Hewlett Packard [HP] Calculator Financial Battery-power 10 Digit over 120 Functions Ref HP12C

HP's range of RPN calculators are legendary. None more so than the HP 12c. It's remained largely unchanged for over 25 years and it is still the most amazing quality ever. You will not find a more tactile and robust pocket calculator anywhere.If you've never used a Reverse Polish Notation machine before, you don't know what you're missing. Not only is this entry method super fast and efficient (it saves on keystrokes compared to the more common algebraic entry method of most other calculators) but it's also more logical, especially obvious when entering problems that are written with multiple parentheses. Another benefit is that the HP12c can calculate date problems in either the UK's DDMMYYYY format or the US's MMDDYYYY format. It understands leap years too without you needing to worry about them!You probably already know that this beast is programmable too. It has many built in routines for common financial problems but also a memory for 99 key entries in your program. Also, for flexibility, you can make instant use of the 10 registers (instead of a normal calculator's single memory function).After a little time learning the basics of RPN, you'll never want a standard calculator again.

I'm currently preparing for the CFA exams and was in two minds about whether I should buy the HP12c or the Texas Instruments calculator, aren't we lucky that the CFAI give us so much choice(!).The two calculators are very similar, apart from the fact that the 12c uses Reverse polish Notation (RPN) as opposed to the Algebraic input that we are all used to in non-financial calculators. After speaking to some colleagues, it became clear that the 12c was the "cool" calculator and a classic financial heirloom, after holding one in my hand, I couldn't deny the build quality and being impressed by the good looks (can a calculator be good-looking??).I bought the calculator from Amazon Warehouse at a discount due to some damage to the box. One look at this baby and you know you're holding a piece of history, it's fantastically well-built. To get myself acquainted with RPN, I watched a few YouTube videos and then spent about 15 Minutes practising basic calculus and 30 Minutes doing financial calculations. So after 40 Minutes or so I was pretty confident at using the calculator.I personally find RPN much faster than Algebraic input and don't know how I have survived for so long. RPN and build quality are the main advantages the 12c has going for it over the Texas Instruments BA II Plus.

The calculator itself feels really well built and sturdy. It is obviously designed for Finance and the instruction manual is basically a mini workbook of key financial calculations. RPN is a bit tricky at first but within a few calculations is second nature and so much quicker than Algebraic entry. Also the retro 80's look is so cool. There is a reason the design of this machine has not changed for 30 years IT WORKS. I can appreciate this and I wasn't even born when the thing was first produced.As the title suggests I had been using an emulator. I've dropped that the real deal feels much better, now leaving the computer for excel and hp12c goes with me.

Have had one of these for years - a great RPN calculator with finance functions. This was a replacement for my previous one, which lasted 20 years.

Having used other makes of financial calculators this HP12C still remains the definitive calculator. It is easy to use; the buttons are large enough for simple secure reliable usage which other systems sadly lack and are usually too small. The only lacking aspect is the sleeve it comes with is tight and flimsy. Normally when you buy a pc or smart phone you would look to get a neoprene sleeve to protect the product from knocks/abrasions and I suggest you search for a protective sleeve.The functions are exactly what CFA and ACA/ACCA would want for fiscal calculus.

The HP12C is a good piece of kit albeit identical to the machine I was given by my employer (which I'm still using) over 30 years ago. As far as I can see the quality is fine and the machine itself is incredibly useful for those working in the financial sector. The slightly strange notation takes a bit of getting used to but, when you do, it is very powerful. My only disappointment is that the "getting started" booklet included is entirely in French. It appears to have some useful stuff in it – the basics – but not in English. There is a CD included which has a manual on it – all 213 pages – but I still feel slightly disgruntled. I think the entry on Amazon should have said it was a French edition.

This is the class leading polish notation financial calculator and now its become more affordable I've finally bought one after being aware of these since starting work in 1986! Does everything well and the supplied soft copy user guide is really simple to follow with good examples and shows just how much this can do.

Classic HP design and great feel to the keyboard. Would recommend for general or more specialist financial use. Delivery was fast, packed well no problems.