Object Details
maker
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
date made
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
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1364036