Which calculator should I buy for CFA exam? Some poeple say that HP 12c is slow and expensive compared to BA II Plus but it is more professional and more frequently used in financial institutions. Any comments about which one to buy for a CFA exam level I?
I have HP 12 c platinum and I’m very happy.
Get the BA II Plus, if you use the Schwesser Notes they detail best ways to use it and from what the notes say it seems more intuitive and simpler to use.
BAII Plus… trust me
BAII Plus too
The BAII Plus has combination (nCr) and permutation formulas (nPr) which the HP doesn’t have I believe. That makes two forumulas which you don’t need to memorise if you go with the BAII Plus. I have never worked with the HP so don’t know how it compares to the BAII Plus. I can say that the BAII Plus is very easy to use.
The HP 12c is too unconventional and not easy to get used to. The Ba II plus is more similar to usual calculators I’ved used. If you’re asking this question, then go with BA ii plus… only people who probably should use HP 12c is if they’ve used it on the job and are already comfortable with it.
HP because it’s old school and just plain awesome
And also because if you’re ever on the job and need to use the HP, you won’t look dumb
Different strokes for different folks. I use the HP12C and it’s easy as pie to get used to.
Exactly, the HP12C is old school, it’s great if you like using outdated technology to try to impress your 50 year old boss. But if you want to get things done and get them done effieciently, most of the younger crowd uses the TI BA II+
^ almost bordering on fighting words there… 
Haha, I know. As I was writing them I was laughing because when I first read your pro HP12C lines it felt like someone was insulting my mother. You can take the CFA out of the nerd, but you can’t take the nerd out of the CFA.
I’m with Iteracom, you need to get the HP 12c to avoid being the subject of ridicule.
But don’t stop at the HP 12c. You really need to get the full set of circa 1985 wall street accessories: a contrast-collar shirt, suspenders, and a Motorola DynaTAC mobile phone.
http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrma6dulrz1qmpptko1_500.jpg
Then wear all this to work, and people will be like “Wow, this guy is clearly a knowledgable old-timer that’s been in the industry for 30 years. He has seen it all.”
Do it. Your colleagues will totally be convinced, trust me. And please report back on your success.
I tried the HP and hated it, love the BA II Plus.
I use the HP 12c and I’m very happy with it, Indeed you cannot perform combination, permutation, NFV and probably a few other functions that I cannot think of right now but overall it’s extremely easy to navigate. I used mine before signing up for the CFA and I was already familiar with the basic calculations, it was pointless to learn how to use the TI. My vote goes out to the HP 12c!
It’s a very difficult question - what is better, because no matter what calculator do you take - you will be able to pass all three CFA exams. That’s the fact.
Before you buy the calculator, you should answer yourself for the very simple and basic question.
What do I preffer?
Do I preffer a traditional calculator and I like counting the way they do? Or, do I want to calculate the way I count in my mind?
If your answer is YES for the first question take BA, if for second - buy HP.
From my point of view.
I have HP and I think this is the best calculator I’ve ever had. It uses Reverse Polish Notation what is similar to the way you calculate in your mind. RPN is difficult on the beginning, but when you make some practice - you can do all calculations much faster than on traditional calculator.
If you take HP 12c platinum - you can choose; RPN or traditional algerabic system.
I think unless you are used to the Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) you should definitely go with the Texas Instruments BA II Plus or Professional. It is much easier to use and learn.
Have a look at this article that breaks down the choice nicely.
http://cfaformula.com/which-financial-calculator-to-choose-for-the-cfa-exam/
I"ve had both and liked the TI BA II Plus (or Pro) better than the HP. Plus the review guides seem to default to it
BA II Plus Professional
Real men use a 12c.