Full-fledged computers are not the only tools used in technical education. Algebra and Calculus instruction are still very much dependent upon a much simpler computing device, namely the graphing calculator. Just like it is the case with PCs, different types of calculators have their admirers and critics. Users of each one can be matched to devotees of mainstream desktop operating systems. The two markets are very similar, so it comes as not surprise that they have been divided in roughly the same way.

The great majority of American colleges and high schools prefer a single type of calculator, the kind that is manufactured by Texas Instruments. In many classes TI's are considered "required" and no other calculator is welcome. If this doesn't remind you of the situation with Microsoft Windows, you haven't been paying attention.

The TI's are generally solidly built machines with pretty good screens and reasonable ease-of-use. For one thing, they are not known to randomly crash, which can explain why there is hardly any TI hate sites on the Web. Their feature set is more than adequate for most students, so few people are compelled to look elsewhere. Once in a few years TI comes out with a new model that is hardly distinguishable from its predecessor. Since TI-81 (which is somewhat an equivalent of Windows 95 on the desktop) there were many revisions, which include TI-82, 83, 85 and 89.

There is also a newer "advanced" model, TI-92, the calculator analog of Windows NT. It is bulky in the same way, as Windows NT is memory hungry. It is overloaded with features. And, in spite of all efforts, it is far less popular than the conventional line of TI-8x devices.

Then there is the awe-inspiring Hewlett-Packard 48G-series. The HP's are a lot like UNIX. It takes hundreds upon hundreds of pages to document their operation. They can be reconfigured in numerous ways and programmed to do pretty much anything, including unlocking their owner's car using the built-in infrared beaming capability. Not only are they geared towards geeks in their ability to perform symbolic operations, they are considered a status symbol, particularly among Electrical Engineering majors. Proficiency with an HP distinguishes a calculator guru from a mere mortal. The catch is that once you learn the "reverse polish notation," you are hooked for life.

The "dark horse" of the calculator wars is Casio. Their machines resemble Macintoshes, particularly in their interface features. Unlike HP's or TI's, Casios have lots of cute icons that are supposed to make using a calculator easier and a bit more fun. Casios are also the only ones that have color screens, allowing for clear graphical data presentation. This capability is the strength that is similar to Mac's multimedia orientation.

A few other companies have made attempts to carve a niche in the graphing calculator market, notably Sharp. Sharps are pretty good value-priced machines that remind me of OS/2. You have to search hard to find one and once you do, you might discover that there is no particular compelling reason to own it.

In any event, TI, HP and Casio cater to different users. In fact, you can tell what kind of person you are dealing with by the calculator they use. Just like you can tell a Windows devotee from a Mac lover or a Linux fan.