TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition Graphing Calculator Review
At a Glance
Our Verdict
Best for
High school students requiring a color graphing calculator for algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics, especially those already familiar with the TI-84 ecosystem.
Value
Average
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Overview
The TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition was Texas Instruments' first foray into color graphing calculators within the popular TI-84 series. It offers a backlit color display, a rechargeable battery, and the familiar TI-84 operating system, making it a solid upgrade for users accustomed to the monochrome TI-84 Plus, though it has since been superseded by the TI-84 Plus CE.
Detailed Review
Key Features
- Full-color, backlit display (320 x 240 pixels)
- Rechargeable TI Battery (lithium-ion)
- Familiar TI-84 Plus functionality and interface
- MathPrint™ display for natural input and output of equations
- Preloaded apps including Cabri™ Jr. and Conic Graphing
- USB port for computer connectivity and charging
- Image import capability for background graphing
- Approved for use on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP)
Reasons to Buy
- Color display enhances visualization of graphs and data.
- Rechargeable battery eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
- Familiar interface for users upgrading from older TI-84 models, reducing learning curve.
- Widely accepted on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP).
- Extensive online resources, tutorials, and community support.
- Durable build quality suitable for student use.
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks a Computer Algebra System (CAS) for symbolic manipulation.
- Superseded by the TI-84 Plus CE, which offers a slimmer design, better screen, and more memory.
- Screen resolution and vibrancy are not as high as some modern competitors or its successor.
- Price point can be high for a non-CAS calculator, especially when the CE model is available.
Technical Specifications
- display type
- Color LCD, backlit
- screen size
- 3.2 inches (diagonal)
- battery type
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- power source
- Rechargeable battery, USB charging
- number of functions
- n/a (extensive mathematical, statistical, graphing functions)
- programming capability
- yes (TI-Basic)
- graphing capability
- yes (2D function, parametric, polar, sequential, scatter plots, box-and-whisker plots)
- CAS
- no
- connectivity
- USB (mini-B port for computer, unit-to-unit cable)
- dimensions
- Approx. 7.5 x 3.4 x 0.8 inches (190 x 86 x 20 mm)
- weight
- Approx. 8.5 oz (240 g)
- build quality
- Durable plastic casing, standard for TI graphing calculators
At a Glance
Our Verdict
Best for
High school students requiring a color graphing calculator for algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics, especially those already familiar with the TI-84 ecosystem.
Value
Average
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.