Any model of TI-84 Plus, as well as the TI-84 Evo, will work for this course. Several options are provided above - choose only one! To help you decide, here are the key differences:
- TI-84 Plus: This is the most basic model, but it does everything we need. It has a gray and black standard screen, runs on AAA batteries, and is thicker and heavier than the CE models. It comes with a cable if you buy it new. Fresh batteries will last a long time, and the calculator will let you know when they need to be changed. I recommend this model to people who won't keep track of charging a calculator, as long as they don't mind the basic screen and the heavier calculator body.
- TI-84 Plus Silver Edition: The same as the TI-84 Plus, with a few extra built-in apps that we won't use anyway.
- TI-84 Plus CE: This model has a backlit color screen and a built-in rechargeable battery. It is thinner and lighter than the TI-84 Plus. The data cable it comes with is also the charging cable. This model is better for ease of reading the screen. The more recently manufactured ones (since 2017) also have an extra feature that can be used to safeguard against accidental corruption or deletion of program files. This model is my recommendation, if the added cost is manageable. Keep in mind that you will have to charge it regularly.
- TI-84 Plus CE Python: This model is the same as the TI-84 Plus CE, but with extra programming capability that we won't use in this course anyway. No need to pay extra for this model, but if you want it, go for it.
- TI-84 Evo: This is the newest model - it came out in April 2026. It's only slightly 'better' than the TI-84 Plus CE. Don't upgrade if you already have one of the other ones, but if you are buying your first one, you might consider the 'Evo'. If there is a particular model that you need for school (from this list), then get that one. Otherwise, consider these pros and cons of the 'Evo', the pros are: A few things are more user-friendly. There is a web-based (easier) way to load programs (using Chrome). It has a USB-C port (others have an older, less common port). The price, when on sale, is comparable to or better than for the others. The online version is included when you buy it new. The cons: The battery doesn't last as long on a full charge. A few functions are in different places -my lessons are slowly being revised to include this difference. The ONLY way to load programs is by using the Chrome browser. The price, when NOT on sale, is much higher than for the others.
One more note: Some things are entered or displayed differently on the basic model, the CE model, and the CE Python model. These differences are explained in the course lesson videos. I'm slowly updating the videos to include differences for the 'Evo' too.
