HP 12CP Financial Calculator

he gold standard for financial professionals. The HP12c remains the original and best financial calculator on the market. Its accompanying booklet is more than a manual—it's an excellent primer on financial calculations and formulas, especially useful for both learners and seasoned users. Add in the impressive battery life, and it's clear why this model has stood the test of time.

My 30+ yr old orginal HP12C, two of them, both have sticking keys. I have been using this one for 6 months and so far no problems (Some users have reported problems). For those not familiar with RPN, Reverse Polish Notation, it is superior to regular calculators as fewer key strokes are needed. This calculator is always at my desk.

I am not ashamed to admit that one of the primary reasons that I prefer this calculator - really the HP 12c series in general - to the alternatives is the fact that it looks like an instrument designed for professional use, as opposed to what one might find in an eighth grade science class. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons that this calculator is king.I used the HP 10bII Financial Calculator for years, and was quite content. It was only after I signed up to sit for one of my industry's designation exams that I realized the poor old 10bII was not an approved model. My options were the Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator and the HP 12c. Due to my aforementioned desire to avoid looking like I was using the same calculator I owned in grade school, I went with the 12c Platinum.While I was initially frustrated by the calculator's use of Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) - which can be switched to an Algebraic mode on the Platinum model - I have come to appreciate the much more efficient RPN. I realize that time is rarely of the value that it is in a test taking environment. However, if you are considering this calculator for an exam, I can assure you that it will save you time which, when it comes down to it, will probably be much more valuable to you than the $40 price differential between the BA II and the 12c. Even outside of the exam room, if numbers and calculations are your business, it just makes life a little easier.The manual that accompanies the calculator is great. It provides everything that one needs to understand the full operating capacity of the calculator, as well as some helpful walk-through examples. I do wish that it was a physical manual instead of a CD. Not a huge drawback, though. Again, if you are purchasing this calculator for an exam, it will be well worth the effort to spend some time perusing the manual to determine which functions and shortcuts will make your life easier. Believe me when I say that, if used properly, some of the ignored functions of the 12c can be a real boon in certain situations.I do have to say that I have had an opportunity to handle a 12c from what was probably 20 years ago. It did feel like it was of a higher build quality than the 12c Platinum that I recently purchased. It is unfortunate that the new calculators do not possess that same feel, but the reality is that even the new 12c series calculators are, in my opinion, of a higher quality than their peers. Not as good as they were, perhaps; but still the best currently available.Do yourself a favor and get this calculator. I honestly do not believe that you will regret it.

For HP12c Fans or newly inspired Fans, this is a really good calculator investment. Some think they can always use their notebook computer, tablet or smart phone for all such calculations and that handheld calculators--such as the Best of the Best HP12C--are outdated. While I admit I've used an HP12C for more than 30 years--so, yes, I am experienced (not old)--I disagree, respectfully, that the HP12C is a dinosaur or outdated. It is a tool, and a very important tool, as many a financial professional--such as CFP's, CFO's and CPA's will tell you. I am not one of those. Although I hold a BBA in Finance, I am a business litigation trial attorney, representing companies and consumers and customers alike in business disputes. And I have long-used an HP12C to compute damages and cross examine damage experts. So, more than enough about me. The HP12CP--Platinum version 2 with the black keyboard face (do not get the one with the silvery keyboard face--too many reported bugs and flaws) and wider 2-CR2032 battery compartment--is an excellent investment in my view. While it is no where near as lightning fast as the new HP12C's (and 30th Anniversary Limited Edition) that have the blazing fast Atmel ARM processor, the Platinum (although it is without the ARM) is much, much faster than the original 12C processor, particularly with TVM calcs, especially for i and for IRR. And the Platinum v2 (black keyboard face) has much expanded memory registers (80 cash flows vs 20 and 399 keystroke programming vs. 99 and the Platinum also adjustable LCD contrast where the 12C both old and new has none), especially handy when using the programming capabilities. And no reported, as I understand it, bugs in the firmware of HP12CP v 2 or beyond--I think the 25th anniversary edition is beyond the 12CP v2. Also, for when you are dealing with customers, experts or witnesses who do not know how to use the imminently more elegant and efficient RPN, the HP12CP can toggle into Algebraic mode--picture a normal calculator with an = sign. Very handy to have one calculator toggle between both modes to hand to the less RPN comfortable. But do you really want to hand over your notebook computer or smart phone to use to make your calculation point? So, if speed is your passion, you know RPN and you already love the 12C, then I strongly suggest the new (post 2011?) HP12C with the ARM processor. But if you want more memory and calc mode options, including algebraic vs RPN, an "undo" "backspace" and also parenthetical functions when using Algebraic mode, then the HP12C Platinum is for you. Enjoy!

Compared to the HP-12C, this bad boy is the elder brother. For instance, it has extra memory for programming -- 399 steps vs 99 steps for the 12C. It also is much faster, supposedly 6 times as fast as the 12C. These features alone make it worth buying. However, it does not seem to be as well built as the old 12Cs built in the US and Singapore (I still have my Singapore-built 12C. It's 30+ years old. And works fine. LOL.) -- though it does not seem bad at all. Time will tell. Nevertheless, for $40ish, this does feel like an excellent buy. It has that same HP-12C beautiful key feel! Get it!

This calculator can do sooooo many things. Great financial calculator that fits almost anywhere. It was able to fit in the inside pocket of my portfolio binder. Keep in mind though....with so many functions, and its size, the buttons and writing are small!