Hewlett Packard 33s Scientific Calculator

Pros: Functionality, affordability, program ability, memory storage. Nice case
Cons: Not for Basic use, the calculator has a purpose for those whom need its functionality.

Hp 33s is the little red headed step child of the HP calculator family. Ever since they stopped making survey based calculators like the 48 series, this was the most affordable calculator that had the functionality I needed to complete my work. ...

Pros: It's the only non-graphing RPN calculator you can get.
Cons: Not up to HPs standards for robust and functional design.

This is my eighth HP calculator in the past 30 years -- a 65, a 25, two 15s, an 11, two 32SIIs, and now this. I bought it because the last 32SII's keyboard died, and a non-RPN calculator just doesn't cut it. Unfortunately, if you want an RPN calculator ...

Pros: RPN logic
Cons: poor quality, poor key feedback, cluttered keyboard layout

This a major departure from HP calculators of yore when HP offered unparalled quality and functionality. I bought it for the EIT exam and would not have bought it were it not for the fact it was the only RPN calculator on the NCEES approved calculator ...

Pros: RPN entry. (Though it will do algebraic) Durability, Toughness, Programmable, Did I mention Rugged?
Cons: The memory dump. Can't get batteries at the 7-11.

I love this calculator. I bought it because I needed an expendable RPN calculator to carry in my shirt pocket. It doesn't measure up to my 48GX but then ,what does? I carried the 33S all year doing Asphalt work. I tried to be faithful in carrying it ...

Pros: Nice size, buttons are large enough and far enough apart to prevent "fat finger" errors.
Cons: Decimal point needed to be larger, I miss the 8 line display on my 7000G.

I picked up my 33s a month or two ago to replace my aging Casio fx-7000G. Since I don't need a graphing calc any more, I went for a straight scientific model. Granted, I don't use a calculator as much as I used to when I was a student, but I still need one by my side. This is my first RPN calculator, and so far I like it. Takes a bit of getting used to, but it's quick once you do get used to it. The only problem is the decimal point. It's almost just that - a point - and it's almost invisible unless you are looking for it. HP should have made the decimal character a bit larger so it was more visible.

Pros: Quick keys for engineering notation and English/Metric conversion for common units
Cons: I wish the enter key was bigger. Kinda ugly.

I love RPN calculators, and can't imagine life with an algebraic. That being said, I've used an HP 48GX for ten years, and love it. But I never used the graphics or programming capabilities any more, and when I saw what they were selling for on eBay, I sold the dang thing.

I figured I could replace it with a cheap RPN calculator form TI or Casio, but was shocked that as far as I can tell, only HP makes RPN calculators. With some misgivings, I bought the HP 33s.


THE DECIMAL POINT ISSUE. I read a lot about the decimal point in reviews before buying this, and I was wary to buy the calculator because of what some people say is the invisible decimal point. All I can say is they are nuts. The decimal point is small, sure, but it's clearly visible. I never have trouble seeing it or guessing whether it's there.

All in all, I probably spent 25$ extra dollars over an equivalent TI or Casio, just so I could get RPN, but it was worth it. I recommend this calculator.

Pros: RPN. Entering & using fractions. Common conversions
Cons: Single letter labels. No upload & download capability. Faceplate & LCD readability.

Foremost, I like using the RPN (reverse polish notation) calculating system. I've used HP 21 and HP42S, so I wanted the HP33S to work for me.
HP has crammed a lot on features into a calculator, many of them I would rather do on a PC (eg. MSExcel for large statistical operations). It's the quick calculation that is when a calculator is needed.
In equations, one can only use single letter variable or labels. My memory needs better reminders for what the single letter variable stands for, and what units are used.
It has a busy & hard to read faceplate; it's very crammed. The LCD display also has hard to see "." or ","
I think the HP33S is still a good scientific RPN calculator, but HP should stick with a RPN calculator that concentrates more on the common calculation, simple scientific tasks, and keep it easy to use. There are several ALG calculator in the market for less than $10 that would work, but I like RPN calculators for my use. HP makes this RPN calculator less usable than previous ones.

Pros: I'm sorry, but I can't say anything good about this product.
Cons: Gray case, ENTER relocation, decimal and comma size reduction equate to a bad product!

