[quacker]

Well, the TI-83/84 are called a graphing calculators for a reason: you can plot equations and datasets with them and look at them right there[1]. Looking at graphs is huge for learning, or at least it was for me, and school isn't just about plugging things in and getting an answer (or shouldn't be, at least).

Doesn't mean it's not overpriced, but that's one reason and you can get a used TI-83/84 for like $30 or less. They pretty much never break.

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1. Okay, the Casio can QR-code-link you to a graph, but if I have internet/smartphone there are better graphing tools anyway, like Desmos.

[kristopolous]

casio can do graphs on device for under $40

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Casio-FX-9750Glll-Graphing-Calcul...

The reason you can get used ti's for $30 is because that's how much they're actually worth.

You can get a catiga if you really want for like $17: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809054964211.html

... or you can go with TI for $160 ...

[hypercube33]

I mean a laptop running windows can use the old power toy calculator or something like speed crunch to do graphing and I'm sure Linux has countless others, with Chromebooks probably having more for free online as well, I can only assume.

[sethops1]

A graphing calculator is a fraction of the cost, has no security updates, is standardized, isn't connected to the internet, ... There is value in a thing that does one thing well.