If you're taking math or science courses, you'll most likely only be allowed to use a handheld calculator on exams.When you're on your own, you're better off using something like Python. Python's ...

Available beginning this fall, the TI-84 Plus CE Python graphing calculator will also include features like a full-color screen and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to a month.

Yes, that is a classic HP 11C from the 1980s. It cost $135 back then—a fortune. It's still a great calculator, but I'm not about to let a student borrow it.