HP 12c

Pros: Excellent for loans, Real Estate, Bonds, Stocks, Mutual Funds, Retirement Planning.

Cons: Takes 20 minutes to understand RPN.

Review: I don't know how all the previous reviews missed this but you can choose either Algebraic or RPN and the HP 12C does have an = sign (it's on the enter key). The manual which comes with the HP 12C gives examples in both RPN and Algebraic modes. My ...

Pros: Many functions that are great for figuring out mortgages, IRRs, NPVs, etc

Cons: Not especially easy to use or figure out, old ugly design

The Bottom Line: Buy the HP12C if you are an MBA student or in the finance industry. It will really help if you can figure out how to use it.

Review: If you are an MBA student or would like to pretend to be one, then the HP12C Financial Calculator is the one for you. You are almost looked down upon in school and the finance industry if you don't own one of these puppies. This seems to be a pretty ...

Pros: Best form factor ever, good speed, tight manufacture, classy appearance.

Cons: Shifted undo, backspace functions make clumsy editting, orange hard to read, dated programming.

The Bottom Line: Buy it for features, ease of use. Learn RPN if you have time.

Review: Well, I bit the bullet and bought a 12C from Samson Cables. This particular version was the Platinum Anniversary Edition. My rationale for purchasing it was that I have worn out several calculators in my day job, and I was not going to move to a TI or ...

Pros: Totally professional

Cons: takes a bit of getting used to having no equal(=)key

The Bottom Line: Super reliable calculator/computer for professional and advanced home use

Review: The Hewlett Packard HP 12C is a complete financial calculator that figures everything from simple percentages to complicated return on investment calculations. It is a powerhouse contained in a shirt pocket calculator(with a nice stylish simulated ...

Pros: Created to solve REAL WORLD business problems. Programmable. Built rock solid.

Cons: Would like more stats functionality.

The Bottom Line: If you need a financial calculator. Get this one. You won't be disappointed. It will last longer than your interest in finance.

Review: I used this calculation for my MBA program (2004-2005) while everyone else in the class was using Excel. This calculator took me through two accounting classes and three financial analysis classes. Forget the RPN verses algebratic input, you'll get past ...

Pros: Great at mortgage payment calculations if no PC is handy.

Cons: Excel can do a whole lot more than this does.

The Bottom Line: It MAY be worth keeping, but it’s not worth buying for anybody but an accounting or finance student.

Review: I’ve had this calculator for at least 20 years, since the aftermarket little instruction book, which was newly published when I bought it, is copyright 1985. I couldn’t find any production date on the calculator, but it’s possible that I ...

Pros: doing many complicated transactions

Cons: cost, dated, learning to use it

Review: I currently work for a finance company which offers anywhere from small unsecured loans up to a full home refinance option. I have extensive use of the HP12c and am very happy with its performance and how practical it is to use each day. Even with ...

Pros: Time value of money, NPV, depreciation, percents, statistics. Very easy to use.

Cons: Can't really think of any, except maybe sometimes ten digits of precision isn't enough.

Review: This is a fairly simple but standard calculator used for basic financial stuff like NPV and time value of money. It will save you thousands on your next mortgage and probably that much on your next car deal if you just figure how to compute interest, ...

Pros: About 120 pre- programmed computations; Long battery life

Cons: RPN logic will not be to everyone's liking; Outdated

The Bottom Line: This calculator performs a good number of financial functions, but it is quickly becoming obsolete.

Review: Making financial computations is quick and simple if you have the appropriate electronic device to help with the task. In the days before specialized calculators, students and professionals had to write out long formulas by hand, input the numbers, and ...

Pros: Straightforward for professionals, versatile, extremely durable, and has a long battery life.

Cons: Can do some complex things that are unnecessary given that we use Excel now.

Review: This calculator is THE calculator to buy, without exception, if you are a finance professional, be it investment banker, management consultant, venture capitalist, bond trader, whatever. Learn how to use the reverse polish notation. It's useful. For ...