HP (Hewlett-Packard) HP33S Scientific Calculator

Button Problems

Posted Nov 18, 2005 - I really like the look and feel of the calculator; nice case comes with it, and I don't really have an issue with the number display. I like the built in conversions for temperature, etc. My biggest problem has been when the calculator didn't respond to my "clicks" on the number buttons. For instance, if I press 1-2-3-4-5, I may get 1-2-4 to show up b/c it just misses. The buttons give a satisfying click, but sometimes still don't take the input. Very aggravating--I've gotten where I have to really press hard to make sure I enter numbers appropriately, and even then I don't always get the right numbers to show up. I really wish the button response was better, I think the calculator would be awesome.

100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

New School HP with Old School Appeal.

Posted Sep 6, 2005 - This calc is easy to use and has a nice big display (2-line, reminiscent of the HP-42s). It also sports both RPN and algebraic entry modes, the latter displays the "equation" you just calculated, with the solution just below. The Fraction tool is easy to use and can toggle between decimal and fraction displays easily. I started using the 33s and figured out many of the basic functions without the use of the manual. Previous HP use helped, but some function are new to me. The color-coded shift keys can be difficult to differentiate in low light (but I am partially color blind), but this is not an issue since they are also differentiated by a left shift and right shift. I haven't tried programming it yet (I bought it for my girlfriend), but I'm sure it's similar to my HP-42S and -48GX. I haven't found a beep or tone functions yet and it only has a 4-register "stack" (just like my -42S; I guess I'm spoiled by the -48GX). There also is no I/O (RS-232, USB, or IR), but this is on par with competing non-graphing models, and if you want that stuff, you're looking at the HP-48gII or 49g+ models. The lack of I/O also allows it to be used on standardized exams (AP, PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.) Overall, it seems to be well built with a nice button feel and at 1/2 the price of the next model up, it's a pretty good value!

100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

HP 33S - A decent update to an old HP theme

Posted Jul 18, 2005 - Even though the HP 33S wasn’t developed by the famed HP Corvallis group (the ones responsible for the classic HP RPN calculators from the 70’s through the 90’s), it is still a quality machine that is worthy of consideration by diehard HP fans. I’ve been using various HP RPN calculators for over 20 years and I have been very pleased with the quality and features of the new HP 33S. PROS: HP smartly retained the famed RPN entry mode but also offers an algebraic entry mode depending on your preference. I recommend you learn the RPN method and never go back. However, in algebraic mode, the 33S does have very nice equation displays that are helpful visually. I’ve actually been using both modes for various tasks and enjoy switching between them as needed. The calculator is built very well with excellent attention to detail, good crisp key clicks (similar to the older HP’s), and a solid, modern style. It is by far one of the most solid calculators available today. The faceplate is brushed metal and the case is nicely finished with tight seams. The rubber side grips are very functional. Overall, the appearance and feel of the calculator is high quality and it is pleasantly lightweight, as well. It may not have the heft of the older units like the 42S, but heavier is not always better. The 33S also includes an excellent User’s Manual (very similar to the old HP 32SII manual) and a very nice lined leather case. A remarkable value for $50 and by far the least expensive HP ever. While many HP purists have criticized the chevron key pattern and the ENTER key placed in the lower left of the pad, I’ve found that after a few minutes working with the new layout it is totally practical and usable. I think the chevron layout is just as easy to use as the straight key rows found in previous HPs. Also, while some purist HP users don’t like the position of the ENTER key, I say “get over it” and realize that the new position allows quicker access to the numeric/operand keypad area since your hand doesn’t have to pass over (and hence cover) the keypad to hit ENTER during RPN calculations. I think both old and new HP layouts are effective with use and familiarity. CONS: The two-line LCD display is large and readable except for unusually small decimal points and commas. I know that the first version of the 33S (sold during 2003 through early 2005) had even smaller decimals/commas and this was a big complaint amongst users. Now, to HP’s credit, they did finally revise the display in early 2005; however, even in my second-generation 33S the decimal point is still pretty puny when sandwiched between 2’s (as in 2.2). That is really the only negative I can think of. OVERALL: This calculator is a good effort by HP to retain some market share for RPN machines. Hopefully, this is not the last of them we’ll see from HP but only time will tell. The bottom line is that with the proliferation of sophisticated PC’s, PDA’s, and software, the handheld calculator has been mostly delegated to the classrooms of high school and college. Hence, the demand for inexpensive calculators for students (like this 33S). However, any serious scientist or engineer (such as myself) always keeps a trusty calculator close-at-hand for quick work in the office or field. This 33S is a decent modernization of the classic (and much more expensive) calculators that made HP famous.

97% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

HP33S Scientific Calculator

Posted Nov 4, 2006 - The best calculator I have ever seen. HP did very good job on functional design. I use this item for my class and it has very needs I want. The only thing I think it could improve is the size of screen, hopelly it could be larger.

50% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Great calculator for the FE/PE exams

Posted Feb 11, 2006 - I have read some of the other reviews left here and can honestly say I don't understand the problem with the comma seperator. I have held the calculator at arms length (which is about 2.5 ft as I am a 6 ft tall male) and I can still distinguish the commas and the radix point. This may be an issue of poor eyesight or it may be that my unit is newer. The calculator is being used in an Electrical Circuits course and the fact that it is programmable was a major selling point for me. I highly recommend this calculator to aid in your studies.

50% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Good but limited

Posted Feb 5, 2006 - Since I bought this to give the FE test I just have to get used to it, but there are a number of things I didn’t like. I was used to have unlimited numbers in the stack, but this calculator is limited to 4. For instance I was used to enter a list of numbers and then start adding them which it give me the option to check them as I was adding them. I was used to see more lines of the stack , but this calculator is limited to 2, which makes it confusing and not clear specially if you are working with similar numbers. The enter key is the same size than the other keys I would like it to be bigger. The screen has good contrast. The keys feel fine when you press them but I agree with other review that sometimes it feels like you had clicked a button but it was not. The batteries are cell type, which makes more expensive to change them, but since the calculator is slim I understand that it would be hard to try to fit a AAA battery. The cursor and mode keys have a looking and they feel lose when you touch them, I would have prefer traditional keys. Conclusion: After been used to the HP 48,49 series I got spoiled. I would say this calculator is in between the 48 series and a plain scientific calculator. I recommend it if you need to give the FE exam but if not I am not sure I would buy this.

0% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

HP 33s

Posted Mar 10, 2008 - It's very much like the HP 32SII I've used for more than 20 years, which finally gave up the ghost. I like the possibility of using either RPN or algebraic notation, though I use mostly RPN.

Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Powerful, yet complicated, calculator

Posted Nov 14, 2006 - This is a scientific calculator that is packed beyond it's limits. It has everything you'd every need in a scientific and much more. It's ability to store equations also make it even more desireable. Unfortunately it is not very user friendly. I've always been able to work my graphing calculators without touching their user guides, but with this calculator I had to buy a book that described how to use it. If you're willing to spend time learning how to use it then I'd recommend it. Otherwise you'd be better off finding a more convenient one. I purchased the hp 33s to use on the EIT/FE exam so I can save time by using stored equations to do most calculations on the test. If it wasn't for this important exam I would not have bought this calculator.

Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

HP 33S - A Decent 32SII Substitute

Posted Jun 25, 2006 - I don't do much programming or advanced operations with this calculator. But for a general purpose engineering tool, I like this. I agree that the keyboard is different. But, I was happy to find that after using it for a bit, the shape doesn't bother me. I don't carry a calculator in my pocket anyway, so a bit larger isn't really a problem. Much smaller than a more advanced graphing calculator at least. Good performance and generally functions very much like the 32SII I have, so now I can save that as a collector's item.

Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

OK, must have for PE exam

Posted Jun 7, 2006 - While I have only had this calculator a few days, it has been tough to learn. I need it for the PE exam, but I do not think I will keep it long after that.

Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Great for engineering

Posted Apr 5, 2006 - Very good calculator for quick access. Like other reviewers noted, the ability to enter into RPN as well as the handy temperature conversions are very useful. Algebraic entry allows for quick error checking as well as repeating calculations with different numbers. Overall, a good calculator for situations where a graphing is just overkill.

Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review