Customer Reviews
Love RPN, but need a calculator that won't break 
2008-04-17
I LOVE RPN and this calculator is a good one when it comes to doing calculations. The downside is that it's not really well built at all. The CLx key, used very frequently, now requires a very hard push to get it to clear the screen. I called HP, and unfortunately, once it's out of warranty, they won't fix it, so this calculator is now one of the most annoying calculators I've ever had to use, pushing the CLx key hard every time makes me recommend that you skip this calculator and get something that is as reliable as the older HP's used to be.
Great Product 
2008-03-25
Hp12c is the best financial calculater. The 25th anniversary edition is the best of because the leader case that only this hp has.
HP-12C 2008-03-10
I've been using an HP-12 since it first came out. (Before that I used an HP-8.) It does everything an old financial guy needs; mortgage calculations, discounted cash flows, etc. I was pleased to find that this calculator also has added algebraic functions. Nothing scarey and very helpful. Also, the HP is 'bulletproof' and its batteries last a very long time.
Great update to the old HP12C 
2008-03-07
This calculator is a great update to the old HP 12C. After reading the other reviews, I was concerned that the buttons might not have a good feel to them. However, they definitely do give you positive tactile feedback so you'll know when you've actually entered your keystroke. In my opinion, that makes up for the lack of the "screen flash" of the old HP 12C. One thing I haven't seen mentioned on the screen flash issue is that, if you are entering a number, let's say for example 125, and have the number of decimal places set for more than one place [ie. you set the calculator to show X.XX], the screen flash may not make that much of a difference. That's because after entering "125" and hitting ENTER, the display will add the two zeroes past the decimal place. In other words, you'll still get a visual cue that the calculator has "registered" the number you have input, so the screen flash isn't that necessary.
I've owned three HP12C's and two 17B2's and I have to say, this ranks equal or better to those older models. The processor is definitely faster, which could make a difference if you're pressed for time in taking one of the CFA exams, etc. Ten extra seconds for each calculation can add up over a six hour test.
As for the red font for the "f" functions, it's easily legible and not significantly different in terms of legibility vs. the orange on the old HP12C. It's not that big of a deal to me. Construction-wise, the calculator feels identical to my old HP12C in quality except for the fact that the keys don't "rattle" like the old model, which wasn't a big deal to me anyway.
The only reason why I didn't rate the calculator 5 stars instead of 4 stars is because I did like the old screen flash feature. But it's really splitting hairs.
Excellent product 2008-02-26
I bought this calculator in 1984 while I was in college. I am still is using it, it is an excellent product. I've never changed the batteries in my calculator, it has a very effective power management circuitry.
Excellent! 2008-02-22
Ask a serious financial analyst or MBA about the HP 12c and they'll probably tell you they couldn't get where they are without one. For 25 years, the 12c has demonstrated its excellence and has been established as the ultimate pocket-size calculator for financial use. The new 25th Anniversary Edtion of the HP 12c Platinum is a faster, enhanced version of the industry-leading 12c calculator designed for the financial professional who demands more. Enjoy both RPN and Algebraic modes of entry, keystroke programming with memory for up to 400 steps and more-than 130 built-in functions. New "Undo" and "Backspace" buttons for efficient editing. Plus faster speeds for calculating TVM, loan payments, interest rates, standard deviation and more. Work more efficiently with memory for up to 80 cash flows. Ideal for real estate, finance, accounting, economics and business work. The easy-to-use layout and stylish Anniversary Editon look with metal backplate suitable for engraving and commemorative leather pouch make it a welcome addition to any desktop or a great gift idea. Ideal for real estate, finance, accounting, economics and business work. Permitted for use on the CFP and CFA Certification Exams, and GARP FRM Exam. Business/Finance Features include - TVM (loans, savings and leasing); Amortization; Bond price and yield to maturity; Cash flow analysis NPV, IRR; Memory for up to 30 cash flows; SL, DB, SOYD depreciation methods; % change, % of total; Statistical Functions - Over 130 built-in functions - Cumulative statistical analysis; Standard deviation, mean, weighted mean; Linear regression; Forecasting, correlation coefficient 1 line x 10 characters LCD Screen Uses CR2032 battery (1 included) - Approximate lifespan of battery - 2 years (when used 1 hour/day) Includes Soft Pouch and User Manual Unit Size (L W D) 12.9 7.9 1.5 cm (5.1 3.1 . 6 in) You also get the reassurance of award-winning HP
Much faster than previous models 2008-02-11
Very good calculator. The leather case must be improved - it is not easy to put the calculator back.
Excellent RPN Financial Calculator 2008-02-09
If you want a high quality financial calculator I doubt you can do any better than this one. Admittedly I am an HP calculator fan from long ago. RPN is more logical and fewer keystrokes than an algebraic calculator. This calculator also includes a vey good quality manual with lots of solved examples of how to use the various functions. Admittedly I'll likely not solve a problem involving 80 cash flows on a calculator (but use a spreedsheet) but I use it for quick time value of money type of stuff. I works great.
One sign of our times, I have an HP 11C scientific calculator from the early 80s. The 12C is the financial version of the same calculator. The original was made is USA. This one, recently manufactured, is made in China.
Ditto 2008-01-25
I'm in prep mode for the CFP. I've owned more than a couple 12C's over the last +20 years and converted over to the 12C RPN thought process long ago, but was troubled by the slow speed on the old 12C for things like AMORT, and IRR. I figure I'll need all the extra time I can get during the exam. I now have a 12CPae in addition to a couple of 12C's (I stash them places so I can always find one) and it REALLY IS much faster than the original 12C - easily six times faster for AMORT calculations.
As mentioned, the book for the 12CPae is excellent, however it doesn't seem to contain the common program for bond duration. I really like that this version holds up to 400 program instructions, but am troubled by HP's decision to add in algebraic capability instead of giving built-in bond duration or Black-Scholes. The manual does contain a 99 step program for Black-S, which is a nice to have. Also, this new version still has the well documented problems with dealing with real numbers instead of integers in some calculations. They should have fixed that first.
Handy calculator --- HP 12C 2008-01-14
HP 12C Platinum (25th Anniversary) has a powerful CPU, the stroke keys are also very good.
Classic calculator by HP.
I like it.
