TI-Nspire Review

The TI-Nspire may look just like a fancy calculator to most – but those deep in the throes of challenging high school or college level math classes may see something else entirely. The TI Nspire, a learning technology product, will provide hard working students with a mathematical handheld “wing man” as they maneuver through algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus and many other math and science courses. Sure there are a couple issues to consider before buying one, but if your mathematician is looking for an easy to use handheld, you should seriously consider the TI-Nspire.

Buy Texas Instruments TI-NSpire Math and Science Handheld Graphing Calculator

TI-Nspire Description

Texas Instruments TI-NSpire Math and Science Handheld Graphing Calculator handheld creates a dynamic dimension for students to visualize concepts and take an engaging, interactive role in their learning. The TI-Nspire handheld comes with a snap-in TI-84 Plus Keypad that provides the same keystrokes as TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition graphing calculators. Whether handhelds are provided by your school or your students bring in personally-owned units, this side-by-side compatibility between TI-Nspire handhelds and existing TI graphing calculators delivers a comfortable transition to TI-Nspire technology. Includes USB cable for software and file downloads.

Thanks to the help of a local high school and college math teacher, I was able to learn more about this handheld. Here are this teacher’s suggested pros and cons about the product:

TI Nspire Pros

• The contrast of the screen is better than other handhelds and it shows nice detail. Also the text style print makes the product very user friendly and a joy to use.
• It seems capable of virtually every variety of high school or college level math problem.  This handheld is also able to do most problems at the same time since users can store multiple problems at once.
• The graphing capabilities are excellent.
• The two key pads are a nice option for many users with differing needs. It would work very well for both teachers (potentially used to older handhelds) and students.
• The split screen offers a great advantage to all users.
• The variable linkage is fantastic.
• There is easy interface for entering problems and between the five applications.
• The TI-Nspire can connect and download to your PC or MAC.
• The battery life is fairly good considering all that it can do.
• For those looking for a straight forward “WYSIWYG” handheld, the TI-Nspire is an excellent option. This is a first rate handheld for students in High School or College – any student would be lucky to have one.

TI Nspire Cons

• The cost ($134.99 on Amazon) might prohibit many parents from purchasing it – and teachers would hesitate recommending this product to their students based on that reason.
• This model may take some time to get up to speed with its capabilities.
• It would be nice to see color on the screen. Also, the screen can be difficult to read in bright light.
• The product is fairly big. Many students are used to smaller, compact handheld products (for example, their phones) and this feels bulky and awkward in comparison.
• While the snap on keyboard is nice, I would be concerned that it may get lost often.
• The directions included were difficult to follow and I preferred reading “TI Nspire for Dummies” to learn more about the product.

Buy Texas Instruments TI-NSpire Math and Science Handheld Graphing Calculator

Related posts:

1. Kids Memory Wizard Review
2. Lorex Digital Wireless Surveillance System Review
3. Lorex Digital Wireless Surveillance System Review
4. Easy Times – A Beginning Multiplication Tutorial Review
5. Review of Dymo LetraTag Plus