Comments on: Bought HP 12C Platinum Calculator

By: thad (my2fish)

thad (my2fish) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:29:22 +0000

You can now also get an HP calculator application for the iPhone.
http://www.macworld.com/article/141364/2009/06/hpcalcapps.html

By: Tom Peng

Tom Peng — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:10:28 +0000

The HP12C is quite an addictive calculator. I recommend it.

By: TFB

TFB — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:58:23 +0000

Stephanie - There is a battery door on the back of my calculator. You just slide it off. See page 194 of the user's guide. It uses a CR2032 coin battery. Most grocery stores and office supply stores sell the battery for $2 or $3.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:22:21 +0000

When I graduated college in 2002, an advisor from the engineering dept gave me an HP12c for a gift. As a business major that survived using a Ti85, I had no idea how to use that thing. However, the HP12c was the best gift I received and by far the best financial calculator. The batteries have gone out and I'm trying to find some where to go to replace it. If anyone has suggestions, please respond.

By: TFB

TFB — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:40:45 +0000

Ben – I bought the Platinum version only because refurbs were available on eBay. The refurb I got for $40 looked just like new.

By: Ben M

Ben M — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:25:49 +0000

TFB, can you say why you chose the "Platinum" version over the plain jane gold one?

Amazon had the gold version as a lightning deal last Thursday, I think, for $54. I bought it then. I'm still looking for an "antique" one on eBay.

By: jimslade

jimslade — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:59:59 +0000

I've used RPN for almost 20 years now… i have two 42S's (got an engineering degree). If anyone has a spare 12c they'd like to trade for a 42s…

By: Mary Lew

Mary Lew — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:32:00 +0000

I too am hooked on the 12C. Had the orginal, and then was thrilled to get the Platinum version. The really nice thing with the Platinum version is that you can toggle the RPN with Algebraic (that is, "normal") entry. Sometimes Algebraic is just easier for me for quick calculations, although I appreciate and understand the streamlined beauty of RPN. I am happy to now have both on the same calculator.

And in response to the "why have this if we have computers" I agree computers are great for these types of calcuations, but sometimes there isn't one available or convenient. I can carry this in my pocket or briefcase.

By: Ted

Ted — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:06:22 +0000

I had an HP48 in college. These type of calculators were indispensable for engineering students back when. I have no idea what they use now. They probably do everything on a laptop now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-48_series

By: Pablo

Pablo — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:27:58 +0000

"Need" is a subjective term. The 12c has such a cult following that there is a Windows Applet (emulator) for the 12c: http://mxcalc-12c-rpn-financial-calculator-ppc.3gr-technologies.qarchive.org/