HP-12C

The calculator that wouldn't die. The HP-12C is HP's longest and bestselling calculator. Though it has been followed by many newer models, with both more and less features this model continues to sell well. In fact, an EduCALC catalog says of the HP 17BII (in bold type): "It's 15 times faster than the HP 12C, and displays more than 4 times as much information." And of the HP 19BII: "It's 15 times faster than the HP 12C, and displays more than 9 times as much information." In addition, both newer calculators can print via infrared to compact printers, have more memory, general purpose solvers, menus etc.

Why does it continue to sell so well? Here are a few theories:

It's a pure RPN calculator with no algebraic options to confuse the buyer or user. The HP-17B and 19B were algebraic calculators that were rather quickly replaced by BII versions with optional RPN.
Business buyers are somewhat conservative. (Old business models out-selling new ones is not entirely unique to the HP-12C.)
The average business buyer, is perhaps, less inclined to read the spec sheets and more inclined to buy based on word of mouth.
It's good (and expensive) looking.
Like all 10C series calculators, it has a nice solid built-like-a-brick feel that clamshell models can't quite match.
It has become part of the well-dressed business uniform - easily distinguished from cheap calculators due to its layout.
Perhaps it really does provide just the right functions in the right form factor at the right price.

Features

While low in product number, the HP-12C was high (for its time) in functionality making it a good replacement for the previous high end business model, the HP-38C. In addition, the HP-12C offers:

Odd period calculations (allowing interest to accrue for some arbitrary amount of time before the first payment.)
Bond calculations.
Depreciation calculations.
Improved action of SST and BST features.
A much larger manual with useful chapters on real estate, lending, investing, leasing, savings and bonds.
And like all 10C series models, it has the advantage of running for months to years instead of hours on a set of batteries. (The record so far is 34 years on the original set of batteries!)
Tough construction: One HP-12C was used by a zoo keeper to calculate feed mixtures. The zoo keeper dropped the calculator and it was consumed by a hippopotamus. The calculator survived the hippo's digestive process as well as the washing that followed.

Picture of HP-12C (~67K)

HP-12C features

Technology and Packaging

Dimensions and Weight

Price at introduction: $150
Current Retail price: $83

Introduced: 1981 and still in production.

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