TI-Nspire CX calculator packs color, 3D, Wi-Fi
updated 03:40 pm EST, Mon February 28, 2011
New flagship Nspire CX calculator due in spring
A web conference hosted by Texas Instruments and attended by TechPoweredMath revealed the company is revamping its TI-Nspire line of scientific calculators. The flagship CX model will sport a 16-bit, 320x240 backlit display that can show 64,000 colors. The device can load images loaded up by the user and then superimpose curve-fitting functions or regressions onto these images.
It support JPG, BMP and PNG images and also has a newfound 3D graphics capability. The CX will also be offered in a Computer Algebra System (CAS) guise. Both versions will also get differential equation support.
The hardware is also redesigned, with a simplified button configuration and a touchpad, along with the removal of the wing-like parts on top. It's also slimmer, thanks to switching from AAA batteries to a rechargeable battery pack. It recharges using the USB port and promises 100 hours of life. Users will have access to it but require a small screwdriver.
A smaller add-on Wi-Fi module is also new, allowing the Nspire CX to talk to a computer with TI Navigator software. The new device will be preloaded with Nspire OS 3.0 when it ships in the spring, and TI will also release the software for older models at the same time.
TI also said it will continue to produce grayscale TI-Nspire calculators as long as the market demands it.
The TI-Nspire CX will arrive in early or mid April, and will cost $165.
