Hewlett Packard [] Calculator Financial Platinum RPN Algebraic Programmable Ref 12C PLATINUM

I bought this as a replacement for my HP 12C 30th anniversary calculator which I lost and then found again almost immediately so the review applies to both. They are almost identical actually. It's very compact and fits easily in your pocket but still a delight to use even if you've 'fat fingers' like me. I've seen reviews of variants of this calculator which say the build quality is no good but both mine are excellent. I've also got some old video tutorials on their use where you can see the thing grinding away for several seconds whilst performing calculations but mine seem to work instantaneously. Perhaps the product has been improved since some of the other reviews were written. The keys work well with a nice positive feedback so haven't had any problems with being unsure if I pressed one or not. The RPN operation takes a bit of getting used to but I believe you can change to algebraic if you want. Personally, I like it and think I'll continue with it now I've got over the initial learning curve. This one has a better case than the 30th anniversary edition one. It's quite solid which prevents buttons being pressed when it's in your pocket or bag. The only issue I'd say needs to be considered with care is the 'programmable' feature. If you're getting it for exams like me (ACI exams) you can't use one that is 'text programmable' but this one is acceptable I don't actually know what text programmable means but on the HP 12C you can enter about 100 steps and save as programs This could be just one formula or several formulas. You have to use sort of goto statements like ancient computers if you want to enter more than one formula because they're all stored as one program. I haven't done that because a) ACI give you the formulas on a sheet for the exam anyway b) The programs are stored in the registers. I find the registers very useful and if you store 100 lines of program in them there's no space left for you to use whilst performing calculations manually. My textbook recommends the HP 17IB for ACI exams for it's programmable features so could be worth a look if you can find one

It looks very good, quality and easy to learn. I bought it for my CFA exam, my recommendation for hp if you are taking the exam, definitely buy the platinum one because otherwise you are applying the values for calculation reversed, google it before buy it, you will understand: for me it is confusing because it is wasn’t what I was familiar with my old calculator. I really like this model, has very nice and strong cover.

It was was thirty years ago that I bought my first HP12c. Sadly, I left it on a plane a short while back. Hence this recent re-purchase. The product is simply excellent and has all the functionality that I need in a device of this kind. It is also easy to use, has a very long battery life and is robust. Having dropped it several times on hard surfaces, I know. Few people borrow it because most do not know how to use reverse Polish notation (RPN). Accordingly, the risk of loss from borrowing is low. Note to those not familiar with RPN: this notation is ultimately more intuitive and logical than the traditional algebraic approach. Once you are used to it you will never want to go back.

I like this design and functions. Especially I think this RPN method is simple, if you will be familiar with it. It can be useful when I take CFA exam.

It's so great to have a proper calculator again. The HP key action has never been beaten, and this is a joy to use. Having never used an older HP-12C I can't comment on whether the build quality has suffered over the years, as some reviewers suggest. The keys seem a little lightweight – perhaps more plasticky and less rubbery than those on my HP-41C, which was the last HP calculator I owned. Louder clicks, too. But after a few days' use I'm well pleased with how they perform. No more missed keystrokes! The silver bezel looks nicer in real life than I'd been expecting, compared to the original gold colour which I think I prefer. The colours of the "f" and "g" keys are horrible – why on earth did HP change from the original yellow and blue? The red legends for the "f" functions are a bit hard to read in poor light. The display is nice and clear, with a good viewing angle. It was supplied in a blister pack with quick-start guides in English and French, a case, and a CD with the full manual. For the first day or two it didn't sit quite flat on the desk, which was a nuisance. But some judicious flexing seems to have got it level now. The case is substantial, and made of real (cheap) leather I think. But it's hard to slide the calculator in and out, and I don't like it much. If I end up needing a case think I'll buy a zipped one. I have the impression the old HP-12C models were a bit sluggish on some calculations. This one seems quite quick – though still not instant – when calculating interest rates, which is nice. RPN has always been the best way to design a calculator, but I guess the algebraic mode is a good option for anyone who never learned RPN. Since the "equals" key is the same as the RPN "enter" key, having the algebraic option doesn't clutter up the keyboard in any way if you prefer RPN. I won't comment on the general design of the calculator except to say that as a newcomer to financial stuff I've found it generally logical and easy to use, with a great manual. The HP-12C has been a standard in finance for decades, and I can see why.

Although it looks very odd and old it is perfect and very intuitive to use when you get used to. It is faster than the others for financial calculations. At the beginning I thought a bit pricey but it is worth it and now understand why it has been so many years in the market and still the same as the original. By the way it is very strong material and don’t feel cheap at all.

Loaded with lot of options, multiple functions in the same key.

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 CFA the same as ordered great service

Product arrived in sealed condition with a rather mediocre leather case. Working with it brings back the good memories about fast entry with RPN and obviously the form factor and the pre-programmed financial functions are a big plus. I mainly bought it to bring back the tactile feeling of the buttons and hearing the click when entering data - thus avoiding double checking the display during entry. Sadly however, one of the keys does click but needs a firmer push to execute the command. One does wonder how it passed QC.

uno strumento che non può mancare a un analista finanziario