Texas Instruments Programmable 59 Handheld Electronic Calculator
date: label: date made
content: 1977
name: label: maker
content: Texas Instruments
notes: label: Description
content: This programmable scientific calculator, introduced in 1977, is more powerful than the TI 57 and TI 58, which were introduced at the same time. It has a black plastic case and an array of forty-five rectangular plastic keys, most of which can assume a dual function. The calculator could be operated manually by pressing keys. It could run a variety of preprogrammed routines from a module inserted in a compartment in the back of the case. Programs could also be entered using a set of keys and stored in one of ten locations (denoted by the letters A through E and A’ through E’). Finally, programs could be entered on magnetic cards inserted into a slot in the right side of the calculator. Fuller instructions for programming are given in a detailed manual that accompanied the calculator (see 1990.3166.01).
label: Description
content: A mark below the keyboard reads: TI Programmable 59 (/) Solid State Software. Behind the keyboard is a space that would hold a label for a program from a program module. Behind this is a ten-digit display (it may also show eight digits and a two-digit positive or negative exponent). An on/off key is at the back and a jack for a power supply is on the right side.
label: Description
content: A mark on the back of the calculator reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) electronic calculator (/) SERIAL NO. (/) 05404761 LTA3577 (/) ASSEMBLED IN USA. Below this is a compartment for a battery pack. A sticker inside it is labeled: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) BATTERY PACK BP-1A. Below this is a compartment for a program module, with no module.
label: Description
content: The calculator has a black zippered case with a belt loop. This case has number 1990.0609.01.1. Also included is a black Texas Instruments power adapter (a model AC 9131) with a date stamp of 7709 and number 1990.0609.01.2. A plastic wallet holds the Master Library module, a set of labels for use when using programs on that module, and a pamphlet entitled <I>Programmable TI58/59 Master Library Quick Reference Guide</I> (1990.0609.01.3). A second plastic wallet hold the Leisure Library module, a set of labels for use when using programs on that module, and a pamphlet entitled <I>Programmable TI58/59 Leisure Library Quick Reference Guide</I> (1990.0609.01.4).
label: Description
content: For the printer for the calculator, see 1990.0609.02. For related documentation, see 1990.3166.
label: Description
content: Compare 2007.0179.02 (another TI 59 with printer).
label: Description
content: References:
label: Description
content: “Power of Its Pocket Calculators Increased by Texas Instruments,” <I>New York Times</I>, May 25, 1977, p. 89. Suggested list price of new Programmable 59 to be $299.95.
label: Description
content: [Advertisement], <I>Los Angeles Times</I>, December 10, 1977, p. E3. Programmable 59 in stock, holiday sale price $219.95.
label: Description
content: [Advertisement], <I>Los Angeles Times</I>, September 27, 1980, p. OC_C14. TI Programmable 58C on sale for $112.95.
label: Description
content: [Advertisement], <I>Los Angeles Times</I>, September 27, 1980, p. OC_C14. TI Programmable 59 on sale for $219.95.
label: Description
content: [Advertisement], <I>New York Times</I>, November 7, 1982 p. 64. TI Programmable 59 selling for $169.95.Rebate of $20 from manufacturer brings price down to $149.95. PC100C printer also $149.95.
label: Location
content: Currently not on view
setName: label: See more items in
content: Medicine and Science: Computers
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content: Computers & Business Machines
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content: Handheld Electronic Calculators
creditLine: label: Credit Line
content: Gift of Doug Girling
dataSource: label: Data Source
content: National Museum of American History
identifier: label: ID Number
content: 1990.0609.01
label: catalog number
content: 1990.0609.01
label: accession number
content: 1990.0609
objectType: label: Object Name
content: electronic calculator
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: plastic (case; carrying case; wallets; labels material)
label: Physical Description
content: metal (circuitry material)
label: Physical Description
content: paper (manuals material)
label: Measurements
content: average spatial: 1 1/2 in x 3 in x 6 1/4 in; 3.81 cm x 7.62 cm x 15.875 cm