I had used a TI-83 for Precalc, but really needed something a little more powerful for Calculus, so I bought an 86. One of my friends has an 89, but many tests that allow graphing calculators still don't allow a TI-89 because they have "algebraic manipulation" capabilities, plus the 86 is cheaper, so I went with that. I have not been disappointed. It has a much cleaner interface than the 83, and the 83's only real advantage, a strong financial and statistics package, can be downloaded to the 86 as an addon. Be warned though if you do that, the Graph Link cable (to the computer) is not cheap. It's a great calculator with a lot of good features. Those looking for more features can easily customize it by programming it, a pretty straightforward process. Texas Instruments TI-86 Graphing Calculator
I bought this around mid 1997 and I'm still using it to this day.It's helped me through AP Calc, Calc II, Calc III, Differential Equations, Advanced Engineering Math, SATs, GREs, Fundamentals of Engineering exam for EIT certification, and etc...I actually bought a TI-89 around soph year of college just to complement the TI-86.You see, the TI-86 is a SOLID engineering calculator. It's got fast units conversions, an intuitive and FAST menu system BUT it lacks "pretty print", handling of units for math (keeps the units throughout equations, calculators), and integration/differentiation with the variables in place (it doesn't just evaluate it). With the right software, the TI-89 is a very powerful math tool.I used the TI-89 primarily for theoretical math but came in handy for standardized tests as well.I would recommend getting both the TI-89 and TI-86 and start familiarizing yourself with both calculators before you start tackling tests. Check the rules and regs for calculators also - standardized tests should allow the use of the 86 and 89.Overall, the TI-86 is a solid math tool - notice I say TOOL because that's what it is. If you have no idea what you're doing in class, the TI-86 won't give you an A.My recommendation is to get both the TI-86 and TI-89. Just FYI, I'm still using the TI-86 at work. The buttons show some wear and I lost the first line of the LCD because I dropped it in college. Nonetheless it's still chugging along.Also, slap in four 750mAH NiMH batteries. You will NOT regret this because these calculators drain alkaline batteries in half a semester of intensive use. We didn't have cheap NiMH batteries back in the day - TI actually pushed the use of Rayovac Renewals (remember those rechargeable alkalines that only lasted 5 charges?) and our other choice was NiCd. Forget all that. Slap in four Energizer 750mAh NiMH batteries and you'll save yourself a LOT of money in the long run. That means more money for video games and other forms of entertainment in college.
If you are involved with heavy mathematical calculations, you will find that there is nothing better to have at your side, than a trusty TI-86. With this extraordinary calculator you can literally do anything from statistical to calculus work, and even work in the sciences. The interface is simple to learn (speaking in a graphing calculator sense), and the manner in which things are done on this calculator is so much easier than on the older TI-85.If you need to know what points are in a function, enter the function into the graph, and select table... Voila! In nice graphical format TI-86 will provide you with an x,y table with all points you select! Its that easy... TI-86 also does an extraordinary job with parametric equations!I have used the TI-85, and actually was looking for one when I bought this calculator. I couldn't find it anywhere, so I took the plunge and picked up a TI-86... After using it for a semester in university math and sciences classes, I will NEVER go back to the 85!
Any high school kid in a higher math, like pre-calc, Algebra 2, and calculus, is urged by teachers to buy a TI-83. The fact of the matter is that the TI-83, even the TI-83 Plus is dated. The TI-86 offers many more advanced features than the 83. For example, a polynomial solver. This is a built in quadratic formula, which can solve polynomial equations to any order, not just 2. Also, Texas Instruments added constants and converstion features which allow you to, if you are in Physics or Chemistry, which I am, to swich from BTU's to Joules, from feet to meters and not have to memorize Avogadro's Number. To top it off, if your teacher uses a constant that isn't built in, you can add it yourself VERY easily. The TI-86 is basically a combination of the 83's abilities and the 85's abilities. I am taking Physics and AP Chemistry and Pre-Calc right now and I can't imagine this classes without the features and ease of operation this calculator has. I also know that when the teacher gives instructions on how to do things on the 83, because that is the calculator most kids have, the procedure is not much different and is easier most of the time. If you need a graphing calculator, buy this one. It is the best buy hands down. - Graphing Calculator - Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Ti-86'
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