The HP 30b (NW238AA, variously codenamed "Big Euro", "Mid Euro" and "Fox"
) is a
programmablefinancial calculator
A financial calculator or business calculator is an electronic calculator that performs financial functions commonly needed in business and commerce communities (simple interest, compound interest, cash flow, amortization, conversion, cost/sell/ma ...
from
HP which was released on 7 January 2010.
The HP 30b is an advanced version of the HP's prior model
HP 20b. Featuring a two line alpha numeric display, ability to
input data via
Reverse Polish Notation
Reverse Polish notation (RPN), also known as reverse Łukasiewicz notation, Polish postfix notation or simply postfix notation, is a mathematical notation in which operators ''follow'' their operands, in contrast to Polish notation (PN), in whi ...
, Algebraic and normal
Chain algebraic methods, and twelve digit display.
This
ARM
In human anatomy, the arm refers to the upper limb in common usage, although academically the term specifically means the upper arm between the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) and the elbow joint. The distal part of the upper limb between the ...
powered calculator also has some limited scientific functions which is relatively rare in financial calculators. Also, it has a built in
Black-Scholes Equation,
for calculating theoretical premium for calls and puts,
Modified Internal Rate of Return and
Financial Management Rate of Return, a first.
It is one of the fastest calculators available, even faster than HP's flagship model
50g under normal usage conditions because the 30b runs native ARM code while the 50g emulates Saturn code even though it executes at 75 MHz. The 30b is also acclaimed by users for its improved rotate-and-click keys than the much criticized keys on the HP 20b.
The HP 30b is not allowed in any major exam like CFA Charter exam.
HP 40b
At some point HP planned to release a HP 40b, a version of the HP 30b with added USB port, the capability to load precompiled programs into the calculator from the PC and to use the calculator as an external keypad for a PC. However, only a few prototypes were ever produced.
WP 31S, WP 34S and WP 34C
As with the
HP 20b, the HP 30b's
firmware
In computing, firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. Firmware, such as the BIOS of a personal computer, may contain basic functions of a device, and may provide h ...
can be overwritten ("
flashed") using a computer and a special cable. Taking advantage of this facility, a team of HP calculator enthusiasts has produced a firmware for converting the 30b into a
programmable scientific calculator
A scientific calculator is an electronic calculator, either desktop or handheld, designed to perform mathematical operations. They have completely replaced slide rules and are used in both educational and professional settings.
In some areas ...
.
The resulting WP 34S firmware and user's manual can be downloaded free of charge,
and a special serial cable and keypad overlay can be purchased for a nominal fee.
The WP 34S was also being sold commercially.
A firmware branch with a complex number lock mode is called WP 34C.
The WP 31S is a stripped-down version of the WP 34S. (The community-developed
WP 43S
The HP-42S RPN Scientific is a programmable RPN Scientific hand held calculator introduced by Hewlett Packard in 1988. It has advanced functions suitable for applications in mathematics, linear algebra, statistical analysis, computer science ...
, which is based on the
SwissMicros DM42
The HP-42S RPN Scientific is a programmable RPN Scientific hand held calculator introduced by Hewlett Packard in 1988. It has advanced functions suitable for applications in mathematics, linear algebra, statistical analysis, computer science and ...
hardware, is a successor to this project.)
See also
*
TI BA II Plus
The Texas Instruments Business Analyst series is a product line of financial calculators introduced in 1976. BA calculators provide time value of money functions and are widely used in accounting and other financial applications. Though originall ...
*
TI BA II Plus Professional
The Texas Instruments Business Analyst series is a product line of financial calculators introduced in 1976. BA calculators provide time value of money functions and are widely used in accounting and other financial applications. Though originall ...
References
External links
*
{{HP calculators
30b