Texas Instruments

There are three variants of the "Datamath", the 2500 (shown above), 2500B and 2500-II	Although Texas Instruments invented the integrated circuit prior to the 1960's, it wasn't until 1965 that development of their prototype hand-held calculator began, named the "Cal-Tech". Utilising TI's IC's, Canon developed the "Pocketronic" in 1970, but it wasn't until 1972 that TI marketed their first calculator, the TI-2500 "Datamath", one of my personal favourites. 1973 sees the release of the SR-10 which sold for $150, the SR-20 and the SR-22 $350. (Note: SR stands for "slide rule") During the mid seventies calculator boom, TI expands its LED range with ever more scientific functions, memory and programmability. Prices remained high due to the demand of enthusiastic engineers, mathematicians and scientists to the new developments.
The TI-1650 (above), would have sold for around $25 when it was released in 1976.	1974 TI-1500 TI-2510 TI-2550 SR-11 $66.50 SR-16 $99 SR-50 $170 1975 TI-1200 $20 TI-1250 $20 SR-50A $110 SR-51 SR-51A $110 SR-16II $45 1976 TI-1265 TI-1270 TI-1400 TI-1450 TI-1600 SR-52, programmable with magnetic card storage, $230 SR-56 and SR-56 Programmable
	In 1976, prices fall to rock-bottom levels and many other manufacturers are forced out of business. TI survives with its low priced 1200 'style' variants and the release of the TI-30 (pictured left), probably the largest selling calculator of all time, selling for only $25. Later 70's TI models include: 1977 TI Programmable 57 TI Programmable 58 TI-1050 (more added soon)
	TI were also responsible for the kids multiplication tester game, the "Little Professor" (left), originally released in 1976, of which I was a prowd owner when I was seven years old. For more Texas Instruments information, try the official TI site at: www.ti.com

Picture Credits: David Gowing

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Please e-mail me, David Gowing, lineup@lineone.net