A graphing calculator a.k.a. graphic display calculator is a handheld device meant for calculating advanced mathematical tasks. Unlike a regular calculator, this device is actually a small computer that has enough computing power to deal with graphs, simultaneous equations, complicated tasks with variables, and so on.
Apart from being incomparably more powerful than regular calculators, these devices are also customizable. They can be programmed to use other programs in addition to those that come as default. Thanks to this fact, graphing calculators can be used for all sorts of purposes.
They can come very handy to meth students, but also those studying electronics, medicine, physics, and many other things. Therefore, graphing calculators are very popular among college students. If you’re one of them, you will probably be able to make use of such a device.
Sure, you may argue that a laptop could do the same tasks as a graphing calculator, but these things can do it faster. And they cost far less than laptops. And they’re much smaller, thus much more practical to carry. And they’re also allowed to be used even on exams, while laptops might not be.
The 4 Best Graphing Calculators for Students
We understand that graphing calculators aren’t among the most common topics of conversation among college students. That said, the chance is that you probably don’t have a lot of knowledge on these devices. And that means that you probably don’t know how to find a good one.
If so, you’re at the right place. We’re now going to present you four reviews of graphing calculators that we consider to be the best you can find at the moment. Apart from being fast and reliable, these devices are also pretty reasonably priced, which makes them ideal for college students. So, let’s start!
Ti-84 plus Calculator by Texas Instruments
Although Ti-84 plus Calculator by Texas Instruments is not a budget option per se, considering how much it has to offer, we just can’t say it’s expensive. There are so many great things about this device, starting with the fact that it’s manufactured by one of the most reputable American brands of small electronics. Texas Instruments is a brand synonymous with quality and durability. You can be sure this graphing calculator is going to work fine even when your college days are over.
Apart from being built to last, the calculator is also amazing in terms of its computing power. Its performances are really impressive. For instance, it can calculate real and complex numbers to an accuracy of 14 digits. It can graph 10 rectangular functions, 6 parametric and polar expressions, as well as 3 recursively-defined sequences.
It’s also very good in terms of user convenience. The graphing calculator can store up to 999 elements, as well as 10 50×50 matrices. It also comes with different graph styles you can use to differentiate the look of every graph you draw. Furthermore, it comes with over 200 pre-defined functions and can be programmed to work with new functions.
Pros
- Built to last
- Impressive computing power
- Plenty of useful features
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not very cheap
Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
Here’s another device made by Texas Instruments, showing that this company definitely has a lot to offer.
The graphing calculator in question is a bit cheaper than the first we reviewed and comes with pretty much the same level of computing power.
Same as the first one, this one too can be used for all kinds of purposes, including engineering, financial, and trigonometric functions. It’s also pretty easy to use, thanks to its large LCD display and a number of preset functions.
The calculator also has its own memory storage, which you can use to save new functions, but also to store as many as 10 matrices.
Pros
- Made to last
- Powerful calculator
- Packed with useful functions
Cons
- If its price were just a bit lower, this would be the very best graphing calculator
Casio FX-9750GII Graphing Calculator
Casio is a company famous for its calculators, so if you need one, you won’t make a bad decision if you pick any from Casino’s collection.
Still, if you need a graphing calculator, Casio FX-9750GII seems like a pretty good choice. First of all, this device comes with a pretty attractive price tag. And it’s also superb in terms of functions and performances.
Casio FX-9750GII packs a powerful 62kb RAM CPU, which makes it great at performing complicated math tasks in milliseconds. It also comes with intuitive features, meant to make your work much easier.
And that is something that makes this graphing calculator a very good choice for college students.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Easy to use
- Fast
Cons
- None found
HP Prime Graphing Calculator
As its name suggests, HP Prime is really a prime choice. It’s a powerful computer with a 3.5-inch touchscreen, which makes it incredibly easy to use.
Another thing making it easy to use is that it comes with predictable functions. This way, the calculator can actually serve as your assistant if you get confused over the course of an operation. It also comes with many pre-defined functions, all meant to make your job much easier.
Another great thing about HP Prime is that it comes with a Wi-Fi kit, meaning that you can connect it to a wireless network.
You can also directly connect it to a laptop or a computer. This way, you can share files between devices, as well as program the calculator to accept new functions.
Pros
- Has a touchscreen
- Packed with useful features
- Wi-Fi kit included
Cons
- Could’ve been a bit cheaper
Conclusion
The reason why we reviewed these four products is that we wanted to introduce college students to devices they’re probably not too familiar with. If you haven’t had any previous experience with graphing calculators, you are guaranteed to have trouble finding a good one. Of course, such a worry should not concern you if you let us be your guides.
We’ve selected four products, each of which deserves to be called the best graphing calculator. They have everything an average college student might need during the studies. All of these calculators feature fast CPUs, which are also very reliable. You won’t have to worry about the calculator stopping to work in the middle of an exam.
At the same time, all of these calculators come with many useful functions designed to help the user out, which is exactly the thing students need. If you hit a dead end while doing some complicated math task, a good graphing calculator can help you tear that wall down.
The final reason why you should definitely consider buying one of these four calculators is that they do not cost too much, considering how much they’re giving in return. Investing in such a device is going to pay off – a good graphing calculator can help you even with the hardest exams!