To set up the TI-Graph Link, install the necessary software, plug the cable into your computer and calculator, and run the software. It's as simple as that.

The TI-Graph Link is not only a special cable between your computer and graphing calculator, but also software for communication. The cable itself is simple to use. By plugging it in, you are done using the cable. That is when you turn to the software which communicates with your calculator.

The software which you need to talk between your calculator and your Mac is called TI Connect, and is probably the weakest aspect of this product. First off, no OS X software is available at the time of this writing. Software as simple as this should not take long to update for OS X compatibility. But this software lacks much more than just OS X support.

First, let's talk about the features it does have. With this cable/software combination, you are able to send files to your calculator, take screen shots of your calculator, upgrade your calculator's Operating System, and even back up your calculator to your Mac. There is a wide variety of software which you can put on your graphing calculator, from games, to organizers, to spreadsheets, there is no lack of add-ons for the TI brand of graphing calculators. HINT: A good place to find programs is ticalc.org.

Other than putting files and programs onto your calculator, upgrading it's OS and backing it up are very useful. To make sure your calculator has the latest and greatest features, the TI Connect software will automatically connect to the internet, and make sure you have the latest OS for your calculator. Also, the backup feature is very handy. In the case of your calculator's memory being erased, or you have to pull the batteries, you will have an empty calculator on your hands. That is, unless you have backed up your data onto your Mac, where you can easily transfer it back to your calculator, and get back to working again in just minutes.

However, the software is also missing features that its PC counterpart has. For example, the PC software can display your calculator's screen on your monitor in real time. Doing this means you can easily enter in programs and use your calculator through your PC, with a full sized keyboard. Another major missing feature is full screen. Your PC's monitor can be filled with the screen of your calculator, making data input even easier. The screen shots the Mac software takes is tiny in comparison. These are just a few of the features that we Mac users have to live without.

The only problems I ran into were large file sizes, and badly written programs. The first can be overcome by various kernel add-ons such as DoorsOS. However, the second can only be overcome by the programmers who write the software.

If you need to transfer files to and from your TI graphing calculator and your Mac, you have two choices. Get a TI-Graph Link cable, or build your own. The Graph Link is a little more expensive, but easier to use, and more reliable. A good product that could use better software.

Pros	Cons
Simple to use Fast file transfers Auto updates calculator's Operating System Tons of software available Inexpensive	No USB software File size limitation No live screen updates Limited software Functionality/Not OS X compatible
6/10 stars