In 1997 the graphics calculator, a digital hand-held device with the ability to draw graphs, and perform other important calculations, was permitted by the Victorian Board of Studies into external mathematics examinations in Victoria. Through case studies of two secondary school mathematics departments within Melbourne, the research aims to identify the areas of mathematics in which graphics calculators are being used two years later, and gain an understanding of the influences and obstacles teachers face in adapting to this technology. This research reveals that teachers in these schools use graphics calculators from years 8 to 12 for topics including graphical work, statistics, equation solving and calculus. Very little calculator programming takes place. Despite the fact that the teachers participated in professional development, obstacles on technical difficulties, management problems, departmental culture, and personal reluctance to use this device still persist.