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The HP 20S is an excellent Calculator. It is a do-it all scientific calculator, and despite being Algebraic Entry is very useful and compact. The button feel and accuracy are very attractive features of this calculator. *Self test by Pressing the [C] key and [y^x]. Press any key and begin the keyboard test left to right and top to bottom. *Reset by pressing [C] and [LN]. If you're looking for RPN, buy the HP32sii- they look very similar, but inside they are not. The 32sii costs twice as much, but is worth it. Related Calculators: The 20S is a part of the Pioneer Series of HP calculators made from 1989 until 2000 or 2001. The Pioneer 10-series contained the Business Calculators: the HP 10b, 14b, 17b, 17bii. The Pioneer 20-series contained the scientific (algebraic) calculators including the 20S, 21S (Statistics), 22S and 27S. Lastly, the Pioneer 30 and 40 series contained the high-end RPN scientific series: 32S, 32sii, and the 42S.Read full review
The Hewlett Packard Scientific Calculator Model 20s was their more "middle of the road" model that was first released mid-year 1986, but has a copyright of 1987 on the back. Which has to do with the fact that when Hewlett Packard released a new model calculator they released it mid year for the next model year like car companies did with their cars. But unlike car companies the model could go unchanged for years until they discontinued the model and replaced it with a new one. This particular calculator went unchanged all through its long lifespan, being discontinued in 1993, and being replaced with the 38s in 1994 which is still being made to this day, with some minor cosmetic changes from the original and a 2-line screen whereas the original only had a single-line screen like this one and a fraction bar button. Like I stated earlier this was the poor-man's scientific calculator being only priced in at around $99 ($200 in today's money) vs. the 28s scientific calculator that they made at the same time which was the top of the line scientific calculator that HP made at that time which would of cost around $300 ($608 in today's money.) This calculator has many useful features and also lacks many useful features as well. For example this particular model calculator featured various conversions (e.g. centimeters to inches, or kilograms to pounds etc.) which is a very nifty and handy feature for when you need to convert measurements for work or school. One of the features it lacked that would of been nice for it to of had was a fraction bar button. Which it was rather odd that HP left out that feature on this calculator because the Texas Instruments TI-30X Calculator (which was Texas Instruments' equivalent of this calculator) had a fraction bar button with it. Which was what confused me when I looked up the specs on this calculator because at first I thought I might of just not been looking in the right spot for it or that it might of just looked different than the Texas Instruments version of the fraction bar button, but nope that wasn't the case, they just never included it. So in all practicality this calculator is pretty much "you get what you pay for" so to speak, and that is a "cheap, basic calculator that basically fits the needs of the everyday Joe that just needed a scientific calculator for school or work but didn't want to pay a premium price to get one. Its amazing to think that this basic featured scientific calculator cost $100 when it was brand new back in 1987 when now a days you can pay only $20 for one now and even still have all of the features that this one didn't even have. Another discouraging feature of this calculator is the fact that it takes 3 "357" button cell batteries which can get kind of costly to replace especially when a 3 pack of "357" button cells costs as much as a 24-pack of "AA" batteries, which means that its not very economical to power this calculator vs. the Texas Instruments equivalent of this calculator the TI-30X which ran off of 2 "AA" batteries, and had just as many features as this calculator had for the same price back then. I probably wouldn't of bought this calculator back then. The only reason why I bought this was because I wanted to have a HP calculator in my collection, and I couldn't justify the 28s because people on here was asking $500+ for them, and it wasn't worth it for a "cool calculator" to add to my collection and to use at school for the "throwback" effect.Read full review
This is a very sturdy and well mad calculator. The keys are crisp and solid. The markings are very easy to read. I have only just begun using it. I used to have a 48GX and am preferential to the RPN style input. This uses algebraic. It's a fine inexpensive calculator. I have not used any of the programming functions.
The HP-20s is a great calculator. It features easy-to-use algebraic entry and a built-in program library of over 100 built-in scientific and mathematical functions. This powerful built-in program library eliminates the need to input frequently-used functions such as root finder, Simpson’s Rule of integration, complex number operations, 3x3 matrix operations, quadratic formula, and curve fitting programs. When using the HP-20s, these features are available at the touch of a key. Essential trig and math functions for scientific applications are of course available. Sine, cosine and tangent, or exponential, natural log and antilog functions are only a few of the functions that can be used with the 20s. The HP-20s performs English / metric conversions and fast conversions for mass, distance, volume and temperature. Introduced in 1989, this calculator belongs to the last rock solid series of calculators produced by Hewlett-Packard at the end of 90's. You can place it in the pocket of your shirt and forget about it. Thin, light and efficient, you will appreciate its black stylish dress! HP made its name on calculators and this model is one of those that reminds us why!!! The HP-20S has been produced first in USA and Singapor (we can identify it because it shows 5 rubber feet on the back) and secondly in Indonesia (this one shows 3 rubber feet only on the back). The american and singaporian models are the one to look for, particularly if you are a collector (USA one is the best). Keep an Indonesian model if you like variations.Read full review
Very robust, reliable, algebrai function, touch sense keys, great layout, raised keys, easily fits into a shirt pocket, comprehensive manual. Purchased as a backup when my first one "dies".
Verified purchase: Yes
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