HP 15c Limited Edition - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 02:10:09 am
content: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/ad/calculator/30th-anniversary.html?jumpid=ex_R11260_go_voyager...in particular, that tidbit about 15c Limited Edition soon to be released for $100. Go to HP's product page:http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/calculator/Scientific/1/storefronts/NW250AA%2523ABAComing soon? =(That's ok because:http://www.buy.com/prod/hp-15c-scientific-calculator-limited-edition/223173356.html...and for $10 less to boot. =D You can also purchase on eBay via buy.com's eBay store front:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HP-15C-Scientific-Calculator-Limited-Edition-/380368581219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item588fbbf263Immediately placed an ordered for two a few days ago and they came in today (pics to be posted as soon as camera battery has recharged).A few observations:1) Found this video on YT concerning the  and  keys:Sadly, both of my calculators exhibit this key slop. Not really a big deal to me...I'm just happy that I finally own a 15c for less than $100 a pop. Other than that, build quality is solid.2) Powered by two CR2032 coin cells as opposed to three of those smaller watch batteries. More important is what appears to be a 6-pad programming interface beneath the battery cover. Makes me wanna tear this thing open. =\That's all for now. Discuss?Ok, strange. Both units fail the  /  self-test and produce Error 9. =\ Furthermore, page 261 of the Owner's Handbook makes it quite evident that the manual is a cut-and-paste of the 12c.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 02:51:33 am
content: If only they would make more of the HP 16C (programmers version)Dad has wanted one for years but isn't prepared to pay the ~NZ$400 that the rare 2nd hand ones go for.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 04:06:50 am
content: I am still using my HP-11c that I have, since childhood. I recently replaced it with an E Bay bought one. It costs the same price as it was, since 1984. The reintroduction of the HP-15C is a welcome news. I have telephoned HP a few days ago about the release date of the HP-15C. The person that answered the telephone has no information about the release date. There is no information of how much commitment HP have for tablet or PC. The new HP-15c will be 6502 core (no, it is an ARM 7TDMI, as the group corrected me.) architecture microprocessor based like the HP-12 platinum calculator, no. It is a ARM 7TDMI processor and uses 2 CR2032 Li 3 V batteries with a larger battery lid. The HP-12 platinum uses only one CR2032 Li 3 V battery. The serial number sticker comes off too easily, no molded into the case like the "made in U.S.A., Brazil, or Singapore;" models. I cannot wait for HP-15c, this is exciting news, since the discontinuation in 1989.http://www.hpmuseum.org/hp15.htmThe HP-16C was a computer programmer's calculator with BIN, HEX decimal , and OCTAL number conversions. Trigonometric functions are absent. This one has limited appeal like the very basic HP-10C, lower end to the HP-11C. It is unlikely that all five versions will be reintroduced, though it would absolutely be fun to see. In an age where an Android cellular telephones could have a graphing calculator app, specialized calculators have limited appeal. Worse, none of the schools in the U.S.A. will promote the HP-15C. A younger person with an eccentric taste for math things might want one. The schools here in the U.S.A. are using TI-84 Silver Edition. I graduated, I got a TI Nspire CAS. I like the CX CAS with data acquisition base for magnetometers. I find the old HP-11C my everyday machine, fun and simple. The batteries last forever in those HP ten C series. Kinpo-HP keys were never as good as the genuine HP, Corvallis, Oregon made keys. We have to accept that.Surf here for more details of the HP-15C Limited Edition. I was not able to find much information on various calculator museums and collectors websites, this one is the best description:http://eda360insider.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/eda360-and-the-hewlett-packard-15c-limited-edition-calculator/

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 04:36:08 am
content: 6502???!!! Holy frijoles! That's the same chip as in my old Commodore 64!I have my original 11C from my high school days, still with the original batteries. I'm an RPN nut and have various HPs scattered on all my desks, bags, etc. After all these years, it's hard for me to use an algebraic calculator. I really like the keys and clear display of the old HPs; not interested in emulation on my phone, etc. I'm glad to see a real 15C come back!

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 06:00:55 am
content: Quote from: Lawsen on September 15, 2011, 04:06:50 amhttp://www.eetimes.com/design/embedded/4007500/Tear-Down-Scientific-calculator-boils-design-down-to-two-ICsI suspect it's the same Sunplus 8502 in the 35s.

