Ti 85 Graphing Calculator Review

The TI-85 graphing calculator was created by Texas Instruments in 1992, their second graphing calculator (the first graphing calculator was the TI-81).

A significant improvement compared to the TI-81, the TI-85 was created as an engineering and calculus calculator, for use in courses that teach engineering and calculus. This calculator included BASIC to allow programming.

The TI-85 has the ability to connect to other calculators using a three-conductor cable. By using the TI-Graph Link cable and the necessary software, it is possible to connect the TI-85 to a personal computer as well.

Features of the TI-85 Graphing Calculator:

  • Zilog Z80 1.6 MHz CPU
  • 32 KB RAM
  • 128KB ROM
  • Display screen
  • Text of 21x8 characters
  • Graphics of 128x64 pix
  • 2.5 mm I/O port link capability
  • Uses four AAA batteries

The TI-85 was among the first of its kind; an excellent choice as an inexpensive graphing calculator for science, math and engineering students and professionals.

This TI-85 calculator was replaced by the TI-86. Both of these calculators have been discontinued by Texas Instruments, but can be found for purchase online, often including a user's manual, for around $15.

There is also additional information online for using the TI-85 calculator more efficiently and effectively.