Calculator: HP12C versus TI BAII Plus

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EMAILNOTICES>noCould anyone advise which calculator is more useful, faster to key-in, easier to use, more functional etc for the CFA exams:
HP12C calculator versus the Texas Instruments BAII Plus
 
EMAILNOTICES>noHP 12C = $69
TI BAIIplus = $35
Apparently, the HP is more popular and is faster to key in.
 
EMAILNOTICES>noI don't have the HP 12C, I have the 10B (honestly, I haven't a clue what the difference is). In the past I've also had the BAII Plus. I went through 2 of the BAII+'s in my first two years of business school, and have had the HP for a few years now, and haven't even had to change the battery, so the HP seems more durable. I prefer the inputs on the HP I have to the BAII+, but I suspect it's a personal preference thing more than anything.
 
EMAILNOTICES>noHere is a reply from Dr. Temte from 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."
 
EMAILNOTICES>noI bought a BA II Plus and I think it is very easy to use and is a lot cheaper. I would recommend it to the people in the CFA program.
 
HP all the way baby!Actually, it really doesn't matter that much. I am partial to HP, but I would advise that a person try both in a demo and chose the one they want to live with after the CFA Program. Speed of entry will not be critical, even for L2.
 
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