HP 17BII Financial Calculator
by Hewlett Packard

List Price: $101.39
Our Price: $39.49
You Save: $61.90 (61%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details

• Over 250 built-in functions
• Algebraic notation
• Reverse Polish notation
• Business/finance features
• 2-line, 22-character LCD

• Energizer Watch/Electronic/Specialty Battery, A76 (A76BP)
• HP 82240B Enhanced Infrared Printer for HP Calculators

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of HP 17BII Financial Calculator

Customer Review: A must have for financial/business professionals
Summary: 5 Stars

The calculator, of course, has all the basic math functions, including logarithmic calculations, and a simple to use memory store/recall setup. Most of the powerful functions are accessed through the simple "softkey" on-screen menu/submenu system where the function of the buttons at the top changes depending on what you are trying to calculate. These features include a full "time value of money" complement including NPV, FV, IRR, required periodic payment (i.e. for mortgage/car payments), and a full bond price/yield/coupon function.

The 17BII is also programmable and don't underestimate this. A user can create his own formula (e.g. an involved formula or a series of several calculations done in a row and done on a regular basis), create softkeys for the formula, and then access this formula the same way the other formulas like time value of money are accessed. As an example, I took the very lengthy Black-Sholes option pricing equation, programmed it as a formula, and now options pricing throught the HP takes seconds.

The 17BII is not for everyone. If you really must have all the bells and whistles including scientific formulas and PDA functionality, go with the 19BII - too clunky for my tastes. If you just want a simple financial calculator to be able to talk intelligently with your mortgage broker or car salesman about financing, get the 10BII.

Again, for anyone in the financial services industry, for mainstream business application or for the motivated/curious non-business person, the 17BII is it.

Description of HP 17BII Financial Calculator

The bottom line on the two-line display shows the menu labels for the five major menus in the calculator: Financial, Business Percentages, Statistics, Time Manager, and Equation Solver. The menu keys allow you to shift between functions. The top line shows the numbers or letters you enter and the resulting calculation. Each menu has subfunctions and built-in variables for greater complexity. A beeper sounds when you press the wrong key, when an error occurs, or when you are late for an appointment.

The HP 17BII has 8,000 total bytes in RAM (6,750 bytes plus 1,250 for your built-in variables). You can monitor the available memory (both in bytes and percentages) by pressing shift-MEM. The calculator retains current functions until you press "clear data." If you accidentally shut the machine off, just turn it back on and your calculation will reappear. After 10 minutes of nonuse the calculator turns itself off, but your most recent information will still be there.

The HP financial calculator interfaces with an HP infrared printer (sold separately), allowing you to print tables, lists, and payment schedules whether you are--in a meeting or on an airplane.

A protective cover is included to keep your calculator dust-free. Batteries are already loaded, and the calculator is backed by a limited one-year warranty. --Dana Van Nest