Getting Started with the TI-Nspire Handheld
This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire software version 2.0. To obtain the latest version of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

Important Information

Except as otherwise expressly stated in the License that accompanies a program, Texas Instruments makes no warranty, either express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding any programs or book materials and makes such materials available solely on an "as-is" basis. In no event shall Texas Instruments be liable to anyone for special, collateral, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the purchase or use of these materials, and the sole and exclusive liability of Texas Instruments, regardless of the form of action, shall not exceed the amount set forth in the license for the program. Moreover, Texas Instruments shall not be liable for any claim of any kind whatsoever against the use of these materials by any other party.

FCC Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
2006-2009 Texas Instruments Incorporated

Contents

Important Information.. ii

Introduction...1

The TI-Nspire math and science learning handheld.. 1 How to use this guidebook.. 1
Getting started with the TI-Nspire handheld.3
Using the documentation.. 3 TI-Nspire handheld keys... 5 Keyboard shortcuts.. 6 Starting up your handheld.. 9 Turning on your TI-Nspire handheld for the first time. 12 Using the TI-Nspire Touchpad.. 13 Using Hints... 14 Exploring your TI-Nspire handheld.. 14 Understanding the Scratchpad.. 18 The TI-Nspire handheld screen.. 18 Defining settings and viewing status.. 19 Understanding the TI-Nspire tools.. 26 Sharing files with a computer or another device.. 30 Updating your handheld operating system.. 32 Backing up files to a computer.. 33 Opening the Getting Started document.. 35 Tips for navigating... 36 Walking through the document.. 36 Getting more information... 46
Working with documents on the TI-Nspire handheld..49
Creating a new document... 49 Saving a document... 49 Working with applications... 50 Using the Application menu... 55 Context menu... 56 Working with problems and pages.. 57 Adding a problem to a document.. 57 Copying, pasting, and deleting problems.. 57 Renaming a problem... 58 Adding a page to a problem.. 59 Moving through pages in a document.. 59 Viewing and reordering pages in a document.. 60 Viewing multiple pages with the Page Sorter.. 63 Managing documents... 63
Closing a document... 67 Sending a document or folder to another handheld.. 67 Understanding the scratchpad... 69 Libraries.... 69 Program Editor... 69
Appendix: Service and Support.. 71
Texas Instruments Support and Service.. 71 Battery Precautions... 71

Index... 73

Introduction
The TI-Nspire math and science learning handheld
This guidebook provides information about a powerful, advanced learning handheld available from Texas Instruments: the TI-Nspire handheld. Your learning handheld comes equipped with a variety of pre-installed software applications that have features relevant to different subjects and curriculums. Extend the reach of your TI-Nspire handheld with accessories, such as the TI-Nspire computer software, TI-Nspire ViewScreen Panel and TI-Nspire Computer Link Software.
How to use this guidebook
This guidebook is intended to provide instruction for the basic operation of the TI-Nspire handheld. The chapters in this guidebook include: Getting started in the TI-Nspire handheld - Provides start up information for the learning handheld, and offers students and educators an overview of the basic operations of the TI-Nspire handheld. Working with Documents - Provides instruction for creating and working with documents. Service and Warranty Information - Includes service and warranty information and contact information for technical support.
Where to find more information
The remainder of the product information is available in electronic form. The comprehensive guidebook for using the TI-Nspire handheld is included on the CD-ROM that came with your learning handheld. This guidebook is also available online as a free download at education.ti.com/guides.
Getting started with the TI-Nspire handheld

Using the documentation

This documentation covers both the TI-Nspire handheld and the TI-Nspire CAS handheld. While they operate identically in many ways, there are a few distinctions. Where the operation of the TI-Nspire CAS handheld is different, you will see this pointed out, with the CAS operation described.

About the TI-84 Mode

The TI-Nspire CAS handheld does not operate in TI-84 mode. If your handheld is the CAS version, please disregard all references to operation in the TI-84 mode.

