What is the best calculator in the world and why?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the best calculators available, with a consensus favoring the TI-89, HP Prime, and HP 50G for advanced users, while the TI-83/84 is recommended for business and technology majors due to its excellent statistics functions. The TI-84+ is highlighted as a modern upgrade to the TI-83, though it lacks the advanced capabilities of the TI-89 or HP 50G. For pocket calculators, the HP 35s, TI-36 Plus, and Casio fx115 ES are suggested, with the HP 48 being noted as a preferred choice among engineers despite being discontinued.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graphing calculators, specifically TI-83 and TI-84 models
  • Familiarity with advanced calculators like TI-89 and HP 50G
  • Knowledge of statistical functions and their applications in calculators
  • Awareness of programmable calculators and their features, such as RPN and algebraic modes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the features and specifications of the TI-89 and HP Prime calculators
  • Explore the statistical functions available in the TI-83/84 series
  • Investigate the programming capabilities of the HP 35s and its RPN mode
  • Compare the usability of the TI Nspire as a math tool versus traditional calculators
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering or technology fields, educators seeking effective teaching tools, and professionals needing reliable calculators for statistical analysis or advanced calculations.

Lammy
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What in your opinion is the best(or even just your favourite) calculator in the world? And why?
 
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TI-83, because reasons.
 
TI-83 is the most successful historically but it's showing it's age. Little reason not to go for the 84+. The 89 is powerful, but currently not allowed for the ACT test.
 
This is a loaded question. Take for example the suggestion of the Ti-83/84 (same calculator aside from speed and memory, the extra memory holds extra calculator apps). It is a nice easy to use graphing calculator of moderate complexity. It is NOT in the same league as the Ti-89 or Hp 50G, but for a business or technology major, it could be an excellent choice and deemed the best. Why? it has Excellent statistics functions and features that are not as well implemented by the higher end calculators. If I were a heavy user of statistics, it might be my 1st calculator recommendation. I have seen engineers get their engineering degrees with this calculator and swear by it.

However, I used other features more often. Here is the order I would suggest you consider if you looking to buy the best:
Ti-89
Hp Prime
Hp 50G
I won't recommend the Ti nspire as a calculator, but if you want a math tool, it may be something to consider ( I would definitely buy a Ti pocket calculator to complement this, if you select an Nspire).

If you are looking for a pocket calculator:
Hp 35s (only because it is programmable and OS selectable ie RPN or algebraic (EOS)).
Ti-36 Plus
Casio fx115 ES
Hp 17Bii (Business calculator, NO TRIG, but has solver with 32 K of RAM and is OS selectable RPN or algebraic (chain logic)).
 
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The smartest, most efficient engineers, use the HP 48. They don't make them anymore, so if you want a new calculator, you are going to have to get an hp 50g
 
I've got a ti-89, ti has a book for ee applications, as well as the ti-89 for dummies, also got a fx-115 for quick calculations. get both of those is my suggestion.
 

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