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

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

HP’s classic HP-16C programmer’s calculator is being reissued under an official HP license, triggering strong nostalgia among longtime users who praise its RPN workflow, bit-twiddling features, and famously durable original hardware. Many are enthusiastic but skeptical about whether the new “Collector’s Edition” matches the key feel, build quality, and battery longevity of 1980s models, noting that it likely runs the old firmware emulated on a modern ARM chip. Others point to SwissMicros clones, mobile apps, and REPLs as alternatives, underscoring both a small but passionate market for high-end physical calculators and a broader trend toward retro, collectible tech.

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.