Changing the keypad

Caution: When changing keypads, be certain that the handheld is
completely powered down before removing the keypad. Removing the keypad before the display clears may result in loss of data. Understanding dual-mode operation Your TI-Nspire handheld works with two keypads: The TI-Nspire keypad The TI-84 Plus keypad
TI-84 Plus keypad (on left) and TI-Nspire keypad (on the handheld)
Caution: When changing keypads, be certain that the handheld is completely powered down before removing the keypad. Removing the keypad before the display clears may result in loss of data. 1. Remove the cover and turn the handheld over. Slide the latch release to the right. The keypad releases.

Open document Close document Create new document Insert new page Select application Save current document
= /= /q /s /u /v /O /W /N /I /K /S /7 /1 /9 /3 / /6 ~
Navigation Top of page End of page Page Up Page Down Up a level in the hierarchy Down a level in the hierarchy Document menu
Context menu for selection Switch between applications on a split page Navigating in Documents Displays previous page Displays next page Displays Page Sorter Exits Page Sorter Extends selection in direction of arrow Moves focus backward within page Wizards and Templates Add a column to a matrix after the current column Add a row to a matrix after the current row Integration template Derivative template Math template palette Fraction template Modifying Display
Increase contrast Decrease contrast Power off
b /e / / / /6 g Any arrow ge g@ @ g+ gt or / ; /p /+ //c /A /B /D /F
Using Application-Specific Shortcuts
Select all in Notes or Program Editor Check syntax and store (in Program Editor) Insert Data Collection console Find (in Program Editor)
Hide/Show Entry Line (in Graph or Geometry) Go To (in Lists & Spreadsheet, Program Editor) Find and Replace (In Program Editor) Insert math expression box (in Notes) Open the Scratchpad Recalculate (in Lists & Spreadsheet) Add Function Table (in Lists & Spreadsheet, Graph, and Geometry) Group/ungroup

/G /H /M /R /T /4 / /6

Starting up your handheld

Installing batteries

1. 2. Remove the keypad from the front of the handheld. Insert the four alkaline AAA batteries provided with your handheld into the battery compartment. Arrange the batteries according to the polarity (+ and -) diagram in the battery compartment.

Replacing batteries

Caution: When removing the keypad to change batteries, be certain that the handheld is completely powered down. Removing the keypad before the display is cleared may result in loss of data. 1. 2. Save any open documents and turn off the handheld. Remove the keypad from the handheld.
Getting started with the TI-Nspire handheld 9
Carefully remove the batteries. Caution: You may need to use a tool to remove the batteries as they fit tightly in the unit. If you use a tool, be careful not to damage either the batteries or the handheld.
Insert fresh batteries. Ensure that the + side of each battery faces away from the display screen.

Note: If you are using the Teacher software, you can view language
settings but you cannot change languages using this operation.
Understanding General Settings
Settings control how the handheld displays and interprets information in each document. All numbers, including elements of matrices and lists, display according to the general settings.
Changing General Settings
The following table lists the general settings and their possible values. Field Display Digits Values Float Float1 - Float12 Fix0 - Fix12 Radian Degree Gradian Normal Scientific Engineering Real Rectangular Polar Auto CAS: Exact Approximate

Exponential Format

Real or Complex
Auto or Approx. (Results format)

Field Vector Format

Values Rectangular Cylindrical Spherical Decimal Hex Binary SI Eng/US

Unit System (CAS)

Open the Settings and Status dialog box and press 21.
Press e to move through the list of settings. Press 3 to move backward through the list. A bold line around a box indicates it is active.
When you reach the desired setting, press 6 to expand the selection list. Press the 5 and 6 keys to highlight the desired option, and press
5. 6. Press the 4 key to highlight OK. Press x or to apply the new settings. Note: To apply the new settings to the handheld, highlight Make Default and press x or.
Note: Auto mode displays an answer that is not a whole number as a
fraction except when a decimal is used in the problem. Exact mode displays an answer that is not a whole number as a fraction or in symbolic form, except when a decimal is used in the problem.
Restoring General Settings
To restore the original factory settings to open or new documents and to the Scratchpad, click Restore, and then OK.
Using General Settings Hints
Click on the question mark to get quick help about General Settings.
Understanding Graphs & Geometry settings
The changes you make to Graphs & Geometry settings apply to applications in open problems and in subsequent new problems. When you customize application settings, your selections become the default settings for your work in the application. The following table lists the Graphs & Geometry application settings with selectable values and descriptions of operation for enabled checkboxes.

