By Michael Mazack (Washington State)

Great Calculator

Before I bought a TI-89 Titanium, I had used a TI-83 Plus for four years. After taking calculus and learning about limits, derivatives, integrals, infinite series, Taylor series, differential equations, and multivariable functions, I decided that I would look for a calculator which was capable of symbolic computation. After analyzing my options, I decided on a TI-89 Titanium. The TI-89 Titanium is able to expand polynomials, factor polynomials, and do all of the calculus techniques that I mentioned -- symbolically and numerically. One of the other things I found helpful was the TI-89 Titanium's ability to plot direction fields using different algorithms (including Euler's method). One of the nicer things about this model (compared to the TI-89) is that it has USB connectivity (cord included) for installing applications and transferring data. Another nice thing is that it also supports connectivity to older model TI-89s via the old I/O port which is right next to the USB connector. I also found the "exact mode" very useful (exact mode will give you exact answers rather than decimal approximations). Yet, the most useful feature of this calculator is probably the "pretty print" feature which displays expressions as you would normally write them on paper. This feature allows you to easily see the expression that you typed in. All these features plus copy and paste ability make this calculator nearly perfect. My only complaint is that the cover does not initially slide on and off easily. However, I'm sure that with more use it will wear in. Overall this is a great calculator -- I recommend it.

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By Y. Shin (Gardena, CA United States)

Powerful, so powerful, November 6, 2004

This is the most powerful scientific calculator in its class.

If you're majoring in Engineering, or plan to major it, then you must get this one (or regular Ti-89)
If you buy anything else for cheaper price, you'll have to spend $150 more to get this later anyway. (like me) However if your Math class will end up in Calculus or Algebra(i.e. if you're not going to learn Diff. equation or harder), you don't really need this, you will just waste extra $70 for the features that you will never use (or features that aren't allowed to use in exam)

So think logically. It's really cool looking calculator and it got best software/hardware in the world.

But if one is going to use it for simple graphic or solving polynomial equations, then it's really like simulating windows and playing Doom3 on NEC Earth Simulator.. Used Ti-83 will do as good for those..

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By D. Bezboruah (Los Angeles, CA United States)

For calculus and beyond, perfect! Anything below calculus, this is too much!

After using a TI-83 Plus calculator for the last 5 years, I decided to upgrade to the TI-89 Titanium. This calculator is unbelievable in its features and power. First of all, it is more suited for advanced math, such as calculus and beyond. This calculator is NOT meant for high schoolers who are taking algebra, geometry or trig classes. If you don't know what a derivative or an integral is, then save your money and buy a TI-84 instead. (Besides, I believe most high school math teachers ban the TI-89 on tests) This calculator can also run programs in its Flash memory, which can be downloaded from the TI website. A USB cable is included standard. TI has made the newly designed sliding cover much more secure than the old TI design (TI-83 plus, TI-86, TI-89 regular), whose sliding cover was not very secure and became looser over continued use. The cover is very hard to get off the first few times (I was almost afraid of breaking it off), but over time it has gotten easier. Switching over from the TI-83, the only problem I've encountered is the operation of this calculator is very different from the 83. The menus are different, the interface different, different buttons. It takes a while to get used to.

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By DragonsAreForever (North Carolina, USA)

Powerful Calculator; Highly Recommend

Great Aspects:
With tons of RAM and powerful functions/calculations, this calculator can't be beat; think of it as a really souped-up TI-83 Plus. It is also very easy to edit/re-use past calculations. The ability to hook up to a PC via the provided USB cable and software can prove to be very useful as well as the ability hook up with other TI-89's (again, the cable is provided). Anybody taking calculus or a subsequent course should strongly consider this calculator (especially if you're in the later courses).

While not really relating to school or math, this calculator is capable of running some really cool games.

Downside:
It takes time to learn how to use all of its programs and functions. Sometimes, you have to go through some pretty complicated processes to do some fairly basic functions. Don't throw away your manual. Buttons are on the small side and it is sometimes hard to read buttons (especially the alternate, "2nd," button functions). If you're not taking calculus or a higher-level course, you don't need this calculator, particularly since it's not cheap.

Summary:
The TI-89 Titantium is an exceptionally useful tool for those entering math/science fields, starting with calculus. For those who just take math courses because they have to (for graduation requirements), this calculator isn't worth the investment.
Highly Recommend.

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By +++ (CA, United States)

a powerhouse

This calculator is a little wonder. Its most impressive feature is the symbolic algebra capability (the feature which lacks in TI-83) which allows one to factor and expand algebraic and trigonometric functions, solve quadratic equations, systems of equations, perform matrix manipulation, etc. I even think that it is a little dangerous for a high school student to have a calculator which such possibilities since at least half of algebra, trigonomtery, and calculus homework can be simply solved on this calculator without ever learning how to do this on paper. Mastering the calculator is time-consuming. The paper manual enclosed with the calculator is outright poor, but fortunately TI offers an extended version of the manual on their web site. Actually, there seem to be at least two versions of the manual, both from TI. One can be downloaded from the link on the Amazon page (scroll to the top of this page), the second one directly from the TI web site - go to http://education.ti.com, click on Support, and then on Guidebooks. Both of these electronic manuals are very good. The speed of the processor is sufficient in most cases, although graphing with small step size may take very long time.

The drawbacks of the calculator are obvious and almost every reviewer has already complained about them - second and third functions of the buttons are labelled in barely visible colors; the display lacks in contrast.

Aside from these minor things, the capabilities of this calculator are very impressive.

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By Brett W. "Nrbelex" (New York, USA)

One word: The best calculator ever...

This calculator is incredible. I'm starting a fan club. it solves equations, graphs in 3D (and 4D) IS ALLOWED ON THE SAT I & II, will do your dishes and can connect to your computer for updates and other cool things. REALLLLY HELPFUL FOR THE SAT (Most powerful calculator allowed).

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