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The two unique features of this calculator that I like are the simultaneous equation solver (no matrix math needed!) and the easy to use complex number system. As an electrical engineer, this makes solving large, phasor-domain circuit problems easy! One fault with these calculators is screen issues. There is poorly constructed ribbon cable within these calculators that eventually fails and makes the screen unreadable. The first signs of failure are missing lines on the screen, so stay away from used ones with that issue. My person calculator has recently started missing a line or two, which is definitely annoying. Otherwise, these calculators have a different layout than the 84s and 83s. So, if you can't be bothered to lean how to use one, go spend 3x more on a different model.
Verified purchase: No
Ti-85 and TI-86 are the best calculators ever made. Of course without CAS. CAS is very nice feature but, as we can see, it leads to more complicated user interface. My preference is use PC/notebook insted them. TI-85 and 86 are powerfull calculators with genial user interface. It is pleasure to use them. Even that they have "obsolete" black and white low resolution display. Just trust me :-).
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is my middle daughter's second TI-86-- the first one was stolen (lost?) at school. It is very user-friendly, and performs all the necessary functions for high school math classes, from basic algebra all the way up to AP calculus and trig. (Her 7th grade brother even borrowed it for ACT's, and was able to use it without the benefit of any instructions.) Our oldest child also used this type of calculator throughout high school, and had the same type of experience. At one time, her screen display died, and she was able to get Texas Instruments to replace the calculator with a new replacement, saving money for us. Texas Instruments has been making calculators for a very long time, and the product's reliability reflects their good standing in the industry.
In the world of Texas Instrument calculators, one prefers the type used from the beginning of complex math. I started out with the TI-82 calculator, and upgraded to the TI-86 in 1999. I have been using it ever since. I started in high school, and this calculator got me through engineering school. It has everything I need as an electrical engineer. This calculator does polar and rectangular computation, number systems computation (binary, decimal, octal, hexadecimal), and so much more. It really cut homework time in half until my final year and a half. It is easier to get used to than the newer generation TI's (like the TI-93). Many of my classmates preferred this model or the TI-89 for all of their needs. I even take it when I go shopping. When I have a lot to buy, I put in all of the prices, keep a running tally, and can see right away if I am staying on budget. Not only that, but sometimes the scanned prices are wrong, and I have actually had to use this calculator to go back and prove price discrepancies to a lazy manager who did not want to check for herself. I cannot say enough great comments about this calculator; but be aware. I know that TI makes some great calculators tailored to numerous application. This model is geared toward scientists and mathmeticians who will need the complex functions this calculator performs. If you need normal computations, and you do not forsee yourself going into the aforementioned fields of study, you should purchase a different kind of calculator. This calculator can be expensive, and it would be unfortunate to waste money.Read full review
This is my middle daughter's second TI-86-- the first one was stolen (lost?) at school. It is very user-friendly, and performs all the necessary functions for high school math classes, from basic algebra all the way up to AP calculus and trig. (Her 7th grade brother even borrowed it for ACT's, and was able to use it without the benefit of any instructions.) Our oldest child also used this type of calculator throughout high school, and had the same type of experience. At one time, her screen display died, and she was able to get Texas Instruments to replace the calculator with a new replacement, saving money for us. Texas Instruments has been making calculators for a very long time, and the product's reliability reflects their good standing in the industry. 2 of 2 people found this review helpful.Read full review