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 06:35:04 pm
content: What on earth are HP on? I don't know whether it is HP themselves or Kinpo Electronics, but they seem to be consistently making wrong decisions. The 2008 version of the HP-12C was re-engineered to use an ARM processor running an emulator. Faster, cheaper, more flexible. How about using it on the HP-15C? Nah, lets use an old 8-bit processor. Not even a 20-bit Saturn.In that tear-down review, HP seem to make a big thing about how the HP-15C isn't hackable. Bad decision guys, most of the people who want these calculatorsarehackers. Maybe they saw how the HP-30B has been repurposed and decided that it was cutting into their more premium end market.

author: Lukas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 07:38:02 pm
content: The HP15C LE is actually based on an ARM, like the the current HP 12C. See the hpmuseum.org forum.

author: Lanman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2011, 10:23:11 pm
content: Wow,Going way back. My first HP calc was the HP 67. Loved that thing in college. Later I picked up a 41C to finish out my college education. As a systems engineer for HP Labs, I used the HP 28S. Wish I could remember what I did with that thing. Probably long gone by now. I still have, and use, my HP 32S anniversary edition calc. The nice thing about using an RPN calc is my wife & kids leave it alone.Dave,Clovis, Ca.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2011, 03:58:42 am
content: Here is a website that lists most HP hand held calculators and computers:http://www.finseth.com/hpdata/hp65a.phphttp://www.finseth.com/hpdata/hp67a.phphttp://www.finseth.com/hpdata/hp71b.phphttp://www.finseth.com/hpdata/hp15c.phpThe HP-15C was part of the Voyager series 10C pocket calculators, these have Saturn Processor by HP.

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2011, 07:25:27 am
content: So I read about 50 or so pages of the Owner's Manual to figure out how to do certain things that I commonly use my calculator, i.e. complex arithmetic, system of equations, etc. Needless to say my 35s has spoiled me rotten. A few notes:* Turns out the visible dual stack of the 35s was more than a mere convenience.* Clearing out the imaginary part of complex input is a pain on the 15c, let alone getting it in there in one fell swoop.* Raising to a complex exponent is doable on the 15c...this was a no-go on the 35s, or at least I never figured out how to do it.* No built-in constants library on the 15c. *sigh** Complex arithmetic assumes 15c stack is in Cartesian form, which means gotta remember to convert from polar before hitting that operator.* The ability to easily view just the mantissa is nice and could prove to be useful.I'm just making small talk. =) Any "old timers" have suggestions or words of 15c wisdom for a young aspiring engineer?P.S.Saw this the other day:http://hp-12c-calculator.com/?page_id=2Looks convenient and sexy, although I'm not so certain that folding top will stand the test of time. Too bad they're out of stock.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2011, 09:48:59 am
content: Buy.com have just jacked up their price from $89 to $220!http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-15C-Limited-Edition-Scientific-Calculator-/170697671543#ht_500wt_1156They are milking the cash cow...Dave.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2011, 02:53:35 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 16, 2011, 09:48:59 amThat's actually a third-party seller, Samson Cables. I think that buy.com is sold out!

