Texas Instruments Electronic Calculator, Model TI-59, 1977-1980
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Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
Calculator
Date Made
1977-1980
Creators
Place of Creation
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]
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