Who knows anything about calculators!?

Who knows anything about calculators!? (Full Version)

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ChinaKat -> Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/1/2006 2:56:48 PM)
Ok, so i figured that someone around here would probably know, so i'm going to ask...... i just put a kid in prep school, they informed me that on top of many many many things she needs, she is required to have a graphic calculator........ fine, good, great...... then i saw they cost upwards 120 + dollars............?! The one they recommend is the TI 84 Graphic, i see that Casio makes a comperable one called the fx~9750G Plus at a third of the price..... i can't for the life of me understand if they are comperable, the sales clerks assures me it is. Before i spend, does anyone here know anything about them? i've tried researching this...... yeah.... i get haplessly lost about it all, it seems to me that it's a matter of preference? Maybe if i had a 120$ calculator i could figure it out myself then :) Just wondering if anyone about here has any clue to this, an opinion maybe? Heck..... some experence here would be great...... She needs it monday, and since, you know.... they (kids) like to tell you things at the last possible minute.... there's no one about to ask at the school....... Either way, thanks :) ~j

BlueHnS -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/1/2006 3:07:54 PM)
It's been a very long time since I had to buy a specialized calculator. Most stores dont mind if you ask the clerk to take out the manual and then you can do a side by side comparison of available functions. ( At least they didn't used to. ) I think that someplace like Office Max or any other office supply retailer would be more likely to do this than a store with an electronics department like for instance Target.

ChinaKat -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/1/2006 3:13:30 PM)
Something that was just pointed out to me, that i didn't take into consideration is..... that.... the textbooks use the recommended model for their expected calculator.... So, i guess if she's hoping to not be lost in it all, she needs their recommended one? Agian, i've no idea what i'm doing here........ That, and i've no idea where the textbook she's working from is.......

ChinaKat -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/1/2006 3:14:44 PM)
And i forgot, thanks BlueHnS!

FangsNfeet -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/1/2006 5:50:49 PM)
Look for the TI calculator on ebay or at a pawn shop. Unfortunatly you are going to want the TI. The reason being because it's most likely what the teacher will be using. If you kid gets a different calculater, the way to program and operate functions will go about a different way. While the rest of class is charting x y and z, your kid will still be looking at where to put x. If you go with casio, you'll be looking at the blue, purple, and white keys instead of the yellow, red, and orange ones. To work a problem, you have to go about the functions differently. If you push the same signs on your casio as the teacher explains the formula on the TI, the answer will come out different. The casio will only get the same answer after you read its sequence. If they both used the same sequence, there would be a copywrite issue. TI is also what's most widely used in college. The reason for is because of funds and contracts. TI gives money to schools with the understanding that it will be TI calculators used in the class room. So like a said. Vist ebay, pawn shops, and garage sales. A used TI 84 is no dumber than a brand new one. If you have friends with older kids that have graduated, you may have a chance in getting one for free.

bignipples2share -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/1/2006 6:18:30 PM)
TI calculator is allowed on AP exams, SAT, SAT II, just not on the ACTs Casio seems to have not as bright a screen and little software. Here's some reviews on the Casio http://www.pricetool.com/pr-casio_cfx_9850gb_plus_calculator/display_~reviews FangsNfeet said it best though. Go with the TI ~big

RosaB -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/2/2006 6:20:34 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ChinaKat Ok, so i figured that someone around here would probably know, so i'm going to ask...... i just put a kid in prep school, they informed me that on top of many many many things she needs, she is required to have a graphic calculator........ fine, good, great...... then i saw they cost upwards 120 + dollars............?! The one they recommend is the TI 84 Graphic, i see that Casio makes a comperable one called the fx~9750G Plus at a third of the price..... i can't for the life of me understand if they are comperable, the sales clerks assures me it is. Before i spend, does anyone here know anything about them? i've tried researching this...... yeah.... i get haplessly lost about it all, it seems to me that it's a matter of preference? Maybe if i had a 120$ calculator i could figure it out myself then :) Just wondering if anyone about here has any clue to this, an opinion maybe? Heck..... some experence here would be great...... She needs it monday, and since, you know.... they (kids) like to tell you things at the last possible minute.... there's no one about to ask at the school....... Either way, thanks :) ~j It might be too late, but Target has some TI calculators on sale. http://weeklyad.target.com/target/circular_browse_page_view.asp?storeid=2395878&rapid=304134&pagenumber=4&

uglyduckling -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/2/2006 6:43:48 AM)
I would definitely go with TI for reasons Fangsnfeet and bignipples mentioned. Since you don't have much time to shop around, check out Target. Their prices were the most reasonable when I bought mine 3 months ago. Also by not getting the Silver Edition of Ti-84, you can save a few bucks. But you still are looking at $100+.

