Hewlett Packard Brings Classic Calculators to iPhone App Store
Macworld formulates word of HP’s foray into iPhone application development, and it’s both nostalgic for calculator enthusiasts, and interesting from a premium price point:
When run in landscape mode, each app uses the original ROM code and provides an exact visual replica of the actual horizontal-format calculator, making it familiar to users of the originals. The $15 HP 12c and $20 HP 12c Platinum provide the same business-focused functions and formulas as the hardware models, and the $30 HP 15c includes all of the original’s scientific algorithms and calculation sequences, including matrix, root, and complex-number functions. All three apps are also, like their hardware counterparts, programmable.
Here’s the rundown again:
- HP 12C Financial Calculator [$14.99 - iTunes link]
- HP 12C Platinum Calculator [$19.99 - pending]
- HP 15C Scientific Calculator [$29.99 - iTunes link]
Anyone compelled to pick up one of those heavy crunchers, and if so, which one, what makes it compelling, and does it feel enough like the hardware version for you?
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Because some of us can’t use the algebraic oriented logic of the standard calculator. It will be nice to have reverse Polish notation (which I can use without screaming at the calculator) on the iPhone, so yes, I will be buying the app.
I never could get the hang of RPN.
5 1 2 + 4 * + 3 −
just doesn’t seem that straightforward to me. Still, if it’s what you’re used to, I can see this appealing to people. And the price, while a premium, may not seem so high to the target audience (older engineers/math types who used RPN exclusively during their careers).
What you wrote is not how one uses RPN. You don’t 5 1 2 + 4 * + 3 – . You do 5 + (1+2)*4 – 3 and just enter the numbers as they show up, and apply the operations when you need to. Note that you don’t need to put in parens.
I’m not planning on buying but it makes sense. Kids today start using calculators like these (and ones from TI) beginning in middle school. They are mandated and the products can go up to $100. So if your child already has an iPod Touch why not buy the app rather than the real calculator and save $85 in the process.
The HP 12C is the greatest calculator EVER! 1 ENTER 2 + …answer is 3!
$30? why not just buy the 42S app, which is the iPhone port of the free42 HP 42S emulation project, and is only $5? Love it!
I currently use the RML software version of the platinum and love it. I have 2 of the “real” platinum calculators already and love them. I actually use them in ALG mode so they work in a conventional way, but can always use RPN if desired. Will I buy the official HP version for $20. Not sure yet, but there is something about having the “official” version from a future support perspective.
I have been enjoying the use of the 42s app as well, so I see no need for HP’s new software. On the other hand, if they make an official HP-48s version, I’ll pay for that.
HPCalc on Cydia for free…all the versions.
Rene, you write, “nostalgic for calculator enthusiasts.” The HP 12C and 17B II are still the standard in financial circles. I can’t tell you the last time I saw an investment banker with anything but an HP 12 or 17. It is simply a required piece of equipment…and rivals the Blackberry in its office saturation. I can only hope they come out with the 17B II application soon. That would be a god-send!!
Uses the original ROM code? Isn’t emulation against the iTunes App Store guidelines?
Calavera, My first calculator was a Sinclair Scientific with rpn. I can see that the 1 ENTER 2 + logic is annoying for simple functions, but start adding a couple of layers of paratheses and some powers, and I simply need a rpn calculator. When I am without my trusty 48G, I need to solve anything beyond the simplest problems with pen and paper. I guess I would be in your demographic, though.
If you like vintage HP gear, you should see the HP-41 programmable calculator emulations for iPhone here:
http://alsoftiphone.com/
I have the i41CX+ app, and it’s amazing. The developer has added some modern, iPhone specific commands.
“Name” said: HPCalc on Cydia for free…all the versions.
Which used to be wonderful, but crashes on OS 3.0. I’m hoping for an update, but not betting on it.
These seem almost ridiculously overpriced when the 42S and 41CX versions by third-party developers also use original ROM emulation, add program portability, “printing”, etc for a fraction of the price.
PCalc!
The iPhone 42S is not a ROM emulation, but a port of Free42 which is a complete re-implementation of the HP-42S in C. It runs natively on the iPhone.
Are there plans for HP calculator apps for the Mot Droid?
Would be sweet to have these on the Android platform!
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