HP 12C Financial Calculator

Product Description

The 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.

Amazon.com

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

From the Manufacturer

It's the calculator that more professionals rely on. What makes the HP 12C the industry standard in financial calculators? Power. It has 120 built-in functions to ensure that they are available when you need them. And with millions of users all over the world, you know it's reliable. The HP 12C is a tested performer suited for business and finance. Efficient RPN data entry reduces the number of keystrokes, and the one-line by 10-character LCD is easy to read. Memory capacity is 99 steps.