HP celebrates 35th anniversary of HP-35: launches 35s calculator

Feel that? That's the unexpected stir of nostalgia welling inside your dorktic-loin. Rest easy, you're not alone. In fact, that picture aroused a deeply seeded HP fanboi-ism long obscured by thick slabs of drab computing plastic and opaque printer ink. The 35s marks the 35th anniversary of the industry defining HP-35 pocket scientific calculator (and death of the sliderule) -- a first to offer basic trig and exponential functions. While HP preserved the original's reverse Polish notation, gone is the single-line of red LEDs which illuminated the childhood wonder of so many budding engineers. The new 35s also introduces an algebraic entry mode for those who find RPN entry just a bit too, well, reversed. Of course, it's fully modern with 800 storage registers, 100 built-in functions, and a large 2-line alpha numeric display with adjustable contrast. Better yet, the 35s will only set you back $60 compared to the $395 it cost back in 1972 -- that's a lot more 8-tracks for your swank Ford Mercury Capri, eh Pops?

Read -- HP-35 anniversary video
Read -- HP 35s

[grubi @ Feb 5th 2008 6:54AM]

I bought one the day it was released, and wrote a review about it - it's in german, but I took plenty of pics ;)
http://deepclue.de/clues/89

[Warren Frank @ Nov 20th 2008 2:29PM]

Like many other "Tekno-geezers," I believe the HP-35 calculator was a world-changing device. For me, it was freedom from sliderules and looking up values for functions in tables in the back of text books. The Hewlett Packard Company built impressive products that were on the leading edge of technology. It was empowering to be able to own a product made by the same company that built so many oscilloscope, analyzers and other sophisticated instruments that changed the way electrical engineers worked. To me, only Tektronix was in the same league as HP.

Today, Agilent is that company and Hewlett Packard is just another "me too" in the computer appliance business. I just purchased a 35S and it is a good instrument. But I bet if it had been an Agilent product, it would have been more innovative and powerful that it is. On the other hand, it probably would have sold for ten times it very modest $60.00 price as well.
And yes, just as computers have not eliminated the need for a pencil, they will not eliminate the need for a calculating device that you can pull out of your pocket to get quick answers to math problems.

[Gnyff @ May 7th 2009 3:40AM]

Darn I hope HP listened and re-used their nice, old keys (nice tactile feel - and almost impossible to wear out)...
I started out with a 32SII that followed me ever since. I love the keys and the easy HEX input. Hate the limited stack and one line display. As I remember it it mate complex number calculations very hard to keep on track...
"Upgraded" to an HP 48GX after that - but parted with it after having it lying in the drawer for a looong while: That crap was slooow. Seemingly it had an obsession with taking 0.5s breaks for no apparent reason (even while keying in simple additions) fairly often. It didn't seem to be a problem with 48G's - so I guess it was some (stupidly implemented) memory paging or something.
After that I've actually considered buing an used second HP 32SII or a couple of 42S - until I discovered the prices. Then settled for the trusted old 32SII and the PC.
I hope the "new" 35S proves to have the nice keys - and then I'll have to live with seemingly down-prioritized hexadecimal functions. ;-)

Cheers,
Anders (RPN fanboy ;-)

PS: Jerome said it like it should be said in this thread: "C'mon HP, give us calculators with today's power but yesterday's quality!". Hopefully HP listened this time :-D

[gadjitfreek @ Jul 13th 2007 6:16AM]

Now if they would only come out with a 15th anniversary edition of the HP200LX! This would retain the same form factor, but run Windows Vista (or XP)! Tell me THAT wouldn't stink! :)

[deslock @ Jul 13th 2007 7:54AM]

No thanks. I used a HP48s and later a HP200lx in college and they were fantastic handheld computers. The 200lx's task-switching DOS had minimal resource requirements, making it far more suitable for a mobile device than XP or Vista. Even Windows Mobile is sluggish and temperamental compared to my 200lx.

If they were to release an updated version of the 200lx, Linux would be the way to go.

[apeguero @ Jul 13th 2007 10:51AM]

I used to have the 200LX and loved it. Unfortunately for me I had no real business use I I probably wouldn't have any real business use now either as most of my mobile computing is handled in my HTC TyTn, including calculator functions. Nostalgic over a calculator. How long before they go the way of the typewriter? At least in the US.

[Brandonl @ Jul 13th 2007 6:55AM]

LED's look so much better. I'd like a calculator with old school LED stylings and modern functions.

[LBalsam @ Jul 13th 2007 7:27AM]

I am visually handicapped and could not read a slide rule. I started college in 1972 and my parents bought me the original HP 35. Without it I could not have passed my physics classes.

It was an empowering device for me and led me towards life as a computer geek.

I am very upset that manufacturers keep switching from LED displays to LCD displays. LCDs are much harder to read for most people with poor vision.

New technology used to help people with low vision, it is now increasing making our lives more difficult.

