Editorial Product Review:Item Description:Programmable financial calculator Comprehensive instruction manual Uses reverse polish notation (RPN)
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
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Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
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HP-12C
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.
Customer Rating: 
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HP 12C - The sturdy stalwart
I can't really say any more than has already been said. This calc is the industry standard. I have used TI calcs many years because I could not get the reverse polish logic thing working in my head. Well, a friend encouraged me and now I'm happily sailing along with my 12C. Get one, spend some time with it, and you will be satisfied. And this thing can do more than 98% of the users will ever ask of it. The battery lasts forever too.
Customer Rating: -
Built to Last!!!
I just happened across this product while shopping for something else and was compelled to say something nice about the HP 12c.
I bought mine in 1981 for $120 at my university bookstore. I still use it all of the time approaching 30 years later. Barely even need to change the batteries.
Buy it!
Customer Rating: -
a classic for a reason
Like many other reviewers, I "turned on" to the HP 12C while earning a business degree in the 1980s. My orginal 12C was misplaced ten years ago, and I replaced it with the HP 17BII. While the 17B is an extremely functional calculator, I replaced it with a new 12C. Why? Mainly battery life (with light to moderate use, I still needed to replace the batteries once a year... with three watch sized batteries, that cost adds up quickly). In addition the 12C is more compact, and I like the setup of the keys much better. Processing speed? Well, I thing the 12C is more than adequate for a handheld calculator. If you frequently find yourself needing to blaze through complex complications, it's probably best to get out your laptop computer. Highly recommended.