Field Values

Display Digits
Auto Float Float1 - Float12 Fix0 - Fix12

Graphing Angle

Auto Radian Degree Gradian

Geometry Angle

Checkbox

Operation when checked

Automatically hide plot labels
Plot labels display only when a plot is hovered, selected, or grabbed.

Show axis end values

Displays a numeric label at the least and greatest values visible on an axis. Shows helpful information as you manipulate function graphs. Shows zeros, minima, and maxima for graphed functions and objects while tracing function graphs.
Show tool tips for function manipulation Automatically find point of interest
Changing Graphs & Geometry settings
1. Open the Settings and Status dialog box and press 22. The Graphs & Geometry Settings dialog box opens.
Click the pull-down arrow to change the Display Digits, Graphing Angle, or Geometry Angle settings or click a checkbox to enable or disable options on the lower half of the dialog. Modify the settings to suit your needs, then click OK to save. To apply the changes to all subsequent new documents, click Make
Default. Click OK to accept, or Cancel to abandon.
Restoring Graphs & Geometry settings
Using Graphs & Geometry Settings Hints
Click on the question mark to get quick help about Graphs & Geometry Settings.
Understanding the handheld setup
You can change the following items in your handheld setup: Font size (small, medium, or large) Power standby (1, 3, 5, 10, or 30 minutes) Hibernate (1, 3, 4, 5 days, or never) Pointer speed (slow, normal, or fast) Enable tap to click
Changing the handheld setup
1. Open the Settings and Status dialog box and press 3. The Handheld Setup dialog box opens.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Press e until the desired category is highlighted. Press 6 to display the list of possible settings. Press 6 to highlight the desired setting. Press x or to select the new setting. When you have changed all the settings to suit your needs, press
e until OK is highlighted, and press x or to apply your
changes. Note: Click Defaults to return the handheld to the factory settings.

Viewing handheld status

The Handheld Status screen displays the following information: Battery status Software version Available space Network (if any)
About Your student login name and whether you are logged in To see the Handheld Status screen, open the Settings and Status dialog box and press 4. The Handheld Status dialog box opens.
Viewing handheld details on the About screen
The About screen displays information about the handheld type, the operating system (OS) version, and the product ID. To display the About screen, open the Settings and Status dialog box and press About. The About dialog box opens.

Logging in to class

1. 2. 3. Open the Settings and Status dialog box and press 5. (You can also press ~ 7.) The Login to Class dialog box opens. Type your user name and password and click Login.

Freeing Memory

If you have insufficient memory to store documents on your handheld, you must free memory to create the space you need. To free memory, you must delete documents and/or folders from memory. To keep the documents and folders for use later, back them up to another handheld or to a computer. If you have unnecessary documents stored, you can delete them from memory to create additional space. Before you delete documents, consider restoring sufficient available memory by copying files to another handheld. 1. Open My Documents. Press c 2. 2. 3. 4. Press or to select the folder or document you want to delete. Press. Press x or to confirm that you want to delete the file. Note: Press d to cancel the deletion.

Resetting the memory

Caution: Before you reset all memory, consider restoring sufficient available memory by deleting only selected data. If you reset all memory, the pre-installed apps on your handheld will remain, but any apps that have been downloaded in TI-84 mode will be deleted. To reset all memory on the handheld, follow these steps. 1. After making certain you want to clear all files, open the My Docs file browser. Press c 2. 2. 3. Select Delete All. A dialog box opens, asking you to confirm the action. Press Yes to confirm. Handheld memory is cleared. When you clear memory, the contrast sometimes changes. If the screen is faded or blank, adjust the contrast by pressing / + or / -.
Understanding the TI-Nspire tools
This section highlights the tools you use while working with documents, including variables, catalog, symbols, and math templates. There are additional details about each tool elsewhere in the documentation.
Creating TI-Nspire variables
Variables can be any portion or attribute of an object or function created within an application. Examples of attributes that can become variables are the area of a rectangle, the radius of a circle, the value contained in a spreadsheet cell or the contents of a row or column, or a function expression. When you create a variable, it is stored in memory within the problem. You will find more information about variables in the chapter titled Using Variables.

