Texas Instruments TI-89

Description

Brand: Texas Instruments
Model: TI-89
Type: Graphical programmable scientific calculator
Picture: TI-89
Batteries: AAA x 4 + CR 1616 or CR 1620 x 1 (memory backup)
Lifetime: Introduced: 1998
Terminated: 2005
Notes: The Texas Instruments The TI-89 is basically the same as the TI-92 Plus but housed in a more standard looking casing and loosing the keyboard making it better suitable for exams. The calculator’s CAS system, making it possible to perform algebraic functions and symbolic differentiation and integration, still excluded it from exams however.

Succeeded by the
  • The TI-89 Titanium.

    It still has the familiar menu structure of the TI-92 series that can be summoned using the function keys and navigated using the arrow keys.

    It has a separate HOME key that can be used to switch from any APP or special function back to the home screen where calculations can be performed. Its twin, the TI-92 Plus doesn’t have a separate button for this.

    TI-89 Display The LCD of the specimen I was able to obtain is quite good. The LCD’s contrast can be set using the shifted function of the up and down arrows.

    Seen here is a CAS example showing the integral of the squared sine of X.

    A lot of useful information can be found on this Wikipedia page (link validated 2026-10-27).
    • Series: This calculator is part of a series that started with this one, the TI-92. Here is a list of the calculators in this series, in chronological order.

    Peripherals

    There is the TI Connectivity Cable USB to enable connecting to a PC or Mac, and the TI-Graph Link to connect using a serial protocol. More modern Macs, post Mac OS 9 need the USB cable.


    ©2026 Ernst Mulder