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?
June 26th, 2009 at 7:04 am
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.
June 26th, 2009 at 8:04 am
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).
June 26th, 2009 at 8:04 am
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.
June 26th, 2009 at 8:10 am
The HP 12C is the greatest calculator EVER! 1 ENTER 2 + …answer is 3!
June 26th, 2009 at 8:17 am
$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!
June 26th, 2009 at 8:26 am
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.
June 26th, 2009 at 8:44 am
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.
June 26th, 2009 at 9:10 am
HPCalc on Cydia for free…all the versions.
June 26th, 2009 at 10:10 am
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!!
June 26th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Uses the original ROM code? Isn’t emulation against the iTunes App Store guidelines?
June 26th, 2009 at 11:55 am
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.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
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.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
“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.
June 26th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
PCalc!
July 5th, 2009 at 1:13 am
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.