Texas InstrumentsNspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator

I regularly use both a TI-84 and TI-89 Titanium for teaching statistics and econometrics courses at the college level. Because some students are now arriving with the NSpire, my employer purchased this calculator for my use. It is an excellent upgrade from my TI-89 and is about the same price, or only a few dollars more depending on the seller. It is also lighter and features better integration with my PC (the software will work on a Mac too). The rechargeable battery is a big plus; it recharges either with the wall charger (included) or when attached to my computer via the USB cable (included). Screen size is larger than the TI-89 and much crisper than the TI-84.The ability to save "documents," essentially pages of results with embedded applications is its major innovation. Applications can include calculator, graph, spreadsheet, statistical, etc. Mostly, I use the "scratchpad" which is a quick way to do whatever you want. It can be saved as a document if you need to. In addition to multiple "pages," documents can also have multiple windows so you can have the data in one window and the graph in another, switching back and forth with the touch-pad. If you don't like the touch pad, you can navigate with the tab and cursor keys, too.For math, statistics, economics, finance, etc. this would be a better unit than the TI-89 as its CAS system is the same and functions that are loaded with apps in the 89 are integral in the NSpire (specifically, stat and finance). Editing data and matrices is much more intuitive with the NSpire. If you're an engineer, you might be happier with the 89, but ask another engineer.From a teacher's perspective, the ability to easily take applications and screen shots at reasonable resolution, and display them for my students is a big help. I have the teacher's edition software at work (not included) and use the supplied PC software at home. TI also offers a $30 iPad app that is a virtual the NSpire.As a college prof, I do have reservations about allowing the NSpire on exams because it can store hundreds of pages of notes and images in memory. Though I allow some notes on exams, the NSpire could easily be used by an enterprising student to evade the limits. (Truth is, the 89 could also but it's more difficult with the 89.) As a student, you may want to check with your teachers/professors to see if they will allow you to use it on exams.Physically, it has pluses (mostly) and minuses compared to the 84 and 89. It is lighter and flatter, has a rechargeable battery, better display, and more built-in functions: all pluses. On the minus side, the touch pad takes up room and the letters are on separate buttons so that the buttons are smaller: a minus. A plus side of the button issue is that one has to hit the Ctrl key (like 2nd on the 89 and 84) a lot less, and there is no Alpha button with the NSPire. Also, I'm not sure yet if it will be as durable as my 89 which is almost indestructible.Overall, I'm happy to have the NSpire and it will become my principal calculator replacing my 89 for day-to-day work, though I'll still keep the 89 and 84 around to demonstrate techniques for my students.

I have been using this calculator for about six weeks. I am not sure if the TI Nspire CX CAS (TI-N) was meant to replace the TI-89 Titanium, but a few minutes with the TI-N will most likely make you suspicious of a coup d'etat. To start with, the TI-89 is a great graphing calculator with many capabilities, to include programing. Unfortunately, its owner's guide does not do it justice. Although, from the looks of the owner's guide from the TI-N, one would come to the conclusion that that Texas Instrument either expects their clients to be genius, or they don't care about putting a bit more effort in their products. The TI-89 has been in the market since on or about 2004. The last update to its software was on or about 2005. It's connectivity computer software is outdated, and good look trying to get it to work with a Mac. I tried numerous time to communicate with Texas Instruments, but to the end of no positive results. You don't have to take my word for it. Just do a search about the TI-89 and its Mac connectivity software and the results will speak for themselves. On the other hand, the TI-N is about the same size as the TI-89, maybe a cm wider and taller. It is thinner and it weights a bit less. Its color screen makes it much more easier on the eyes, especially when doing homework late at night. The menu is almost as the same as the TI-89, which makes it easier for those that wish to make the transition to the TI-N. Three-D graphing is very simple and and quicker than the TI-89. As I implied in my previous comments, don't expect much from the owner's guide, but YouTub has plenty of videos that will help you get around of many of the TI-N capabilities. Additionally, many of the online videos will take the time to compare the the TI-89 and the TI-N. If you are a TI-89 user looking to make a transition, you will find that it is not that complicated. Making a purchase of the TI-N can present some challenges, since it is a fairly new calculator. Maybe by the time you read this that maybe something of the past. Still, many stores offer the chance to place orders, which it takes about a week for you to get your hands on the new calculator. Since I order mine through Amazon, it only took 2 days (of course that I had to pay the extra fees for express delivery). For Mac users, you will find that the included connectivity software works great-lets just hope that Texas Instruments keeps it updated. You do not need the software to get the calculator working. Although, there is a new operating system and I am not sure that it is possible to make the upgrade without the connectivity software. One item that I think TI could have done better, and it is a mystery since many digital input devices have transitioned to it, is the inclusion of a qwertey keyboard layout. Still it is a bit better than the TI-89's keyboard because every letter has its own key, which you don't have to depend on pressing the 2nd key followed by the letter. Again, you don't have to take my word for it. Just make a web search and you will find many good comments about the TI-N. Thank for taking the time to read my comments.