Is a graphics calculator necessary anymore?

[eeuler]

My Texas Intrusments graphics calculator recently had some liquid spilt over it and therefore doesn't work anymore. I'm now wondering whether it's worth spending some $200 for a new graphics calculator or whether I should just settle for a simple Casio FX100AU? I'm in an Electrical Engineering degree, 3 semesters to go til I finish so I'm not sure whether it's worth buying one? I mean, I have Matlab and can use that if I need to plot anything, but would I need a graphics calculator in the industry when I get a job? But again wouldn't Matlab be enough?

Thanks.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Well I can run octave on a tablet and there are scientific calculator apps a-plenty.
Certainly other portable devices may take over in the field from the graphics calculator and in many places, already have.

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that some workplaces have a special workflow built around a particular product and may even expect employees to pay for their own. The only other place you may get tripped up is if any of your courses actually test your aptitude with the TI machine.

 

[cgk]

Having a $30 scientific calculator may come in handy occasionally, because it's easy to carry them around and you'd be likely to actually have them with you if needed.

But an expensive one? No. The only reason to have one is taking courses in which more powerful devices (e.g., anything with an x86 processor) are not allowed.

 

[eeuler]

Yeah I figured as much; that it wasn't necessary. I kinda miss my TI now that it's gone though..was 'fun' watching it plot stuff. I'm going to stick with a Casio FX100AU anyhow.

 

[Sankaku]

There is a good TI-89 emulator for Android. Since I have my phone everywhere...