Texas Instruments TI-2500 / Datamath Version 0 - First Series

The famous TI-2500 Datamath calculator was first announced in April 1972 with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $149.95. Beginning June 1972 first customers received in the Neiman-Marcus and Sanger-Harris department stores in Dallas, TX their calculators before the formally introduction on September 21, 1972.

Don't miss the famous Bowmar 901B introduced already in September 1971 and based on mainly Texas Instruments components.  

To our current knowledge only few (about 500) Datamath calculators were manufactured in May 1972 in the white housing known already from the two discovered Pre-Series models (Serial No D0000-00080 and Serial No D0000-00141). Don't miss the never released Minimath calculator sporting a Liquid-Crystal-Display.

In 2016 we located with Serial No D0000-00252 the lowest production number and 44 years after manufacturing it still works like a charm with its original batteries and firing up all segments of the LED display.



For the later production an off white material was selected to not show dirt and finger marks. Compare this white Datamath from the "First Series" with the later production run Version 1.

The SRP was reduced to $119.95 by the date of introduction. Together with the TI-2500 Texas Instruments introduced the two desktop models TI-3000 and TI-3500. Find a reprint of the Press Release about the introduction here.

In a direct comparison with the later models in the Datamath line, this one uses 6 rechargeable NiCd batteries under the hood. You'll notice the CE/D-key on the upper left of the calculator, this key recalls the display. To reduce power consumption the electronics of this calculator will shut down most part of the display after few seconds of non use.

Read more about Texas Instruments' "Calculator-on-a-Chip".

A more detailed comparison between the ten known Datamath Versions could be found here.

If you like to determine the age of your Datamath Version 1, follow this link. 

The TI-2500 was mentioned in TI's press release dated August 15, 2002 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its invention of the electronic calculator.

Datamath™ is a trademark of Texas Instruments.

This Datamath from the First Series was donated by Greg and Marianne Owens. Thanks!

If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, September 26, 2003. No reprints without written permission.