# TI-59

> programmable calculator with magnetic card reader produced by Texas Instruments from 1977

**Wikidata**: [Q659539](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q659539)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TI-59_/_TI-58)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ti-59

## Summary
The TI-59 is a programmable calculator with magnetic card reader produced by Texas Instruments from 1977. It succeeded the SR-52 model and featured components including random-access memory, a magnetic card reader, and solid state software modules for specialized functions.

## Key Facts
- Inception: 1977
- Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
- Instance of: calculator model
- Subclass of: programmable calculator, mobile device
- Has parts: LED display, central processing unit, read-only memory, random-access memory, computer keyboard, magnetic card reader
- Uses: magnetic storage card, solid state software module
- Follows: SR-52
- Used by: consumers, engineers, students, scientists
- Sitelink count: 11
- Wikipedia title: TI-59 / TI-58

## FAQs
### Q: When was the TI-59 released?
A: The TI-59 was released in 1977 by Texas Instruments as a successor to the SR-52 model.

### Q: What made the TI-59 unique compared to other calculators?
A: The TI-59 featured a magnetic card reader for program storage and solid state software modules for specialized mathematical, engineering, business, and navigational functions.

### Q: Who used the TI-59?
A: The TI-59 was used by consumers, engineers, students, and scientists for various calculations and programming tasks across different fields.

### Q: What components did the TI-59 include?
A: The TI- incorporated LED display, central processing unit, read-only memory, random-access memory, computer keyboard, and magnetic card reader.

## Why It Matters
The TI-59 represented a significant advancement in portable computing technology in the late 1970s. As one of the first programmable calculators with magnetic card storage, it allowed users to save and reload complex programs, effectively functioning as a portable computer for scientific, engineering, and business applications. Its modular design with interchangeable solid state software modules made it versatile for different fields, reducing the need for specialized equipment. The TI-59 helped bridge the gap between simple calculators and computers, making computational power more accessible to professionals and students. Its influence can be seen in later programmable calculators and even early personal computers that adopted similar storage and programming concepts.

## Notable For
- First programmable calculator with magnetic card reader for program storage and retrieval
- Featured solid state software modules for specialized mathematical, engineering, business, and navigational functions
- Incorporated multiple computer components including central processing unit, random-access memory, and LED display in a portable form factor
- Compatible with magnetic storage cards for data persistence
- Designed for use by professionals across multiple fields including engineers, scientists, and students

## Body
### Overview
The TI-59 is a programmable calculator with magnetic card reader produced by Texas Instruments from 1977. It succeeded the SR-52 model and was part of the evolution of programmable calculators that bridged the gap between simple calculators and early computers.

### Technical Specifications
- Instance of: calculator model
- Subclass of: programmable calculator, mobile device
- Has parts:
  - LED display
  - Central processing unit
  - Read-only memory
  - Random-access memory
  - Computer keyboard
  - Magnetic card reader
- Uses:
  - Magnetic storage card
  - Solid state software module

### Components and Functionality
The TI-59 incorporated several computer components in a portable form factor:
- Random-access memory for data storage
- Magnetic card reader for reading and writing data on magnetic storage cards
- Computer keyboard for input
- Central processing unit for executing instructions
- LED display for output

### Accessories and Modules
- Solid state software modules: Exchangeable ROM modules containing software for specific mathematical, engineering, business, or navigational fields
- Magnetic storage cards: Small, thin elongated plastic cards with magnetizable layer used for data storage
- Compatible with thermal printer PC-100 which also served as a power source

### Usage and Users
- Used by consumers, engineers, students, and scientists
- Designed for various calculations and programming tasks
- Featured specialized programs for different fields through its software modules

### Historical Context
- Inception: 1977
- Follows: SR-52
- Part of the evolution of programmable calculators in the 1970s

## Schema Markup
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  "additionalType": "calculator model",
  "manufacturer": "Texas Instruments",
  "releaseDate": "1977",
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  "follows": "SR-52"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File