Graphing Calculator

[andrew.]

Hey guys, I'm going to university next year and I figured it would be a good investment to purchase a graphing calculator to aid me in my homework assignments (I don't think I can use them on exams and tests). I've recently been reading a lot of forums and I've narrowed my choices down to the TI-nSpire and the Casio Classpad 330. Both of these seem to be very powerful calculators. However, I'm leaning towards the Classpad because although the TI has better specs and a nicer screen, it apparently is limited in software (programming) and the CAS isn't any better than their 10-year-old calculators. Also, the Classpad's touchscreen appeals to me more because I can do things like drag and drop, and easily find things in menus. I hate doing this with buttons. Another thing to mention is that I downloaded the 30-trial of the emulator from Casio, and it is very, very fast (especially 3D plotting). It's faster than any TI calculator I've ever used.

Anyway, the main thing that's stopping me from buying the Classpad is the screen contrast. I've read review saying that the contrast is horrible, but those may be for the older version because a lot of websites say that the contrast was improved with the 300 plus and 330. I've never seen the device in person though, and I'm afraid that the screen will be hard to see (which is bad especially because it's a touchscreen). I was wondering, have any of you guys seen the Classpad 330 before? If so, how good is the screen? Also, are there any other calculators you would recommend?

[DtY]

If you can't use it on tests, have you thought about using a computer program instead?

[andrew.]

Yes I have. I've used Mathematica and Maple before, but I don't really like them because they are expensive, not portable (if I want to work somewhere else and I don't want to bring my laptop), and (for Mathematica at least) I have to look up the actual names of the functions and how to use it. I've been using the Classpad emulator and I find it a lot quicker and easier to do my calculations.

[rar]

Yeah, if it's just for homework, you'd be better off using a website or computer program. A site for graphing I've noticed is
http://my.hrw.com/math06_07/nsmedia/tools/Graph_Calculator/graphCalc.html

or, you could just use Wolfram|Alpha
http://www.wolframalpha.com/

or, if you have an iPod Touch or an iPhone, you could download one of those free apps. I bought a Graphing Calculator app and it only cost me $0.99, but then I realized you could get them free too. Much cheaper than buying a graphing calculator (unless you don't already have a device, then it'd cost $200-$300 lol)\


EDIT: Sorry, typed this post up while you were already replying.

[Tony]

The University should give you a discount for Maple (UW sells Maple for $25; although Maple originated at UW). If you are doing any calculus, Maple will be your best friend.

[andrew.]

I'll probably get Maple then next year (I'm going to UW), but I would still like a graphing calculator so I can carry it anywhere. I do have an iPod with some graphing software (Symbolic Calculator). It's just I like having a physical keyboard and I find the iPod hard to type on.

[Cezna]

rar @ Wed Jun 23, 2010 12:26 pm wrote:

Yeah, if it's just for homework, you'd be better off using a website or computer program. A site for graphing I've noticed is
http://my.hrw.com/math06_07/nsmedia/tools/Graph_Calculator/graphCalc.html

or, you could just use Wolfram|Alpha
http://www.wolframalpha.com/

or, if you have an iPod Touch or an iPhone, you could download one of those free apps. I bought a Graphing Calculator app and it only cost me $0.99, but then I realized you could get them free too. Much cheaper than buying a graphing calculator (unless you don't already have a device, then it'd cost $200-$300 lol)\


EDIT: Sorry, typed this post up while you were already replying.

Holy cow, that site is amazing, especially considering it is free.

Next time I need to do some graphing, I know where to go!

[The_Bean]

I got the TI-89 titanium in high school and worked great because I couldn't bring a computer to class.
But in University I just use wolfram alpha, can solve much harder things, and can give a lot nicer results.
Give it a ridiculous problem, hit show steps, and see exactly how to do it.
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integrate+sec^5x*cotx%2Blnx^2
Made first year calculus and linear algebra really easy. Although it didn't help with mathematical foundations.

[andrew.]

Well, the emulator for the Classpad produced an answer quickly and it looks the same from the plot. But it doesn't show steps, although neither does Mathematica.

Anyways, I think a graphing calculator will be worth it because I can carry it around, and if I need more help, Wolfram Alpha will be at home.

[andrew.]

Sorry to double post, but does anyone have an opinion on the Classpad? Or, does anyone have a good suggestion for a graphing calculator?

[Homer_simpson]

I would say pick up a used iPod touch and download one of the math apps depending on what u need it for. I really like spacetime (http://www.spacetime.us/) it was 20 nix but it's worth it. It can do graphing,calculus etc... Or you could get a free graphing calc app like quickgraph. Eitherway an iPod touch calculator is more versatile/powerful/ useful in my opinion.

[andrew.]

Yeah, I have an iPod touch with Spacetime (it's currently on sale for $10) but I really don't like using the touchscreen alone. I can type things on my current calculator much faster because it has physical buttons.

Edit: I guess I spoke too soon. My iPod was acting weird yesterday and today it won't turn on... Also, I checked the warranty and it's only a 2-year warranty. I've had my iPod for 2.5 years
I am definitely not buying a new iPod now; I'm waiting for the fourth gen in September. I think I will buy the Classpad though because I think it's easier and faster to use than the iPod anyway (for me at least). But before I buy it, can someone please tell me another good graphing calculator to check out?

[mcpherrinm]

I bought a graphing calculator in highschool, and even used it a bunch in grade 12.

However, once I got to UW, I don't think I used it more than 5 times, period. I use maple or wolfram alpha far more often because I'm just around computers often: At home, I have my own, and at school there's always a lab computer nearby (or I've got my laptop). I don't really work on assignments anywhere else.

I'd say "save your money" until you're sure you need one. This is true for many things though: Wait and see if you actually need things before you buy them.