HP12CP Financial Calculator

I started using the HP 12C calculator while still working 20+ years ago. Since then I have purchased 2 of them, the most recent being this month. My prior calculator still works, but I have to take it with me when doing my volunteer work. So I bought this new HP 12C to have at home. The reason I love HP is because it uses RPN (HP Reverse Polish Notation). The RPN calculator, pioneered by the HP-35 in 1972, uses a mathematical notation where operators follow the operands, allowing for efficient calculations without parentheses, and is known for its stack-based operation. I find it much more intuitive than other calculators and will only by HP.

I've been using an 11C for probably the last 40 years (and on maybe the 2nd set of batteries?), and really love it. I got tired of carting it between my two places, so decided to get a second calculator... but sadly the 11C is not available anymore. I opted for the 12C Platinum, and first impressions are very positive! Keys feel slightly different, but not in a bad way... in fact, I may prefer them. And the calculator is definitely faster. Certain functions are streamlined (e.g., no longer have to hit f-7-# to change decimal settings... just f-#, which is nice). It also comes with a leather case, and a drink coaster with a hole in the middle (seriously, what is the point of that?). The batteries are different, though, so will be curious to see how long these last. Got it delivered about 16 hours after ordering it, and a relative bargain price-wise.

If you're looking at this review, you are probably asking yourself what I was asking myself: Do I buy the HP12c or the TIBAII? A finance professor recommended the HP12c to me, then another finance professor insisted on the TIBAII. I purchased both, read 300+ pages of instruction manuals, and here's what happened:For almost every calculation, the HP12c, once you learn to use RPN (contrast with algebraic for you guys who don't know what I'm talking about) is sooooo much more comfortable and, more importantly, much faster. If I want to calculate standard deviation, I can chain the entire equation out without stopping or storing a single value--in other words, I never have to say "okay, gotta write this value down (or store it) so I can call it back up later when I need to add it to the next value". I did this on a statistics test and I was the first one done. I got worried because everyone else was still working on problems, but guess what? I was the only student using the HP12c, because no one wants to learn a new system--people are intimidated by RPN. Don't be: it's awesome.But on the other hand, the "worksheets" for the TIBAII are actually quite useful. HP12C doesn't have a default 30/360 setting for bonds (it can be programmed according to the manual in about 40 steps, which I'm still learning about). TIBAII has some conveniences like combination buttons and permutation buttons. But guess why? As I mentioned above, in the HP12c, you can chain those calculations without even thinking, so it doesn't need those buttons. TIBAII, with algebraic notation, benefits greatly from the added functions. So TIBAII appears to provide extra value that, frankly, is unnecessary if you use HP12c.I could give more examples like these. The TIBAII's worksheets allow for fool-proof entry and give a few extra results that are "useful" [meaning, useful for the TIBAII, but HP12c users are doing them quickly from memory] (discounted payback, multiple IRR, NFV--i have the plus professional-- for example).Who should use the HP12c? Well, from my experience, people who are good with numbers and want a device that keeps up with their computational instincts use the HP12c. As I mentioned before, you can chain together some seriously long computations in cool ways. If you are not that type of guy, it's not going to be that useful for you--the thing is, I would argue that the HP12c can turn you into that kind of guy. The possibilities, once the system is learned, are great.The TIBAII is definitely a "safer" calculator. It is also more technologically advanced. The worksheets have value. They give you useful outputs (useful for the CFA, yes). But the HP12c user will tell you(rightly) that some of these are crutches that will result in you forgetting how to do the calculations (combinations, permutations).Here's what I've done: I use the HP12c for everything I can, and I use the TIBAII for the 30/360 bond worksheet (and the discounted payback and a few other features that would save time on the CFA).So my goal is to use the fastest always, and to always give priority to me KNOWING a calculation--not blindly relying on a button. HP12c is the overall winner, but the TIBAII has a minor role on my desk.Buying both calculators is really not that big of an expense.One final note: the layout of the HP12c is so much more fluid than TIBAII's lame scientific-calculator look. Every time I pick up the HP12c, I esthetically enjoy it. I have the platinum version, and man does it feel good.Good with math? Need a tool that allows you to exress that? You need HP12c's RPN. Like the safety of support? Like extra features you don't have to know how to calculate yourself? Need the 4-5 things that TIBAII offers quickly (for the CFA, for example?)?: buy the TIBAII. Are you like me? Want the RPN but also need that 30/360 bond worksheet? Use HP12c 95% of the time, then pick up the cheaper-feeling, plastic-y, scientific-y TIBAII (which is, nonetheless, a good product).One final thing: Once you learn RPN, you will be ruined for algebraic. The fact that I say that should tell you a lot. When I use algebraic on the TIBAII, I find myself thinking "what idiot would actually prefer this crap over RPN?" I know I shouldn't, but I now tend to assume people who are bad at math would naturally avoid RPN and the HP12c. Again, that's a very biased statement, but one that, even acknowledging it's biased, I still say.Okay amigos, let the comments begin.

Update of previous review as of September 6, 2013. Have now used the Platinum for a while. The case coming with it is quite nice, leather and easier to get in and out than older cases with Gold model. And it is lightening fast. I notice that the on button seems to take a little more holding down to come on than on my Gold models. Not a big deal but could explain some of the reviews indicating problem with buttons. I have found no problem with other buttons. The Gold model I bought 6 years ago has the 0 and the + signs nearly worn off but the one I bought 31 years ago still has all the white letters clear as day I bought it. Must be change in paint and hopefully they corrected in Platinum. But will not know for some time about that. Also I notice that the size of the numbers is slightly larger in the Platinum model but they are also slighter fainter than Gold model. Not an issue indoors and have not used outside.I have owned HP calculators since first produced in the 1980's starting with the HP80 and buying one of the first HP12c models. That one is still working although its rubber feet have been replaced but otherwise has worked fine with only two battery changes in 31 years. Several years ago bought a second of these for a second office and it too works fine. My daughter dropped her HP12c recently and so decided to give her my gold model and replace mine with the Platinum (although she may talk me into keeping mine and giving her this one!). The Platinum model comes with a nice case with place for business card, which is nice if lost and someone honest finds it! Also place to engrave your name on the back. Has the usual quick start formulas on the back too although I find with age those get harder and harder to read without magnifying glass. Takes two, easy to find, inexpensive CR2032 batteries which are very long lasting in the lithium form.What impressed me most vs the gold models I have (more recent may be fast too) is just how fast the calculations are done. Having an undo and back button will be handy and while understand their including both RPN and Algebraic entry form anyone who has gotten used to RPN not likely to go back.Comes with a quick start guide and a user manual in pdf form. Usually do not like those but found this one loaded quickly on computer and should be relatively easy to use. Fortunately still have my manuals for when they put them out in paper form. But for formulas you use infrequently but are complicated having in pdf and ability to print out those formulas could be extremely handy, better than having the complete user manual. Can always laminate them or put in plastic sleeves in notebook for ones you use a great deal. Companies put out this way to save paper and money but in this case it might actually be an improvement!It is amazing that in this world of technological change that this calculator has changed so little since its introduction 31 years ago. I cannot think of another technological product that has survived this long. True it is faster now but otherwise its functionality remains the same. Easy to recommend for anyone that has need for a top of the line financial calculator. And over the years the price has dropped too. Have noted some have questioned the quality but so far have seen nothing that indicates to me that this is a problem. Should I find that to be the case I will come back and revise this review.

This replaced an HP I bought in 1986. It was still working intermittently. Old keys would stick. Once you buy the math logic here other calculators are awkward.