TI-Nspire(TM) graphing calculator provides long-term back-to-school value, helping students excel in algebra through college-level math

DALLAS, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- This back to school season, frugality rules. Parents will be choosier about which back-to-school gear they buy, and long-term value is a major factor in what gets put in the cart in the first place.

Despite the economy, shoppers aren't just buying based on price but are choosing products that will provide the best value for their money, according to a 2009 BRANDWEEK study of 26,000 consumers nationwide.*

The TI-Nspire graphing calculator from Texas Instruments is a smart investment that a teen can use for up to nine years in 19 high school and college-level classes that teach advanced math, from algebra through calculus, AP math and science, statistics, trigonometry and even engineering math. TI-Nspire graphing calculators are backed by research showing that graphing calculators can help improve students' math skills, and they're also allowed on the SAT**, ACT, AP**, IB(R) and a growing number of statewide math exams.

"The TI-Nspire graphing calculator has proven its value in my past algebra classes, helping my students take a more active role in their learning, getting them excited to learn with technology and improving their attitudes toward math," said Dan Ilaria, supervisor of mathematics 6-12 at Ridgewood Public Schools in Ridgewood, N.J. "I've found that students who have a TI-Nspire graphing calculator to use at home and in class benefit the most because they have a consistent learning experience across their studies, and they can take the calculator with them as they move on to higher-level courses where new concepts build off previous ones."

Today, more teens are taking higher-level math courses, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress 2008 report card, which shows the percentage of 17-year-olds taking pre-calculus or calculus has tripled over the last 30 years.*** The TI-Nspire graphing calculator provides several major feature advancements that enable students to interact with math in ways that lead to a deeper understanding of concepts as they progress through advanced courses.

TI-Nspire Graphing Calculator Features

• Like a computer in your hand. The versatile graphing calculator has many computer-like features, including a large, high-resolution screen, drop down menus and a built-in cursor which helps students explore problem solving strategies in real-time.
• Save and review work. Thanks to electronic document capabilities and built-in 20 MB of storage, students can create, save and edit their work similar to the word processing and file storage of a computer.
• 2 calculators, plus computer software, in one. Interchangeable keypads allow students to use the calculator in TI-Nspire, TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus modes, and included computer software brings the TI-Nspire experience to a PC or Mac.

TI-Nspire Freebies and Accessories

• FREE access to AP**, SAT** and ACT prep questions from The Princeton Review, including AP calculus, biology, chemistry, economics and all-new 2009 physics questions
• FREE minutes of online homework help from Tutor.com for entering your graphing calculator id at http://www.tutor.com/ti/
• GraphiTI stickers for students to design and customize their calculator are available online for purchase
• FREE downloadable games and applications

Retail Availability and Pricing

The TI-Nspire graphing calculator is available for purchase at most major retailers or online for around $139.99.

Photos and Related Documents

Product photos and additional details are available upon request. Please contact Leala Ansari at lansari@golinharris.com.

About Texas Instruments

Education Technology, a business of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of advanced tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications, helping students and teachers to explore math and science interactively. TI's products and services are tested vigorously against recognized third-party research, which shows that the use of graphing calculators helps improve the mathematical skills of students and their attitudes toward mathematics. For more information, visit www.education.ti.com.

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.ti.com.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com.

* BRANDWEEK 2009 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. Link: http://www.brandweek.com/bw/special-reports/brand-key/2009/index.jsp

** SAT & AP are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board, which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this product. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this product. Policies subject to change. Visit http://www.collegeboard.com/ for more information. IB is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization.

*** National Assessment of Educational Progress 2008 Long-Term Trend Report Card. Link: http://nationsreportcard.gov/ltt_2008/

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated