From The Verge · Verge Staff · · 1m 20s
The TI calculator monopoly that never ended
Texas Instruments has dominated math class for decades. Here's how one company locked in an entire generation.
In brief
Texas Instruments has dominated math class for decades. Here's how one company locked in an entire generation. TI's graphing calculators became the standard in schools so early and so completely that switching away proved nearly impossible, even as technology moved on. Originally reported by The Verge.
One calculator ruled them all
Texas Instruments graphing calculators have dominated school shopping lists since the early 2000s. The company's market control goes back even further.
Version history explores the story
The Verge's podcast Version History digs into how TI took over the market and never let go. David Pierce hosts Nilay Patel and Victoria Song as they share their own calculator memories.
Part of a bigger back to school series
This is the second episode of Version History's fifth season, which explores iconic school tech. Coming up: One Laptop Per Child, Chromebook, LeapPad, and the overhead projector.
How outdated tech stays dominant
The TI-84 Plus is outdated but still holds a monopoly on classrooms. The Washington Post and New York Times have covered how the calculator refuses to fade away.
“The unstoppable TI-84 Plus: How an outdated calculator still holds a monopoly on classrooms”
Lessons for the AI age
ProMarket argues that TI's calculator monopoly offers lessons for educators as generative AI reshapes learning. The same lock-in dynamics could apply to new technology.
The big picture
TI's graphing calculators became the standard in schools so early and so completely that switching away proved nearly impossible, even as technology moved on.
