TI-BASIC:Thecalcs

This section is concerned with the TI-83 family of graphing calculators, which all use the same base processor chip -- a Zilog Z80. There are five different calculators that are within this group: TI-83, TI-83+, TI-83+SE, TI-84+, TI-84+SE, TI-84+CSE, and TI-84+CE. Each of these calculators has their own features and unique qualities.

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The TI-83 Calculator

The TI-83 is the oldest calculator in the group, being released back in 1996. It is designed to be an upgrade from the TI-82, featuring a sleeker case design, more memory (27K bytes of RAM), and a faster processor (6MHz). It kept some of the features the same as the TI-82, such as the screen size and being powered by 4 AAA batteries, to allow for backwards compatibility with the TI-82. This means that while some of the TI-Basic commands on the TI-83 have a different syntax, at the core the TI-83 can execute the TI-82's TI-Basic programs. Some of the differences between TI-Basic for each calculator are how math is interpreted (implied multiplication versus regular multiplication) and commands that have an opening parentheses attached to the end of them (such as the trigonometry commands). When it comes to assembly programs, however, the TI-83 cannot execute the TI-82's assembly programs without some modification because of the processor upgrade.

The TI-83+ Calculator

The TI-83+ was released in 1999, and it was meant as an upgrade from the TI-83 with more memory and a faster processor. At the same time, it kept several features of the TI-83 to maintain backwards compatibility: the case design, the screen size (16x8 home screen and 96x64 graph screen), and the link port. There are some major differences, however. The TI-83+ cannot run assembly programs made for the TI-83 because it uses a different format: there are three built-in commands (AsmPrgm, AsmComp( and Asm() used for running assembly programs, while the TI-83 has no such commands. The TI-83 Plus uses a speedier 8MHz processor which is clocked at the same 6MHz as the TI-83. The TI-83 comes with 24K bytes of available memory built-in, while the TI-83+ comes with 184K bytes of available memory: 24K bytes are RAM and 160K bytes are archive memory, or more commonly called "Flash" memory. Archive memory allows you to store data, programs, applications, or any other variables to a safe location where they cannot be edited or deleted inadvertently from a RAM crash. This creates a compatibility issue with TI-83 TI-Basic, however, because of the use of the Archive and UnArchive commands that are on the TI-83+.

The TI-83+SE Calculator

The TI-83+SE (short for Silver Edition) was the next calculator upgrade in the group. When it was released by TI in 2001, it became instantly popular because of its unique look and increased memory and speed. However, TI has since decided to stop production of it and focus on the TI-84+SE calculator instead. The TI-83+SE has now become somewhat of a collector's item. After seeing the success of the TI-83 calculator series, TI decided to give their next TI-83 series calculator a unique look to set it apart from the other TI-83 calculators. The TI-83+SE calculator look consists of a transparent silver case with silver sparkles sprinkled throughout. What really made the calculator shine, though, was that the transparent case allowed you to see what the internals of the calculator looked like without even having to open up the calculator. In addition to the unique look, TI also decided to upgrade the memory and speed. While maintaining almost complete backward compatibility, the TI-83+SE features 128K bytes of RAM and 1.5M bytes of archive memory. It should be noted, however, that only 24K bytes of RAM are available to TI-Basic programmers (you need to use assembly to access all 128K bytes). The TI-83+SE uses a 15MHz processor, but it can also be made to run at the 8MHz and 6MHz speeds through assembly.

The TI-84+ Calculator

The TI-84+ was released in 2004, and it was meant to be an upgrade of the TI-83+. The TI-84+ introduces a couple new things to the TI-83 calculator series: a built-in clock and a mini USB link port. The built-in clock can be used in TI-Basic by using the new clock commands that go with it, while the mini USB link port greatly increases the speed of linking the calculator to a computer. The TI-84+ also improves upon the TI-83+ in terms of memory and speed: 24K bytes of RAM and 480K bytes of archive memory; and a 15MHz processor (the same one that the TI-83+SE has). The most obvious change that the TI-84+ brings is a completely new case design. Gone are the slightly rounded edges and appearance; in its place is an almost circular look from the front, with the edges smoothly flowing around to the back of the calculator.

The TI-84+SE Calculator

The TI-84+SE was released along with the TI-84+ in 2004, kind of like a TI-83 calculator series package upgrade. The TI-84+SE was meant to be an upgrade of the TI-83+SE, and it includes the same upgrades that the TI-84+ got. The two new innovations that the TI-84+SE introduces are: interchangeable faceplates and a kickstand; these things are basically optional add-ons for your calculator. The interchangeable faceplate can be useful if you want to change the front look of your calculator. You simply purchase a different faceplate and swap it with the current faceplate. The calculator's initial faceplate is a light gray/silver. The kickstand is built into the calculator lid, and it allows you to set the calculator to four different viewing angles. Concerning memory and speed, the TI-84+SE has the same amount of memory and speed as the TI-83+SE.

