Is this Graphing Calculator good?

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    Calculator Graphing
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a specific graphing calculator linked in the thread. Participants share their opinions on its features, usability, and whether it is worth the investment, considering various applications in mathematics and statistics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the graphing calculator has many features similar to the TI-89, indicating it may be a good option.
  • One participant emphasizes the high cost of the calculator and questions its necessity for basic calculations that could be performed by a regular scientific calculator.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with the calculator, highlighting its appeal and usability.
  • A contrasting viewpoint is presented, stating that true enthusiasts prefer traditional methods like pencil and paper over electronic devices.
  • Some participants recommend alternative calculators, such as the HP 48GX and the TI-89, suggesting they may be better suited for high school and college use.
  • One participant references an external website to support their claim about the superiority of certain calculators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the value and necessity of the graphing calculator, with no clear consensus on whether it is the best choice or if alternatives are preferable.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments depend on the specific types of calculations users intend to perform, and there are unresolved preferences regarding the use of technology versus traditional methods.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and professionals in mathematics and engineering who are considering the purchase of a graphing calculator and evaluating its features and alternatives.

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It looks like it is pretty good. It looks like it has many of the features of the TI-89
 
it looks great !
 
It IS very expensive! Consider what calculations you will perform with it. If the most advanced types of calculations are elementary transcendental functions (exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and hyperbolic), this can be done by any regular scientific calculator. You can also perform common statistical calculation on two-variable samples. If you need a ploting tool, you should start learning some specialized program, like MATLAB or mathematica.
 
I use it and wouldn't switch to anything else. It has a nice little geek factor to it as well.
 
real geeks use pencil and paper.
 
I agree with d. But if you buy it, goodness, please use it and only that! I mean, it also depends what you are using it for. But if you are looking for the best, go for the Palm TX, well...actually go for the HP 48GX, THE best, especially in high school and college. You can do most everything on it.
Let's see, graphing calculators? TI-89 is the best here because getting anything fancier is a waste of money. I would explain, but I have better things to do. Look, go to this website
http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/01/25/0611218
They agree with me. Good luck finding a calculator.

Mr.Penguin
 

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