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Calculator Choice: HP12C vs TI BAII Plus

Posted By: Charl
Date: Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 9:24 p.m.
In Response To: Re: Calculator: HP12C versus TI BAII Plus (gbishop)
Here is a reply from Dr. Temte of Schweser:
"The HP 12C is written in reverse polish (the same as the old adding machines) and is very difficult to learn for a novice who is not used to an old adding machine. Also, the HP has the annoying feature of rounding the number of periods when you're solving for the number of periods it takes to accumulate a particular sum. Finally, it takes an exceedingly long time for the HP to compute an IRR.
Bottom line: the HP is based on dated technology. The TI is a more modern calculator and is easier to use and understand. The TI is also cheaper."
-- http://www.analystforum.com/cgi-bin/forums/config.pl?read=23
Opinion from Schweser
".... What kind of calculator should I purchase? What is the AIMR calculator policy?
While we agree with AIMR's decision to restrict calculator use to a
few specific models, we feel that AIMRR should broaden the policy to
include the HP 10B and the Sharp EL-733A. If you are in the market for
a new calculator and have not used an RPN (reverse Polish) calculator,
avoid the HP 12C at all costs. Schweser recommends the TI BAII Plus
for the CFAR examination."
Opinion from Allen Resources
"the Texas Instruments BA II Plus - By far, the faster and easier-to-use
calculator. The other calculator allowed is the Hewlett Packard 12C.
This calculator will cost you precious time on the exam. The keystroke
entry is backward and the computation time is very slow."
Norman's Choice: TI BAII Plus
Reasons:
1) More user-friendly.
2) HP12c is too slow in computing the IRR. It takes more than 10sec to run the result.
3) It is cheaper in price - half of the price of HP12c.
 TI BAII Plus - Short Cut Manual for CFA
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