Ideal for college students

 

CAS stands for Computer Algebra System.  This calculator can compute higher-level math concepts, including finding indefinite integrals, derivatives, limits, and complex eigenvectors. The TI-Nspire CAS also has a differential equations solver.

Review of the TI-Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator

Not only that, the CAS versions of the TI-Nspire don’t just give you a number for an answer like most calculators.

These calculators can actually show steps to solving problems.  Check out this link and you’ll see what I mean.

In addition, calculators can express exact answers in radical form, or in terms of pi or a variable. Most calculators will simply give you a numerical answer to a decimal.

The TI-Nspire CAS graphing calculators are most similar to the TI-89 and Voyage 200.

However, the TI-Nspire CAS graphing calculators function more like computers than they do older Texas Instrument graphing calculator models such as the TI-83 or TI-84.  Check out these cool features:

  • You can upload jpg, jpeg, bmp and png images and photos
  • Create 3D graphs that can be rotated either manually or automatically
  • Create and save files that can then be uploaded to a PC or Mac

 

I’m in high school.  Should I purchase the TI-Nspire CAS graphing calculator?

The TI-Nspire CAS Handheld graphing calculators are ideal for college students. If you’re in high school, you are better off with the TI-83 plus, TI-84 plus, or TI-Nspire Clickpad with TI-84 Keypad.  This is because most textbooks and teachers based their lessons off of TI-84 calculators.

Also, while the TI-Nspire CAS graphing calculators are allowed on the SAT and AP exams, they are not permitted on the a ACT or IB exams.

 

 

There are several versions of the TI-Nspire CAS graphing calculators:

TI-Nspire CX CAS Handheld

Review of the TI-Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator

TI-Nspire CX CAS

The TI-Nspire CX CAS Handheld graphing calculator has a screen in full color and a backlit display. Furthermore, users can color code equations, objects, points, and lines, making the calculator extremely user-friendly.

The TI-Nspire CX CAS Handheld also comes with a rechargeable battery that can last up to 2 weeks. This battery can be recharged by being connected to a personal computer via a USB.

The TI-Nspire CX CAS Handheld is thin, light, and bright, with the highest resolution of any TI graphing calculator to date.

It has a touchpad that functions as a mouse to navigate around the screen.

Other stats:

  • 100 MB of user memory (compare with 1.5 MB of memory in my TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Review)
  • 320 x 240 screen resolution (compare with 96 x 64 on the TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, and TI-84 Plus Silver)
  • Weight: 8.5 ounces

Click the link below to purchase your TI-Nspire CX CAS on amazon.com.

 

TI-Nspire CAS with Touchpad

The TI-Nspire CAS with Touchpad has similar features to the TI-Nspire CX CAS,  including rotating  graphs, a rechargeable battery, image upload, and  the ability to create, save, and transfer files to a Mac or PC.

Review of the TI-Nspire CAS Touchpad Graphing Calculator

TI-Nspire CAS with Touchpad

The only difference is that it is not in color.

The TI-Nspire CAS with Touchpad has a touchpad to navigate the screen like a mouse on a computer.

Other stats:

  • 20 MB of user memory
  • 320 x 240 screen resolution
  • Weight: 9.9 ounces

Click below to purchase the TI-Nspire CAS with Touchpad off Amazon.com.

 

 

TI-Nspire CAS with Clickpad

Review of the TI-Nspire CAS Clickpad Graphing Calculator

TI-Nspire CAS Clickpad

The TI-Nspire CAS with Clickpad is similar to the Touchpad, except it does not have a rechargeable battery.  It is also a black-and-white model.   Its screen is navigated by a clickpad functioning as a mouse.

Other stats:

  • 20 MB of user memory
  • 320 x 240 screen resolution
  • Weight: 8.9 ounces

 

Click below to purchase the TI-Nspire CAS with Clickpad.