Object Details
- Texas Instruments
- Description
- In 1972, Texas Instruments began selling electronic calculators under its own name. The first of these was the Datamath or TI-2500. Over the next few years, TI sold modifications of the TI-2500 that had different forms of battery (such as the TI-2500B, the TI-2500II, and the TI-2510), a different color case (the TI-2510), a key for taking percentages (the TI-2550 and the TI-2550II), and keys for additional functions (the TI-2550II and the TI-2550III). This is an example of the TI-2510.
- The handheld calculator has a light tan or ivory-colored plastic case with a black plastic keyboard. It has an array of eighteen keys, sixteen of them square and two rectangular. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry key, and a clear key. A switch at the right in the top row of keys may be set at “CHAIN” or “CONST.” A mark above this switch reads: TI-2510. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display.
- A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. An on/off switch is on the left side.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment for storing four AA alkaline or carbon-zinc batteries. Such a compartment was not found in the TI-2500.
- A sticker on the compartment cover reads: TI-2510 electronic calculator (/) Made by Texas Instruments Incorporated, Dallas, Texas. It also reads in part: Serial number (/) 2510 047053. The sticker indicates that the calculator has four disposable AA batteries. It also says that AC Adapter AC9120 might be used for a power supply, with or without batteries installed.
- Unscrewing three long screws on the back of the case does not reveal the chips. Two green wires extend from the inside of the calculator around the outside.
- The Datamath Museum says this model was introduced in 1973. Ball & Flamm give a 1974 price of $39.95. Newspaper prices range from $59.95 down to $39.99. Compare 1986.0988.188, 1986.0988.189, 1986.0988.190, 1986.0988.342, and 1986.0988.359.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 157.
- [Advertisement], New York Times, October 28, 1973, p. 245. Sale price for TI-2510 given as $56.50.
- [Advertisement], Atlanta Constitution, November 18, 1973, p. 27C. New product, the TI-2510 calculator, selling for $59.95.
- [Advertisement], Hartford Courant, December 19, 1973, p. 24. TI-2510 calculator advertised as “budget calculator gift” selling for $59.95 (not including batteries). TI-2500 available, with adapter/charger, for $69.95.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 20, 1974, p. 11. TI-2510 on sale for $39.99.
- Online Datamath Museum, accessed May 13, 2015.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of John B. Priser
- 1973-1974
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.343
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.343
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Object Name
- electronic calculator
- Physical Description
- plastic (case; keys material)
- metal (circuitry; jack material)
- paper (stickers material)
- Measurements
- overall: 1 3/4 in x 2 3/4 in x 5 1/2 in; 4.445 cm x 6.985 cm x 13.97 cm
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Computers
- Computers & Business Machines
- Handheld Electronic Calculators
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1364036
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-f02f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