Using the catalog

Press 3, 4, 5oor 6 until the item you want to insert is highlighted. Press x or to insert the item.
Entering international language characters
The ; key allows you to enter specially accented or punctuated characters in applications that allow text input.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Open an application that allows text input. Type the desired text. Position the cursor after the letter that you want to accent. For example, e while in the French locale. Press ; on the keypad. Notice that the e changes to. Keep pressing ; until you find the accented version of e that you want. Press _ or the next letter of your text to accept the character and continue typing.
Sharing files with a computer or another device
You can connect your TI-Nspire handheld to a computer or another device with a USB Computer Cable. This allows you to share files. On your computer, you can transfer multiple files at once. Your handheld comes with two different USB Computer Cables.
Connecting your handheld with a USB cable
You can use USB cables to connect two TI-Nspire handhelds, to connect a TI-Nspire handheld to a computer, or to connect one TI-Nspire handheld using TI-Nspire TI-84 Plus keypad to another.
TI-Nspire USB connection cable to connect handheld to a computer using TI-Nspire Computer Link software.
TI-Nspire unit-to-unit USB cable to connect two TI-Nspire handhelds

TI-84 Plus Mode cables

If you already have TI-84 Plus handhelds and use the I/O port for connectivity, you can use the same cables to connect to a TI-Nspire handheld using the TI-84 keypad.
USB connection cable to connect handheld in TI-84 mode to a computer using TI-Connect software.
TI-84 Plus I/O device-to-device connection cable
Backing up files to another handheld
To back up files to another TI-Nspire handheld, follow the steps below. Complete instructions for connecting two handhelds are included in the electronic version of the handheld guidebook, provided on the CD that came with your handheld or at http://education.ti.com.
Connecting two TI-Nspire handhelds with the USB unitto-unit cable
The TI-Nspire handheld USB A port is located at the center of the top of the handheld. 1. Firmly insert either end of the USB unit-to-unit cable into the USB A port. Insert the other end of the cable into the receiving units USB A port.

Sending a document

1. 2. 3. Open My Documents on the sending unit. Press the 5 and 6 keys to highlight the document you want to send. Select Send from the document menu.

Press / to advance to page 2.6, and follow the instructions to add a Calculator page.
The Calculator icon on the Home menu looks like this: Tip: Unlike the Scratchpad Calculate page, this new page becomes part of the document. After performing some calculations on the new Calculator page, press / to advance to the next page. That page and the one following it have split screens, with a Calculator window at the top
where you can experiment with math expressions. Split screens are explained on a third page. Tip: When you press b on a split screen, the menu for the active application window is displayed. If you see the wrong menu, you may need to switch to the correct window and try again.

Adding a Graph

Press / to advance to page 3.1, and follow the instructions.
Getting started with the TI-Nspire Handheld 39
Tip: To read text that is past the top or bottom of the window, click the arrow at the top or bottom of the scroll bar. The Graphs icon on the Home menu looks like this: After adding a Graph page and defining the function, press / to advance to the next page. Follow the instructions for editing the function.
Press / to advance to two more split screens, where you can experiment with modifying a function definition interactively.

Adding a Geometry object

Press / to advance to the next page, and follow the instructions.
The Geometry icon on the Home menu looks like this:
On the new Geometry page, press b 9 to choose shapes. Use the Touchpad to draw the shapes. To stop drawing and restore the selection pointer, press d. Press / to advance to the split screen on the next page. Click in the Graphs & Geometry window at the top, and follow the instructions to measure properties of the triangle.
Adding a Lists & Spreadsheet page
Press / to advance to page 4.1. The goal in Problem 4 is to create two lists containing time and distance value-pairs and then analyze the data on a Data & Statistics page within the same problem.
The Lists & Spreadsheet icon on the Home menu looks like this:

1. From a blank page, press b to display the Application menu. The menu displays applications that you can add to the page.
Press the number of the application you want to add to the page. For example, press 3 to add the Lists & Spreadsheet application.
Press b to display the Application menu.
When you have an application on a page, the Application menu displays options for working with the current application. The example below displays the Application menu for the Lists & Spreadsheet application.

