Features:

  • High Quality and Durable F2231AA#ABA , # 2073274
  • Portable Design
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Robust and versatile financial calculator
  • Over 120 built-in functions for business, finance, mathematics, and statistics, including date calculations
  • Efficient data entry using RPN
  • Small size; easy to take anywhere
  • Long battery life
  • Robust and versatile financial calculator
  • Over 120 built-in functions for business, finance, mathematics, and statistics, including date calculations
  • Efficient data entry using RPN
  • Small size; easy to take anywhere
  • Long battery life
HP 12CP Financial Calculator -- You can't beat it. Quit dithering and buy one already.

I got through business school in the early 80s using an HP 12c. Somehow it got away from me last year. I tried getting by with a cheapo, but gave it up as a bad deal and bought this. Maybe it's just what I'm used to, but I really like it. One thing especially, the display is really easy to read. Makes a big difference if you're trying to work quickly. Finally, in 1983 I paid $150 1983 dollars for a 12c. Now this one is 1/3 of that.

Very fast computations

Update of previous review as of September 6, 2013. Have now used the Platinum for a while. The case coming with it is quite nice, leather and easier to get in and out than older cases with Gold model. And it is lightening fast. I notice that the on button seems to take a little more holding down to come on than on my Gold models. Not a big deal but could explain some of the reviews indicating problem with buttons. I have found no problem with other buttons. The Gold model I bought 6 years ago has the 0 and the + signs nearly worn off but the one I bought 31 years ago still has all the white letters clear as day I bought it. Must be change in paint and hopefully they corrected in Platinum. But will not know for some time about that. Also I notice that the size of the numbers is slightly larger in the Platinum model but they are also slighter fainter than Gold model. Not an issue indoors and have not used outside. I have owned HP calculators since first produced in the 1980's starting with the HP80 and buying one of the first HP12c models. That one is still working although its rubber feet have been replaced but otherwise has worked fine with only two battery changes in 31 years. Several years ago bought a second of these for a second office and it too works fine. My daughter dropped her HP12c recently and so decided to give her my gold model and replace mine with the Platinum (although she may talk me into keeping mine and giving her this one!). The Platinum model comes with a nice case with place for business card, which is nice if lost and someone honest finds it! Also place to engrave your name on the back. Has the usual quick start formulas on the back too although I find with age those get harder and harder to read without magnifying glass. Takes two, easy to find, inexpensive CR2032 batteries which are very long lasting in the lithium form. What impressed me most vs the gold models I have (more recent may be fast too) is just how fast the calculations are done. Having an undo and back button will be handy and while understand their including both RPN and Algebraic entry form anyone who has gotten used to RPN not likely to go back. Comes with a quick start guide and a user manual in pdf form. Usually do not like those but found this one loaded quickly on computer and should be relatively easy to use. Fortunately still have my manuals for when they put them out in paper form. But for formulas you use infrequently but are complicated having in pdf and ability to print out those formulas could be extremely handy, better than having the complete user manual. Can always laminate them or put in plastic sleeves in notebook for ones you use a great deal. Companies put out this way to save paper and money but in this case it might actually be an improvement! It is amazing that in this world of technological change that this calculator has changed so little since its introduction 31 years ago. I cannot think of another technological product that has survived this long. True it is faster now but otherwise its functionality remains the same. Easy to recommend for anyone that has need for a top of the line financial calculator. And over the years the price has dropped too. Have noted some have questioned the quality but so far have seen nothing that indicates to me that this is a problem. Should I find that to be the case I will come back and revise this review.

Replaced the original HP12C with the Platinum

I bought my HP12C in 1981. It performed wonderfully for 36 years. I no longer carried it with me everywhere, because I added an HP12C app to my iPhone, so I always have the capability with me. But when I do serious number crunching, it is best to have the real thing. This is one of the best designed pieces of technology ever, but unfortunately the engineers did not design the HP12C to withstand a direct hit of hot coffee. So I found myself after 37 years needing to replace it. I was worried about getting the platinum model, that it would somehow be worse than the original model. I should not have worried. The platinum model has been working great for about 2 months now. If anything, it is a little faster. This calculator is still the best.

