calculators
116) HP-12C Calculator
08/09/07
Dear Henry,
Over the years, I agree with you about 99% of the time. However, I think the recent article on math for appraisers does a disservice to your readers in that you insist they use a less than optimum calculator. While I, too learned on the 12-C, about ten years ago I began teaching from the HP 10-B.
Unlike the 12-C, you do not have to teach the students how to do simple functions such as add, subtract, multiply and divide. Like most calculators (except the 12-C), the 10-B is 100% intuitive for these basic functions. In addition it does all the time value and other functions of the 12-C, using very similar strokes. Finally, it costs about ½ as much.
The only thing that it will not do, as compared with the 12-C, is that you cannot program it. However, over the years, I believe I have met only two appraisers who actually program their 12-C. In my personal opinion the 12-C is outmoded and only cultural inertia keeps it going. Your article contributed to that cultural inertia.
Lee F. Butzin, ASA, MBA • Oak Island, NC 28465 • leebutzin@earthlink.net
Dear Lee,
Thank you for your interesting comment on the HP-12C. I am about to finish off the Statistics Modeling and Financing Book that will be part of our AQB Residential License series. I continue to be concerned about which calculator or calculators I should use in the book.
I have been leaning towards the HP12c based on the fact that most advanced appraisers I have interviewed tell me that they find it best for statistics (especially standard deviation), mortgage calculations and the calculations for mean, median and mode. It also seems to be the most popular one used by certified appraisers. Recently, I heard there is a new HP calculator that uses both RPN and regular calculation. I plan to investigate that one further.
Finally, I agree that few appraisers use the programable features of their calculator or seem to need a tape.
H2
Dear Henry,
Thanks for your fast response regarding my preference for the HP-10B. You seemed to indicate that it is the statistical strengths of the 12-C that attract you. I did not mention that the HP-10B also handles the most used statistical functions, including Standard Deviation. And like everything else, the strokes are quite intuitive.
You did agree with me that few people use the programmable feature of the 12-C.
I am still not persuaded that my $29.95 10-B is not a superior choice. I would be grateful if you would give my thoughts some press. I find that change comes slowly to appraisers.
Incidentally, I appreciate your work and I own many of your publications.
Lee F. Butzin
Over the years, I agree with you about 99% of the time. However, I think the recent article on math for appraisers does a disservice to your readers in that you insist they use a less than optimum calculator. While I, too learned on the 12-C, about ten years ago I began teaching from the HP 10-B.
Unlike the 12-C, you do not have to teach the students how to do simple functions such as add, subtract, multiply and divide. Like most calculators (except the 12-C), the 10-B is 100% intuitive for these basic functions. In addition it does all the time value and other functions of the 12-C, using very similar strokes. Finally, it costs about ½ as much.
The only thing that it will not do, as compared with the 12-C, is that you cannot program it. However, over the years, I believe I have met only two appraisers who actually program their 12-C. In my personal opinion the 12-C is outmoded and only cultural inertia keeps it going. Your article contributed to that cultural inertia.
Lee F. Butzin, ASA, MBA • Oak Island, NC 28465 • leebutzin@earthlink.net
Dear Lee,
Thank you for your interesting comment on the HP-12C. I am about to finish off the Statistics Modeling and Financing Book that will be part of our AQB Residential License series. I continue to be concerned about which calculator or calculators I should use in the book.
I have been leaning towards the HP12c based on the fact that most advanced appraisers I have interviewed tell me that they find it best for statistics (especially standard deviation), mortgage calculations and the calculations for mean, median and mode. It also seems to be the most popular one used by certified appraisers. Recently, I heard there is a new HP calculator that uses both RPN and regular calculation. I plan to investigate that one further.
Finally, I agree that few appraisers use the programable features of their calculator or seem to need a tape.
H2
Dear Henry,
Thanks for your fast response regarding my preference for the HP-10B. You seemed to indicate that it is the statistical strengths of the 12-C that attract you. I did not mention that the HP-10B also handles the most used statistical functions, including Standard Deviation. And like everything else, the strokes are quite intuitive.
You did agree with me that few people use the programmable feature of the 12-C.
I am still not persuaded that my $29.95 10-B is not a superior choice. I would be grateful if you would give my thoughts some press. I find that change comes slowly to appraisers.
Incidentally, I appreciate your work and I own many of your publications.
Lee F. Butzin