DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM |
Texas Instruments TI-34
The TI-34 was one of the higher sophisticated calculators sold by Texas Instruments in the year 1987. Compared with the TI-36 Solar some statistical functions were removed and logical operations added.
A similar housing in a blue design could be found with the Math Explorer and the TI-32 Explorer Plus.
The
first version of the successful TI-34 calculator was manufactured by Inventec
Corporation in Taiwan, a contract manufacturer even 20 years later still in
charge for Texas Instruments. The printed circuit board (PCB) looks very typical
for a far-east design of the 80s.
The design was later changed to blue function keys, compare
this TI-34 manufactured in the year 1988 with the next TI-34.
Production of the TI-34 was later shifted to Malaysia. You could
recognize these calculators easily due to the smaller solar cells. Compare it here.
A total of five different versions could be found here.
Another few years later the TI-34 got a more stylish housing.
Don't miss the Talking Orion TI-34 introduced by Orbit Research.
Texas Instruments was always listening for the demands of the classroom. Read some guidelines how to select the right calculator to ensure long-term satisfaction:
• Solar Power: Eliminates the need for batteries. The TI
ANYLITE™ technology allows operation even in low light. • Durability: Plastic keys are tougher and more tamper-proof than rubber keys. An extra window protects the LCD display and the solar cells. • Keyboard: Color coding helps children quickly identify functional key groupings. Large, well spaced keys are easier to find and press. • Packaging: With a convenient storage caddy 10 or even 30 calculators are grouped together. • Functions: Choose a model with only the specific functions you need. Unnecessary functions clutter the keyboard and may impede a student's understanding of the concepts. |
In the year 1995 Texas Instruments provided a total of 6 different calculators (not counting the Graphing Calculators TI-80, TI-81, TI-82 and TI-85) to meet the above demands. View a comparision table here.
If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.
© Joerg Woerner, December 5, 2001. No reprints without written permission.