HP 12C Platinum Financial Calculator

I own six HP12Cs and just purchased three more for MBA grad school. These new ones are of such poor quality that they are unreliable. I turned one back into HP for refund that missed key entries at least 10% of the time. I literally smashed one today because it would calculate different answers each time for the same inputs (NPV problems), missed key entries, and had to be turned on sometimes 3 and 4 times before turning on. I tried to talk to HP about their quality, but they were not interested. Even my professors at the university do not recommend HP calculators any longer. That is too bad, because the RPN is so natural to use. I must say though, my older HP12Cs from the 1980s still work but albeit slowly compared to the new ones.

The HP12c Platinum 25th Anniversary Edition (HP12cPAE) is the 2006 special commemorative limited edition model and the second official upgrade of the original HP12C. The HP12c Platinum (HP12cP version 1.0) has been improved since its released in 2003. Although the HP12cPAE is based on the HP12cP version 2.0,it would has its historical place as the 4th model in the HP12C lineage since 1981 and may be unofficially designated as HP12c Platinum version 3.0.

FIRST LOOK AND FEEL. HP has showcased this upgrade with an overall quality in both the looks and feel department. The "new" retro-styling and colours of the HP12cPAE closely resembles the exterior of the silver plated HP11C, a made in the 1980s HP scientific calculator cousin of the gold HP12C. As a bonus, HP had made this a special purchase for the fans and new owners by including a nice black 25th anniversary "PDA" style leather pouch with the HP12cPAE. The overall construction is firm and solid and the improved keypad buttons has a very nice tactile feel indeed.For better viewing, users can now adjust the contrast of the clear LCD display screen.

WHAT'S NEW? Since the HP12cPAE is faithfully and conservatively built on the time-proven functionality of the HP12C, existing users should not expect to see any major hardware and software improvements. However,it is evident that HP had listened to its customers negative feedback on its first half hearted attempt to upgrade the HP12C with the slow HP12cP version 1.0 released in 2004. HP had dutifully responded to its customers negative feedback on the HP12cP v1.0 and and demostrated their wholehearted effort with the HP12cPAE by incorporating all necessary enhancements which could be possibly squeezed into the package to expand the capabilities of the classic HP12C.

HARDWARE ENHANCEMENTS. The current upgrade is 6 times faster than the HP12C as claimed and probably 10 times faster than its slow early release HP12cP when performing certain TVM calculations. The improved speed is now up to par with cheaper products from its competitors. This upgrade has four times more data storage memory which is sufficient for input of up to 80 cashflows or 400 programming steps. With the HP12cPAE, advanced users have a more powerful tool which would enable them to store more keystroke programs into their HP12cPAE, to perform routine complex and customized financial calculations by executing the programs stored in its memory.

THE HP12C NICHE. Potential new users of HP12C series of financial calculators should be aware that the proven form factor of the HP12cPAE is quite a novelty product to get used to. Despite the age of its design, if new users are looking for the unique RPN input method and user programming capability, the HP12C series and the HP17B2 series are the only choices available.

AGAINST THE COMPETITION. It is difficult to compare the user programmable HP12C series against offerings by other manufacturers, simply because no HP rivals has ever managed to produce an equivalent product to challenge the HP12C series. Advanced "power" users of financial calculators would appreciate that complex financial calculation, such as the Black-Scholes European Option Pricing Model formula could be keystroke programmed and stored into any HP12C series. HP12C, HP12cP (versions 1.0 & 2.0) and HP12cPAE users could recall the program from memory to perform routine computations repeatedly.

WHO SHOULD BUY IT? A fan of the HP12C with some spare cash on hand would probably grab a HP12cPAE off the retail shelf without thinking too hard. From my personal experience, new users to the HP12C series would find that the HP12C actually glows on you and grows with you once you are familar with it.

