Object Details
- Texas Instruments
- Description
- This is an example of the first graphing calculator sold by Texas Instruments. The TI-81 was introduced in 1990. The handheld electronic calculator has a blue plastic case with a sliding cover that can also serve as a stand. It has an array of forty-one rectangular plastic keys, many of which can take on three meanings. These include a wide number of arithmetic, trigonometric, statistical, and algebraic functions. Letters of the alphabet also can be represented. The calculator also has four arrow keys, plus a row of five keys immediately under the display that relate to graphing. In addition to performing a wide range of calculations, the calculator could display eight lines of text sixteen characters long or graph up to four functions simultaneously. A mark above the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-81.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment at the bottom that holds four AAA batteries as well as a small CR1616 or CR1620 battery. A mark scratched next to the battery compartment reads: R. The device has no serial number, but has a sticker at the top of the back that reads: Reconditioned. A sticker on the battery compartment cover reads: #30. Text on the back of the calculator indicates that the design was copyrighted in 1991. Text below this reads: MADE IN TAIWAN R.O.C.
- According to the online Datamath Museum, the first examples of the TI-81 did not include the small battery.
- This TI-81 was used in teaching mathematics at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. For software received as part of the same transaction, see 1999.3054.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 15, 1990, p. C16. New TI-81 calculator selling for $99.99. List price $129.95.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, August 24, 1993, p. C10. TI-81 calculator, regularly $110.00, on sale for $69.99.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, August 7, 1994, p. AE19. TI-81 calculator, list price of $115.00, on sale for $69.99.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, September 4, 1994, p. F8. TI-81 calculator, regularly $115.00, on sale for $69.98.
- Kidwell, P.A., A. Ackerberg-Hastings, and D. L. Roberts, Tools of American Mathematics Teaching, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008, p. 309.
- Online Datamath Museum, accessed June 12, 2015.
- Texas Instruments, TI-81 Guidebook. A 1992 edition is online. Accessed June 12, 2015.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of Amherst College, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
- ca 1991
- ID Number
- 1999.0285.01
- accession number
- 1999.0285
- catalog number
- 1999.0285.01
- Object Name
- electronic calculator, graphing
- Physical Description
- plastic (case; keys material)
- metal (circuitry material)
- paper (sticker material)
- Measurements
- overall: 2.6 cm x 8.5 cm x 17.6 cm; 1 1/32 in x 3 11/32 in x 6 15/16 in
- place made
- Taiwan
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Computers
- Computers & Business Machines
- Handheld Electronic Calculators
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_472820
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a2-de5d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