[borland502 @ Jul 13th 2007 9:54AM]

@LBalsam

"New technology used to help people with low vision, it is now increasing making our lives more difficult."

I sympathize, but at the same time most people benefit from the detail, clarity, and capabilities of LCD. While we should never forgot those with disabilities, you can't hold back progress because a minority do not benefit. Those LEDs make me nostalgic, but not to the point I'd care to ditch LCD.

But I wager that the march of technology has benefited you in other ways to compensate. Who knows, maybe bionic eyes are just around the corner.

As a further thought, maybe there is a business to be had for you there. Design a line of old skool LED products and market them.

[mikey81 @ Jul 14th 2007 9:59AM]

An OLED model would offer the best of both worlds. Come on HP!

[Rick @ Jul 13th 2007 8:31AM]

How about something a little easier....the new calculator modded like the old style calculator including the red led readout. Ben Heck anyone?

[PJK @ Jul 13th 2007 6:42AM]

Nostalgic over a calculator? I'm bad but I'm not that bad.

[Chuckles McGee @ Jul 13th 2007 6:44AM]

Hah, and remember that was $395 in 1972 dollars! Adjust for inflation...carry the two... about $1900 in todays dollars! Ah, the march of progress.

[LS @ Jul 13th 2007 6:46AM]

I prefer the 1972 design

[Alex @ Jul 13th 2007 8:16AM]

There are really only 2 companies that I could be considered a fanboy for. Toyota and HP calculators. I have 2 48g+/gx and countless 32sIIs. I love RPN and unable to use regular calculators. I guess I have another purchase soon.

[camerazn @ Jul 13th 2007 9:01AM]

I'm a TI man myself. Come on 8th anniversary of the 83+!

[Seth Morabito @ Jul 13th 2007 5:20PM]

Countless 32sII's?! Surely you wouldn't mind sharing a few of them with us other HP fanboys, would you? ;)

[BIg Al @ Jul 13th 2007 8:32AM]

It would be neat if they did something like this for the 12C when it's anniversary rolls around. Mine from the mid 80's got stolen several years back and it still bums me out that I don't have it.

[Gerald @ Jul 13th 2007 8:54AM]

Your wish is granted, the 12c is still available, see
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/215348-215348-64232-20036-215349-3177377.html

[DakStaka @ Jul 13th 2007 8:55AM]

There are many engineering degrees that should have HP48 alongside the name, mine included! They were a great tool.

[Gobias @ Jul 14th 2007 8:05AM]

They ARE a great tool.

Sorry, but I had to correct the grammar. ;)

[michael @ Jul 13th 2007 9:06AM]

It looks like there designs haven't changed real much. Does anybody even use HP calculators anymore? I've never even seen one.

I'm more of a TI guy. Texas Insturments were the first, and they still make the best. They're the only one I've seen people hold around here. Or maybe it's because I live in Houston, TX. Well I have a TI-84, and it's awesome. Much better than HP's.

[MB @ Jul 13th 2007 9:39AM]

You write, "Does anybody even use HP calculators anymore?"

Please, show respect for these amazing devices and the company that produced them. My everyday briefcase calculator is a 22 year-old HP-12C. I just checked the HP site and see that HP are still selling that same calculator which they introduced in 1981. Isn't that incredible - a product that has succeeded in its marketplace for 26 years?

Here's an amazing HP-12C fact, found on http://www.hpmuseum.org/hp12c.htm:

"One HP-12C was used by a zoo keeper to calculate feed mixtures. The zoo keeper dropped the calculator and it was consumed by a hippopotamus. The calculator survived the hippo's digestive process as well as the washing that followed."

[mewyn @ Jul 13th 2007 9:44AM]

I'm sorry, but TI's offering of scientific calculators is just not there. Sure, they make some nice graphing calculators, but graphing calculators can just be more of a pain for simpler tasks. I use both an HP 20s (which will be replaced with the HP 35s as soon as I can get my hands on one) and a TI-89 Titanium. I love both calculators and use them both all the time.

[michael @ Jul 13th 2007 9:44AM]

@MB: Ok, I'm sorry. It's just that I've never seen one before. It's probaly great and durable and all, but calculators have kind of improved since then. It's just that HP doesn't really make the 'best' calculators anymore. HP makes good calculators, but I think TI makes the best.

[Jamar @ Jul 13th 2007 10:17AM]

Let's put it this way, then- TI makes more advanced calculators, HP makes more durable ones (let's be honest here- has a TI ever survived stomach acid and a trip through an animal's digestive system?).

[Tracy in Cary @ Jul 18th 2007 5:19PM]

Like many of you, I stand by my HP calculator as the greatest thing ever. I remember starting around 8th grade getting TI calculators and having to buy a new one every year because the buttons would wear out. Of course I always got the "next model up" so that was exciting.

But it wasn't until I got my HP15 that I realized they were supposed to actually last. I even ended up with a second one when I saw one fall out of a cyclist's pocket and then get run over by a car. It was kinda dented but still worked perfectly!

