Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 26-30 of 114
 If N is not a whole number, you need the 10IIB April 8, 2006
Alan M. Landay (Millersville, Maryland USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
It is hard to believe, but the HP 12C calculator does not compute partial year payments; therefore it is not possible to obtain accurate results with the 12C when N is not a whole number. For example, if you are calculating qualified plan distribution amounts, the life expectancy table at age 50 is 34.2 years. The HP 10IIB works with partial years, the 12C does not.So, if you do a lot of calculations with N as a partial year, you will never get the correct answer with the 12C. As for the quality of the calculator, I have had no problems with mine. I do like the the shift/off. I can't tell you how many times I have it the on key on my 12C and turned it off. While the number on the display remains in memory, it still is a pain to have to keep hitting the on key to turn it back on. Granted, the 12C feels heavier, but when you carry a calculator in a computer case along with the laptop,and other papers, the less everything weighs the better.
I gave it five stars because the calculator does what it is supposed to do. Give me the correct answer quickly.
 Display problem after 2 years minor use August 6, 2006
H. Charlotte (Princeton, NJ)
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
Just like a few other reviewers commented, my display does not work right (only parts of numbers display) after about 2 years of very light occasional use. HP used to make good calculators 20 years ago - no more!
DO NOT BUY THIS August 7, 2006
Henry L. Becker Jr. (Maryland, USA)
6 out of 10 found this review helpful
I bought this heap the first time in 2002 and by March 2004 the display no longer worked properly. I called HP and they said they were aware of such a problem and sent me a new one although I was outside the 1 year warranty. March of 2006 the second one's display no longer works properly. When I called HP and asked about replacing they said "you are outside the warranty." I asked if they new about the problem they apparently have and the goof i talked to say "he was not aware." I asked why it is that this one is a heap but the HP12c last forever. Hie reply was it is a $30 calculator. I have a TI regular caclulator that was $5 20 years ago that still works. I am moving on to TI. I will never buy an HP anything for the simple fact that they either know of the problem and do not correct it or they are to dumb to notice that there is a problem. Either way I am not dealing with their inferior products again.
Self Destructing Calculator. February 21, 2007
dsfa (Mira Mesa, CA)
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
Long after warranty expiration, the display malfunctions. Thought it was battery issue. Replaced with fresh batteries. No difference. Still broken. Ended up getting a TI.
 The entry level HP10bII gets a nice retro skin makeover December 15, 2007
Let it Be (Singapore)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
WHAT's NEW ? In the age of product convergence of high-tech handheld digital electronic devices,such as the Phone-Camera-PDA-MP3 music player, it is difficult to imagine how far a proven "standalone' product like the handheld electronic calculator can be improved over and over again while retaining the same build quality, feel and functionality for seasoned users.
This is the same situation with the HP10bII, this "new" release from HP spotting the same model name HP10bII without a "+ plus" suggest that this is a periodic repackaging and makeover that is mandatory and usually done by any respectable manufacturer every 3 to 5 years for this matured product category.
In 2007 HP has gone retro, back to basics on its handheld line with the retro look HP10bII, HP12c Platinum Anniversary and just released HP35S hopefully maintaining the same high quality and product standard.
FIRST LOOK & FEEL OF THE SAME "NEW" OLD WORKHORSE. The actual product is much lightweight than its sturdy look may suggest, I am impressed with the feel and look of the new cosmetically redesigned "retro" skin and the back to 80s nostalgia look of the "original" HP calculators.
"R" for RETRO NEW SKIN. To distinguish this from the "old" HP10bII which is still available on the shelves of some stores, I would like to call it the HP10b2R,"R" for "Retro skin". Apparently, HP has scored an "A" in the looks department this time which may appeal to fans of HP handheld business calculators & veteran users like myself. Indeed, the new colour combination and the feel of the retro skin keypad is very nice, users must touch and see to believe.
WHAT I LIKE BEST ABOUT THE HP10b2R. I feel that HP got their repackaging formula right this time, the high contrast and clearer LCD output display screen is the most noticeable improvement over its predecessor. This screen clearly visible from all angles and under dim ambience lighting condition,like under your work desk. The improvement is so good that there is no need for the screen contrast to be user adjustable.
There are 20 symbols or screen information display or Annuciators (HP Jargon?) on the generous LCD display and the HP10b2R also several display several on screen messages like "running", "good" and "error" - no kidding.
THE IMPRESSIVE LCD DISPLAY OF THE HP10b2R is also my main reason for purchase of this latest repackaged offering from HP as a replacement of my trusty HP10B. Although still usable, the LCD of my 1993 made-in-Singapore HP10B had deteriorated, the screen had darkened and part of it "bleeding" and dimmed.
IMPROVED KEYPAD & BUTTONS. The 2001 "original" version of the HP10bII prior to this current release has got bigger and unresponsive rubber feel buttons and the casing was made of very rubberised material as opposed to this new package. Plastic or rubber corrosion seems to be the pain with the previous (1st) version of the HP10bII.
Fortunately, the keys buttons of the new HP10b2R are of HP12c type, the kind I am accustomed to, firm and tactile. I am glad over this new change in the HP10b2R.
NOT AN UPGRADE.In terms of calculator functions, the same function buttons which appeared on my good old brick of a HP10B appears on the HP10b2R. The HP10b2R also has the same content in the printed manual as the manual of the HP10B. Even the PVC slip cover is the same as that of the HP10B.
EXCEPT FOR THE SKIN EVERYTHING ELSE IS THE SAME.As before the HP10B family is still the no frill,non-RPN, purely algebratic,plain jane youngest sibling of the HP "business" class of handheld electronic calculators. Its big brother, the high end HP17bII+ has also recently undergone the same major cosmetic facelift. No new functions has been noted or publicised by HP.
A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION. NEVER USE THE HP10b2R AS A HAMMER! The construction is contemporary and the material used for the HP10b2R appears sturdy for normal usuage and would likely survive an accidental drop from your work desk. Unless if the user intend as use it as a hammer to knock in some nails, a more expensive titantium casing is really unnecessary.
So much for our often subjective and the almost never ending lamentations on excellent HP quality of the good old days. People just have to accept the harsh reality that HP don't build the HP10B now like the way they used to and things would stay that way.
AGAINST THE COMPETITION. For students starting on a business & finance they would have to look at their course requirment as main criteria for the choice of a financial calculator. However, for season business users, the actual handling would be the most important factor to consider before making the purchase decision for basic entry models such as the HP10b2R.
Ideally, new users should have a "feel" of the actual working product when comparing models between different makers.
From experience, the feel keypad and display are the deciding factors before I consider buying any handheld electronic calculator. This has been the rule of thumb for me.
HP OFFERS THE BEST ONLINE PRODUCT SUPPORT & USER TRAINING. For this reason, the HP10b2R would easily be the preferred value-for-money choice over its main competitors at this price range. Moreover, if you are looking for a lasting product, the industry standard HP quality is good assurance even if it commands a slight premium over price over its closest competitor.
VERY NICE BUY BUT NOT A "MUST BUY NOW" FOR X'MAS. Overall, the HP10b2R appeals as a nice new skin for a proven product from HP. However, I would not stand in line at store cashier just to buy the HP10b2R this X'mas unless it is a gift idea or a replacement set is required.
HP deserves 4 stars for the very nice retro makeover of its entry level financial business calculator. Five stars if this was an upgrade, that is, a new HP10bIII.
Thank you for reading my end-user review.
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