THF155766

Texas Instruments Electronic Calculator, Model TI-59, 1977-1980

THF155770

Texas Instruments Electronic Calculator, Model TI-59, 1977-1980

Summary

The TI-59 was one of the first programmable LED pocket calculators. Interchangeable magnetic cards acted as program storage, shareable among programming enthusiasts. Its large memory allowed it to compete as an affordable alternative to early computers. With "Turing-complete" abilities, its capacity to perform complex mathematical equations, and run simple programs--including user-generated games like chess--made it popular among professionals.

Artifact

Calculator

Date Made

1977-1980

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2003.28.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Plastic

Dimensions

Height: 1.5 in (Calculator)

Width: 3.125 in (Calculator)

Length: 6.438 in (Calculator)

Inscriptions

On calculator: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS [top front left] TI PROGRAMMABLE 59 / SOLID STATE SOFTWARE [bottom front right] TEXAS INSTRUMENTS / ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR / SERIAL NO. / 5485199 / ATA2880 / ASSEMBLED IN USA [verso top] THIS CALCULATOR OR ITS COMPONENTS PROTECTED BY ONE OR MORE U.S. PATENTS; OTHER PATENTS PENDING / 3819921 . . . 3984816 / CAUTION / TURN CALCULATOR OFF BEFORE REMOVING COVER TO MODULE COMPARTMENT [verso bottom] On power supply: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS / POWER SUPPLY / ASSY IN U.S.A. / ADAPTER / 8004 / MODEL AC 9131 / CAUTONE / INDOOR USE ONLY / INPUT 120 VAC / 60 HZ / 6 WATTS / PUTPUT 3.3 VAC / 500 MA [plug side]