Amazon.com Review 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
"Nothing has changed since then" -- Not quiteNovember 26, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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"?
WORKHORSE of finance calculators!!!!!November 12, 2008 I bought my HP-12C way back in december 1987, and except for replacing the batteries, it just keeps crunching out the numbers. I've had many, many calculators since late 70's and the HP-12C has been my favorite and I consider it to be the best calculator that will ever be engineered. Just my opinon..........
The FlashNovember 10, 2008 This was purchased as a replacement for a worn out HP calculator. The service was quick and the calculator was just as anticipated.
HP 12c CalculatorSeptember 8, 2008 HP has significantly changed the way they design or manufacture their calculators over the years. I purchased my first HP 12c more than 15 years ago, and now that it has been dropped more than a "million" times I decided to get a replacement. Compared to my original HP 12c, the new one I received has a "slower" processor and the numbers seem to "creep" up to the display (I've check the performance with multiple sets of batteries). Also, the keys do not seem to have a firm "detent" and one needs to check the numbers before entering or performing any calculations. These two issues alone compel me to question the integrity of HP products - currently and future purchases. The bottom line.... I feel I should have spent $10 for this calc rather then the $70 HP asked for. The HP 12c is not being built as a "Sherman Tank" any more, so I would certainly look around before settling on an accurate, robust calculator you can depend on.
HP-12CSeptember 2, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Since I bought my first HP 12C calculator in the early 1980s, I've never been able to go back to a "normal" calculator. I guess my brain works better with RPN. I think the newer version, while cheaper than the one I first bought, seems to lack some of the sturdiness of the original. I hear a clicking noise when I shake it, for instance.
It seems to work, though.
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