WOULD IT BECOME A COLLECTOR'S ITEM? Savvy consumers should know that the HP12cPAE is mass produced and sold worldwide as a mainstream consumer product. IMHO, the HP12cPAE would have to be made with real titanium, platinum or gold plated parts and engraved with unique serial numbers if it were to qualify as a rare collector's item. Only time and actual HP sales quantity would determine if any collector-speculator would profit from an auction sale of a new and sealed HP12cPAE on e-Bay.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT? Yes, definitely. By improving the on the HP12C, HP has again demonstrated in the HP12cPAE (and HP12cP version 2.0) that with the right effort even a good product design can be improved upon at the matured stage of its product life cycle. Now, there is a real rival for the much loved classic HP12C, and it is no other than its successor,the HP12cPAE. Realistically,it is difficult to keep improving a near perfect product such as the iconic HP12C. Judging by the high industry standard it has set, the HP12C would probably celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2031.

Thank you for reading my enduser review, hope it is useful to you.

This is the calculator for any Business School student and you'll continue using it well into your career. I'd take this over any of the other recommended HP calculators (the 10 or 17).

I ordered a Platinum HP-12C. The item that arrived was essentially a regular HP-12C with Platinum printed on it, but it wasn't a Platinum in any other sense. A real disappointment. If I had time I would return it and get the real thing.

I bought my first HP 12C in 1981 and am still using it. I decided to buy a second one so I can keep one at the office and one at home. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the HP 12C Platinum has all of the features that I like so much on my 1981 model, and has added some features not included on my original.

The only caution I would mention is that the RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) form of entry is different enough from the standard calculater mode that you will eather hate it or grow to hate the standard mode. As an illustration, to add 1 to 1 and arrive at the result 2 in standard mode involves the following keystrokse: 1 + 1 =. In RPN mode, you use the keystrokes: 1 enter 1 +. The HP 12C did not offer the standard mode, but the HP 12C Platinum offers both. I still use the RPN mode, and prefer it over the standard mode.

I think you'll grow to appreciate this calculator as much as I do.

Definitely wouldn't be my first choice for just a calculator. but I really like it for finance. Read the user manual to find out how to do simple functions. I like the look of the calculator. Better in silver than gold. good buy.

This was a breakthrough financial calculator when it was released in the early 1980s. They have improved on the original version mainly by making it much faster and making the digits go to 10 places. There are MANY financial calculators, including from HP, which are just as capable and but are much cheaper. HP can charge higher price of this calculator because it has reached an iconic "THE financial calculator" status and because so many financial professionals use it and most of them do not want to bother learning to use an another calculator. So if cost is a concern, then I do not recommend this calculator.

This calculator, along with TI BA II Plus Professional, are the only two calculators allowed for the CFA exam. So if you are studying for your CFA, you will need to practice with one of the two. I have both calculators and they are both excellent choices. Some say HP 12C is better because of RPN and it requires fewer keystrokes. True, but that advantage is negated by HP 12c's fewer buttons and since each button must perform 3 separate functions, one may occasionally punch more buttons to perform the same calculations on HP 12C than on TI BA II Plus Pro. HP 12C Platinum is just as fast in financial calculations as BA II Plus Pro. The TI BA II Plus Pro, however, is just as effective at half the cost. The main advantage of HP 12C is its RPN capability and the "The financial calculator" factor. It is also smaller than TI BA II Plus Pro.

This calculator performs most of the statistics functions which are largely done using Excel (or its equivalent) these days. Its statistics functions are lacking a Z table. Most scientific calculators have a Z table but not business calculators. So if you are looking for a true statistics calculator, then I recommend a scientific calculator that allows data entry and a large screen size such as HP 50g.

Overall, I am happy with this calculator and I have learned to love the RPN for its efficiency.

ABSOLUTELY GREAT! I HAVE USED THE HP 12C FOR ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS AND NOW THE PLATINUM IS AT LEAST FOUR TO FIVE TIMES FASTER! THIS COMPUTER IS GREAT!! BUY IT!!