author: electrodynatronic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 17, 2011, 08:30:00 pm
content: $99.00? $200.00?This is a shame. I paid $80 for a HP33s some years ago, thinking I would get a good calculator. I threw it in some drawer right after I got it. The buttons were horrible, unusable. All of their new stuff is. At least someone at HP knows it now.Later I found an old HP-41CV. Nice sloppy buttons. All is well now. Makes me want to start an "affordable RPN calculator that isn't a piece of crap" project.PS - My calculator can land a Space Shuttle, not that I'll need to do that in the uh... ever, but still, it can, or so I've read on the internet.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2011, 04:30:15 am
content: I have surfed the HP website and there are no HP-15C left, sold out? There were listings in Amazon dot com, but it redirected to the HP sales website . There are none lift. It is not worth that much money for a vintage RPN trigonometric calculator. My HP-11C from my younger years were worth $65.00 to $100.00 USD at most with the instructions book. The current price for a new one from Amazon.com is $390.00 USD+$4.49 USD delivery. It is not worth that much. These businesses have been buying out the entire HP supply and reselling them marked up from $99.00 to $390.00, a +$291.00 marked up. The listing in Amazon mentioned that more HP-15C will be available to satisfy the demand of both consumers and inflated price speculators by October to December 2011. The supply is not there. HP will not marked up the price and be at $99.00, firm. Forget about the HP-15C, until HP increases the supply, which is present to next month. The HP is not made by HP, but by Kinpo. My recommendation is hold off on buying it, until supply becomes more abundant. Keep checking the HP store's website. By the way, it is available for $99.00 USD via HP Kinpo, do not buy for the independents stores that marked them up to a price, where you could buy a laptop for a vintage Sunpak 6502 core processor.http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/NW250AA%2523ABA/1?jumpid=in_r329_personalization/browse1/home_PDPThe touch tablet Android is still out. HP will try to make more of them in a few months. Do not buy from independent store, because prices are marked up too high, too.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 19, 2011, 06:05:41 am
content: Quote from: Lawsen on September 19, 2011, 04:30:15 amThey only made a run of 10,000 of them.Dave.

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2011, 06:46:21 am
content: If someone think that this quality is just same as original Hewlett-Packard made calculator he maybe disappoint.These are only "looks like" cheap copy. I have many HP original calculators, even 85A with HPIB, and of course 71B with HPIL + HBIB etc. And then lot of these 2x, 3x, 4x models. 6x models I have not anymore becouse one people who collect these want pay so much that I can not answer no.As I look this video I can easy tell that this is only cheap "looks like" copy.Original HP have never done this kind of keyboard mechanism. I have original U.S.A. stamped 15C. This new 15C key design is different. (and of course daily use becouse it is so handy and I can key in numbers and operators with closed eyes, no need watch if keyboard make contact mistake etc)I have not seen inside this new but strongly I afraid that inside is some "cheap" bullshit, just as this bullshit "looks like" keyboard.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2011, 06:33:58 pm
content: HP sold out HP-15C Kinpo made calculators again and will restock once in awhile in their HP store website.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2011, 07:43:15 pm
content: My mistake, the HP-15C limited edition is ARM 7TDMI.http://eda360insider.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/eda360-and-the-hewlett-packard-15c-limited-edition-calculator/

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2012, 04:54:31 pm
content: fwiw, it looks like this model is now gone (fully removed, not even an 'out of stock' message) from hp.com

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2012, 06:31:28 pm
content: Quote from: linux-works on June 07, 2012, 04:54:31 pmThread resurrected, lol. The 15c can be had on Amazon for ~$95

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2012, 11:10:19 pm
content: for now, at least.my point is that I think the supply is gone and what's in vendor hands is it, with no more new ones being made.hard to believe hp had the whole link removed without even a 'thanks for all the fish' message or anything

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 12:49:47 am
content: Quote from: linux-works on June 07, 2012, 11:10:19 pmShame if that's true. You sure its not a supply chain problem? Did they announce that it will be discontinued?

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 02:47:56 am
content: Given the "Limited Edition" name, it is hardly surprising!

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 03:01:17 pm
content: Quote from: StubbornGreek on June 08, 2012, 12:49:47 amI have no inside info other than having JUST bought one a week ago from the hp store, direct; then going back to see if I could get a 2nd for a friend and while the page was there and let you press 'buy now' it would immediately turn to 'out of stock'. the very next day, all references to that purchase url were REMOVED. searches to 15c were returned as 'huh? what? we have no 15c? no idea what you are talking about, son!'. or to that effect.so, I'm gathering that this was it. end of run and all of HP's stock is gone. other vendors bought 1000 of them (I know one of them did) but HP seems to be done with this.

author: Divasson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 12:24:12 pm
content: Reissued again!!!HP15C Collector's EditionAvailable apparently in July - new production with new processor. Emulator modified to increase memory and programming steps (98 registers/672 steps)www.thecalculatorstore.com

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 04:01:07 pm
content: Cool!That is the second "Special Edition" HP 15c.Hopefully I get one this time...I own an original HP 11c and a new implementation of the HP 12c.The HP 15c is a pretty cool calculator, indeed.Apparently this series of calculators is so beautiful, because the height/width ratio uses the golden ratio (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio).Regards,Vitor

