School Help?

The Siphon

L6: Sharp Member
Mar 2, 2015
278
190
Its time for college (or what the heck "lukio" is even called in English these days)
Basically, books, education, food, a laptop and traveling is free. Only purchase really needed is a "real" calculator.
So, what calculator should I get? I have no idea what to choose when it comes to calculator, specially if they have 100-200€ price tag on them.
All I heard is that TI-Nspire CX CAS is a hell of a calculator and pretty much a good companion.
Is this true? What calculator should I be going for really?
 

Kube

Not the correct way to make lasagna
aa
Aug 31, 2014
1,342
1,849
If possible, email your future teacher(s) this question, they might have specific requirements or recommendations for what calculator you should get. You don't want to spend a ton of money on a calculator that your classes won't need or won't be able to use.
 

SnickerPuffs

(*single chuckle*)
aa
Apr 10, 2014
1,315
1,857
I've had good experiences with the TI-84. It's a good all-around calculator.
 

The Siphon

L6: Sharp Member
Mar 2, 2015
278
190
If possible, email your future teacher(s) this question, they might have specific requirements or recommendations for what calculator you should get. You don't want to spend a ton of money on a calculator that your classes won't need or won't be able to use.
I already asked him, there doesn't seem to be any requirements for calculators, he just said that CP400 is a good calculator in his experience.
Far as I know, TI-Nspire CX CAS has generally gotten much better reviews and generally has quite few more useful features. Creating graphs for example.
I have been wondering weather its a good idea to get that or not.
 

Kube

Not the correct way to make lasagna
aa
Aug 31, 2014
1,342
1,849
I already asked him, there doesn't seem to be any requirements for calculators, he just said that CP400 is a good calculator in his experience.
Far as I know, TI-Nspire CX CAS has generally gotten much better reviews and generally has quite few more useful features. Creating graphs for example.
I have been wondering weather its a good idea to get that or not.

Sounds good. Texas Instruments does make a reliable set of calculators. What math course are you taking?
 

Kube

Not the correct way to make lasagna
aa
Aug 31, 2014
1,342
1,849
Hm, I'm not familiar with what long math covers. I'd say, whatever calculator you choose, don't open it until you bring it to class the first day. This way, you can return it if it doesn't suit your needs.
 

Zurby

L2: Junior Member
Jul 18, 2016
76
123
Personally, I have never used a calculator other than my trusty TI-84 Plus. I've had it since I was 12 and still use it a lot. I've never felt restricted by it's capabilities. It depends on what math you get I guess. I did my math A levels with my TI-84 Plus. If you need a calculator that's more for graphs, it might not be your nr1. As it is a colorless screen. It works, but obviously a colored one is more practical if you work with multiple graphs.
Then again, if you want to get full on into graphs Geogebra is a pretty useful program. Besides that I also use WolframAlpha from time to time. It all depends what your school allows you to use. I'm in uni now which i guess is the non-american College equivalent? And I'm not even allowed to use a calculator on my math exams.
So like the other guy said, ask someone that's already in college for his opinion, I'm sure you got facebook, you can ask around, or email a teacher and ask what they'd recommend.

EDIT: I wanna add, I payed 100 euro for my TI84-Plus, 8ish years ago, I still use it daily. So it all depends on what you're gonna need it for. Imo, it was a worthy investment. Again, It all depends on what math you get.
 

Hyperion

L16: Grid Member
aa
Jun 8, 2015
840
659
Fellow finn here, get Ti-Inspire CX-CAS if you have the money. It can make graphs, has solve() function and you can install Gameboy emulator
 

MaccyF

Notoriously Unreliable
aa
Mar 27, 2015
914
1,544
Before you commit to any particular one, check your exam boards regulations. My college allowed graphing calculators provided they had no programmable memory, whereas my university doesn't allow them at all. Don't waste money on something you wont be able to get certified for use in exams.
 

Hyperion

L16: Grid Member
aa
Jun 8, 2015
840
659
Before you commit to any particular one, check your exam boards regulations. My college allowed graphing calculators provided they had no programmable memory, whereas my university doesn't allow them at all. Don't waste money on something you wont be able to get certified for use in exams.
CX CAS has lock mode that disables as much as is needed. I believe the most restrictions make it like standard calculator with simple graphs