TI-84 Plus CE Review
At a Glance
Our Verdict
Best for
High school and introductory college students in algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics courses who need a reliable, exam-approved graphing calculator with a color display.
Value
Good
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Overview
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE is a widely adopted color graphing calculator, primarily designed for high school and introductory college mathematics and science courses. It offers a vibrant backlit display, a rechargeable battery, and a familiar interface, making it a reliable choice for students requiring graphing capabilities and exam approval.
Detailed Review
Key Features
- Full-color, high-resolution backlit display
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Pre-loaded apps for various math and science subjects
- Approved for use on standardized tests (PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP)
- Familiar TI-84 Plus functionality and interface
- Slim, lightweight design
- USB connectivity for computer interaction and charging
Reasons to Buy
- Widespread adoption in high schools and colleges, making it easy to get support from teachers and peers.
- Approved for use on major standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT/NMSQT).
- Color display and backlighting significantly improve readability and graph interpretation.
- Rechargeable battery is convenient and cost-effective over time.
- Familiar interface for those transitioning from older TI-84 models.
- Robust build quality designed for student use.
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks a Computer Algebra System (CAS), limiting symbolic manipulation capabilities.
- User interface can feel dated compared to more modern graphing calculators.
- Higher price point compared to non-graphing scientific calculators.
- Not as powerful or versatile as some advanced graphing calculators (e.g., TI-Nspire CX II CAS, HP Prime G2).
Technical Specifications
- display type
- Color, backlit LCD
- screen size
- 320 x 240 pixels (2.8-inch diagonal)
- battery type
- Rechargeable Li-ion
- power source
- USB rechargeable
- number of functions
- Extensive mathematical, statistical, and graphing functions, including calculus, trigonometry, probability, and financial calculations.
- programming capability
- yes
- graphing capability
- yes
- CAS
- no
- connectivity
- USB (for computer connection and charging)
- dimensions
- Approx. 7.5 x 3.4 x 0.7 inches (19.05 x 8.64 x 1.78 cm)
- weight
- Approx. 8.8 ounces (249 grams)
- build quality
- Durable plastic construction, typical for educational calculators designed for student use.
At a Glance
Our Verdict
Best for
High school and introductory college students in algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics courses who need a reliable, exam-approved graphing calculator with a color display.
Value
Good
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.