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Calculator12 RPN app for iPhone and iPad


4.0 ( 7520 ratings )
Business Finance
Developer: Stone Meadow Development LLC
1.99 USD
Current version: 4.2.3, last update: 3 years ago
First release : 12 Feb 2019
App size: 20.24 Mb

More than 30 years ago we saw the birth of the most popular financial calculator ever created--you probably had one (and probably still do!).

Calculator12 puts a rock solid emulation of that calculator on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, whether you need it for school or are looking to retire old faithful. What you get is true (albeit non-programmable) emulation with 100% compatible operation keystroke for screentap and computational and operational reliability every bit as good as the original.

But wait, theres more! (sorry about that). Calculator12 is not stuck in the 80s. You have the option to work with cash flows in the cash flow diagram format, changing values or inserting/deleting cash flows with just a tap. Three independent cash flow scenarios can be evaluated side-by-side, and with capital multiplication you can evaluate an exit strategy for outside investors. Results can be emailed from Calculator12 so you dont have to redo things like an amortization schedule or comparative investment report at your lap or desktop.

And you can see what was once hidden... the contents of the financial registers or optionally the stack are always displayed. For me at least confirming the accuracy of my entries relieves a lot of anxiety and prevents confusion when the results dont stack up. Its not programmable, but advance payment leasing functions have been pre-programmed in as well as conversions to APR and Effective Rate to fill some of the gaps. And it is blisteringly fast--what used to take 30 seconds now is done almost before your finger leaves the touchscreen.

Calculator12 was the very first emulator of that physical machine on the App Store, v1.0 released July 30th of 2008, introducing features (now almost universally copied) that take advantage of the unique features of iOS to improve your ability to deal with financial problem solving. There are lots of emulators now, but only one that has moved out of the 80s. (this one!)

*** This application listing provides an upgrade path for early adopters to the redesigned and renamed Calc-12E. It is identical to Calc-12E and is maintained on the App Store to provide a way for existing customers to upgrade their original purchase to Calc-12E free-of-charge... It will appear on your home screen as Calc12E***

Pros and cons of Calculator12 RPN app for iPhone and iPad

Calculator12 RPN app good for

When I found this, I fell in love, but then I found another app with all the buttons on the 12c for free, then I kicked myself. Good calculator though. App has been updated, star rating changed accordingly!
I have been waiting for a 12C emulator for the iphone. I have been using this calculator for over 25 years and as an emulator on my Palm for 5 years. So far, it has matched all my comparison tests. Now I only have to carry one device with me.
Great app, saves carying around the old trusty 12C. Needs to have the bond calculations implemented as that is an important feature for business/investment applications.
There have been many HP-12C emulators for the Mac, some available from Apples web site for years. Apparently HP doesnt or cant mind. Recall that this classic had its 25th anniversary a year or three ago. Perhaps HP is being nice or perhaps any design patent or copyright has expired, and you cant patent math. Other emulators for the Mac include Bond calculations and programmability, and even emulate the higher-capacity Platinum model, hence the deduction of one star for this first iPhone implementation. At least one major writer of these emulators, who has written for many HP models, tells me he is working on an iPhone version but it wont be ready until much later this year; hence if you like this calculator and use it a lot, it is perhaps worth the price. Be clear, though, that you are paying for the privilege of not carrying around your existing HP calculator, not for the functionality itself, since it is likely most buyers of this emulator already own one or more HP units. For sentimental reasons many who have relied on this calculator since HP first introduced it willl be willing to pay. If not, dont complain. Just dont buy it. Eventually competition will drive the price down. Early adopters usually pay a premium as early owners of the first iPhone know quite well. Remember that many complainers on the iPhone app store are really saying "I want it but cant afford it" Thats their business not that of the rest of us. Perhaps Apple should limit reviews to actual purchasers. Its not hard so to do.
OK. Ive owned an h/p 12c since they first came out (and know how to use it) and frankly, this app is as good, and now there is one less thing to carry around. Other reviewers miss the point: the idea here is to replicate the user interface of the 12c, not create a cool new calculator, hence the "old fashioned" appearance. Sure, you can get a "financial" calculator for $10, but if you are used to the 12c, you want the same functionality, just in the iPhone. And please, stop all the whining about "these apps are too expensive!" If $20 cost is a problem, you probably dont need the application. Yes, it would be nice to have the R/S key and programability, but that didnt stop me from buying!
Purchased last week and got great support to a simple question. As a real estate analyst the availability of cash flow functions such as IRR, PV, FV and PMT in my I-Phone is reallly handy. Now I dont have to carry phone + calculator. Only thing it needs is a "click" sound at the push of a key. Also, the price is reasonable as compared to purchasing a second calculator in the cost range of $80 +. Great Job!!

Some bad moments

some key functions show error messages. no support. it costs $20. I am ripped off my money. now I have to buy another. what is the point? this is the equivalent of stealing..... I think all positive reviews are fake. the calculator cannot perform simple operations such as find I when PV, FV and N are given. As well it does not find N. DISAPPOINTING.
Try the free 12C Lite (excellent implementation) or the amazing $7.99 i41CXp (super powerful - financial solver In PPC rom add on) instead. This program fails basic calcs miserably (i.e. Cant solve for Interest given PV, PMT, & FV). No excuse. Developer gouged on price for much needed functionality then failed to deliver!
Dont buy it. Its simply not worth the money. I waited for some improvement but the developer seems to reluctant to improve it. Thank god there is finally 12c Classic from RML software. Even the free version (12c Lite) is better than this one. The $9.99 version is almost perfect, with a brilliant portrait mode. My previous comments : Comments from a long time 12C fanatic : 1) key clicks is a must. 2) i would prefer classic 12C display fonts 3) graphics need refinement. keys should be more distinguishable. 4) too enpensive, the free app during pre 2.0 days was a much much better implementation of 12C 5) and please change the splash screen. a larger version of the icon would be much nicer. I am confident and hopefull that the developer will refine this app soon.
Im a long time HP user (I got an HP-15c when I was 10). This is just terrible. The first version was clunky. The latest version is just a joke, it doesnt even look like the screenshot you see in iTunes page. Just take a look at, for example, i41cx+... That is emulation, not this joke.
Where is my 12C? This alleged "upgrade" I just downloaded and installed is crap!!! If I wanted a 12 E I would have purchaced it. Dont bait and switch on me. GIVE ME BACK MY 12C!!!
Why is it that every other upgrade changes its ability to do a simple loan or savings interest calculation. Please fix..... I think a financial calculator should at least be able to do that. Is there a way to go back to the pre update version that could actually calculate????