HP-27S
| Industry | Electronics, Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1939 |
| Products | Calculators, Computers, Printers |
| Website | www |
The HP-27S, released by Hewlett-Packard in 1988 and phased out between 1990 and 1993, marked HP's initial scientific calculator to adopt algebraic entry instead of RPN. Positioned as a scientific calculator, it also integrated dedicated business functionalities.
This model included fundamental scientific capabilities such as statistics and probability, along with features for storing and solving equations, as well as performing variable-specific integration. It accommodated number systems including binary, octal, and hexadecimal. On the business side, it featured a real-time clock and calendar capable of managing up to ten appointments, each allowing a 22-character note, in addition to calculations involving time value of money.
Although it was not programmable in the conventional way, the HP-27S incorporated an advanced formula storage mechanism with programming-like features. Users could create named sub-formulas within stored formulas, which facilitated loops and conditional logic embedded directly into the formulas.
Hardware
The 27S shares its external design and 37-key keyboard layout with other models in the Pioneer series. Released concurrently with the HP-17B, it utilizes the same internal components.
It provides 6,900 bytes of memory for variables and formulas, featuring ten storage registers (R0–R9), each capable of holding a single numeric value.
Its hardware includes a two-line, 22-character dot-matrix display that presents expressions, notifications, or menu selections accessible via assigned keys. An infrared transmitter allows connection to compatible printers such as the HP 82240B. Furthermore, an audible beeper supports alarms related to date and time.