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 04:17:25 pm
content: Swiss Microshttps://www.swissmicros.com/productshas two versions that emulate the original -hp- 15C.The smaller one (credit-card size) is their "DM15"The larger one (similar size to the original) is their "DM15L"Reviews:https://jepspectro.com/htm/dm15.htm

author: Sal Ammoniac
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 04:32:37 pm
content: I've never cared much for the landscape HP calculators. Too hard to hold in hand while using. I much prefer the portrait format.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 05:05:57 pm
content: SwissMicros has two portrait-format units, the DM41X and DM42.See link above for their product line.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 05:22:58 pm
content: Quote from: Divasson on May 02, 2023, 12:24:12 pmIt must be darn expensive to print those trigonometric function names onto the key caps. Makes the 15C nearly twice as expensive as the 12C from the same company.By the way, these are no longer made by HP, but by Czech company Moravia under a brand license. Maybe that's why the calculators no longer bear the "Hewlett Packard" name in the lower left, but only the HP logo in the upper right?https://hpcalcs.com/product/hp-15c-collectors-edition/What I like better in these replicas vs. the SwissMicros is the shape of the keys. These seem to have the proper prism/wedge shape, while SwissMicros uses flat keys throughout to my knowledge.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 06:24:06 pm
content: My relatively new Swiss DM41X has flat keys, but they are a good size.The key-key pitch on the keyboard equals that of my old -hp- 11C.Without a prismatic keytop, the blue functions are on the panel for the Swiss DM41X.Both the original -hp- and the Swiss have the yellow functions on the panel.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 08:16:40 pm
content: If someone buys one, please report back on the feel of the keys (tactile). That was always the outstanding point on the original HPs.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 08:31:03 pm
content: It seems shipping will start only at the end of June.Also, no info on the number of units being manufactured - probably to increase pre-sales, that helps pay the investment. If this is a big, continuous run (as opposed to the LE with only 10.000 units), then I would just wait and buy it later.I was very excited earlier today, but now I am not so much anymore...Here is why:1) Already got an HP 11c2) 129 Euro is a lot of money for a calculator that is kind of limited in functionality (still better than the SwissMicro DM15)3) Will they relaunch a Colector's Edition of the HP 42? I would prefer that one...But then, the HP calculator that marked my life was the HP 48GX. I still have it, but it is broken. Got me a working HP48G, but I don't enjoy it, because it is not the GX.I have the 50G, but it is a bit different from the 48GX and does not feel as cool.So perhaps THE BEST HP to revive would be the HP 48GX?And at the end of my own reasoning: nah... I already got too many calculators and I barely use them. And when I use them, it is for adding some numbers.And yet, I still would like to have an HP 15c...

author: aeberbach
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 09:30:25 pm
content: I have a 48GX, a G2 Prime, 3 35S (two unopened)... from Swissmicros I have a DM16L and a DM42. Of course I need this!The only thing that worries me is modern HP. Will it be DRM-enabled and brick itself if I replace the batteries with Duracell?

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 10:11:53 pm
content: Quote from: Bicurico on May 02, 2023, 08:31:03 pmre1: which is nice, but for an EE missing the kick: complex number maths.re2: original HP-15C in good condition are around 300 Euro today. HP-12C you can get on every street corner (you know, the brown-nosing bank apprentice's version. Also available in silver).

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2023, 10:19:44 pm
content: I have and use my original HP15C every day.When the LE was released, I was lucky to get one and it is still in its original box.These calculators are very special and the "feel" of it is just perfect.Hopefully the new edition will be as good.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 08:20:04 am
content: I have pre-orderd one of the Collectors Edition.Quote from: ebastler on May 02, 2023, 05:22:58 pmMaybe another explanation is that the official company name no longer is "Hewlett Packard" but instead "HP"

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 11:00:58 am
content: Quote from: TimFox on May 02, 2023, 04:17:25 pmI have one and really like it

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 11:03:50 am
content: Someone in this Reddit threadhttps://www.reddit.com/r/calculators/comments/135jz5n/comment/jim9e6z/Says the keys will be painted, not injection molded.That said, just reserved a unit

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 11:23:28 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on May 03, 2023, 08:20:04 amAh, right -- assuming that the pocket calculator licensing rights staid with the laptop/printer company (HP), not the server company (Hewlett Packard Enterprise). Which sounds like a reasonable assumption.(Looks like the servers no longer have the "hp" logo, conversely. Brave new world...)

