I was using a TI-89 which is far superior, BUT, it is not allowed in the math department at my university only the TI-83 Plus, TI-83, and TI-84(including their various releases).  The calculator FEELS very basic, however, with a little knowledge you can take the calculator on through Calculus 3 as I understand, I don't believe that it can do derivitives so you'll be writing those out by hand.  I purchased "TI-83 Pluss Graphing Calculator for Dummies"  And I would say that a book of that nature really is mandatory, its no fun hunting thing down on the calculator itself or within the different tabs, say math for example you may never know that what your looking for is in one of those tabs.  The advertisement for this calculator is a little decieving it says you can transfer files to and from your calculator.  This is true but you have to purchase a special cord which is essentially a 3.5mm jack(not sure actual size) on one end that you plug into the bottom of the calculator and a USB connection on the other end.  You also have to download the software to move the files from the Texas Instruments website.  None of this really matters in my opinion because as little as two programs will fill the calculators memory, not worth it.  The graphing calculator is well made, seems a little light in the hand but overall construction is solid.  Takes 4 AAA batteries and has an auto shutof of 5 minutes.  It really is a decently powerful calculator that will get you through your math and is just powerful enough to not let you cheat.  I personally have not taken any calculus so I cant vouch for its usefullness but I was told, by many instructors that this was the calculator to buy and would be of the most benifit, for what the department allows, through Calculus 3.  To add to what I said earlier about getting a book, the calculator comes with a pamphlet on how to use it, garbage.