(And I would have returned it but the guy was long gone by the time I picked it up off the street.)

[Tracy in Cary @ Jul 18th 2007 5:22PM]

Oh and I forgot to mention...

I also drove a Mercury Capri during those years (80s) as well!

[Galley @ Jul 13th 2007 10:59AM]

My first calculator was so cheap it had a FIXED decimal. It was sometime in the late 70s.

[kricker @ Jul 13th 2007 10:16AM]

Still have it --whats it worth on ebay? By the way --Its a Mercury Capri Son!

[Thomas Ricker @ Jul 13th 2007 10:19AM]

Dad,

Ok, ok, i fixed it. Now quit commenting on my posts!

Thomas

[mikey81 @ Jul 14th 2007 9:59AM]

it depends entirely on which continent you lived on, Ford did produce a Capri during this era in Europe, though it was a completely different model to the Mercury.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Capri

[derkaderka @ Jul 13th 2007 11:47AM]

http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/sharpel-8.html

still have it complete with nixi tubes!!

[Sir Loin @ Jul 13th 2007 11:15AM]

Ah, I sure miss the LED's of yesteryear. Something about that warm glow makes me all fuzzy. Of course, the phrase "unexpected stir of nostalgia welling inside your dorktic-loin" enhanced the experience, coupled with the spewing of beverage.

[Nick @ Jul 13th 2007 11:10AM]

No mention of the fantastic tactile feedback on nearly all HP calcs? I can still remember toying with old HP calcs when i was a kid, and how I loved the way the buttons felt when you pushed them. And the button-press of my decade-old 48G is still near-perfect.

[Jeremy O'Brien @ Jul 14th 2007 12:07AM]

I read a review. It does have the oldschool tactile feel ;)

[johnnguyen @ Jul 13th 2007 11:10AM]

"dorktic-loins"... HAHAHAHAHA! Mr Ricker, you rock!

[John Leyman @ Jul 13th 2007 12:31PM]

Yep, I had on original 35s AND the Mercury Capri....but, alas, no 8-track.

[DigitalMan @ Jul 13th 2007 12:38PM]

:-( My 48G just died the other after 15+ years of use. Maybe this can replace it.

[thecase @ Jul 13th 2007 1:18PM]

i've got my 48gx on my desk right now. 15 years of service and still kicking ass over the models from TI. full disclosure: why i got the gx I can't remember. I never bought an expansion card. ahhh, my dorktic-loin was well tingled.

[victor @ Jul 13th 2007 1:25PM]

Wow. My dad still has his. He'd program in stuff for his phd, and leave it over the weekend to calculate... and I get picky with I get the beach ball in os x...

[jon @ Jul 13th 2007 1:29PM]

RPN rules the world.
HP 48SX was the greatest calculator known to man. i had tetris on my 28 (which i'm sure would've been a decent PDA -- cant remember how much memory it had:-), and friends had hand programmed moire screensavers into the 48SX.

35? enh...

[Alexander @ Jul 13th 2007 1:34PM]

i didnt even know HP made calculators lol

[Stannate @ Jul 13th 2007 3:44PM]

NEWS GREAT IS THIS!

[Mike @ Jul 13th 2007 5:09PM]

Nostalgia, indeed!

My HP35 was one of the first off the production line, purchased thru a friend at HP.

It still is working, and has the minor error that existed for certain trig functions. Never could justify sending it out for the ROM upgrade.

Wonder if the upgrade is still available .

Mike

[rebo @ Jul 13th 2007 9:41PM]

Mike -- it's worth a lot more with the bug!

[Bernard @ Jul 13th 2007 8:43PM]

In 1974 there was a total eclipse of the sun here in Western Australia and a few Americans came to observe it.A few of them had HP35's and when I played around with one of them I became hooked on HP. Because to do certain calculations relating to that eclipse I was that stage relying on Pen and paper and seven figure log-trig tables

[bolgposts_taf @ Jul 14th 2007 4:07PM]

My first calculator was an HP35. Wish I still had it.

I'll be ordering one of these...even thought I have a 48 and 49, I don't really like graphing calculators, esp. when all I require is to simply calculate something. Has anyone here actually use the graphing capability since graduating from college?

I'd buy another 41CX, but have you seen the prices on eBay? HP should reintroduce that model next.

Agreed this would be better with LED's (or at least a backlight!), but for the price, it will do.

(oh, and I agree with the fellow who'd like the 200LX back...but it needs a backlight! DOS will still do...)

Now when will the HP-01 be brought back?

[Kyle @ Jul 15th 2007 2:10AM]

Nice, but its too bad that the college board doesn't allow this calculator to be used on the SAT or the ACT, just this model to be specific.

[Jamie Coy @ Jul 16th 2007 2:40PM]

I was a HP Golden Calculator Award Winner July 12,2007
For Best Technical Film
Included with My Golden Calculator Statue I am Very pleased to announce that I recieved one of the hundred limited edition 35s. I am very excited with itHp Golden Calculator Awards