptop to take to class. I think I could even use this in the library to take notes! Again, one of its great advantages is it's light weight, ease in carrying, and use issue. I don't think you will regret this purchase.


notes made easy   July 23, 2003
Nichole K. Multunas (Fayetteville, NC USA)
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

Small and Compact. I use it attached to my TI-83 calc to takes notes while in class on any subject and have the additional convenience of having a calculator at the same time, then all I have to do is download it on my PC and have instant readable notes


The TI-Keyboard for th Ti-83   November 28, 2002
7 out of 19 found this review helpful

this keyboard is OKay, but kind of pointless, A, you need the software version 1.15. This keyboard features cut, copy and paste, but that's all it's good for.


does not work   October 7, 2003
1 out of 40 found this review helpful

use a pc tablet like real people. not a stupid calc.