Contesaluv -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/2/2006 6:50:57 AM)
Ask the people at the prep school if the model you're talking about is comparable. If they suggested the costly one they must have done some research into various models that would enable them to recommend that one. Just a thought! May be worth trying though.

ChinaKat -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/2/2006 2:08:39 PM)
Thanks for all your help everyone :) It was very apperciated! :) i just ended up getting the TI 84 Silver. i figured if it lasts her most of her school career, we'll be doing good :) i did locate 2 in pawn shops, but they were TI 86's and, i couldn't locate much onfo on them. Thanks agian! ~j

Level -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/2/2006 2:35:14 PM)
I bought a calculator at Wal-Mart for $1.00, in 1986. It is sitting on the desk behind me, works perfectly. Made by Casio. This is all I know of calculators. [8\|]

krikket -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/2/2006 3:03:16 PM)
Years ago now, and three or four months after my ex left, i was hit with the same thing from his math teacher. The kid was on the federal food program, i was looking into food stamps, etc., and i had a lot of "popcorn " dinners so he could eat. There was no way in hell i was going to come up with the $95 the calculator cost. i swallowed my pride, and sent the teacher an email explaining why he didn't have one for class and asked if there was another alternative. i tried to do this quietly so as not to embarrass my son, yet making sure he did know what was happening. The teacher grumbled and fussed, but...it turns out the PTA had purchased the required calculators and donated them to the school for just such a problem. The teacher said he didn't want anyone "talking advantage" of the program... and to think, he's still alive (and i assume teaching) today...lol cheers jimini

ChinaKat -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/2/2006 3:34:14 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: krikket Years ago now, and three or four months after my ex left, i was hit with the same thing from his math teacher. The kid was on the federal food program, i was looking into food stamps, etc., and i had a lot of "popcorn " dinners so he could eat. There was no way in hell i was going to come up with the $95 the calculator cost. i swallowed my pride, and sent the teacher an email explaining why he didn't have one for class and asked if there was another alternative. i tried to do this quietly so as not to embarrass my son, yet making sure he did know what was happening. The teacher grumbled and fussed, but...it turns out the PTA had purchased the required calculators and donated them to the school for just such a problem. The teacher said he didn't want anyone "talking advantage" of the program... and to think, he's still alive (and i assume teaching) today...lol cheers jimini i understand fully. i'm blessed that, though she's going to a very good prep school, she worked her bum off to gain the grants and the scholarships to attend. i was peeved that, she would be outcast over a damn caculator. When i asked them (the school) about it, they informed me that, there was no way around it, and that you can get one from their bookstore and place it on her account. i sort of grinned and bared it, as most of the staff has rallied around my child and given her all the second hand books and such they could, as to skip over the 500$ extra fee for books (which they always like to leave out when you're having the initial that's going to cost HOW much more conversations)........ The only thing that bothers me is, that, apparently there are calculators that do the exact same thing, at a third of the price, but the books are set up to use ONLY TI. It baffles me. She's 14 and feeling geeky and akward enough, i just gritted my teeth and got the good one. i didn't want her to be the one needing special instructions, ect ect ect. She was to have it last week anyway, so she's been bugged at having it late as it were. It is, what it is...... i know now though, that calculator will be shared between my little guys when they get to the point where they need one.... But by then, it'll prolly' be obsolete! Agian, Thank you ALL for your imput. i needed it...... :) ~j

prdslave -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/3/2006 2:12:28 AM)
i had to have that model for an algebra class i took (ick icky math) got mine offf ebay, was only 50$ / s&h. Ebay is your friend

FangsNfeet -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/3/2006 2:46:57 AM)
Darn, the TI 86 should have been fine but why risk it? The number 81 and up represents the model of the Graphing Calculator in its advancment. Every few years, TI comes out with a new model that normaly has more memory capacity, a new function or improved memory key, and the graphics can be easier to read. When I started HS, it was the TI 81 that we had to have as the minimum standard. If I remember correctly, it goes all the way up to the TI - 94. After that, you can buy TI calculators that resemble a miniature lab top. However, these TI calculators run over $200 plus and have been known to be banned in some class rooms and test due to the fact that all you have to do is punch in the numbers or letters without ever needing to figure out how to work the problem. Anyhow, the TI - 84 silver seems to be what's best for what this kid is going to need untill she decides to become a nuclear physics or Rocket Science major. http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/graphing_course_comparision.html

LeatherLord2003 -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/3/2006 3:17:52 AM)
In my past experience it is best to buy the calculator that they recomend as the text books will give detailed instructions on how to use it. When my ex went to college they recomended the TI-83. In the text book was button to button instructions on how to use that calculator. This web page ( http://www.prenhall.com/esm/app/calc_v2/frameset_83.html ) was very useful in learning how to run it as well. And in the big scheme of things, is the difference in the price of the different models that big of a deal when you put it in perspective of her education. You will spend thousands by the time you are done, and she will use it through out her education. And on a side note, we sold hers when she was done with it for about 30 bucks less than we paid for it. Also by buying a TI, there are many downloadable programs available on the web for free that aide in many different areas of her education... a google search will uncover many.