The TI-84+CSE Calculator

Initially leaked in 2012, the TI-84+CSE was officially announced in early 2013. The calculator was the first in the TI-83/84 series to come with a color screen, hence the name Color Silver Edition. With the advent of color, several commands were added to utilize the new feature. The calculator has the same body as is predecessor, the TI-84+/TI-84+SE. A rechargable Li-ion battery powers the battery, which can be charged in a dock or through the USB port. On the back, the calculator no longer has a snap-in removable battery cover. Rather, it has a reset button, which has the effect of clearing the RAM. Upon its release, some users noticed the speed difference between the TI-84+CSE and other calculators. Because the calculator is powering the screen, the speed of the TI-84+CSE is less than its predecessors. Still, the TI-84+CSE brought color to the classroom, while remaining familiar to those who had used a calculator on the TI-83/84 line.

The TI-84+CE Calculator

Announced and released in early 2015, the TI-84+CE seeks to improve the qualities of the TI-84+CSE. It is 30% lighter and 30% thinner than the TI-84+CSE. The body of the calculator has been changed to a slimmer design. While the calculator still has the USB port for charging and data transfers, it no longer has the I/O port. The TI-84+CE retains the same key map. Addressing the concerns of the slow TI-84+CSE, the TI-84+CE is faster. The processor has been changed from the usual z80 processor to the faster ez80 processor. In addition, it features more RAM than any calculator has seen.

Calculator Comparison

Model	Processor	RAM	ROM	Screen Size	Link Port	Clock	Release Date
= TI-83	= 6 MHz	= 27 KB	= None	= 96x64	= I/O	= No	= 1996
= TI-83+	= 6 MHz	= 24 KB	= 160 KB	= 96x64	= I/O	= No	= 1999
= TI-83+SE	= 15 MHz	= 24 KB (128 KB)	= 1.5 MB	= 96x64	= I/O	= No	= 2001
= TI-84+	= 15 MHz	= 24 KB	= 480 KB	= 96x64	= I/O+USB	= Yes	= 2004
= TI-84+SE	= 15 MHz	= 24 KB (128 KB)	= 1.5 MB	= 96x64	= I/O+USB	= Yes	= 2004
= TI-84+CSE	= 15 MHz	= 21 KB (128 KB)	= 3.5 MB	= 320x240	= I/O+USB	= Yes	= 2013
= TI-84+CE	= ~48 MHz	= 154 KB (256 KB)	= 4.0 MB	= 320x240	= USB	= Yes	= 2015

Known ROM Versions

TI occasionally releases updates to the ROM version for each calculator, which either fix existing bugs, improve calculator performance, or add new commands and functionality. You can check the ROM version on your calculator by selecting the About option in the Memory menu, which is accessible by pressing 2nd MEM. See Portability for a list of changes in functionality between the OS versions.

Model	Known ROM Versions
= TI-83	= 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.10
= TI-83+	= 1.03, 1.06, 1.08, 1.10, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19
= TI-83+SE	= 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19
= TI-Nspire (84+ Emulation)	= 2.42, 2.46, 2.48, 2.54MP, 2.56 MP
= TI-84+CSE	= 4.0, 4.2
= TI-84+CE	= 5.0, 5.0.1

Pre-Loaded Applications

Except for the TI-83 which has no Flash ROM, all of the other TI-83 series of calculators come with some pre-loaded applications for users to use. Since most of the applications are rather limited in use and scope, not to mention that they each take up 16K bytes or more of memory, most people end up deleting them off of their calculator to allow them to fit more programs and games. If you want to put them back on your calculator again, you can find them all on [*http://education.ti.com TI's website].

Model	Pre-Loaded Applications
= TI-83+	= Language Localization, Probability Simulation, Science Tools, StudyCards, Vernier EasyData
= TI-83+SE	= CellSheet, GeoMaster, Language Localization, Organizer, Periodic Table, StudyCards
= TI-84+	= Cabri Jr., Conic Graphing, Inequality Graphing, Language Localization, LearningCheck, LogIn, Probability Simulation, Science Tools, StudyCards, TI CBL/CBR, TImeSpan, Topics in Algebra 1, Transformation Graphing, Vernier EasyData
= TI-84+SE	= app4math, Area Formulas, Cabri Jr., Catalog Help, CellSheet, Conic Graphing, Fundamental Topics in Science, GeoMaster, Inequality Graphing, Language Localization, LearningCheck, LogIn, NoteFolio, Organizer, Periodic Table, Polynomial Root Finder and Simultaneous Equation Solver, Probability Simulation, Puzzle Pack, Science Tools, Start-Up Customization, StudyCards, TI CBL/CBR, TImeSpan, Topics in Algebra 1, Transformation Graphing, Vernier EasyData
= TI-84+CSE	= App4Math,Polynomial Root Finder/Simultaneous Equation Solver, Vernier EasyData