A Craving for Calculation

In the 1960s, Patrick Haggerty, president of Texas Instruments (TI), envisioned a future where electronics would be ubiquitous, leading to the development of the pocket calculator. Haggerty, alongside Jack Kilby, aimed to create a compact calculator that could fit in a coat pocket and cost under $100, a significant reduction from the existing calculators that were bulky and expensive. By 1966, TI produced a prototype called "Cal Tech," but manufacturing challenges limited its viability. However, advancements in semiconductor technology, particularly integrated circuits, soon made pocket calculators feasible. By the early 1970s, calculators transitioned from specialized tools to consumer products, paralleling the rise of personal computers. The calculator market expanded rapidly, driven by innovations in microprocessors and decreasing semiconductor costs, leading to widespread adoption. Unlike personal computers, calculators did not experience disruptive innovation from small entrepreneurs; instead, they became mass-market items quickly, akin to wristwatches. The integrated circuit was crucial in this evolution, allowing for the miniaturization and affordability of electronic devices. By the 1970s, Japanese manufacturers began to dominate the market by leveraging lower labor costs, further driving down prices. The calculator industry not only set the stage for the personal computer revolution but also exemplified the rapid technological advancements of the era.

- Patrick Haggerty envisioned a pocket calculator in the 1960s, aiming for affordability and compactness.

- The development of integrated circuits was essential for the miniaturization and mass production of calculators.

- By the early 1970s, calculators became widely accessible consumer products, paralleling the rise of personal computers.

- Japanese manufacturers gained market share by utilizing cheaper labor for assembly, driving down prices.

- The calculator industry laid the groundwork for the personal computer revolution, showcasing rapid technological advancements.