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 11:26:11 am
content: Quote from: pdenisowski on May 03, 2023, 11:03:50 amWell, as the product name states, this 15C is meant to be collected, not used.

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 12:34:31 pm
content: Quote from: ebastler on May 03, 2023, 11:26:11 amInteresting (and probably valid) observation, but I would definitely use mine. My SwissMicros clone has held up very well to daily use and travel, and I would expect a "genuine" HP15c ...even a "collector's edition" ... to do the same.

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 12:44:44 pm
content: Quote from: ebastler on May 02, 2023, 05:22:58 pmThe SwissMicros keys are beveled - see attached

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 12:46:13 pm
content: Quote from: Bicurico on May 02, 2023, 08:31:03 pmI spent a month's worth of food money to buy an HP48G in graduate school. Lost some weight, but it was worth it

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 02:18:06 pm
content: Quote from: pdenisowski on May 03, 2023, 12:46:13 pmWas kind of the same with me. Saved up a whole year of pocket money to buy the HP 48GX on my summer holidays in Germany. In Portugal this machine was not available.I purchased a software collection, too. It came on 3.5" HD MS-Disks, which my Amiga 500 could not read, so I spent quite some time at my friend's home converting to low density disks... I discovered that most cool programs would not run on the GX because they way made for the SX.Still it was (is) a great machine. I became an "A" student thanks to this calculator. I programmed all kind of exercises to automate whatever came up in exams. One example was the SIMPLEX algorithm. While others failed to get the right result due to numerous calculation errors when dealing with the matrix, I had my own software that would print each step: I just had to copy the results to the exam. Don't consider that cheating, because I developed the software myself as a form of studying the subject. Had this approach on many courses. Helped me to stay interested in the otherwise boring subjects, while getting the exercises 100% right... Good old times.It is kind of sad that you face so many math problems during University and then, when you start to actually work, Excel is often more than enough...Sometimes I just use a CAD software to calculate the intersection point of to curves or whatever. Why calculate manually?Yesterday, my students pointed me to this site:https://www.integral-calculator.com/It is free and helps with integrals in a mind blowing way (compared to what I had available in the 80ies/90ies).Still wondering if I will shell out 129 Euro or not...

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 02:54:13 pm
content: Quote from: pdenisowski on May 03, 2023, 12:44:44 pmLooking again at my Swiss DM41X, I see that the keys are beveled, with inclined tops, but only have one number/symbol on each key as opposed to my -hp- 11C with two symbols on each key.The 11C key has a flat top and a bevel towards the bottom edge with a second symbol.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 07:51:30 pm
content: Quote from: pdenisowski on May 03, 2023, 12:44:44 pmYour picture looksnothinglike an original HP-15C. Those SwissMicro keys look really cheap.Here's an original 80s HP-15C (picture not as nice as yours, I'm a lousy photographer):

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 08:03:41 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on May 03, 2023, 08:20:04 amBeing owner of an original HP-15C, you're in a perfect position to write a critique and compare the two. I look very much forward to it when you receive the new CE.TIA.

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 09:43:34 pm
content: Quote from: Benta on May 03, 2023, 07:51:30 pmOh, I agree completely that the original HP15C feels much nicer, but when mine finally gave up the ghost, even a used replacement cost more than a new SwissMicros. Now that I’m not in school anymore and not punching the keys 1000s of times a day, the SwissMicros has been more than sufficiently durable for my needs.I preordered one of the “new” HP15s and would be happy to do a side by side when I get it.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 09:50:31 pm
content: Quote from: pdenisowski on May 03, 2023, 09:43:34 pmI look forward to that.

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2023, 03:23:00 pm
content: Well, I am the proud owner of the holy trinity: An original HP15C, the limited edition and today the collector's edition arrived

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2023, 10:40:51 pm
content: Quote from: RAPo on July 26, 2023, 03:23:00 pmYou know what to do:Post a review!