The hidden monopoly behind your TI graphing calculator
News Source
β’2026-09-20T08:00:00-04:00
π° What Happened
The Verge podcast Version History has a new episode about graphing calculators. It looks at how Texas Instruments came to rule the market. The same calculator has been on school supply lists since the early 2000s. Hosts Nilay Patel and Victoria Song share memories of their own devices.
The episode is part of a season about going back to school. Earlier episodes covered the computer game The Oregon Trail. Later ones will look at One Laptop Per Child, Chromebooks and LeapPads. The series explores how some tech products become part of school life.
π The Backstory
Texas Instruments has sold graphing calculators for many decades. Schools often require one exact model for maths classes. That pushes students and parents to buy the same brand again and again. As a result, the company has faced little competition for years.
Such a strong hold on a market is often called a monopoly. Critics say it keeps prices high. A basic calculator can cost well over a hundred dollars. Others say the devices are reliable and trusted by teachers.
π― Why It Matters
This matters because families still pay high prices for school tools. Knowing why one product is so dominant helps you understand what you are buying.
The Verge podcast Version History has a new episode about graphing calculators. It looks at how Texas Instruments came to rule the market. The same calculator has been on school supply lists since the early 2000s. Hosts Nilay Patel and Victoria Song share memories of their own devices.
The episode is part of a season about going back to school. Earlier episodes covered the computer game The Oregon Trail. Later ones will look at One Laptop Per Child, Chromebooks and LeapPads. The series explores how some tech products become part of school life.
Texas Instruments has sold graphing calculators for many decades. Schools often require one exact model for maths classes. That pushes students and parents to buy the same brand again and again. As a result, the company has faced little competition for years.
Such a strong hold on a market is often called a monopoly. Critics say it keeps prices high. A basic calculator can cost well over a hundred dollars. Others say the devices are reliable and trusted by teachers.
This matters because families still pay high prices for school tools. Knowing why one product is so dominant helps you understand what you are buying.