There are so many graphing calculators and they can be quite expensive as well. Not everyone will want the same tool depending on what they want to have from the product such as the Casio FX-9860GII Vs TI-84 Plus CE that are both reliable but probably for different types of users. They have the same basic functions as graphing calculators yet the latter is more capable and if you want to know why, let’s see the comparison below.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What are Graphing Calculators
- What are Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE
- How are the Appearance of Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE
- How are the Interface of Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE
- How are the Graphing with Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE
- How are the App & Programming in Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE
- Casio FX-9860GII Vs TI-84 Plus CE
Graphing Calculators
Numbers are not something that most people are fond of unless they can be converted into currency. But, it is invented to help humans understand so many things and it is used in so many applications that the current technology won’t happen without numbers. In modern days, there are many tools invented to deal with numbers and the most common one is the calculator. Even the name itself already describes what this tool is capable of but, not all calculators are the same and fitting in all types of use.
Graphing calculators are arguably the most advanced and the most powerful tools among its variants. Back then calculators or counting machines were so simple that they could only perform the basic functions of adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying. Graphing calculators on the other hand is capable of drawing plotted functions. They are small computers that can solve simultaneous equations and perform tasks with variables.
Usually they will be required during high school and college or even in the real working environment. You can easily notice a graphing calculator by the screen size and this is because they are wider than typical calculators which usually can only write one or few lines but graphing calculators can have more lines to type. This is necessary for drawing itself as the machine will need space to show you its result. Depending on the model, some are going to look better than the other.
Graphing calculators are well-known to be expensive and this is because the market is dominated by only a few companies while students still need them in class and when taking standardized exams like SAT. The exams only allowed for certain calculators to be used so teachers will have to teach their students how to utilize the tool properly when solving the problems. It is a very important part of our education system for how long it has been incorporated so it is just wise to buy one when required.
There are many high end graphing calculators with the bells and whistles but make sure that it is allowed during standardized tests since this type of tool is usually prohibited too. As a parent you may be tempted to buy the most expensive calculator but even a very affordable Casio FX-9750GII Vs TI-83 Plus will be very much capable. They may not be as fancy and have lots of features but chances are they are going to be sufficient for classes. If you are unsure, we can get what the teacher is recommending or using.
| Casio FX-9860GII | TI-84 Plus CE | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 11 x 7.5 inches | 7.5 x 3.42 x 0.62 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 7.8 ounces | 12 ounces |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE
Just like most products, while the more expensive options are always better or have the higher capabilities, the best choice for each individual can be different. In our opinion it is wise to choose the one that matches with the application and do consider what you will need from the tool. For example whether the calculator has to offer a natural display or have certain apps that you will be using outside of algebra such as if you will be taking trigonometry course for college, etc.
For graphing calculators, while there are so many models to choose from, most of them are Texas Instruments, Casio, or HP. These are the common names that you will hear often when it comes to graphing calculators and the reason is that their products have been used for so long which also makes educators more familiar with how they work. Just like any company, you can find them in both affordable and pricier tags based on what the calculators are capable at.
There is always a prominent difference between the budget choice and higher-end models such as Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE. Both of them are very popular graphing calculators which are used by many students but the latter is noticeably more expensive. We will call the TI-84 Plus CE as one of the most fun calculators to use and also the newest iteration of TI-84 line so if you have the standard variant, this is a nice upgrade for a better experience.
On the other hand we do think FX-9860GII as a mid-range model since it is better than the FX-9750GII but is not as fancy as the FX-CG500. The calculators come with all basic functions, very easy to use especially when graphing, as well as coming with all the necessary features that students often use including programming. The difference? TI-84 Plus CE is more capable, has better display, and is still usable in standardized exams. It is like the original TI-84 but now is more modern and we heard that it is supposed to be faster too.
Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE Design
Now let’s take a look into the calculators because they are quite different in design. The initial TI-84 is a very old calculator and you can kind of guess how long it has been around but the Plus CE was only released in 2015, giving a new face for the old time favorite. Now the calculator is refreshed with a new finish and the most noticeably new color display. It is also slimmer and the wide rounded edges that we are all familiar with are now gone, replaced by a sleeker design.
As for the FX-9860GII, it is more standard no matter how you look at it. The plastic housing is similar to the older calculator but it is designed with a curve that helps the tool stand out among its peers. The layout is our favorite because personally it is more comfortable compared to common TI layout. The calculator dimension is also good on hand and it is working with 4 AAA batteries, the same with TI-84 Plus CE.
Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE Interface
Moving further, let’s see what the calculators can offer starting from the interface. We always like how simple the interface of Casio is but Texas Instruments are probably what most people are familiar with so the two are equally convenient. You just need to power the calculator, choose a mode to work with and then start entering your information. Choose what action next and they will show you the next stage or results. We recommend saving the manual because it needs time to remember what each button and menu are for.
Another advantage from choosing Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE is their natural display or also called mathprint. This is simply an ability to show a textbook view so the formula will be entered and shown just like in your textbook. It doesn’t affect the performance because even without one graphing calculator will still be useful but this feature surely improves the usability, especially when entering long expressions and in general it is faster to understand the mathprint display.
Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE Graphing
Next since both Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE are graphing calculators, we want to talk about the graphing functions as well where the difference will be very apparent. To graph just choose the graphing menu and choose what graph you want to draw. We can enter the equations and choose to draw them; same on both calculators. However, with TI-84 Plus CE the graph is more sophisticated with colorful lines and it is sharper due to the higher resolution.
For eyes that are used to color display we must say that it looks much better than the graph in FX-9860GII and when you need to zoom in and out, it is much more possible and easier on the TI-84 Plus CE. In addition, there is table function and ability to draw conics too on both models.
Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE App & Programming
Lastly is for the app and programming on Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE. They are based on BASIC and if you don’t want to learn the language, we can find many programs ready from various sources. They are very capable and also easy to use with some dedication. The apps are different and you can find lots of them built-in to the tool. For example Casio has a TVM app which is useful for financial calculation, cash flow, or similar graphs while TI has Cabri JR which is used to transform mathematical models and geometric diagrams.
Casio FX-9860GII Vs TI-84 Plus CE
Both Casio FX-9860GII and TI-84 Plus CE are very useful and very capable graphing calculators. The prominent difference is mostly on the display as the latter looks much better but basic functions are the same. Apps may vary but you can work on programs too, to be used on both calculators. The processor of TI-84 Plus CE may be faster but the use of a better display is taxing so it is about the same. Spec wise TI put 2MB flash ROM here while Casio has 1500 KB only.
Conclusion
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The choice is all yours because they are quite different but we will recommend FX-9860GII if you don’t need these additional bells and whistles and for those who have no issue with the budget, we do think the TI-84 Plus CE will be more fun to use.