Reddit reviews HP39GS Graphing Calculator
We found 2 Reddit comments about HP39GS Graphing Calculator. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Tackle the toughest problems with 600+ built-in functions plus powerful HP solvers andEnter data via algebraic entry and easy-to-use interactive toolsSwitch between three viewing options to enhance learning: symbolic, numeric, and graphicSee everything you need at once on the dynamic split screen, which has adjustable contrast forDon't waste time reprogramming: save work and settings as applets (e-lessons) for later use
FYI I wasn't calling your position naive, you actually identified some significant factors. I was just building on your argument. If perfect competition existed, competitors would naturally emerge. Thus there are factors that prevent significant competition from emerging.
The fact that that TI-83 is the recommended calculator in some classrooms—and they are required in others—means that the instruction is geared towards use of the TI-83. Sometimes, even the textbooks give instructions on how to solve problems with a TI-83 specifically. From a student's perspective, the mathematics course gets much more difficult without instructions on how to solve the problem with their most useful tool. From a teacher's perspective, it is much easier to teach a classroom with a single brand of calculator than it is to teach a classroom where every kid has his or her own. The same economies of scale apply to the county level.
The other calculators in the TI-83 price range of $100 from competitors are much more sophisticated, including a color graphing calculator from Casio and a calculator with the capability for 3D graphing from HP. Meanwhile, calculators with similar competency cost about half what the TI-83 costs. I would say that is significant undercutting.
TI gained a monopoly because of economies of scale in education from having a standard calculator. There's nothing necessarily malicious about that. But it is pretty clear that they are exploiting that position to serve their own self-interest, as businesses are wont to do.
Short answer: HP 39gs.
Long answer depends on a few more things: