The graphing capabilities of the TI-83+ are a superb choice for Algebra I classes. The ability to automatically find intersections and a variety of other important components of a graph are only key presses away.

The calculator has a powerful matrix editor allowing for easy multiplication, addition, and subtraction of matrices. Division of matrices is not possible. The list editor allows for statistical analysis of data both numerically and graphically. Graphically, the 83+ can plot data in several different formats.

Anyone who is familiar with the BASIC computer language can program the TI-83+ with ease. The calculator supports the use of almost every function through a program. Programs can be typed directly into the calculator, or on a computer. The TI-83+ also supports a special form of programs called Flash Applications. Flash Applications are generally quite complex, and are written in a special language on the computer.

The manual included with the calculator is superb. It goes into detail on every single option the calculator supports. Every section includes a Quick Start tutorial that provides an practical example covering many of the chapter's topics. Learning to program in TI-BASIC, the programming language of the calculator is possible through reading the entire manual and following the examples.

The TI Graph Link cable is the interface between a computer (PC or Mac) and any TI Calculator with a link port. It comes in several variations depending on what kind of computer it will be hooked to. The cable is not included with the calculator, but can be purchased as an option. The TI-83+ Silver Edition includes a Black Link cable for Windows PCs.

When the TI-83+ is outgrown, upgrading the TI-89 will require little work for anyone who has gained experience with TI's entry level graphing calculator. The TI-89 has the capability to do Calculus and 3-Dimensional graphs primarily.

Overall, the 83+ is an excellent choice for anyone taking an Algebra course or any math class above that. The calculator does basic arithmetic, graphic, statistics, matrices, and a variety of other mathematical operations.

97 of 105 found the following review helpful:

Depends what you are using it for  Sep 13, 2002
By G. Singer
If you are thinking of using this calculator for Algebra, Geometry, basically any straight math, especially Calculus, DON'T. That is not to say it won't work, just that there are better things out there, namely the TI-89. The 89 is somewhat more expensive, but, in my opinion and experience, it is far superior for these applications. A few reasons: easier to get the results from previous entries, support for derivitives and integrals, and the higher resolution looks better and lets you put more on the screen at one time, as well as allowing more symbols. However, if you are planning on using the calculator for Statistics, get the 83, because, for some unknown reason, the TI engineers declined to put ANY suppport for stats on the 89, but the 83 is great at it. I have owned TI calculators for many years, and I have never experienced any quality or production problems with them and have never had any of them break except when treated REALLY badly, such as having very heavy, blunt objects dropped on the screen, and I do tend to use mine pretty hard.

56 of 60 found the following review helpful:

Economic Market Fail  Jul 19, 2010
By Booyah
The Ti-83 is a technological marvel, it is the only electronic device that stays in its original price range no matter how old it gets. These specs aren't just out of date, they're so old that you would expect them to be preceded by the phrase "remember when...."

The Ti-83 Plus came out in 1999. Aside from an extremely small amount of extra flash memory, it's the same as the Ti-83 released in 1996. And the Ti-83 itself is really not much different than the Ti-82 which came out in 1993. But somehow after all this time the price hasn't moved. Seriously, look at the listed specs: 16KB of RAM and "Big 160KB archive space." Are they kidding? That's so out of date that I can't even remember the last time I saw kilobytes used as a unit of measurement.

And talk about an awful, extremely low resolution display. This is the same 96x64 monochrome display from the original Ti-81 released in 1990. Decent displays cost almost nothing now. And it would be helpful to have a basic color display so you could have different colored lines when you mapped more than one function at at the same time.

Where does TI even find suppliers that make components this out of date? Actually, maybe that's why this thing is so expensive. The components are so old that scarcity is a big problem.

How TI has been able to dominate this market by selling extremely overpriced and out of date technology is amazing. The only good thing: if someone is ever trying to convince you that monopolies are good things that will lead to better products, just hold up your TI graphing calculator and you've won the debate.

66 of 73 found the following review helpful:

Really?  Mar 14, 2004

The calculator is fine for school use, up through college as long as you're not majoring in math, physics, or something that motivates a top level device (such as the HP4* or TI89). One major benefit with the 83+ is that it's so common that most teachers know how to use it, many classmates will too, and there is tons of apps and info about it online.

However, this isn't really why I'm writing here. I want you all to take a good look at many of the reviews. Especially the five-star ones that say "this is the only calculator you'll ever need!!!", "buy now before it gets too expensive!!", "the Ti83+ is everything you'll ever need and more!!" Notice how they are all from anonymous posters, correctly spelled (a dead giveaway) and well articulated? I swear it breaks my heart that these type of reviews from "users" can't be trusted anymore. It's a fact that resellers and manufacturers actually pay people to write up their products on web boards and commerce sites such as Amazon.

Don't trust the ratings or the reviews here. For a proper evaluation, look at the technical magazines that review gadgets, and talk to teachers and classmates instead.

See all 421 customer reviews on Amazon.com