Customer Reviews
Good work...but doesn't live up to older technology? 
2008-02-28
First of all, I've used an HP for nearly 10 years, starting with the HP 32SII. However, as a 32SII is harder and harder to find these days, I picked up one of these when they came out a couple years back. I've been fairly pleased with it, but wish I could mesh the 33s and 32sII together.
Some pros/cons:
* The 33s keyboard feels slightly awkward. Not truly bad, but ENTER could be bigger, as you are going to be pushing it a lot. It also seems like you'll push a button at an odd angle and not have it register (probably user error :P).
* The solver works well, and the stored constants are brilliant when doing coursework.
* As many other users have stated, the stack should be much larger - 8 would be great (at least 6 would be nice).
* Being able to switch to Algebraic entry is nice in order to be able to loan out the calculator every once in a while.
* Two display levels is REALLY nice, just in case you forget whats on the stack.
* Finally, the batteries are quite expensive, all things considered. It doesn't eat through them or anything, it simply runs you an extra ~$10 every year and a half or so.
Even with all the bad (certainly not terrible), this is still one of the best calculators I have ever used. Heres to hoping HP keeps improving on the design.
Poor display 2.22 = 222 
2008-02-07
I really wanted to like this calculator, but the display is a dealbreaker. 2.2222 looks like 22222 with a tiny little speck between the first two numbers. I use my calculators in a busy, dirty, dusty environment with variable lighting, and I simply can't easily see the decimal on this one.
The styling is a little bit radical but I like it when designers take risks and so I'm not counting it against. The rubber sides are a good feature, and the case and the manual are nice.
Another thing, the batteries were relatively low when I bought the calculator. I had to replace them after one year of very light use.
I'm an HP fan but I really can't say too much nice about this calculator because I was only ever able to use it at my desk when I had nice conditions to really inspect the display every time I made a calculation. The programming is fun and I think the R/S key is better placed than on the HP 35s. I also think the 33s has a slight speed edge with the processor. I haven't run any formal tests to confirm this but the 33 feels snappier to me than the 35.
the worst HP calculator 2008-01-14
This a major departure from HP calculators of yore when HP offered unparalled quality and functionality. I bought it for the EIT exam and would not have bought it were it not for the fact it was the only RPN calculator on the NCEES approved calculator list at the time I took the EIT exam.
The HP-33s keyboard layout is extremely cluttered. The chevron key layout is a major step backward. The keys are very hard (reminds me a lot of the HP42s) and the tactile feedback is totally subpar and uncertain compared to other HP calculators, frequently leading to wrong answers because of incorrect data entry. By this I mean that the keys don't always register a data entry when pressed, especially when I punch in a number quickly. I always have to keep my eye on the display to make sure the number got entered correctly. I don't have this problem with other HP calculators I've used in the past. Prior to buying the HP-33s, I owned an HP-41c, HP-42s, HP-19BII, HP-12, HP-17BII and every single one of these is far better constructed than the HP-33s.
I disliked this calculator so much that I never bothered to learn how to use it beyond the most elementary functions required for my EIT exam. The only positive I can say about it is the rubber friction grips on the two sides is a good feature to prevent the calculator from being dropped.
I think it's too convenient to blame the low quality on the fact that it's "made in China." Older HPs were manufactured in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia and were uniformly excellent. One doesn't usually associate quality manufacturing with Malaysia or Indonesia, and yet older HP calculators from these countries were top notch. The bigger issue is regardless of the country of manufacture, HP lost the will power to produce a top notch product with the HP-33s and instead cut corners to compete with Casio and TI based on price.
Now that the HP-35s is approved by NCEES, there is no reason to get the HP-33s. For only $9 more than the HP-33s on Amazon, the HP-35s is leaps and bounds better. Having said all that, I have to grudgingly admit that I did pass the EIT first shot when I took the exam using this calculator.
Great Calculator 
2008-01-10
I picked up this calculator be cause it was on the FE approved calc. list.
Worked great for the exam. solid little calculator, construction felt more solid then the TI-89s that i typically use. I couldn't use the 89s on the FE exam, so i picked this up. it did a perfect job.
