ticalc.org
Basics Archives Community Services Programming
Hardware Help About Search Your Account
   Home :: Archives :: News :: More Ways to Customize Calculators

More Ways to Customize Calculators
Posted by Michael on 14 July 2005, 03:40 GMT

TI has recently released a new line of marketing accessories for the TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, and TI-89 Titanium graphing calculators. GraphiTI adhesive overlays (note the pun) are removable adhesive labels for slide cases. They can be purchased in one of four psychedelic colors: Blue Fractal, Pink Fractal, Planets in Fire Blazing Orange, and Silver Diamonds. The overlays are $2.50 each or all four for $8.00 from the TI Online Store.

  Reply to this article


The comments below are written by ticalc.org visitors. Their views are not necessarily those of ticalc.org, and ticalc.org takes no responsibility for their content.


Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
TheCalcGenius  Account Info
(Web Page)

Yay! Another attempt at bringing in money for TI!
I don't think it's worth it though, from what that says.

By the way, that site is down, and I'm not sure why...

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 03:51 GMT

Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Nikky Southerland  Account Info
(Web Page)

Stickers? They have removable stickers for calculators? This is really pitiful.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 03:57 GMT

Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Richard Brosius  Account Info

I agree
I was going to say that next

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 04:04 GMT

Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
ElementFire Account Info

Oh, I dunno. I'm actually planning on buying the Planets and the Diamonds stickers. Does anyone here have the kickstand case? Is it useful?

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 14:46 GMT

Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Snave2000  Account Info

I do have a kickstand case. Mostly, I like it for the design on the outside; very rarely do I actually stand up my calculator on it. Also, I find that I can store papers and such sandwiched between the stand and the case. But, as I said, it's mostly for show: I frequently get compliments on it, the most common being "Is that your calculator? Wow, cool!"
Basically, the case is worth it if you are as attached to your calculator as I am (and you like the envious looks on everyone else's faces). However, the faceplates are rip!!!

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 15:35 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
ElementFire Account Info

I'm insanely attached to my Titanium. I've almost customized it beyond recognition, as far as software is concerned. Large number of custom shortcuts. Custom boot-up and shut-down routines, etc. And tons of programs that I've written for school.

So buying external customization is just an extension of that love for my calc, really. I was planning on getting my case engraved, but these stickers seem to be a better idea.

Reply to this comment    15 July 2005, 16:46 GMT


Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
artraid  Account Info
(Web Page)

When I bought the TI keyboard, it came with a coupon for a free kickstand case (I have an 89hT, so the stand the keyboard came with could not fit). TI sent me a clear/silver one, and while it's a bit bulkier than the original calc's case, it looks fairly good, and is very very useful for the TI keyboard.

The stickers though are the kitchier thing TI made so far, even worse than the faceplates for the 84+SE!

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 18:55 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Andy Janata  Account Info
(Web Page)

They should let people that bought the keyboard years ago when it came out get a free kickstand case...

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 19:49 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
artraid  Account Info
(Web Page)

Oh oh oh - buy another one! You can never have enough TI keyboards ;)

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 19:52 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Zeroko  Account Info
(Web Page)

Well, since I have a TI-92+, 1 TI-keyboard seems enough (which, incidentally, I am actually intending to use on a custom-made computer because it is easy to interface, & I can type fast enough on my other TI's).

Reply to this comment    17 July 2005, 02:10 GMT


Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
burntfuse  Account Info
(Web Page)

Yes, it is. They should be focusing on making the calcs better (not that they aren't good already) instead of coming up with stupid pointless accessories like these and the different-colored cases.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 18:41 GMT

Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Spencer Dubya  Account Info
(Web Page)

how about making decent equipment to put the stickers on?

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 03:58 GMT


Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
artraid  Account Info
(Web Page)

Come on now, I wouldn't be that harsh. TI's calcs are good products.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 18:56 GMT


Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Coolv  Account Info
(Web Page)

Compared to scientific calcs, yes.

Compared to Pocket PCs, cell phones, handhelds, no.

Reply to this comment    31 July 2005, 02:31 GMT

Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
dietsche Account Info
(Web Page)

how about a real feature... like the ability to plug the calculator into the wall?

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 04:06 GMT

Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Andy Janata  Account Info
(Web Page)

Yes, that would be immensely useful, especially since I can't seem to find any decent AAA batteries anymore -- I put some brand new Energizers in and it tells me the batteries are low already. wtf?

