17bII+ Review

At a Glance
Our Verdict
Best for
Finance professionals, business students, and anyone requiring a dedicated, powerful financial calculator with advanced equation-solving capabilities.
Value
Good
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Overview
The HP 17bII+ is a robust financial calculator renowned for its dual input logic (RPN and Algebraic), powerful HP Solve application, and comprehensive suite of financial functions. It's a reliable tool for finance professionals and students, though its lack of graphing or advanced scientific capabilities limits its scope beyond business applications.
Detailed Review
Key Features
- Dual input logic: Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) and Algebraic
- Powerful HP Solve application for custom equation solving
- Comprehensive financial functions: TVM, amortization, cash flow (NPV, IRR), bonds, depreciation, break-even
- Statistical functions: One-variable and two-variable statistics
- Date calculations, list-based memory for cash flows and data
- 22-digit, 2-line LCD display with menu-driven interface
- Robust build quality with tactile keys
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent for financial and business calculations
- Powerful HP Solve application for custom equations
- Choice of RPN or Algebraic input logic
- Durable build quality and tactile keys
- Clear, 2-line display for easy navigation and results
Reasons to Avoid
- No graphing capabilities
- No Computer Algebra System (CAS)
- Limited scientific functions compared to dedicated scientific calculators
- RPN can have a learning curve for new users (though Algebraic mode is available)
- No connectivity for data transfer or updates
Technical Specifications
- display type
- LCD
- screen size
- 2-line, 22-digit (alphanumeric top, numeric bottom)
- battery type
- CR2032 (x2)
- power source
- Battery
- number of functions
- Over 250
- programming capability
- yes (via HP Solve and list functions)
- graphing capability
- no
- CAS
- no
- connectivity
- None
- dimensions
- Approximately 14.5 x 8.1 x 1.5 cm (5.7 x 3.2 x 0.6 inches)
- weight
- Approximately 110g (3.9 oz)
- build quality
- High-quality plastic, robust construction with tactile keys
At a Glance
Our Verdict
Best for
Finance professionals, business students, and anyone requiring a dedicated, powerful financial calculator with advanced equation-solving capabilities.
Value
Good
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.