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I am taking an investment analysis course, real estate, and they recommend the 19llb, I have the 12c. Can they both do the same, except plotting? I don't want to invest another $200 if unnecessary. Also, can the 12c compute NFV?

Thanks

Phil

Hi,

"Also, can the 12c compute NFV?"

I could not find anything in the manual about NFV. But
remember the 12c is a programable calculatur ... So if you know the algorithm it can ...

Andreas

I know it's not in the manual, that's the problem. HP advertises that it can do that but I don't know how.

1st, HP lied! It doesn't have these functions out of the box. It is easily programmed however by the same methods used by the Hp11 or Hp15 methods but I don't believe is supports branching. That said, I would consider an HP 17BII.

It is the most powerful pocket calc available, is both algebraic or RPN, has all the financial functions of the Hp19, has 7K RAM, infared printer port, and is $80-90. You would not believe this by looking at this unassuming calc. All functions are available via softkeys (the keys with the arrows on them).

It is nearly identical to a 19 in functions and use(including hp solve and alpha numeric capabilities), but is more durable.

What it lacks, is the dedicated Alpha keypad, note pad, graphics, and trig functions. The notepad is easily simulated by hp solve. The graphics is all you are really giving up and the easier alpha entry.

Really a shame to see the 12C fade away. That series of HPs was one of my favorites: a delightful hershey bar form factor with a pleasing layout and set of functions.

But, if you have to "upgrade," I'll echo the recommendation for the 17BII. Unless you have a compelling need for the 19BII's extra features, the 17 will just be a much more pleasant calculator to use. It's a nice size and shape, and they definitely managed to pack a lot of goodies into it.

And, I don't know if they've fixed this yet, but when the clamshell models first came out 10 years ago, I remember having serious problems with intermittent power loss in all four of the calcs I owned (18C, 19B, 28C, 28S). I kind of liked that series for what it tried to be, but I ultimately found the 17BII's form factor to be much more reliable.

The 12C DOES have both conditional and unconditional branching.

This brings up something I've never quite understood about the 17Bii. It has a lot of memory but no real programming - correct? What do you do with all that memory? Is it just for large cash flow lists and equations?

Jim, the HP17 has nearly the identical hp solve as the hp27 & hp19. All of these calcs have an undocumented (not in owners manual) let and get functions that can (sort of) branch as well. While programming complex functions is difficult to impossible, most basic algerbraic equations can be just typed in and solved for the unknown variable. I KNOW you are aware of these issues Jim, but I am elaborating these features lest others think the RAM is useless.

The RAM is used to store algerbraic equations and notes if you wish. HP solve is then used to solve any equation you have put into memory. These three calcs do not have a great storage file system. The programs or equations are just stacked one on top of another in a long list until you run out of RAM or clear out equations. They do not get menu names that can be called up to run. You just scroll through your long (or short) list until you find the function you have entered and then press solve.

The 19BII and the 12C are way 2 different calcs.

I love the 12C, but the 19BII is a wonderful, all-round machine. You can also do some advanced maths with it. Only inconvenient : it's not programmable, though the solver is very helpful and replaces 95% of the programming you'll need.

You can easily find one on ebay, I evn have a 19BII in good condition that I can sell you if you want for 50 bucks.