Context menu

The context menu displays options that are specific to the selected object or the current cursor location.

Using the Context menu

To access a context-sensitive menu from an application, press / b. In the example below, the context menu displays options available for the selected cell in Lists & Spreadsheet.
Working with problems and pages
The Page Tools menu allows you to move between pages, modify page layout, insert pages or problems, delete pages and change settings.
Adding a problem to a document
A document can contain as many as 30 problems. To add a new problem: 1. Press ~41. A new problem with one page is added to the document.
Note: The tab at the top left of the screen indicates that this is the first page of the second problem.
Press the number of the application you want to add to the new page.
Copying, pasting, and deleting problems
You can copy and paste a single problem from one location to another within the same document or a different document. You can also delete the problem from the document.
Working with documents on the TI-Nspire handheld 57
Copying and pasting a problem
To copy and paste the problem: 1. Open the Page Sorter. Press / 2.
Select the problem. Collapse the Page Sorter, if necessary, to display only problems. eb2. Press /C. Go to the location where you want the problem to appear. Press /V. A duplicate problem is placed in the new location.

3. 4. 5.

Deleting a problem
To delete a problem from the document: 1. 2. Select the problem from the Page Sorter. Press /X. The problem is deleted from the document.

Renaming a problem

To rename a problem: 1. With the document active, open the Page Sorter. Press / 2. 3. 4. 5.
Select the problem name. Press /b. Select 7 Rename and type the name. Press /S to save the change.
Adding a page to a problem
Each problem can contain up to 50 pages. To add a new page to a problem: Press / ~ or / I to add a blank page or Press c to display the Home menu, then point to the application youd like to add to the new page and click or tap. A new page is added to the current problem.

Note: The tab at the top left of the screen indicates that this is the second page of the second problem.
Moving through pages in a document
Tabs display up to three multiple pages. When a document contains more than three pages, arrows appear on the left and right of the tabs. Use the following keys to navigate through your documents.
3 displays the previous page. 4 displays the next page. 5 displays the Page Sorter.
Use the touchpad to click on the arrows that appear on either side of the tabs to show more pages in a document containing more than three pages.
Viewing and reordering pages in a document
The Page Sorter displays all of the problems in your document and all pages within each problem in thumbnail format. You can use the Page Sorter to rearrange and delete pages, copy a page from one problem and paste it in another and apply templates to pages.
Opening the Page Sorter from a document
Press /. The Page Sorter screen displays all of the problems and pages in the current document.
Reordering pages in a problem
To move a page within a document from the Page Sorter: 1. Use the 3 and 4 keys to select the page you want to move. A heavy border around the page indicates that it is selected.
Either press and hold xor press / xuntil the grab cursor displays.
Press 3 , 4, 5 and 6 to move the page to the desired position. Press x or to finish the move. Note: You can press d to cancel. The page moves to the new location within the problem, and the counter adjusts accordingly.
Copying a page to another problem
To copy a page from one problem to another in the same document: 1. Press 3 , 4, 5 and 6 to select the page you want to copy. A heavy border around the page indicates that it is selected.

2. 3. 4.

Press / C to copy the page. Press 3 , 4, 5 and 6 to move the page to the desired position in the new problem. Press / V to paste the page in the new location. The page moves to the new location within the problem, and the counter adjusts accordingly.
Note: If the page contains variables with the same names as the new problem, a conflict may occur. Rename the variables if necessary.
Copying a page to another document
To copy a page from one document to another document: 1. Press 3 , 4, 5 and 6 to select the page you want to copy. A heavy border around the page indicates that it is selected.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Press / C to copy the page. Press c 2 to open My Documents. Press 5 and 6 to highlight the folder containing the document you want to copy the page to. Press 4 to open the folder, or press b 3. Press the 5 and 6 keys to highlight the document. Press x or to open the document.o Press / 5 to display the Page Sorter. Press 3 , 4, 5 and 6 to move the page to the desired position in the document.

