Good graphing calculators?

[Guest]

What are some good graphing calculators out there?

 

Requirements:

Under 150 USD

Permitted on ACT, SAT, PSAT, and AP Exams

Color Screen

Easy to use

 

I really like the Casio Classpad II, but it's not allowed on ACT

[FrozenIpaq]

Why must you have a color screen? There really is no competition, go with whatever Texas Instruments calculator you want, I'd recommend: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Texas-Instruments-TI-Nspire-CX-CAS-Handheld-Calculator/17164052?sourceid=1500000000000003183800&veh=cse&srccode=cii_13459879&cpncode=35-21659031

[Rorgash]

no one made a app for that yet?

[trama09]

TI-83 & TI-84 are proven classics. After 10 years (I got it in middle school, finishing college now), it's still going strong. 

[TopWargamer]

I use a TI-84 Silver Edition. You may want to look into that. 

[FrozenIpaq]

@Rorgash - there are apps for it but you aren't allowed to use a phone in an exam. 

 

I see people recommending some older TI-8X calculators - those are tried and true but don't (at least the ones back when I was in HS/College) don't offer Algebraic solving, something the TI-86 (and above) offered which was a huge life saver for me early on. I'd definitely recommend getting a graphic calculator that has built-in algebraic solving functions (just input the equation and it solves for "x").

[EthanMcL]

I have a Ti-84, but you may want to look into something more current.

 

Can't go wrong with the tried and true! ;D

[trama09]

Honestly for ACT, SAT, PSAT, and AP Exams. You really don't need a calculator. I didn't use a calculator for the SAT when I got my highest score on the math section. 

Find a calculator that will be used as a tool instead of a crutch. You'll be better off. Unless you plan doing some engineering work in your free time, a basic calculator will work perfectly fine in HS.

[iswedishleafs]

Like some people have said, Texas Instruments make great calculators. I use the TI-83 and it does what it is supposed to do (calculate). Texas Instruments also makes backlit ones but i have never used them.

[Sammael]

graphics calculators for a hundred plus dollars are the biggest racket/rip off.  Tech has stayed essentially the same for like 2 decades, and gotten a thousand times cheaper, and yet they still charge over a hundred dollars for that crap.

[Bwall72]

@Rorgash - there are apps for it but you aren't allowed to use a phone in an exam. 

 

I see people recommending some older TI-8X calculators - those are tried and true but don't (at least the ones back when I was in HS/College) don't offer Algebraic solving, something the TI-86 (and above) offered which was a huge life saver for me early on. I'd definitely recommend getting a graphic calculator that has built-in algebraic solving functions (just input the equation and it solves for "x").

You can solve algebraic equations by graphing the two equations, and using the intersect button.

 

Also, the 86 and up are banned on the ACT.

[TriBeard]

TI-Nspire color. The nspire series is by far the easiest to use series I have ever come across, and the screens are decent for a calculator as well.

[FrozenIpaq]

You can solve algebraic equations by graphing the two equations, and using the intersect button.

 

Also, the 86 and up are banned on the ACT.

 

Must be a newer rule, I used my ti-86 on the ACT without any issues - that or the proctors just never noticed.

 

EDIT: Well it doesn't explicitly call it out on the ACT website but it does mention "built-in algebraic solving" which the 86 has as my post suggested - that and I don't believe TI makes the 86 anymore anyways. Based on these new restrictions and the requirements to be able to use it on these standardized tests then an early TI-8X model will be the only good recommendation.

[blue_saw]

The price of graphing calcs doesn't really drop.  Your best bet would probably be off of Craigslist or Ebay.  If this is for class, you might just want to use the same model the teacher/professor uses.  Most people don't even read the instructions when they buy a different model, so it slows them down.

[amintha1992]

no one made a app for that yet?

im sure there is.. but its not approved to be used at exams 

[Art Vandelay]

I got a TI-89 off of ebay for around $50

[hal9001]

I am in 8th grade geometry and use my TI-NSpire CX-CAS all the time!

[jezza39]

I smashed my way through high school and my electrical engineering degree with a TI-89 from Texas Instruments. 

 

I don't mean to brag but you can side load mario on to the calculator

[Chris is awesome]

I have the FX-9860GII made by casio and it serves me well in A-level maths and physics. I have no idea if is allowed in what i am assuming as American exam boards.