| HP codename,
series |
Unknown, Voyager |
| Type, Precision,
Input Mode |
Financial, 10 BCD digits
exponent ±99, Reverse Polish
Notation |
| Programmable |
Yes, merged keystrokes. No
editing, no subroutines, no symbolic labels.
| HP-12C: |
99 program steps maximum,
at most 12 data registers are converted into
7 program steps each as necessary, leaving as a minimum storage
registers 0 - 7. |
| HP-12C
Platinum: |
400 program steps maximum,
at most 12 data registers are converted. Note that the ALG/RPN setting
applies to programs as well. In other words: Programs written in
algebraic mode won't work in RPN setting and vice versa.
The RPN and ALG commands are programmable, though. But since switching
between RPN and ALG mode clears the stack the program must first store
a possible argument in a register.
|
|
| Performance
Index |
| HP-12C: |
1.8 |
| HP-12C Platinum: |
6.4 |
|
| Memory |
20 storage registers (0 - 9, .0
- .9),
financial registers, permanent memory
| HP-12C: |
8 program steps initially |
| HP-12C
Platinum: |
310 program steps
initially. Confusingly, the MEM command shows a default of "P-008 r-20"
although no data registers are converted to program step unless more
than 310 program lines have been entered. On the other hand,
single-stepping thru program space after a program clear wraps around
to 000 after address 8. So it appears that additional program space is
converted out of "thin air". |
|
| Display |
10 digit 7 segment LCD display
plus sign |
| Special features |
Compound interest, cash flow
analysis, amortization,
depriciation,
calendar functions.
The Platinum version supports RPN as well as algebraic entry mode.
|
| Original
Pricing, Production |
| HP-12C: |
1.9.1981 ($150) - 11/2003
(around $83) |
| HP-12C Platinum: |
11/2003 (approx. $80) -
now (2004) |
|
| Batteries |
3x small button sized. Later
models use one large button
sized cell. |
| Dimensions |
Length 7.9cm, Width 12.9cm,
Height 1.5cm |
| Links |
Quick Reference (PDF)
Using
Financial And Business Calculators (PDF)
HP-12C Platinum
Owner's
handbook and Problem Solving Guide (PDF, English, 218 pages, 2003)
HP-12C Solutions
Handbook
(PDF, English, 163 pages)
Available Accessories |
| Comment |
HP's first Voyager model. Comes
with advanced financial
functions. However, the programming model is extremely limited. Maybe
"real programming" was deemed to be too complicated for business people.
This by far the most longlived unit that HP made. In 2003 - 22 years
after
introcuction - it was still in production!
And in 2003 a combined algebraic/RPN model was introduced!
|
About the HP-12C Platinum
|
The housing of the new HP-12C
Platinum makes a solid impression. The
keys look slightly more "plastic" than in older models and the key
clicks feel not quite as good but still much better than in other new
models like the HP-49G+.
Keyboard differences:
- LSTx moved from the ENTER to the + key to make room for the
new = symbol which is needed in algebraic mode.
- Added RPN & ALG keys.
- Added x² key
Added features:
- Algebraic mode.
- A maximum of 400 program steps (max. 99 steps in the
HP-12C).
- About 3.5 times faster than the HP-12C in terms of program
execution.
- Calculating differences between dates has been sped up
considerably: It is an instant process on the Platinum (say, 200msec)
whereas it takes about 3.3 sec
on the old HP-12C. Other operations didn't gain so much execution
speed, though.
- Different LCD display with taller digits.
- Up to 30 cash flows (20 in the HP-12C)
|
| The
display format can be changed per "f <n>" to n fixed-point
digits or per "f . <n>" to n digits in exponential format. |