If you think in RPN, you will like this small calculator. The horizontal layout is excellent - especially for those of us who remember the 15C. If you don't know RPN, get a different model with algebraic input. NOTE: the buttons seem much flimsier than on the old 15C. And, of course, there are no advanced math or trig functions.

I have used the 12c for 20 years now but was cautious in buying a new one because of reader's feedback (I had one stolen one in the past, and the replacement had felt very different).
In a nutshell, keystrokes have a harder feel but despite the clicking noise, nothing might have happened. So there is a decline of response quality.
The leatherbag is crap. I threw it away. It is really big, bulky and too tight for the calculator. I was afraid it will push on the buttons too much.
Non-responsive keys are the main reason I am about to buy the TI BA II Plus (I don't know if it is any better, but the HP's keys are not really good enough). I guess times change, so do calculators, and so do I.
The HP12c app for the iphone is great though.

It was definately a better choice to choose the Platinum over the regular HP 12C...the ability to use algebraic ("normal") calculating functions is an added value that it well worth the few extra bucks. Calculator arrived exactly as described, buttons are easy to use, clear screen, it is the classic HP 12C that every professional has in their briefcase.

This HP 12c Platinum replaces one I had for years and lost. It works as I expected. My only regret is that, like so many things, it is now made in China, not the US. Also, the case it comes in is a little tight, but that's only a minor inconvenience.

Really faster than older HP12C model. I don't like the new keys but all the other features are great.

Used a different calculator for CFA exam, but wish I would have had this one instead. Very good instruction manual with good examples. Lots of extra pre-written programs in the back of the manual.

the instruction manual is very detailed making the operation of this calculator simple and easy...
a must have for all finance students....

The product (HP-12C financial calculator) was very reasonably priced, arrived in a timely manner in perfect condition. Thanks!

It takes a little time to get use to this calculator, but once you do, I think in a lot of cases it is easier to use than most of the rest of them. Many of the ppl in my class use the TI BAII and it takes a lot more steps to
to work formulas than this one.

While it's overall a good calculator, I agree with some of the other reviews. I've had mine for about 3 years and I notice how the keys are inconsistent, some (obviously more heavily used) are getting loose compared to others and I am not a heavy typist by any means. The picture shows the regular model, btw, since the 25th anniversary model has "25th Anniversary Edition" written in a script font just to the right of the display. Made in China, hence the quality issues I'm sure. Shouldn't be given the price point.

The user guide for this calculator is obviously either written for another model, or by a tech writer who has serious problems. In many instances when Keystroke Examples are provided, if you key in the information as indicated the calculator will simply give up and provide an error message.

The machine works fine if you just address it intuitively after you have trashed the guide book.

I bought this for the June 2009 CFA level 1 exam. I had an engineering HP calc during school and decided to go with an HP for the CFA exam. A year up to the exam, it was working fine until just about 2 weeks prior to the exam date. Some keystrokes had trouble registering, requiring multiple key taps. Not good! I had to be extra careful with my entries during the exam which slowed me down a bit but I ended up passing. However, I will switch to the TI for level 2 and keep this one as a backup. Contrary to my past experience with HP calcs, the durability of this model is disappointing, especially for the price. It's definitely a mechanical problem, as I ran the on-board self-diagnostics and it passed. Caveat Emptor!

What can I say, the best financial calculator out today.

I own 12c (which for its age is a great calculator). But 12c platinum is so much faster, with more features and longer battery life.

I am an MBA student and this is by far the best calculator for school and work.

If you are looking for a financial calculator, do not waste your money on other brands and models (especially HP 20b),spend a little more money and get the calculator that will last a lifetime.

I think HP should stop making computers and concentrate on making great financial products.

Had used the 1990s version of this calculator and this new version has more functionality which is helpful for CFP test to save time. Particularly like the new hard storage case as the calculator doesn't turnon accidently when stored in briefcase.
recommend HP12C highly!

It can make beautiful picture. But its manual mode is fake. Actually I cannot adjust shutter and aperture in this mode. Although I can adjust shutter or aperture in A/S mode, it is impossible to set value for both simultaneously.

