First look: Texas Devices is updating its long-running graphing calculator line with the TI-84 Evo, a tool that sticks to its core function whereas including {hardware} and interface upgrades. The corporate has stored the acquainted graphing calculator format intact whereas introducing a sooner inner structure, a redesigned UI, and a handful of usability enhancements to modernize the expertise.
The Evo would not attempt to compete with smartphones or apps. As an alternative, Texas Devices is successfully doubling down on the thought of a single-purpose software at a time when most computing gadgets goal to consolidate duties. There is no Wi-Fi, no notifications, and no app ecosystem. As the corporate places it, the calculator is designed to do one factor exceptionally nicely – math.
The largest change is underneath the hood. The TI-84 Evo makes use of a processor that’s thrice sooner than the earlier mannequin, which ought to noticeably enhance how rapidly graphs render and calculations are processed. For college students working by way of advanced equations, that velocity enhance is more likely to be essentially the most significant improve.
Texas Devices additionally expanded the graphing workspace by 50%, giving customers extra room to view features with out continuously adjusting the show. A brand new graph-tracing function permits customers to maneuver alongside a curve and determine particular factors extra simply.
The interface has been up to date with an icon-based dwelling display screen, changing the extra text-heavy navigation of earlier variations. The keypad has been simplified as nicely, although it nonetheless follows the acquainted format that has outlined the TI-84 line for years.
The {hardware} additionally will get just a few updates. It now fees by way of USB-C and is available in a number of shade choices, together with mint, pink, purple, teal, raspberry, silver, and an ordinary white mannequin.
The dearth of connectivity is deliberate. Whereas calculator apps on telephones and computer systems provide extra flexibility, in addition they introduce distractions. Texas Devices is positioning the Evo as a targeted different, notably for classroom settings the place simplicity and reliability nonetheless matter.
The TI-84 Evo is out there now for $160, with bulk pricing provided to high school districts. The replace would not reinvent the graphing calculator, nevertheless it does make it sooner and simpler to make use of whereas conserving the identical fundamental method intact.