ChinaKat -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/3/2006 8:23:07 AM)
See....now..... i wish i knew that earlier FangsNFeet! The pawn shop guy told me to give him 30$ for it, and just walk away...... But...i don't know.... i just seemed a risk at that point. Didn't want to spend 30 on something that may/may not be right, when i could have put it towards something that was right. He laughed at me when i asked him if i could bring it back if it wasn't right. :) i knew the answer full and well, but it never hurts to ask! i did see them on ebay, my only issue with that is, it was cheaper to get one there, if you didn't mind to not get all the things (software, cables and such) that go with it, after i pay shipping, and located all the other things.... we were looking at basiclly the same price. i wasn't going to cause her problems over 40$. It's done and over now. She better become a nuclear physics or Rocket Science major, then she can pay me back when she gets some wonderful job! :) And agian, Thanks SO much to you all for helping me, and giving me advice and imput. i did do some google searches and things. But it's like reading Chinese to me. She's off on some freshman class bond building retreat, so i can't confer with her about what she needed, she just gave me a slip of paper with what she needs on it, and expects me to fill it..... by Monday.......... i take it as a compliment. She must have a high outlook on my abilities :) Or maybe she just thinks i follow directions well.......... Agian, Thanks All! ~jen

TreSwank -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/3/2006 1:52:35 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: krikket Years ago now, and three or four months after my ex left, i was hit with the same thing from his math teacher. The kid was on the federal food program, i was looking into food stamps, etc., and i had a lot of "popcorn " dinners so he could eat. There was no way in hell i was going to come up with the $95 the calculator cost. i swallowed my pride, and sent the teacher an email explaining why he didn't have one for class and asked if there was another alternative. i tried to do this quietly so as not to embarrass my son, yet making sure he did know what was happening. The teacher grumbled and fussed, but...it turns out the PTA had purchased the required calculators and donated them to the school for just such a problem. The teacher said he didn't want anyone "talking advantage" of the program... and to think, he's still alive (and i assume teaching) today...lol cheers jimini That teacher was a goddamn, motherfucking, unempathetic, shit-eating, son of a bitch.............and I'll bet that he had shitty hair. Few things can get me riled up, but that post really did it. How the FUCK are you gonna bitch about a single mother on a tight budget about not being able to afford an overpriced math tool? What a smug bastard. FUCK HIM. I may have grown up with both of my grandparents in a financially secure environment, but even I can understand what an ass-clown that teacher was putting himself off to be. That makes me SOOOOOOOO angry.

kodyrox5342 -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/3/2006 10:08:05 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ChinaKat Ok, so i figured that someone around here would probably know, so i'm going to ask...... i just put a kid in prep school, they informed me that on top of many many many things she needs, she is required to have a graphic calculator........ fine, good, great...... then i saw they cost upwards 120 + dollars............?! The one they recommend is the TI 84 Graphic, i see that Casio makes a comperable one called the fx~9750G Plus at a third of the price..... i can't for the life of me understand if they are comperable, the sales clerks assures me it is. Before i spend, does anyone here know anything about them? i've tried researching this...... yeah.... i get haplessly lost about it all, it seems to me that it's a matter of preference? Maybe if i had a 120$ calculator i could figure it out myself then :) Just wondering if anyone about here has any clue to this, an opinion maybe? Heck..... some experence here would be great...... She needs it monday, and since, you know.... they (kids) like to tell you things at the last possible minute.... there's no one about to ask at the school....... Either way, thanks :) ~j i didnt read all the other replys cuz im typing this really fast i know i have the TI-84 plus and i love it. Im still in school and i use it everyday, if she has a class that she will use it in for a few years, it is deff worth it, i am on my 3rd year with mine and i still love it. [:D]

bignipples2share -> RE: Who knows anything about calculators!? (9/4/2006 12:07:10 AM)
Okay then. Now she has this expensive and great calculator. Go and buy two key finders. Attach or glue the 1/2 of the finder to the calculator, then put the other part on a key ring. Attach the second purchased key finder onto her keychain, then put the other half on the wall. This way, no matter which one she can't find, she can hit that little tracking device button and the keys or the calculator will beep. Small purchase amount to locate something that's expensive. Makes sense to me. ~Big

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