Tell me about the HP 67

[Maximilian Hohmann]

Hello!

(12-10-2017 05:09 AM)Trond Wrote:  ... I thought I should let you know that I am interested in what you have to tell about it...

The short version: It is among the top 3 of my all-time favorite calculators. For several reasons:
- It is very very well made. Maybe the best made calculator ever. Built to last forever so to say.
- It has exactly the right weight. Not too heavy to carry but heavy enough that it won't move around your table when you type on it.
- One of the very few calculator which you can actually use for "blind" typing. The keyboard is so good that it will never miss a keystroke or, heaven beware!, bounce. You can keep your eyes on the sheet with numbers and type as fast as you can move your fingers without even looking once. The only other calculator with which I was ever able to do that is it's big brother, the HP-97.
- It has that wonderful H.MS+ function for summing time values (actually the only function I really need since I moved from engineering to flying). One needs to press the "h" function key, but that alone is a wonderful thing: A calculator with three shift keys! "f", "g" and "h" - once you are used to that (and have memorised the various combinations) you will never ever want to use a calculator with less than three shift keys again.
- And of course an excellent LED display and that most wonderfully well made keyboard of all pocket calculators - ever. But I did mention that already.

(12-10-2017 05:09 AM)Trond Wrote:  How long do the batteries last?

The original 500mAh NiCd batteries last for about two hours I would reckon. Since it has no constant memory they are not drained when the calculator is turned off, but NiCd batteries have a high internal discharge rate and therefore need to be recharged before each use.

(12-10-2017 05:09 AM)Trond Wrote:  I assume it can be used with non-rechargeable batteries (?) but if so, would the batteries be eaten up very quickly?

Don't know about that because I have successfully avoided disposable batteries for decades. Especially in my hobbies where it does not really matter. However a good alkaline battery should have a capacity of something like 2500mAh, five times that of the original rechargeable batteries, and therefore should last for about ten hours.

Myself I bought a couple of aftermarket NiMh batteries (from one eBay seller well known around here) for my HP classics with something like 2000mAh. They can be charged inside the calculator using the normal charger, which takes a lot longer than charging the original batteries of course, and are good for many hours of operation and countless charging cycles.

(12-10-2017 05:09 AM)Trond Wrote:  How are the buttons with letters used on this one? Are they program labels?

Yes. A-E and "f" shifted A-E. Ten labels. Plenty considering the limite dnumber of program steps.

(12-10-2017 05:09 AM)Trond Wrote:  I also like the sound of how sturdily it is built (according to some people here) but this does not seem to be the case with the card reader?

The card reader rollers suffer from time just like any/most polymer parts. Replace them with modern O-rings and the card reader will easily outlive you.

Regards
Max