Rent Ti 84 Calculator

TI-84 Calculator: Rent vs. Buy Analyzer

Rental Details

Purchase Details

Results Summary

Total Cost to Rent

Net Cost to Buy

function calculateRentalCost() { var rMonths = parseFloat(document.getElementById('rentMonths').value) || 0; var rMonthly = parseFloat(document.getElementById('monthlyRent').value) || 0; var rFees = parseFloat(document.getElementById('rentFees').value) || 0; var bPrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById('buyPrice').value) || 0; var bResale = parseFloat(document.getElementById('resaleValue').value) || 0; var bTax = parseFloat(document.getElementById('buyTax').value) || 0; var totalRent = (rMonths * rMonthly) + rFees; var netBuy = (bPrice + bTax) – bResale; document.getElementById('totalRentDisplay').innerText = '$' + totalRent.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('netBuyDisplay').innerText = '$' + netBuy.toFixed(2); var recBox = document.getElementById('recommendationBox'); var resultsArea = document.getElementById('resultsArea'); resultsArea.style.display = 'block'; if (totalRent < netBuy) { recBox.style.backgroundColor = '#e8f0fe'; recBox.style.color = '#1a73e8'; recBox.innerText = 'Recommendation: RENT. You will save $' + (netBuy – totalRent).toFixed(2) + ' compared to buying and reselling.'; } else if (netBuy < totalRent) { recBox.style.backgroundColor = '#e8f5e9'; recBox.style.color = '#2e7d32'; recBox.innerText = 'Recommendation: BUY. Owning and reselling is $' + (totalRent – netBuy).toFixed(2) + ' cheaper than renting for this period.'; } else { recBox.style.backgroundColor = '#f1f3f4'; recBox.style.color = '#3c4043'; recBox.innerText = 'Both options cost the same. Consider renting to avoid the hassle of selling later.'; } }

The TI-84 Plus and its successor, the TI-84 Plus CE, are the gold standards for high school and college mathematics. However, with retail prices often exceeding $120, many students and parents wonder if they should rent a TI-84 calculator rather than purchase one outright.

The Math Behind Renting vs. Buying

When deciding whether to rent or buy, you must consider three main factors: the length of the course, the upfront cost, and the potential resale value. A standard academic semester is approximately 4 months. If a rental costs $15 per month, your total expenditure is $60 plus shipping. If you buy a new TI-84 for $130, you spend more upfront, but you might be able to sell it for $70 to $80 a year later.

Example Scenario: 1 Semester (4 Months)

• Renting: $15/month x 4 months + $10 shipping = $70 total.
• Buying New: $120 purchase + $80 resale = $40 net cost.

In many cases, buying a used calculator and reselling it is the most economical path. However, renting offers the advantage of lower immediate costs and zero effort regarding finding a buyer later.

Where Can You Rent a TI-84?

Several specialized services cater to students looking for graphing calculator rentals:

1. GraphingCalculatorRental.com: One of the most popular dedicated services for TI-83 and TI-84 models.
2. School Rental Programs: Many high schools and university math departments offer semester-long rentals for a small fee (often $20-$30). Always check with your instructor first.
3. Online Marketplaces: Some vendors on platforms like Amazon or specialized textbook rental sites (like Chegg) occasionally offer hardware rentals.

Key Considerations Before Renting

• Battery Health: If renting a TI-84 Plus CE (the color version), ensure the rechargeable battery is in good health. Older TI-84 Plus models use AAA batteries, which are easier to replace.
• Included Accessories: Ensure the rental comes with the unit-to-unit cable and the USB charging cable.
• Damage Policy: Graphing calculators are sturdy, but a cracked screen can cost more than the calculator itself. Check if the rental service offers a protection plan.
• Requirement Duration: If you are a freshman entering a STEM major, you will likely need the calculator for four years. In this case, renting is never the best option; purchasing a new or used unit is significantly more cost-effective.

Summary Recommendation

If you only need a TI-84 for a single 6-week summer course or a specific standardized test (like the SAT or ACT), renting is a smart, low-hassle choice. However, for a full academic year or a multi-year degree program, the high resale value of Texas Instruments products makes purchasing the superior financial move.