As a senior aerospace engineer I have been using HP calculators my entire career. I've been using an HP32s for the past eight years and it has been the greatest. However, I recently decided to keep my HP32s at home and buy the new HP33s for work. I approached the purchase with some trepidation when I saw the gray case and chevron key pattern. The chevron pattern seemed strange and did not add anything to functionality that I could see. Then I began to use the calculator and found that the ENTER key had been relocated to the lower right which made data entry difficult and then I noticed the reduced size of the decimal and comma. Their size reduction made them almost impossible to read and hard to distinguish apart when they were both in a large number series.

Pros: Very good value for the price.
Cons: Base operations need additional functionality.

I have owned and used a number of different calculators over the years, and I must say that this calculator is impressive. But then HP has always made Great calculators!

The only thing I find lacking with the Base Conversions and Arithmetic are five additional functions useful for computer science. These are NOT, AND, OR, XOR, XNOR, and common on some cheaper brands of scientific calculators.

I think HP should have included these. Had they done so I may have purchased a second one as a spare, and would have rated it Five stars. Alas, I can only give it Four because of this minor oversight.

I can only hope that HP decides to add these five additional functions in some future model.

Pros: everything except the decimal point.
Cons: This amazingly tiny decimal point. :(

This calculator is really good, the small enter key is absolutely not a problem, and it seems to be very solid.
There are a lot of functions, and the two-lines display is really pleasant.
The calculator is quite bigger than the 32 sII, but i don't care about that.

Pros: RPN logic, overall quality of the machine, fits my need.
Cons: Smaller enter key, small decimal point, a little too busy faceplate.

I bought this calculator to replace my 32sII. I got very used to the RPN operation and although there are cheaper calculators, I still wanted RPN.
I admit, I don't use this machine to its fullest but for my needs (statistical calcs, easy metric conversions, and various trig work), it is fine.
I also feel the overall quality of the HP33 is better than the Casios and Sharps that I also looked at.
My only real complaint is the decimal point size. In most cases it is workable however type 2.2 and the decimal point is almost invisible. C'mon HP!

Pros: RPN, improved display and keyboard, large memory
Cons: lack of multicharacter variable naming capability

The comment by volney68 about the operation of the stack is wrong, and shows a lack of understanding about how rpn operates. Read the manual, and you will understand. By definition, when you ENTER a number it is displayed in the X register and copied into the Y register. The stack lift is then disabled for the next entry.

Recent versions of the HP 33s have fixed the problems with the invisible decimal point and keyboard operation. The quality and design still don't match the HP's of old, but it is now a usable calculator, though with limitations that need improvement. It needs multicharacter variables so that the memory can be better utilized. If you are going to buy one, make sure you get a recent one with the improved display. I have been using HP's for 20 years, and I recommend this calc if you have to buy a new one to replace an older HP that has finally died.

I give it 4 stars because it is RPN.

Pros: Cheap,31k,RPN
Cons: decimal point small.

The decimal point can be seen. What I do is focus on the patter of blank spaces after each character - you will see a definite blank space after all digits EXCEPT for the one that has the decimal point. Further,it is harder to see the decimal point after the digits "two" and "five" however, look for the space pattern after the digits and the decimal point will become apparent.

Pros: The key layout is interesting
Cons: Your better off buying an hp 48 or 49.

Of all the hp calculators I have owned, this is the worst for
just for one reason. It is extremely hard to see the decimal point. The characters are large but theie is just one barely
decernable tick for the decimal point. You will forever spend
too much time continually check where the decimal point is. It is horrible.

Pros: one of a few calculators allowed by NCEES testing, has RPN and Algebraic
Cons: cost too much, buttons do not feel right,

I purchased one of these and found that the buttons do not make that satisfying clicking sound so you know you hit the button. The split 4 way button just below the display is awkward and feels loose. I wish HP would make another 11C for engineers. They still make the business calculators where the longer dimension of the calculator is the "bottom". I found that this is easier to use on my desk when I am designing. I was not pleased with this calculator. The only reason I purchase it was because it is allowed on the SE exam and that it is RPN. I think it looks cool but I would not recommend this for daily use.