I’ve had three of the silver ones, they all had the same problem with the keyboard, where sometimes the first number after clearing wouldn’t register. Try typing clr, 1, = repeatedly in fairly quick succession. Or hitting the clear button twice rapidly, then 1. At least that triggers it for me. Unfortunately it happens in real life frequently, and I’ve lost confidence in using it. I loved the original one, the new one lets you change batteries without losing your solver equations. Such a disappointment.
Bought the original when pursuing my MBA in 1990. Still have it, still works; love it. Occasionally, I pursue purchasing a replacement. However, I can never find anything better.
My dad had a 19BII business consultant - I still have it now. Very clever machine, and he used it daily. Only thing is a row of keys is dead - on the alphabetic side
I still have my HP-17BII with case and manual. Worked in finance years ago, not used since. Every now and again I think about putting fresh batteries in and working out yields. Back in 1998 I think I paid £120, was not a cheap machine.
Even though my favorite business calculator for frequent applications is still the HP-12c, yet I also like my original HP-17BII - in particular to use it when I need a printout via the IR port.
I think it is because of the quality of the materials with which calculators are made. Maybe even the hp 48Sx. There are others calculators aesthetically very good (hp 48g, hp 49g, hp 50g, hp 17bii+ silver, hp 10bii+), but poor material quality.
I’ve had three of the silver ones, they all had the same problem with the keyboard, where sometimes the first number after clearing wouldn’t register. Try typing clr, 1, = repeatedly in fairly quick succession. Or hitting the clear button twice rapidly, then 1. At least that triggers it for me. Unfortunately it happens in real life frequently, and I’ve lost confidence in using it. I loved the original one, the new one lets you change batteries without losing your solver equations. Such a disappointment.
Thanks for the insightful comments.
Bought the original when pursuing my MBA in 1990. Still have it, still works; love it. Occasionally, I pursue purchasing a replacement. However, I can never find anything better.
Old is gold
Excellent video Antony! I thought I knew most of the history of this model but I learned several things that I did not know. Long live the 6502 core!
Original is by far the best. Use it all the time.
My dad had a 19BII business consultant - I still have it now. Very clever machine, and he used it daily. Only thing is a row of keys is dead - on the alphabetic side
I still have my HP-17BII with case and manual. Worked in finance years ago, not used since. Every now and again I think about putting fresh batteries in and working out yields. Back in 1998 I think I paid £120, was not a cheap machine.
Please do remove any batteries if you are storing for any significant length of time :)
@@Quidisi Took the old batteries out years ago. Still have the original manual book too.
The latest version has the best display, but the original has the best software, and better keyboard.
Even though my favorite business calculator for frequent applications is still the HP-12c, yet I also like my original HP-17BII - in particular to use it when I need a printout via the IR port.
I prefer the silver 17BII+, followed by the original, then the 2003 version.
Old HP calculators have a certain special feel I've never found anywhere else.
I think it is because of the quality of the materials with which calculators are made. Maybe even the hp 48Sx. There are others calculators aesthetically very good (hp 48g, hp 49g, hp 50g, hp 17bii+ silver, hp 10bii+), but poor material quality.
"design"