The negative reviews about the size of the decimal point are only a problem if you are blind to begin with. The display is large, and i would rather have a small decimal point and more digits then a large decimal point and less digits.
Think fast!!! 
2007-12-23
Engineers may face some hard times, we may go back to paper and pencil! thats what my colleague said at work. Register while you can! see what the NCEEC has to say! Please leave a comment we would appreciate it!
3 years+ and going strong 2008-07-09
I have been using this calculator on an almost daily basis in an engineering company for more than 3 years. The 1st set of batteries lasted 1 year 4 months. I have just put in the second set of replacement batteries after another 2 years.
The readability of the display is not really an issue once you get used to it. I have the old version with larger number display, but closer together.
The silver casing is now becoming a bit scratched, but looks well used. The carry case does a good job in protecting the calculator.
I use the program facility for a few short (20 line) programs. Anything more complicated is easier on the computer.
It took a while to get used to the keyboard layout, but now seems intuitive. I certainly prefer the enter key in the bottom RH corner near the other main operators and the calculator has its own dedicated STO button (both unlike the HP 35S).
RPN mode is normally used, but it is easy to switch to algebraic mode to allow other people to borrow the calculator.
I do not need the complication of a graphing calculator. Anything more complicated can be done on a computer more easily.
A printed manual is included (unlike the HP 35S).
Overall, after more than 3 years use of this calculator, it has not let me down and with the recent price falls, I would certainly recommend it.
No 32s/Eats Batteries 2008-05-16
I had a 32s for many years. When it finally died, I got this one. The calculator just feels cheap. It also goes through 2 cr2032 batteries every other month whether I use it or not. (My 32s lasted 2-3 years on a set of batteries).
Serves the purpose...no other choice 2008-05-03
Well, what can I say. For the Professional Engineers exam there are no other choices in HP calculator models, either this or the 35s. This one was useful for studying and during the exam.
PROS: Manual comes with several programs that you can use to ease calculations, like Matrix solving and TVM calculations. Its helpful that one can switch from RPN to algebraic so you can use the same calculator for people that are not familiar with RPN (or dont care for it).
CONS: When programming, you cant use the same variable names across different separate programs, since the memory seems to be just one lump piece, which made me have to reassign variable names so I could have different programs installed. The clicking of the keys is also a bit annoying, specially during the exam. You're in enough tension as it is, to have someone next to you clicking away.
Not your Dad's HP 2008-04-05
I already own two previous HP models including the 15c and 41CX, both of which have served me well for many years. The trouble is that neither has been approved by NCEES for use during the FE exam. Consequently, I was compelled to buy a Model 33s in order to sit for the Exam in 2006. The first problem I noticed was the cheap feel of the keys. When using the calculator with any "speed" it became difficult to ascertain whether or not a keystroke had actually registered; necessitating a s-l-o-w and deliberate approach to data entry.
Another fatal flaw is found in the LCD display, as the decimal can be camouflaged, especially when preceded by the number "2" (but hey, what's an order of magnitude or two between friends?...).
The 33s also offers an option to use RPN...or not. Is RPN not the primary distinction that has set HP calculators ahead of all other competing brands? The analogy of the "Enduro" comes to mind - A motorcycle that can be operated on the highway, or in the dirt, yet not very well on either surface. Get with it HP, RPN is why we buy.
In brief, the HP 33s does not live up to the standards of functionality that HP had so brilliantly established over the past several decades. The 33s is a dissapointment for this long-time user of HP calculators, yet was a "necessary evil" with respect to the FE Exam. Fortunately there is a new HP model (HP 35s) approved by NCEES for those RPN junkies taking the exam this year. Hopefully that model will live up to the quality expectations of die-hard RPN users.
HP 33S works fine, lots of function 2008-03-30
this is not your regular TI or Casio calculator. It is meant to be non graphical and multi function calculator. I bought it for my FE exam in April, 08.
This calculator comes with somany buit-in functions. Each button has atleast three functions to it. The instruction manual was very rich with content and dense. However, because it comes with so many functions, good luck figuring it all out. it can be confusing to find the keys you need. its also programmable which is what I look for in a calculator. However, programing is tedious and tormenting. Have fun!
