HP re-releases classic computer science calculator: The HP-16C

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Nostalgia and Emotional Attachment

  • Many commenters still own original HP-16C, 15C, 11C, 12C, 21, 28S, 32S, 42S, 48-series, and 50g units; most still work decades later with minimal battery changes.
  • The feel of the keys and reliability over decades are repeatedly described as unmatched and a major source of affection.
  • Several people say their HP calculator is among their most prized possessions or formative tools in their careers and education.

RPN and Usability

  • Strong praise for RPN/stack-based workflows: fewer keystrokes, no parentheses, easy to build complex expressions from the inside out.
  • Some cannot use non-RPN calculators anymore; others never adapted and actively dislike RPN, wishing for a non-RPN programmer’s calculator.
  • RPN is framed as user-efficiency, not just historical implementation efficiency.

Build Quality and Authenticity Concerns

  • This reissue is via an “official HP licensee,” not HP’s original calculator division; HP moved away from in‑house manufacturing long ago.
  • Reissued 15C “Collector’s Edition” is criticized for lower display quality, key feel, colors, and back design versus originals.
  • Originals had premium construction (e.g., double-shot keycaps, sophisticated key domes, very long battery life), which people doubt will be fully replicated.
  • Some say modern Voyagers are convincing replicas but not true equals; keyboard feel is the main open question for the 16C reissue.

Emulation and Internals

  • New units reportedly use ARM microcontrollers emulating the original “Nut” CPU.
  • One side calls this wasteful; others argue it’s the only practical way to reuse the original firmware and numeric behavior for a tiny niche market.

Alternatives: SwissMicros, Apps, and Other Models

  • SwissMicros DM16L/DM16C, DM42/42n, DM41X are heavily recommended and widely praised as high-quality “tank-like” modern clones.
  • Multiple mobile apps (HP48/Free42/iHP48, Droid48, etc.) and Unix tools (e.g., dc) are used, but many insist they cannot replace physical keys and stack-centric workflow.
  • Some want reissues of other models (especially 42S, 48, 49/50g) more than the 16C.

Use Cases and Audience

  • 16C is valued for bit/word-size work, hex/binary/decimal conversions, bit-twiddling, and quick programmable simulations of low-level logic.
  • Others see it as mostly nostalgic; modern tools or OS calculators can do similar work.
  • Debate over price and value: some consider ~$117 fair or even cheaper than used originals; others feel it should be far cheaper or dismiss it as a luxury/collector item.
  • Thread reflects a broader retro/collector culture around calculators, distinct from high-end “art” calculators like recent boutique Casio models.