Hewlett Packard HP-12C 25th Anniversary Edition
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Hewlett Packard HP-12C 25th Anniversary Edition
- Type: Programmable RPN/Semi-Algebraic Electronic Calculator
- Size: 3 x 5 inches / 8 x 13 cm
- Serial number: CNA 62907223
- Date of Manufacture: July 2006
Hewlett Packard introduced the original HP-12C in 1981 and the 12C Platinum in 2003. (Why? Sure the Platinum can work in semi-algebraic mode, but it lacked parentheses and neglected order of operations. It had 4 times as much memory, but still no subroutine labels. It ran at just about the same speed as the original. And it's just ugly. Maybe it was a shelf space seizing ploy meant to pre-position the current model, the 25th Anniversary Edition of 2006.
The first thing you notice is the "platinum" styling is more subtle. It's a step back toward the original Voyager series styling with a black faceplate and Hewlett Packard interpolating the lower border.
The 25th Anniversary Edition is more than just a cosmetic restyling for sentimental purposes. Someone finally noticed that you can't have an algebraic calculator without parentheses, so these are provided. (I think it's hilarious that the parentheses are shifted functions!) The idea that multiplication takes precedence over addition is your problem; the calculator doesn't enforce it. Parenthesize defensively or use RPN. There is a backspace key now for editing your input, and an "undo" function that will bring back a number you cleared accidently.
And it's fast.
Calculate the payment for a 30-year mortgage. Then run the amortization function over the entire 360 month period. The original 12C has an answer in 88 seconds and the 12C Platinum takes 39 seconds. The 25th Anniversary Edition has the answer in 8 seconds. Clearly HP no longer believes that financial people won't trust a calculator that thinks too fast. Rumor is HP kept the calculators slow, because their financial customers, a fairly conservative lot, expected it. (Hey, running an amortization is hard! It should take a long time!)
There is also more memory. Cash flow registers have been increased from 30 to 80. Programs requiring excess space (i.e. more than 308 steps) now draw the extra from cash flow memory, leaving the general purpose registers alone. You'll always have all 20 general purpose registers.
There is a new case for this edition. Rather than sliding the calculator in one end, this one opens at the top and has a magnet-secured flap. The front and rear panels are stiffened but the sides and bottom are open except for the elastic straps holding everything together. The flap isn't full width either. You can see all four corners of the calculator when the case is closed. A special "25th Anniversary Edition" logo is impressed on the front panel. On the reverse is a windowed pocket for your business card. Looks (and smells) like real leather, though!
After 25 years, why isn't it called the HP-12C Silver?
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