What our customer's say!"only one out there", if u want a keyboard for ur calculator, i'm pretty sure you're gonna have to settle for this one. ya, it has all the spiffy buttons like the letters (which aren't spiffy at all) and that's about it. No programming buttons or nuttin'. It's kinda pricy but it's the same everywhere.
It also comes w/ some cool software that is like notepad for calculators so u can save and manage your files. It's easy to set up except u have to download a new OS (operating system for the technically challenged) for the calculator.
Sweet for taking notes for a test u can use ur calculator on...not that i'm suggesting u can cheat or anything
overall good accessory for the calculator finatic
"No programming keys?", I was rather excited when I heard about this keyboard, however now I'm not so sure. I assumed it would have some keys needed for TI-BASIC programming, at a minimum the STO key would be nice. But alas, it doesn't, just your standard keys. If you can't afford a laptop, I guess this would be nice for taking notes, but for TI-Basic I guess I'll stick to my laptop and TI-Graph software.
"Terrific product, easy-to-use, great addition to TI 83", This keyboard is a great addition to my TI 83S+. I already have a laptop, but this is much easier, lighter and quicker to use in class. And I have the TI 83 with me anyway for the class I originally bought it for. Now, with the light weight keyboard I walk into other meetings/classes and in the space of two-three seconds it is up and "running" vs. my laptop friends who are just turning there laptop on or still waiting on it to complete loading. I was worried about the size of the font in the screen on the TI 83. No need to worry, it is very easy to see and is actually a delight. As for a note taker, I disagree with one of the other raters. The NoteFolio has menus and all and as a note-taker it seems sophisticated. The TI 83 has lots of room for memory and you can read it later or load it into your computer at home/apt. to print. The keyboard is full size and unlike other compacts I have used (my palm pilot GoType keyboard is much smaller). When I use this keyboard (for the TI 83) it is easy just as on my desktop at home. In fact I just type away. I recommend this to all. Real good way to avoid purchasing a laptop to take to class. I think I could even use this in the library to take notes! Again, one of its great advantages is it's light weight, ease in carrying, and use issue. I don't think you will regret this purchase.
"does not work", use a pc tablet like real people. not a stupid calc.
"Reminds me of the TI-99/4A", When I was growing up in the 1980's, my family owned a TI-99/4A computer, which was one of the first home computers. Using this keyboard with my calculator reminded me of that. We had a word processor. Just like the one that goes with this keyboard, there was no text formatting, no mouse, no graphics, and only very basic cutting and pasting functions. Nevertheless, I like this keyboard.
I got it as part of a grant. I really didn't want the keyboards at all, but they were part of the grant. As part of my grant, I needed to find a use for them in my classroom. So far I have used them for taking lab notes and for writing lab reports.
This has been wonderful. Students have easy access to data, can easily share lab notes, and can even take notes in class. I'm a science teacher, so naturally I enjoy this equipment. However, now the English teacher is interested in borrowing it. She likes the idea of the students typing essays in class (instead of hand writing them). It's almost like giving each student a lap top computer, but without the distractions or the hefty price tag.
I strongly recommend this tool!
So, why 4 stars and not 5? I've watched classrooms full of kids use the keyboard and I have used my own. I have noticed that the keyboard and cradle have very flimsy stands. They can break off even when a student is being careful.
In addition, there is too much cable. I like the way the cable is stored inside the cradle, but I do not like all the excess that can't be stored in it. These two feet of cable are hard to store (a consideration if it travels in a backpack).
Finally, I wish the keyboard came with a cover like the calculator does. I take mine at home at night to write up papers for my students (no, I don't own a computer). I don't like all the buttons out in the open to collect dirt and filth and to be held down by my books.
Other than these quibbles, I am very happy!
