HP 12c Financial Calculator (12C#ABA)

I bought my HP-12C way back in december 1987, and except for replacing the batteries, it just keeps crunching out the numbers. I've had many, many calculators since late 70's and the HP-12C has been my favorite and I consider it to be the best calculator that will ever be engineered. Just my opinon..........

This was purchased as a replacement for a worn out HP calculator. The service was quick and the calculator was just as anticipated.

HP has significantly changed the way they design or manufacture their calculators over the years. I purchased my first HP 12c more than 15 years ago, and now that it has been dropped more than a "million" times I decided to get a replacement. Compared to my original HP 12c, the new one I received has a "slower" processor and the numbers seem to "creep" up to the display (I've check the performance with multiple sets of batteries). Also, the keys do not seem to have a firm "detent" and one needs to check the numbers before entering or performing any calculations. These two issues alone compel me to question the integrity of HP products - currently and future purchases. The bottom line.... I feel I should have spent $10 for this calc rather then the $70 HP asked for. The HP 12c is not being built as a "Sherman Tank" any more, so I would certainly look around before settling on an accurate, robust calculator you can depend on.

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.

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.