HP 12c

Pros: Versatile and simple with powerful commonly used functions

Cons: Can't do everything, but that's why there are computers

The Bottom Line: If you're in the finance industry, you probably already own this. If you're not, buy something else. This is NOT for amateurs or high school students.

Review: The Hewlett Packard HP 12C calculator has been in production for over twenty years. Over that period, it has become the most popular calculator for finance professionals. While not the most powerful of calculators--the HP 17 and 19 series both eclipse ...

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: 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: 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: Has most of the needed financial functions needed for everyday use.

Cons: Slower than the "newer" HP financial calculators.

The Bottom Line: A good basic financial calculator for those that don't want/need other math functions. This is "still" the standard the "professionals" use...

Review: I have had my HP-12C for a week now and I'm happy that I selected it over the other financial calculators. First off, I know that some people do not like RPN; however, once you learn how RPN works it makes sense. My first calculator used RPN (many...

Pros: Great financial calculator, all functions and equations are ready to be used

Cons: Bit lengthy time to get proper acquainted with all of the possibilities with the calculator

The Bottom Line: It's a great product with good functions that will cut down on time.

Review: I first bought this calculator since I was entering the financial services industry. I've found that it has great functionality with basic functions such as calculating NPV, annuities, and cash flows. It also takes into account original programs that...

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: 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 ...

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, ...