Object Details
maker
Texas Instruments
Description
This handheld scientific electronic 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, trigonometric, hyperbolic, logarithmic and exponential functions, as well as conversions of units of measure. The calculator has limited programming capabilities.
A mark at the top of the keyboard reads: TI-55. Text behind the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. Next to this is an on/off switch. Behind this is an LED display that shows eight positive or negative digits of the result as well as powers of ten from -99 to +99.
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. (/) 99042531. It has the date mark: LTA1278. 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-5. 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.
An April 1978 newspaper advertisement described the TI-55 as a “new” calculator “with all the functions and features of the popular SR-51 II, plus a 32-step program memory.” It gave a list price of $59.95 and a sale price of $49.95. By September 1978, the SR-55 was advertised as a less expensive alternative to the TI-58 and TI-59. By 1982 TI had released the TI-55-II.
Compare 1986.0988.358 (an SR-51-II)
References:
[Advertisement], Boston Globe, March 26, 1978, p. 83. Relatively detailed description. Gives price of $49.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, April 8, 1978, p. C5.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, September 9, 1978, p. A15. Device selling for $34.93. The TI-58 costs $87.96, the TI-59 $219.44.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 8, 1979, p. D7. Selling TI-55 as a “super slide rule” for $44.95.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, May 11, 1980, p. W_C55. Selling TI-55 “advanced slide rule calculator” for $32.99, regularly $37.99.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 25, 1981, p. 22. TI-55 selling for $29.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, April 17, 1982, p. C3. TI-55-II selling for $44.95.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1978
ID Number
1986.0988.050
catalog number
1986.0988.050
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; carrying case material)
metal (circuitry; zipper material)
Measurements
overall: 1 1/2 in x 2 3/4 in x 5 1/2 in; 3.81 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_334464