Hewlett-Packard HP-41C, CV

The HP-41C could be called a small revolution in the pocket. Following the path of programmable calculators like the HP-67 or TI-59 it overcame their limitations of the stupid men-machine interface possible with a numerical keypad and a 7-segment display. The HP-41C added alphanumeric capabilities to both the display and keyboard using 14-segments and an ALPHA-key. In addition the memory capacity was enhanced and uses non-volatile integrated circuits (RAM) like the TI-58C. A total of 4 slots allowed further expansion of either RAM capacity, pre-programmed ROM-modules or peripheral devices like a card reader or printer modules. The HP-41C still uses the Reverse Polish Notation with the ENTER key instead the usual = key.

Texas Instruments developed with the TI-88 a similar calculator – unfortunately it never appeared in the market place. It took some time before Texas Instruments took the leadership again with the first Graphics calculator TI-81 in 1990.

The pictured HP-41CV integrated 4 memory modules featuring 319 registers instead the 63 of the original HP-41C but is otherwise identical. The HP-41CX added the Time module and some additional functions to the HP-41CV.

If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, May 3, 2002. No reprints without written permission.