Graphing Calculators

Hey, I’m going to be getting my first graphing calculator first and I’m looking for some advice. Right now I’m looking into the TI-84+ Silver Edition. I’ve seen the HP calculators, and they look very good, but I’m leaning twards TI calculators because they are by far the most popular choice in my area and there is more support for them here. I need the calculator to work on my AP tests, SATs and all that fun stuff. Also, I’m interested in what type of software I should get for the TI84. (It says the TI84 is built off the TI83, so can it run TI83 software?)

Thanks for any help,
Michael Ishigaki