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 04:22 GMT


Batteries
ti_is_good_++  Account Info

Don't use Energizers in calculators. Use Duracell.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 09:14 GMT

Re: Batteries
Anthony Loven  Account Info
(Web Page)

As long as your not on an 85 or 86, Duracell is good. However its high internal resistance makes for dimming on the 85/85. I recommend Energizer rechargeable batteries. They have a lower capacity than others, but stand the test of time very well. Use NiMH.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 12:20 GMT

Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
Snave2000  Account Info

Definitely use rechargable batteries. Before I switched, I burned through two packs of 4 AAA in six months. It is definitely the cheapest solution (after the initial investment) to the perennial problem of low batteries.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 15:47 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
Matt Gardeski  Account Info

Well, I switched to Radioshack NI-CD batteries a while ago and they work fine for me. They really last long enough between carging for me to not get completely frustrated with them.
Also, I slightly hacked my calculator so you could plug an AC adapter into it. It worket great, it was a good substitute while the batteries were charging, until the adapter burned out.
Oh well.
Maybe I'll buy another someday.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 17:22 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
Travis Evans  Account Info

One of the sets of batteries I use is Energizer AAA NiMH rechargeables. They work pretty well and I don't have to worry about batteries anymore, but I do have to pay attention to when they're getting low, because sometimes the battery meter doesn't detect when they're low and they'll suddenly cut out. If I'm not careful, that can cause me to lose my RAM sometimes.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 19:41 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
CajunLuke  Account Info
(Web Page)

I have the same fast power falloff with my Duracell NiMH batteries. I would also have the RAM loss problem, but i don't keep anything in RAM anymore, not after every ASM game I've tried has erased my RAM with an address error. I don't play calc games anymore.

Reply to this comment    15 July 2005, 02:32 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
burntfuse  Account Info
(Web Page)

Really, EVERY one? You must have played some unusually buggy games...

Reply to this comment    15 July 2005, 13:40 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
Snave2000  Account Info

You poor soul! How do survive without games???!!!??? That's what calculators ought to be used for; it is their destiny!!

Reply to this comment    15 July 2005, 15:27 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
Travis Evans  Account Info

Well, I haven't lost my RAM in a while due to the cut-out, even once when they ran down in the middle of a BASIC program. I think what caused the RAM loss at first might have been that when the screen flickered in that weird way I panicked and wondered what the heck is going on and started pressing ON repeately. Then my RAM would be cleared. The last few times I didn't press ON, but instead just calmly put in new batteries and all was well.

But just to be safe, I not only keep Flash Archive copies of important stuff, but keep copies on my computer too (I've actually had one or two occasions where RAM *and* archive was lost!)

Reply to this comment    16 July 2005, 19:26 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Rechargable Batteries
Zeroko  Account Info
(Web Page)

I had that happen once...the batteries ran down in my TI-92+, & it erased RAM, the archive, & all my apps. At least it did not erase the OS!

Reply to this comment    17 July 2005, 02:13 GMT


Re: Re: Batteries
Andy Janata  Account Info
(Web Page)

I never went through batteries in my calculator any faster than 2 months, and I used it for 3 hours or so a day doing various things. I don't have any rechargeable AAA's, nor do I intend on getting any -- they don't hold enough of a charge for it to be worth it. I do, however, have about 10 NiMH AA's. I use those a lot.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 19:50 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Batteries
Nameon  Account Info

[quote]I never went through batteries in my calculator any faster than 2 months[/quote]

The first batteries it came with {duracell} died with-in the first two days of operation. Now i am using some 850mAh Rechargeable Energizers AAA. and soo far i have got 4.5 months of operation out of one recharge.

Reply to this comment    18 July 2005, 02:55 GMT

Re: Batteries
Andy Janata  Account Info
(Web Page)

They should at LEAST work for a while, not immediately be low.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 15:22 GMT


Re: Re: Batteries
ti_is_good_++  Account Info

1. Voltage? Some manufacturers, for reasons known only to them, make 1.2V AAAs. Obviously, the amount of current it draws changes with the voltage, too, but I can't say whether Ohm's law works linearly in this case because I don't have a schematic.
2. Current? Changing the current available from batteries is the only way to increase capacity, and lower-capacity batteries obviously drain quickly. Again, Ohm's law plays an uncertain, though present, part.

Reply to this comment    18 July 2005, 11:04 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Batteries
KermMartian Account Info
(Web Page)

Usually only rechargeables are 1.2, all alkalines are 1.5.

Reply to this comment    18 July 2005, 20:03 GMT


Re: Batteries
Anidn Ménoscwicz  Account Info
(Web Page)

The cheap Family Dollar batteries work best for some reason...

Reply to this comment    17 July 2005, 01:41 GMT


Re: Re: Batteries
Zeroko  Account Info
(Web Page)

I think that from all these different stories about battery usage, it is safe to conclude that slight differences in battery construction between manufacturers result in different batteries lasting longest, depending upon exact usage patterns (both how long per day & what kinds of stuff are done).

Reply to this comment    17 July 2005, 02:15 GMT

Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
Lewk Of Serthic  Account Info
(Web Page)

Really, that is the kind of thing that should have been built into the original designs. It would be simple yet immensely usefull.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 05:28 GMT


Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
ti_is_good_++  Account Info
(Web Page)

Link.

Reply to this comment    14 July 2005, 09:17 GMT


Re: Re: Re: More Ways to Customize Calculators
KermMartian Account Info
(Web Page)

Hey, thanks! Yeah, I'm quite proud of that.

Reply to this comment    22 July 2005, 16:20 GMT

1  2  3  

You can change the number of comments per page in Account Preferences.

  Copyright © 1996-2012, the ticalc.org project. All rights reserved. | Contact Us | Disclaimer