Texas Instruments Debuts Linux-Based TI-99 Calculator

   Calculator manufacturer Texas Instruments started selling its latest graphing
   calculator model, the TI-99, today.  The TI-99 looks like earlier models,
   but it is immensely more powerful.  While older models run on a Zilog Z80
   processor and have a proprietary OS, the TI-99 features a 486 processor
   and the Linux operating system.  "We know 486's are obsolete," a TI
   engineer said.  "But we were able to acquire them very cheaply.  We made
   deals with hundred of school districts -- they give us their old computers
   in exchange for future discounts on TI products.  With the lightweight Linux
   OS, the TI-99 is just as powerful as Pentium-class desktops running Windows 98."

   The price for the basic TI-99 model is $299.95.  It features 16MB of RAM,
   a 1 GB hard drive, and a color touch screen.  It, of course, has powerful
   math and graphing software built-in to the Linux OS.  More advanced models
   have a cellular modem, speakers, a microphone (allowing it to be used
   as a cheap cellular phone), and more RAM and HD space.

   Scott Yarlow, a TI-99 beta tester, said, "The TI-99 with cellular modem
   is cool!  While my Calculus teacher is droning on about the
   Second Derivative Test or some such bunk, I can be surfing the Net
   and reading the latest headlines at Slashdot and Freshmeat.  The best
   part is that the TI-99 looks so much like my old TI-85 that my teacher
   doesn't have a clue what I'm doing!"

   Another satisfied beta tester said, "While taking an Algebra test at summer
   school, I was able to post a particularly hard problem to alt.homework.algebra,
   and receive a solution in less than 10 minutes.  I made a 100% on that
   test, sending my teacher into near hysterics.  Thank you, Texas Instruments!"