Hewlett Packard [HP] Calculator Financial Platinum RPN Algebraic Programmable Ref HP12C 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.

The calculator arrived in a perfect package, but although it switched on, none of the keys worked! The display was stuck at "0.00" and nothing I could do, include turn it off, made any difference. New batteries didn't help either. Other reviewers have said that the latest generation of HP calculators doesn't have the build quality of former times - not only that but also lacking the Quality Control, clearly. Avoid at all costs. I am only giving it one star because I can't give it zero.

This calculator was manufactured with premium materials. Everything was done with excellence. I highly recommend you get one and learn how to extract the best of it.