HP 33s Calculator

A culmination, of sorts, of all previous mid-level HP calculators - released to commemrorate the introduction of the 'original' HP-35. All the functionality of the HP-33, without the funky 'chicklet' keys and 'spaced-out' appearance; and with additional indirect programming. Both RPN-mode and ALGEBRAIC-mode capable. it would appear to serve the needs of most anyone up to and including graduate-level biology-chemistry-geology-engi​neer types - it may soon be approved for use on the Professional Engineering Exam - as is the Hp-33.

Do I like all of its functions? Well, no, I still think a dedicated Rectangular/Polar conversion would be more useful than having a 'mode-display shift', and key placement is taking a while to get accustomed to.

Is the calculator immediately useful? Yes! I am used to the Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), having used it since 1975, but an Algebraic mode is available as well for those willing to put up with multiple parentheses. I *DO* wish the manual was available as a RPN-Only or ALG-Only, so all examples would be more useable. And I'd like it if the manual would go into more detail about some items (although on-line help on a variety of subjects is available at the HP site).

The ability to write an EQUATION and have the calculator prompt for inputs (even in programming mode) is great, and the SOLVE function makes short work of various complex problems.

The ARRAY functions and complex-number arithmetic capabilities are Outstanding, and are fully programmable - enter an array [ppp, qqq, rrr], another [sss, ttt, uuu] and instantly find Dot-product or other vector manipulations. Enter complex-number arrays [nnnieee, mmmiddd, llliccc] and calculate with them!

The Unit Conversions are more than just basic Kg-Lb, C-F, Km-Mi, etcetera; there is a fairly complete library of basic physical and mathematical constants (which apparently may NOT be added to) and which may be easily entered in formulas or recalled for use.

The Statistics functions are useful and complete, giving of: SX, SY, SXY, Sx^2, SY^2, and n (Where Sum = (S)).

The four-level 'program-stack' makes it easy to get and use intermediate solutions (at least in RPN mode) without having to store and recall intermediate answers.

Programming appears to be straight-forward, with memories A through Z available for programs, and indirect addressing to expand this functionality (I am still investigating this aspect).

What it Does Not do: Well, it IS NOT a graphic calculator. But then, do you really NEED a graphics calculator for basic (or even advanced) everyday use? Maybe not. The size and weight of the HP-35 lends itself well to having it available almost everywhere.

The zippered fully-protective case is well thought-out, and appears to be durable and functional.

Personally, I find the key layout (functional grouping) and key construction to be far better than other competing calculators. The functions are internally consistent, in that Sin(nn) is (in RPN mode): nn Sin, and Y^X is always nn rr 'Y^X' not sometimes the function then the argument while other times the argument Then the function: the calculation methodology is always the same.

I find the calculator to be an excellent bargain for the money.

'Wish-List': What I would *REALLY* like would be just a little Mini-USB in/out port so programs could be loaded without having to key everything in (and maybe Printed as well).

I got this calculator for the PE exam. I really had no choice but now I like it a lot. It is very good, easy to use and I like to have the choice of RPN and algebraic data-entry modes. I still prefer my old HP 50g but unfortunately I can't use that one on the PE exam.

For all us older engineer types who can not us a regular calculatot HP has at last made a new RPN calculator that can also be converted to TI format (=). The enter and pi key where relocated, which takes a little geting used to, but all in all it is an execelent Calculator that does not cost an arm and a leg and is not 20 years old.

Love this calculator; I originally got it to take for the FE exam, but it's one that i'm going to keep. It has all the funcionality one would need except having the graphing capability. It's nice being able to switch from Reverse Polar Notation to normal and vice versa. nice display. compact design.

The HP 33s is now one of the few calculators allowed for use in many exams.
It is a usefull calculator but a bit hard to use and program. I bought this one as a back-up for use on my upcomming exam. The use and storage function on the equition list on this machine is also very handy.