Object Details
maker
Texas Instruments
Description
Advertised as a “powerhouse of financial and statistical problem solving,” this handheld financial calculator has a black plastic case and forty small rectangular plastic keys arranged in eight rows. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a change sign key (all off-white), the calculator has a total key and four arithmetic function keys (all gold). The remaining keys are brown. Pushing the “2nd” key allows keys to serve a “dual function,” which is denoted by text above the keys. The calculator provides a wide variety of statistical and accounting functions. It includes thirty-two step programming.
A mark at the top of the keyboard reads: The MBA. Text behind the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. Next to this is an on/off switch. Behind this is an eight-digit LED display.
A jack for a power supply is along the right edge.
Text on the back of the calculator reads in part: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) electronic calculator (/) SERIAL NO. (/) 324706. It has the date mark: ATA3578. It also reads in part: ASSEMBLED IN USA. Below the marks is a compartment that holds a battery pack. Text on it reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS BATTERY PACK BP-7. There are no screws on the back of the case and the chips are not visible.
The calculator has a black zippered plastic case with a carrying loop.
Compare 1986.0988.050 (the TI-55 scientific calculator).
References:
[Advertisement], Boston Globe, November 6, 1977, p. 75. TI MBA selling for $64.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, May 20, 1978, p. D4. TI MBA selling for $63.00.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, May 22, 1979, p. B3. Advertising copy quoted from here. Calculator advertised as selling for $57.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 30, 1980, p. H2. MBA selling for $59.95.
[Advertisement], New York Times, January 30, 1983, p. H31. MBA price $49.50.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1978
ID Number
1986.0988.344
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.344
Object Name
electronic calculator
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; carrying case material)
metal (keyboard; circuitry; zipper material)
Measurements
overall: 1 3/8 in x 3 in x 5 3/4 in; 3.4925 cm x 7.62 cm x 14.605 cm
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1364038