I am very, very glad I chose this particular 12cp model!

When my old HP calculator died, I tried to revive it... but after 35 years or so, I had to conclude it could not be resurrected. What to do? Actually, my old one had been a scientific calculator. But having grown fond of the reverse polish notation (just like so many others), I did my research and the HP financial calculator, while way more than I actually need, fit the bill best. (The scientific one is now hundreds of dollars and statistics is something I no longer need a calculator for.) But which one of the currently available HP financial calculators to choose? For me, it didn't come down to money. It came down to which one is considered most reliable. This was the one, so far as I could tell via the comments. So here's my personal experience: I am totally satisfied with this one! I have no problems with keys sticking or numbers not showing up. When I leave a figure in the calculator and turn it off, that figure is right there again when I turn it on. And I can do what I need to do without worries. I'm pretty satisfied with the pouch that comes with it. And I think that if I live another 35 years (which would take me to 103), I bet the pouch will be in better shape than the old one from my previous calculator. (That calculator was a bit thinner, but this one is faster. And does way more than I'll ever need.) Likely I'll also be able to do some things I've never been able to do. So that should be fun too. But mostly I'm just relived to have my RPN back, because it saves so much time. And it's good somebody is still making these and making ones that work! So, in my view, the extra cost for this model is worth it!

Great product, RPN is no problem at all

It's my first time to use a financial calculator. After some research, I figured there are basically two options on the market: HP 12C (P) or TI BA II Plus (Pro). HP is generally more expensive than TI ones. I ended up with this HP 12CP due to the fact that it requires fewer key strokes for calculation. I also like the appearance of HP 12CP much more than TI. It is a well constructed device with classical look. The key board feedback is different from ordinary calculators: longer travel distance and slightly harder, however, I have never missed an input and actually like the steady feeling. I had concern about RPN, but in fact I found it's quite intuitive to learn considering how the calculator is registering data. For people who have similar concern, please note that you can always switch back to normal input method.

Get this for your exam

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.

New Retail Packaging, French/English instructions, dual-battery powered, nice case

Unit arrived within time requested new and in full retail packaging: cardboard and sealed plastic; two CR2032 batteries already installed, leatherette case, English/French bilingual quick start guide booklet and manufacturer's CD of comprehensive instructions. This unit was made in the Philippines. FYI the last 12CP I had lasted >10 years but began freezing up/glitching on TVM questions, date calculations and amortization. So I guess TV12CPnow = 0. Differences new versus old: 1. New unit made in Philippines, old one in China 2. New one has superior tactile feel and responsiveness resulting in much faster and more accurate input 3. New unit uses 2 batteries, old was single-battery powered 4. New case has a business card window, old case didn't 5. New unit has a black faceplate and the old one had a silver faceplate; I find the the black faceplate easier to read due to reduced glare compared to the silver one but there is debate in the comments about this. General: 1. I find the 12CP's reverse Polish notation faster and more efficient method for complex formula construction. Even though the algebraic-input BA II Plus and Plus Professional have much faster processors and allow enter equations like the calculators you likely grew up using, I find that formulas entered correctly and quickly the first time = faster overall outcome, and RPN reduces keystrokes and "wait-did-I-put-the-parentheses" moments. And after going RPN it's hard to go back because it's such an efficient approach. 2. The Undo and Backspace buttons on the 12C Platinum makes it worth far more than the few dollars difference for the 12C, which has no such features. 3. 12C Platinum's processor on is much faster than the 12C, that's not just marketing hype, it's plain as day when you do side-by-side TVM calculations 4. 12C does not allow algebraic input, 12C Platinum does, so you can lend it out to the uninitiated if they need to borrow a calculator.

An Excellent, Versatile Addition to the Venerable HP12C Line

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!