I replaced my old 12C gold when the #9 key got hard to push. Now, after about a year with the 12C Platinum Anniversary, the same thing happens. I have to constantly verify on the readout that I did push the #9 hard enough (or that it didn't register twice). I'm on the lookout for a replacement.

I have used an HP 12C since about 1985. This is only my second one. After 24 years of use, I decided that a new one was in order. When I shopped, I was so surprised to see a Platinum version! I am very happy with my purchase. After years of calculating payments and watching "running... running" go across the screen as it was calculating - it was shocking to see how fast it popped up the answer. Yikes.

If you use an older HP 12C, do yourself a favor and buy a new one!

It is a very good machine. I need this calculator for this examn that i am taking in december. thanks.

I also have a few TI calculators that were much cheaper that do everything this one does. Unless you really like the rpn, it is just another financial calculator.

Another good delivery from Amazon. This is my second financial calculator from HP. It's better and faster than my last one.

Excellent price, excellent quality, fast shipping, and smooth transaction, couldn't want more, would definitely do business again

I would recommend against buying this model or an HP calculator at this time. Always a reliable calculator in the past, on the recent 12c model I bought several of the keys no longer work. HP has a very limited one year warranty (my last one worked steadily for over 10 years), and I can't help but wonder if they're using cheaper parts to get the price down from where it was several years ago.

One of the best financial calculators out there. I already have a different version of this same calculator and use it for work all the time. I also know people who have had their HP12c for 20 years and still use it so you know they can last awhile. And once I got used to the RPN method of using a calculator, I always have to think twice about using a regular one. There's also way more functions on this calculator than anyone would ever need.

I'm a Business major I bought this calculator for my finance class.
It's all I thought It would be and more!
First I was confused trying to choose between the Platinum and the regular 12c but I'm happy I went for the platinum.
Some people might say it's not as good because it's not the original 12c but it just needs some getting used to.
I love the extra features it has like backspace, Algebraic mode and comparing it to the regular 12c this one is way faster on giving you the final results.
Absolutely love it!

I am grateful because the product is fully compliant with efertado in paguina and his delivery and release tatalmente were correct and agreed on the parameters, the price was fair, very good operation with this supplier, I recommend the widely

Condition was exactly as advertised...new in the box. Arrived on the day it was promised.

I've given this only two stars not because it is a bad calculator, but that it is no longer needed. As a financial analyst, I coveted mine back in the day and used it constantly with it's reverse Polish notation. Times have changed and things have gotten much better. I now use spreadsheets for calculations and many are freely available for those who can't create them. Calculators are now used on the fly for the simplest of the four math functions (add, subtract, multiply and divide). The new ones are thin, light, show large numbers and cheap. I have one that keeps a running electronic tape so I can check my input. Who today would want to drive a model T when others are whizzing by in their newer models?

La calculadora es excelente sin embargo el forro no es igual al publicado en la descripcion del producto. No es el 25 aniversario, mas bien vino con un forro simple y feo. No me gusto.

Certainly a decent calculator and speedier than the regular 12C. However the operation of keys are a disappointment. These new 12C calcs do not have the solid feel and smooth key operation the original 12C calcs had. My suggestion, buy a like-new used old 12C from eBay instead of a new one. hp chepened this one up and still charges a premium.

In general a tip for the novice. The Texas Instruments BA2 Plus Professional is much easier to use and has a better interface, especially for amortization schedules. The 12C is better for very complex finacial calcualtions but it will take lots of training to use it for these. If you just want to do simple TVM calculations, I would recommend the TI BA2 Plus Professional anytime.

This was a great product! I looked online for a long while looking for a discount on the 12c platinum... Went to many different sites; and besides ebay, this was the cheapest I could find. (Note: I tried bidding on these calculators on Ebay initally.... but they were all going for much higher prices than they should've) Anyway, I decided to order this calculator off amazon and before I knew it, it was in the mail at my home.... have been usinbg this product for months now and it has worked out great! It was brand new, sealed in the origional paclkaging as described... I would highly reccomend!

