This is one of the first graphing calculators, just behind Casio, that provides a color display.
So what is great about this calculator?
1. Templates, templates, templates! Have a hard time understanding how to solve an integral or a system of equations on your TI-89? The TI-Nspire Cx CAS has easy to understand templates for solving integrals. In other words, this calculator will set up an integral just the way you would see it in your book, simply tab or arrow over to an empty box and fill it in.
2. CAS (computer algebra system) This helps solve for variables and can help simplify expressions that the non-CAS calculators couldn't hope to do. For just 10 or 20 dollars more for this feature (it is included in this calculator!), it adds a whole new level of functionality to your calculator, and the non-CAS calculators will tease you about these functions, but will tell you that CAS is needed in order to perform them. Also, This calculator looks more professional than the standard CX calculator, at least in my mind.
So what is good about this calculator?
1. The screen provides a clear display, of course, the display could be improved on, but it really doesn't seem that necessary. Another difference is that the screen is in line with the rest of the calculator (the screen is not indented into the calculator as it is with most other models), providing little protection against accidental drops.
2. The sleek design. It looks much more professional than the older Nspire models and is much more sleek, but it provides a little worry when it comes to strength and durability, but you would have to be rather careless in order to break it.
So what is slightly annoying about this calculator?
1. The Li-Ion battery. This may be a difference in personal opinion, but I don't think I should have to charge my calculator at least every two weeks and eventually every other day or so. This calculator runs off a standard cell phone battery and so the longer this calculator is used, the faster it will die, and I just prefer that my calculator runs off batteries and works for months at a time. (Hey, uh, maam, I know we're taking a test and all, but, uh, could you move over a bit so I can charge my calculator?) That really shouldn't be much of a problem because it does have a battery bar, but if you forget one day, and happen to have the recharger, it just seems strange compared to keeping a pack of batteries as a spare.
-Battery correction located towards bottom of review
Added Friday, August 26, 2011
This calculator attempts to emulate or copy the general format of a laptop computer that happens to mostly only function mathematically and scientifically in the sense that it is possible to buy a variety of different sensors for this calculator.
I also forgot to mention that this calculator has what is similar to a touchpad that seems a little bit, well, touchy (The scrolling icon doesn't show up unless the calculator detects/thinks you are trying to use the arrow pad as a touchpad). After I have had a small amount of time to try this calculator, I have found that it seems to be the type of calculator that is used more often for homework, not tests, because it is a great tool when you are not under pressure. This may be for a variety of reasons, one of which would be that I am much more familiar with the general layout of the TI-89 and TI-83/84. Before considering purchasing this calculator, one who has not owned a previous version of the Nspire line, should determine whether he/she is willing to put the time in to understand where to find the functions he/she will want to use.
In addition, the calculator features a basic keypad containing the alphabet in the abc, rather than qwerty, format which some may find annoying. But! Remember that if Texas Instruments were to make a qwerty keyboard on their calculators, then these calculators would not be allowed during most tests due to standard regulations.
In conclusion, I believe that you should probably only spend your money on this calculator if:
1. You previously owned an Nspire model, AND enjoyed using it!
2. You have never owned a graphing calculator and want the best of the best. (You know, color, resolution, processor, touch pad, three dimensional graphing, templates, sleek design, semi-intuitive button layout etc etc.)
3. You collect TI brand calculators
4. You enjoy manipulating graphs, rather than simply calculating functions.
I'm sure there are quite a few things I may have missed, but I wanted to be sure that I addressed a few more of the aspects of this calculator and to come up with a guide to whether this calculator may be right for you. Regardless of my main points, and despite the comments and reviews about cracked screens and assaults on durability, this calculator works and is relatively durable. If you are the type of person who drops your phone every three seconds and who works with dangerous chemicals without washing your hands, then this calculator, and any calculator over $20, may not be right for you. But if you are the type of person who is going to set the calculator on a table or desk and use it for what it is meant for (hint: calculating, NOT playing catch with or determining the gravitational constant by dropping it) then you will more than likely not experience any durability issues.
Added Sunday, August 28, 2011 *Battery Correction*
I have recieved note that the Li-Ion battery, in fact, should run just as long as a set of AAA batteries. While this is true, the Nspire calculator has many power-saving options that can significantly increase battery life at the cost of power up time. When this calculator is "shut off" its true default is to stay in somewhat of a very low power sleep mode that helps lower boot times. This sleep mode can be lengthened or shortened depending on your use, but the difference in boot time changes by roughly 10 seconds. (The calculator starts at about the same speed of the 89 titanium when coming out of sleep mode, but when it is completely turned off, then the calculator displays a load bar for about 10 measly seconds).
The difference is that when you shut off a Ti-89, at least to my knowledge, the calculator completely shuts down and does not use any battery power. This allows for extended use for up to months as I have accomplished beforehand. But! I reviewed this calculator on either the first or the second day after I bought it, and have not needed to recharge it yet. (It has been nearly a month)
My actual rating for this calculator would be about 4.5 stars.
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments |
| Item Weight | 9.1 ounces |
| Item model number | N3CAS/CLM/2L1 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Black |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | Standard |
| Manufacturer Part Number | N3CAS/GC/2L1 |
