Calculator for CS and other courses at Waterloo?

[elsporko]

Right now I just have a Sharp EL-520W, but I've been looking at some different calculators like the TI-89 Titanium and TI-Nspire. I've been wondering if it's worth it to get a graphing calculator like these or not. I know they're prohibited on tests and exams, but would it still be useful to have? I spoke with my Physics/Chem teacher, and he said it would be worth it in that you can always check your answers, and that graphing the question might give you a better grasp on it.

What do you guys think? Is it worth it to get one, or not? Part of me constantly wants to get one, just because they're so cool

[Alexmula]

this is what i use to check my answers http://www.wolframalpha.com/

[DemonWasp]

For Math and CS courses, calculators are almost entirely useless. Almost everything is done with linear algebra, calculus and other math that only seldom requires arithmetic. While a graphing calculator might be useful to visualize things in 2 dimensions, Maple will be more generally useful (up to 3 dimensions of visualization, among other things) and is available for a nominal charge - way less than a graphing calculator - in the tech centre on the first floor of the MC building. Maple is, in fact, required for some courses, particularly the first few math courses.

For Chemistry, Physics and Biology, it may be much more useful to graph things frequently, but then I would still lean towards Maple.

If you were looking for an excuse to get a fancy toy, then just don't mind me.

[Euphoracle]

http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/navigation/Current/calculatorpolicy.shtml