HP 30b
Encyclopedia
HP 30b is a programmable
Programmable calculator
Programmable calculators are calculators that can automatically carry out a sequence of operations under control of a stored program, much like a computer. The first programmable calculators such as the IBM CPC used punched cards or other media for program storage...

 financial calculator
Financial calculator
A financial calculators is an electronic calculator that performs financial functions commonly needed in business and commerce communities. It has standalone keys for many financial calculations and functions, making such calculations more direct than on standard calculators...

 from HP which was released on 7th January 2010. HP 30b is an advanced version of the HP's prior model HP 20b
HP 20b
HP 20b Business Consultant is a financial calculator published in 2008 by Hewlett-Packard. Its function is similar to HP-10BII and includes scientific and statistical functions.- Hardware Specification :...

. Featuring a two line alpha numeric display, ability to input
Calculator input methods
There are various ways in which a calculator might interpret key strokes.One can categorize calculators into two main types: 1) single-step or immediate execution calculators and 2) expression or formula calculators....

 data via Reverse Polish Notation
Reverse Polish notation
Reverse Polish notation is a mathematical notation wherein every operator follows all of its operands, in contrast to Polish notation, which puts the operator in the prefix position. It is also known as Postfix notation and is parenthesis-free as long as operator arities are fixed...

, Algebraic and normal Chain algebraic methods, and twelve digit display .

This ARM
ARM architecture
ARM is a 32-bit reduced instruction set computer instruction set architecture developed by ARM Holdings. It was named the Advanced RISC Machine, and before that, the Acorn RISC Machine. The ARM architecture is the most widely used 32-bit ISA in numbers produced...

 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
Modified Internal Rate of Return
The modified internal rate of return is a financial measure of an investment's attractiveness. It is used in capital budgeting to rank alternative investments of equal size...

 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 30b runs native ARM code while 50g emulates Saturn code even though it executes at 70Mhz. 30b is also acclaimed by users for its improved rotate-and-click keys than the much criticized keys on HP 20b.

As of now HP 30b is not allowed in any major exam like CFA Charter exam.

WP-34S

As with the HP 20b
HP 20b
HP 20b Business Consultant is a financial calculator published in 2008 by Hewlett-Packard. Its function is similar to HP-10BII and includes scientific and statistical functions.- Hardware Specification :...

, the HP 30b's firmware
Firmware
In electronic systems and computing, firmware is a term often used to denote the fixed, usually rather small, programs and/or data structures that internally control various electronic devices...

 can be overwritten ("flashed
Flashing (technology)
Flashing refers to the overwriting of existing data on ROM modules present in a electronic device with new data. This can be done to upgrade a device or to change the provider of a service associated with the function of the device, such as changing from one mobile phone service provider to...

") using a computer and a special cable. Taking advantage of this facility, a team of HP calculator enthusiasts have produced a firmware for converting the 30b into a programmable
Programmable calculator
Programmable calculators are calculators that can automatically carry out a sequence of operations under control of a stored program, much like a computer. The first programmable calculators such as the IBM CPC used punched cards or other media for program storage...

 scientific calculator
Scientific calculator
A scientific calculator is a type of electronic calculator, usually but not always handheld, designed to calculate problems in science, engineering, and mathematics...

. The resulting WP-34S, including an overlaid keypad
Keypad
A keypad is a set of buttons arranged in a block or "pad" which usually bear digits, symbols and usually a complete set of alphabetical letters. If it mostly contains numbers then it can also be called a numeric keypad...

, is now being sold commercially.
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