CFA exam calculator HP12C or TI BA II

This is a joke right? Or are you that big of a nerd?

I used both. First HP12C, then the TI, then back to HP, I prefered the HP obviosly, because once you get all the functions figured out it seems much more convienent, less steps to do the same thing.

But out of my class of 50 or so kids, I think there were only 2 of us with the HP, the rest had the TIs.

So my answer is, get whatever you are comfortable with using.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet..

TI BA II. HP is outdated. Your welcome.

I used the TI. I would say 90% of people do. Try both and go with what you are more comfortable with.

to get the CFA designation i thought you need to work for a financial company

destroys the BA II

BA II is good. Easy to use.

I'm a big enough nerd that I have both. Actually, I bought the 12c then thought I had lost it, bought the TI and found the 12c later. I use the 12c more, though..

Ke 18sb, you need to work for four years in a financial position.

I have the TI and i like it so far.

BA II just because thats what im using right now

reverse polar notation on 12c will significantly speed up your calculations once you get used to it

No love for the HP12C? People get thrown off by the reverse polish, but I think once you learn it, it's the best way to go.

Looks cooler too.

12c..outdated maybe, but very useful. Grab the updated version with more memory..translates to quicker calculations.

Learn the HP 12-C. Once you get used to RPN it is much more efficient. My bank handed out 12c's to all the analysts when I started and I've been using it ever since.

what brand of pencil should I use when I take the CFA in June?

does your HP12C takes a millinieum to calculate interest too? That annoys the crap out of me, N? PV? PMT? FV? no problem...i? takes it like 5 minutes

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

dude use the 12c platnium edition. This isn't a joke. It exists. I have it and it is phenomenal.

It is what all the hedge fund guys are using these days.

Yes, it takes time to "think." IRRs take ~15 - 20 seconds.

Admittedly a terrible feature. And for whatever reason, HP didn't improve the calculation time when they rolled out the 12C Platinum a few years ago.

Are you serious about the reverse polar? I always got worried about having to learn it... ive never even seen it actually.

what am i doing here. im not even taking the CFA this sitting...

Anniversary Edition is 6x faster.

RPN is really easy to learn and you'll love it when you try it...

I can't use normal calculators anymore. Too slow and annoying.

Why is the 10BII outlawed thats such crap I love that calculator

RPN is better for doing IRR, NPV, etc calculations. It takes 2 hours (or less, if you're smarter than I) to flip through the manual, do some practice calcs, and get used to the new method.

ExGS--I'm not convinced that the 12c platinum is so much better than the original (and I have both). Only difference I can tell is the new look, and the ability to do algebraic notation.

The calculations are still as slow as the original (which is perhaps the only glaring weakness of the HP versus TI).

Anybody disagree?

probably has step by step functions for stuff you are supposed to know by heart

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

I heard that hp market research in the early 90's found that people didnt trust the calculations if they came back too quickly, so they didnt improve the speed.

I own both because one professor made me use one and another professor made me use the other. Personally, I like the 12c. I found it to be simpler to use once you get used to RPN.

Realistically, I'd say you only need the calculator on less than 50% of CFA level 1 exam. As a result, it's not like the choice will make or break you.

TI II PLus is easier to use.

kaplan schweser study materials assume you are using the BA II plus so if you are using schweser notes then get the TI. I would get the basic version and get two of them because in the unlikely event one craps out during the exam you have a back up and don't need to fumble with batteries. A silver calculator does not make you a BSD. passing does.

I have both, and brought both to the L2 exam, hp all the way. tvm calcs are a lot quicker, the calculator has more heft (won't get broken if you accidentally step on it), it has a cult following (my dad's been in banking 30+ years and is only on his 2nd 12c), and the metal on the front makes for a nice place to carve your name and personalize it :).

FD: I have the 12c platinum, I never use rpn, and I still find it to be better than the ti baii plus. on the other side of that, I have a buddy of mine who swears by the ba ii, so to each his own I suppose.

HP 12c has both old school and snob apeal.