Hewlett Packard HP-12C Platinum
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Hewlett Packard HP-12C Platinum
- Type: Programmable RPN/Semi-Algebraic Electronic Calculator
- Size: 3 x 5 inches / 8 x 13 cm
- Serial number: CNA 50601398
- Date of Manufacture: February 2005
Not one of the original Voyager series (mark this one down as a "wannabee"), rumor has it that this was re-engineered from a scanned 12C manual.
Some differences from the original HP-12C are evident when you pick this unit up. The body colors are different, of course. So are the keys. These are the hard-press keys that we also see in the HP-49g+, although I have no trouble using them. Less obvious are the RPN/Algebraic keys for switching mode, and the added memory for programs (400 steps, up from 100). Oh, they had to move the [LST X] key so they could put an [=] glyph on the [ENTER] key, so the algebraic users wouldn't get lost.
Not sure what the bother is, though. Almost all the examples in the manual and all the examples on the cheat-sheet are in RPN mode. And there are no parenthesis keys for the algebraic mode, either. You can add 2 + 2, but you can't do ((3 * 4) + (5 * 6)) / 7 unless you use RPN. Oh well, gotta sell calculators, right?
The case has stiff front and back panels, with more flexible material along the edges. I rather like it.
Note the serial number is on a sticker, rather than engraved or impressed. This contradicts the assertion made in the manual that your new calculator is an important investment. Oh well.
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