The TI-86 runs with programs designed for the TI-85 and includes all the same matrix features, but with a new matrix editor that allows the user to view and edit matrices in two dimensions. You can also view multiple lists and attach formulas to those lists for automatic computations. A new aspect of the TI-86 is the ability to customize product functionality with machine language programs downloaded from TI's Web site. Besides the strong graphing abilities, the TI-86 also has powerful calculus features like integration, derivatives, minimums, maximums, roots, and arcs. It also supports Z80 assembly language programming.

The 64 x 128 high-contrast pixel screen displays eight lines of 21 characters each plus two levels of display menus. With the TI-86, you can link to other TI-86s and TI-85s via the input/output port, and to CBLs, CBRs, and computers. --Dana Van Nest

I actually bought a TI-89 around soph year of college just to complement the TI-86.

You see, the TI-86 is a SOLID engineering calculator. It's got fast units conversions, an intuitive and FAST menu system BUT it lacks "pretty print", handling of units for math (keeps the units throughout equations, calculators), and integration/differentiation with the variables in place (it doesn't just evaluate it). With the right software, the TI-89 is a very powerful math tool.

I used the TI-89 primarily for theoretical math but came in handy for standardized tests as well.

I would recommend getting both the TI-89 and TI-86 and start familiarizing yourself with both calculators before you start tackling tests. Check the rules and regs for calculators also - standardized tests should allow the use of the 86 and 89.

Overall, the TI-86 is a solid math tool - notice I say TOOL because that's what it is. If you have no idea what you're doing in class, the TI-86 won't give you an A.

My recommendation is to get both the TI-86 and TI-89.
Just FYI, I'm still using the TI-86 at work. The buttons show some wear and I lost the first line of the LCD because I dropped it in college. Nonetheless it's still chugging along.

Also, slap in four 750mAH NiMH batteries. You will NOT regret this because these calculators drain alkaline batteries in half a semester of intensive use. We didn't have cheap NiMH batteries back in the day - TI actually pushed the use of Rayovac Renewals (remember those rechargeable alkalines that only lasted 5 charges?) and our other choice was NiCd. Forget all that. Slap in four Energizer 750mAh NiMH batteries and you'll save yourself a LOT of money in the long run. That means more money for video games and other forms of entertainment in college.


TI-86... Powerful, Affordable, Reliable...   February 28, 2002
Robert D. Shull (Fairfield, OH)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

If you are involved with heavy mathematical calculations, you will find that there is nothing better to have at your side, than a trusty TI-86. With this extraordinary calculator you can literally do anything from statistical to calculus work, and even work in the sciences. The interface is simple to learn (speaking in a graphing calculator sense), and the manner in which things are done on this calculator is so much easier than on the older TI-85.

If you need to know what points are in a function, enter the function into the graph, and select table... Voila! In nice graphical format TI-86 will provide you with an x,y table with all points you select! Its that easy... TI-86 also does an extraordinary job with parametric equations!

I have used the TI-85, and actually was looking for one when I bought this calculator. I couldn't find it anywhere, so I took the plunge and picked up a TI-86... After using it for a semester in university math and sciences classes, I will NEVER go back to the 85!


The ONLY calculator any High School Student needs   April 13, 2001
J. Berrigan (Atlanta, GA)
34 out of 38 found this review helpful

Any high school kid in a higher math, like pre-calc, Algebra 2, and calculus, is urged by teachers to buy a TI-83. The fact of the matter is that the TI-83, even the TI-83 Plus is dated. The TI-86 offers many more advanced features than the 83. For example, a polynomial solver. This is a built in quadratic formula, which can solve polynomial equations to any order, not just 2. Also, Texas Instruments added constants and converstion features which allow you to, if you are in Physics or Chemistry, which I am, to swich from BTU's to Joules, from feet to meters and not have to memorize Avogadro's Number. To top it off, if your teacher uses a constant that isn't built in, you can add it yourself VERY easily. The TI-86 is basically a combination of the 83's abilities and the 85's abilities. I am taking Physics and AP Chemistry and Pre-Calc right now and I can't imagine this classes without the features and ease of operation this calculator has. I also know that when the teacher gives instructions on how to do things on the 83, because that is the calculator most kids have, the procedure is not much different and is easier most of the time. If you need a graphing calculator, buy this one. It is the best buy hands down.


TI-86 is a calculator   September 19, 2000
Kevin Mack
31 out of 36 found this review helpful

I am sick of people saying this calculator has downsides. One person said its keys were small. BUY A BIGGER CALCULATOR! If you can't understand the keys and use them then you don't need it. Another person said it was unstable with games, SO WHAT?!? It's purpose is a calculator, not a game-boy, get over it. You can't knock the 86 because it becomes unstable with badly programmed games, that will happen with anything. The TI-86 is the most rounded calculator on the market for it's price. You can upgrade to the 89, 91, or 92 if you want to get excessively fancy or if you need the RAM for ACTUAL programming, but the 128K is plenty for the average person who needs a calculator with graphing capabilities. I personally didn't run into any problems with shortage of memory on mine and I have many many programs. In all, the TI-86 is THE calculator to buy if you need a graphing calculator, it's price combined with it's options and features make it the smartest purchase you could make. If you want games, buy a nintendo not a calculator.


You got to know whats up ( From a programmer, I know. )   November 9, 2003
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I used to have a ti-83, and a ti-83+, but the 86 is the best of the three. I am real into programming the calculator. The 86 can have variables and Lbl's with up to 8 charectors, opposed to 2 for the 83, 83+. It can store almost unlimited amount of pics, unlike the 83,83+, which can only store 10. The calculator also does conversions. Everything from temp to energy to power, making it save all that time on tests and homework. I read another review that said it could not do absolute value(which is called abs), and convert fractions to decimals(>frac, and >dec), but it can. They aren't under a bunch of subfolders either, because you can easily create your own custom menu to paste anything you want on the screen. This way is even faster. It also comes with an excellent instructional manual. By far the best choice between 83, 83+, and 86.