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HP 12C Financial Calculator by Hewlett Packard
Digital product summary informationManufacturer: Hewlett Packard Format: CD Model: HP12C Product features: - Calculator with built-in financial functions and statistics
- Uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN)
- More than 120 built-in functions, including register-based cash-flow analysis
- 10-character, 1-line LCD display
- Device measures 5.0 x 0.6 x 3.1 inches (WxHxD)
Accessories:
Digital camera reviews of HP 12C Financial CalculatorDigital camera Review: "Nothing has changed since then" -- Not quite Summary: 3 Stars
I have one of these. But I'm not really a finance person---I'm a scientist/programmer/engineer. So I also have an HP-15C, the legendary scientific calculator in this same series. I have also owned HP-35, HP-28C, and HP-28S calculators. HP always made wonderful calculators, and the 12C is no exception. RPN is really the way to go for a pocket calculator, and the form factor is great too.
So why only three stars? Just because of the "nothing has changed since then" nonsense. My old HP-15C is stamped "USA"; I have a newer HP somewhere stamped "Mexico". And now "Made in China". Not surprising and nothing to get upset about, if it were in fact the same product.
But it's not. Holding my HP-15 in one hand... I bought it new in 1986... shake it... it's like holding a small, thin brick. My 12C, which is new.. do the same... Rattle, rattle, rattle. That's right, the keys are loose! On a brand new calculator. Overall it's not even close to in the same league as its old cousin. I don't think it's the Chinese people's fault but some cost-cutting mandated by HP headquarters, but the end result is the same. Crap.
If you need a financial calculator, go search eBay first. Find yourself a used HP-12C, made in "USA" or "Mexico". Only if that fails, get one of these. The functionality is the same, but do you really want something that screams "plastic"?
Summary of HP 12C Financial CalculatorThe HP 12C Financial Calculator features built-in financial functions and statistics, uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), more than 120 built-in functions, including register-based cash-flow analysis, 10-character, 1-line LCD display, Device measures 5.0 x 0.6 x 3.1 inches (WxHxD).It has 10-character, 1-line LCD display. If you bought yourself a financial calculator during the 1980s, chances are it was this bad boy. Nothing has changed since its introduction--it still uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), is easy and versatile in programming, and has a thin, sturdy casing. Certainly, there's been newer, fancier calculators introduced since, but there's something to be said for the quality of classics. The HP 12C's functions include all the basics--such as calculating APR, NPV, and IRR--and statistics are a snap. For students new to financial calculators, this is an excellent place to start. For the most part, the manual reads like a minitextbook, walking you through sample problems and situations followed by graphs and tables demonstrating the technique--and you can even check your results. The section on creating programs does seem to be written for the technically ignorant, addressing in detail how you could possibly benefit from using programs, but it'll still help you get the job done. In general, it's a bit slower than newer models, just like last year's computer isn't as speedy as today's new release. On the plus side, it's just 3 by 5 inches and slips easily into a pocket. The bottom is printed with a few little cheat notes for common functions, which is nice for quick reference. The HP 12C's one-year warranty and available tech-support line offer reassurance this little workhorse will continue to be an industry standard for years to come. --Jill Lightner Pros: - Pocket size
- Thorough and simple instruction manual
- Competitive price
Cons: - Calculates more slowly than modern machines
What's in the Box Calculator, user's manual, installed batteries and carrying case
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