What features should a calculus calculator have?

[Siress]

Read this with your humor in tact, as it's a light hearted question that I would like to have analyzed by the masses that frequent this board. I appreciate all input.

Homework Statement

I've been calculator shopping and the packages fail to list important details on frequent occasions. I want a non-graphing, scientific calculator that I'm most likely allowed to use on my tests with the following abilities:

• Answer in fractional or decimal form
• Trigonometric identities in both degree and radian form
• Solve for unknown variables algebraically
• Compute derivatives and antiderivatives, both definately and indefinitely.
• Password protected as a theft deterrent
• USB or similar connection for updates, hacking, etc...
• Mp3 player, digital camera, cell phone, flash drive, and GPS navigator functionality...while I'm dreaming.

Homework Equations

Currently using the TI-30Xiis I bought back in middle school and my love, the TI-89 Titanium. MATLAB, if that counts...but I can't very well carry it around with me. Think my professors would allow me to use a calculator I craft myself? haha, no. I asked.

The Attempt at a Solution

Casio FX-115w - which disappoints me

THANKS!
-Seth

 

[foxjwill]

I don't think you're going to find a non-graphing calculator that does much of that.

 

[rocomath]

Only time you should consider a new calculator is when you get into Calculus 3. Till then, use your head.

 

[Siress]

I have my head, I want to shorten the time it takes to compute fractions, double check my derivatives and antiderivatives, and speed up my test taking in general.

Is there a good chart for comparing calculator functionality, both graphing and non graphing or both?

 

[rocomath]

Have you ever used the TI-89 to compute an Integral? You'd be surprised how different your answers will compare, pretty useless if you just want to compute derivatives and integrals.

 

[Siress]

Yes I have. It's most useful for definite integration but the indefinite integration usually matches perfectly with my answer unless there are trig. identities present...then again I rarely compute, much less compare, such things.

I recently installed ME Pro, TiReader, and a few helpful programs for Chemistry (The periodic table is awesome! Normal stuff plus the radius, e-negativity, density, boiling/melting point, standard state...wish I had it before I finished my Chem courses!)

Any little known programs worth mentioning? I'd love to have the step-by-step derivative/integral solver, but not enough to shell out $20+ bucks for it (or the $150 that ti89.com charges...) I'm interested in anything engineering, statistical, or economic related.