Financial Calculators or calculator software

ickeal · 08-06-05, 06:59 PM

Hi,

I am starting my MBA in a couple of weeks and i will need to get a financial calculator. I am looking at the following calculators:
HP model 10BII
HP model 12C
HP model 17BII
Texas Instruments BA II Plus

I have also observed that financial calculator software exist for mobile devices. I need your advice on which calculator to get.

Thanks.

axim_wannabe · 08-06-05, 07:19 PM

get the HP emulator for PPC - emu48

http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=5936
http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=6120

then get yourself the ROM for which calculator you'd like to use

08-06-05, 09:40 PM

There are also commercial emulators for the 12c and 10b available at Handango. EMU48 is a great scientific calculator emulator but it does not emulate any of the calculators you listed, it will only emulate the HP38, 39, 40, 48(S, SX, G & GX) and the HP49. While you can get financial software for many of these, loading it can be a problem and learning the calculators may be more than you bargained for. If you decide to go with EMU48 visit HPCALC for all the available programs.

Note that there is an emulator for the 17, but as HP has not given permission to publish the ROMs, you would have to obtain the calculator and somehow download the ROM yourself, which is not a simple task.

08-06-05, 09:44 PM

i bought the 12C emulator for ppc and have been really happy w/ it. i would, however, also buy a regular 12C if i were you. when you're sitting there in the libarary with your study group discounting cash flows until your eyes roll back into your head the regular 12C is just a bit easier.

(i finished my MBA in 2002.)

i still use my 12C nearly every day (i am a portfolio manager). i think it's money well spent. the emulator comes in handy when i'm not at my desk and need the familiarity and functionality of a 12C but don't have it with me.

Bulldog2085 · 08-06-05, 10:15 PM

Been there, done that. Here's my thoughts.

HP 10BII - Not enough functions. Stay away from it.

HP 12C Platinum - Good functionality but not user-friendly. Ancient interface. Only good if you are an old pro at it and are used to the way it works.

HP 17BII+ - Lots of functions and easy to use. Menu-driven interface. Overall, it's my favorite financial calculator, even though the quality is not as high as the old HP's. Because it has memory and solver functions, it can be considered a cheater's calculator. Some professors might not allow it.

TI BA II Plus - Best value. Lots of functions for both finance and statistics. I found it easier to use than the 12C but more difficult than the 17BII+. Does not have memory or solver functions, so you can't cheat with it, but it's always allowed on tests. If you can only have one calculator for your MBA, this is it, but I'd rather have more than one.

PDA Calculator - My favorite is the CRE Calculator from Infinity Softworks (www.infinitysw.com). It is not an emulator. It is specifically designed for PDA's. Very easy to use and lots of functions, but many professors won't let you use a PDA for tests.

My overall suggestion is, if the professor allows it, bring the CRE Calculator to your test. You'll get through the test faster, and you won't have to worry about messing up because you forgot how to use your calculator (which can happen under stress). If you can't use a PDA, use the HP17BII+. In any case, always have the TIBAII+ ready as a backup in case the battery on your primary calculator runs out or the professor does not allow anything better.

ickeal · 08-07-05, 10:13 AM

Thanks...

I am leaning towards the HP 17bII+. I will also get the TI BAII+ as an insurance. Has anyone used POCKET 12C SE FINANCIAL CALCULATOR by Lygea.

08-07-05, 11:59 AM

I am not a financial guy but I use this I use the sceintific part but it has a financial setting too. Not sure if it is good enough for your use but take a look.