You do not know when you need the manual and when you don't. Try calculating a monthly payment with a standard term of 48 months. Check your answer in a spreadsheet. Then change the term to 48.5 months. Uh oh, you get a different answer with the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is correct. The HP is not. You need to know how to enter a term with a decimal place in the HP. What else will you need the manual for? Want to take a chance on an exam or in real life? No way. Use a Texas Instruments or a Sharp financial calculator.

I am planning for CFA exam and the HP calculator is really easy to learn and i found it very useful in my daily investment activities.

[This comment refers to the 25th anniversary edition]

There are, at the time of this writing, 101 reviews of this calculator so I won't go through another detailed one. And I do recommend this HP with one caveat. This calculator is solidly built except for the LCD screen. The LCD, which is not the best I seen, is covered with a soft, flexible plastic which if pressure is applied could damage the the LCD. Also be warned that this plastic film is very easily scratched and marred, even while in the vinyl case. I recommend the use of a film protector similar to those used on PDAs and perhaps a better, sturdier case. HP got really cheap here.

I bought this 25th Anniversary Edition HP-12C for my economics papers at Uni. Has been one of the best purchases I have made and I could only recommend this whole heartily to anyone in the field.

I have found the build quality to be excellent and the prodigious 250 page manual informative to pick through. It does leads me to wonder why Reverse Polish Notation calculators are not more widely used by the public at large. Regardless, this is one device worth holding onto.

This is the third version that I have bought, the first one being in 1984. This item must be HP's all-time best seller in terms of units sold.

This calculator is very advanced, it has more functions than I know what to do with. The 12c calculator is smaller and has more features than the BA-II. It also comes with a cool carrying case.

This calculator is the best financial calculator in the world. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a business calculator. Takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you will not want to be without it.

I bought the HP 12C Financial Calculator in proper moment, because I needed a good calculator.

To be clear, MY 12C is 25 years old and still going! I originally bought it for results validation when programming bond and money market price/yield calculations. That software was used for next couple of decades in a variety of securities accounting, trading, and various other financial software suites. That the 12C was (and is) regarded by traders and portfolio managers as 100% accurate for such purposes should give you an indication why this calculator has dominated the financial calculator marketplace among professionals. Back then, only a Monroe bond calculator (a very expensive desk calculator) would have been preferred over the 12C. The 12C is still found on trading desks everywhere, though Bloomberg has become the reference standard for fixed-income.

The price in the early 80s was $225, and $75 now (plus or minus) - a bargain. I still like the small size and rugged build. One of the benefits of the small form factor is that it's convenient to bring along anytime you want basic payment calculations (for which the 12C has dedicated keys), as when making a purchase or in the real estate market. I can run rate & payment scenarios on the fly as fast as necessary.

There are limits to what the 12C can reasonably do with its built-in calcs. For example, while simple bonds are handled with the built in calcs (i.e., just plug in the parameters), non-standard bonds are accomodated at the expense of some programming. Anything really bizarre might have you resorting to plugging in individual cash flows - tedious if you have a lot of them, and now better suited for a spreadsheet. Basic variations around day count type, beginning/end of period-based discounting, date conventions, etc. are available with standard calcs.

This is a great, classic, and still highly useful calculator. The newest version is the first I would consider to replace my original, plus the newer version is faster.

I received the product quickly and with exact information about billing and shipping charges. Everything that I submitted was exactly the same when the product came in and billing charges were accurate. It was a pleasure to do business with Amazon and I would recommend this site to everyone.

The Platinum is way faster at calculating IRR. I remember the 12c I used before would let me wait for longer than one minute. But the keys on this anniversary edition doesn't respond as smart as 12c.

Design is a bit dated. It does what it supposes to. I just never get use to HP way of button sequence. This got me thru my studies and exams. I prefer Texas Instruments and Casio.