10. Press / V to paste the page in the new location. The page moves to the new location within the problem, and the counter adjusts accordingly.
Viewing multiple pages with the Page Sorter
Although the handheld typically displays the pages in your document one at a time, the Page Sorter lets you see all of the problems in your document and all pages within each problem in thumbnail format. You can use the Page Sorter to rearrange and delete pages, and copy a page from one problem and paste it in another.

Managing documents

My Documents is a file manager where you store and organize your documents. The example below illustrates the My Documents screen with its main parts labeled. Following the screen, you can find descriptions of each labeled part.
Expanded folder Unsaved document Collapsed folder System status indicators File size
Working with documents on the TI-Nspire handheld 63
Browsing files in My Documents
To open My Documents: Press c 2. Note: If you are working in a page, press / 5 / 5.
The My Documents screen opens, displaying all folders and files on the handheld. To sort columns by name or size, click that column head. Click again to change the sort from ascending to descending. To scroll through My Documents, click or grab the scroll bar. To expand a single folder, point to the folder and click on the folder icon or press /. To collapse, click again or press /. To expand all folders, press b 7. To collapse, press b 8.

Opening documents

To open a document: 1. 2. If the document isnt showing, point to the folder where its saved. Point to the document and tap or click to open it.
Renaming folders or documents
To rename a folder or document: 1. Press the 5 and 6 keys to highlight the document or folder you want to rename.

Press b 2.

The document or folder name is highlighted. 3. Type a new name and press to complete the change. Note: Press d to cancel.

Creating folders

1. Open My Documents. Press c 2. 2. 3. Using the touchpad, point to the document you want to send. Select Send from the My Documents menu. Press e b 6.
Working with documents on the TI-Nspire handheld 67
The file transfer begins. A progress bar displays to allow you to follow the transfer. There is a cancel button on the Sending. dialog that allows you to cancel the transmission while it is in progress. When the transfer is complete, a message displays. If the file was renamed on the receiving handheld, the new file name displays.

Receiving a document

No action is required by the user of the receiving TI-Nspire handheld. Units are automatically powered on when the cable is attached.

Sending a folder

When you send a folder from one handheld to another, the file structure in the sending folder is retained. If the folder does not exist on the receiving handheld, it will be created. If the folder does exist, files will be copied into it, with appended names added to any duplicate files that may be there. To send a folder: 1. Open My Documents. Press c 2. 2. 3. Using the touchpad, point to the folder you want to send. Select Send from the My Documents menu. Press e b 6. 4. The file transfer begins. A progress bar displays to allow you to follow the transfer. There is a cancel button on the Sending. dialog that allows you to cancel the transmission while it in progress. When the transfer is complete, a message displays. If the file was renamed on the receiving handheld, the new file name displays.

Canceling a transfer

1. To cancel a transmission in-progress, press Cancel on the dialog of the sending unit. Note: To cancel a file transfer from the receiving handheld, press d. The receiving handheld cannot cancel a transfer of folders, however. 2. 3. A link transmission error message displays. Press d or to cancel the transmission error message.
For more information, see the Transferring Files section.
Handling errors resulting from sending folders
If you receive an error after attempting to send, it may mean the receiving handheld has an operating system that does not support the transfer. To resolve this, update the receiving handhelds OS and try the send again.
Understanding the scratchpad
The scratchpad allows you to make quick calculations without affecting your current document. You can open the scratchpad application, do your calculation, and then discard it or save the contents of the scratchpad to the current document or a new document.

Libraries

A library is a TI-Nspire document that contains a collection of variables, functions, and/or programs that have been defined as library objects. Unlike ordinary variables, functions, and programs, which can be used only within a single problem (the problem in which they are defined), library objects are accessible from any document. You can even create public library objects that appear in the TI-Nspire Catalog. For details, see the Libraries chapter of this documentation, available on the CD that came with your handheld or on the Texas Instruments web site, http://education.ti.com.