Okay, the heart of the matter: HP12c vs TIBAII

If you're looking at this review, you are probably asking yourself what I was asking myself: Do I buy the HP12c or the TIBAII? A finance professor recommended the HP12c to me, then another finance professor insisted on the TIBAII. I purchased both, read 300+ pages of instruction manuals, and here's what happened: For almost every calculation, the HP12c, once you learn to use RPN (contrast with algebraic for you guys who don't know what I'm talking about) is sooooo much more comfortable and, more importantly, much faster. If I want to calculate standard deviation, I can chain the entire equation out without stopping or storing a single value--in other words, I never have to say "okay, gotta write this value down (or store it) so I can call it back up later when I need to add it to the next value". I did this on a statistics test and I was the first one done. I got worried because everyone else was still working on problems, but guess what? I was the only student using the HP12c, because no one wants to learn a new system--people are intimidated by RPN. Don't be: it's awesome. But on the other hand, the "worksheets" for the TIBAII are actually quite useful. HP12C doesn't have a default 30/360 setting for bonds (it can be programmed according to the manual in about 40 steps, which I'm still learning about). TIBAII has some conveniences like combination buttons and permutation buttons. But guess why? As I mentioned above, in the HP12c, you can chain those calculations without even thinking, so it doesn't need those buttons. TIBAII, with algebraic notation, benefits greatly from the added functions. So TIBAII appears to provide extra value that, frankly, is unnecessary if you use HP12c. I could give more examples like these. The TIBAII's worksheets allow for fool-proof entry and give a few extra results that are "useful" [meaning, useful for the TIBAII, but HP12c users are doing them quickly from memory] (discounted payback, multiple IRR, NFV--i have the plus professional-- for example). Who should use the HP12c? Well, from my experience, people who are good with numbers and want a device that keeps up with their computational instincts use the HP12c. As I mentioned before, you can chain together some seriously long computations in cool ways. If you are not that type of guy, it's not going to be that useful for you--the thing is, I would argue that the HP12c can turn you into that kind of guy. The possibilities, once the system is learned, are great. The TIBAII is definitely a "safer" calculator. It is also more technologically advanced. The worksheets have value. They give you useful outputs (useful for the CFA, yes). But the HP12c user will tell you(rightly) that some of these are crutches that will result in you forgetting how to do the calculations (combinations, permutations). Here's what I've done: I use the HP12c for everything I can, and I use the TIBAII for the 30/360 bond worksheet (and the discounted payback and a few other features that would save time on the CFA). So my goal is to use the fastest always, and to always give priority to me KNOWING a calculation--not blindly relying on a button. HP12c is the overall winner, but the TIBAII has a minor role on my desk. Buying both calculators is really not that big of an expense. One final note: the layout of the HP12c is so much more fluid than TIBAII's lame scientific-calculator look. Every time I pick up the HP12c, I esthetically enjoy it. I have the platinum version, and man does it feel good. Good with math? Need a tool that allows you to exress that? You need HP12c's RPN. Like the safety of support? Like extra features you don't have to know how to calculate yourself? Need the 4-5 things that TIBAII offers quickly (for the CFA, for example?)?: buy the TIBAII. Are you like me? Want the RPN but also need that 30/360 bond worksheet? Use HP12c 95% of the time, then pick up the cheaper-feeling, plastic-y, scientific-y TIBAII (which is, nonetheless, a good product). One final thing: Once you learn RPN, you will be ruined for algebraic. The fact that I say that should tell you a lot. When I use algebraic on the TIBAII, I find myself thinking "what idiot would actually prefer this crap over RPN?" I know I shouldn't, but I now tend to assume people who are bad at math would naturally avoid RPN and the HP12c. Again, that's a very biased statement, but one that, even acknowledging it's biased, I still say. Okay amigos, let the comments begin.

Good latest version of the HP12C

I've been using HP 12C calculators since they first came out -- and yes, that was a long time ago! This is still one of the best calculators out there. This "Platinum" version has some features that I have not seen before, such as the ability to toggle between Reverse-Polish-Notation (RPN) and algebraic. (By the way, the Enter key is the "=" key for algebraic mode.) My copy was made in the Philippines, which generally indicates higher quality than the ones made in China. My China-made unit stopped working, which fact tells you all you need to know about those versions. This unit also uses two CR2032 clock batteries, which I like since I own numerous devices that also use these common batteries. The tactile feedback on this keyboard is good. The lettering on the face is bright and easy to read. So long as this one keeps working I am pleased. RJB.

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