Hand-held Calculators

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Hewlett-Packard HP-41 series

A pinnacle in calculator development was reached in 1979 when Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP-41C, their first calculator with an LCD display and the basis of a calculator system with a variety of peripherals which could be connected.

The HP-41CV with five times the built-in memory was launched in 1980.

The HP-41CX with built in time and extended functions was introduced in 1983.

Hewlett-Packard HP-41CX

HP-41CX

Hewlett-Packard HP-41CX

Distinctive features: The basis of a calculator system.

Technical details:
Display is 10 digits, LCD, with alpha-numeric capability.

Programmable with scientific functions and continuous memory [program retained when switched off].

Size: 77 x 144 x 32 mm (3.0" x 5.7" x 1.3").

Made in Singapore.

Introduced: 1983.

The top of the calculator has four expansion ports to allow connection of peripheral devices.

HP-41CX with memory, program, and magnetic strip modules.

Peripheral devices and a blank cover arranged by the expansion slots at the top of the HP-41CX.

HP-41CX with memory, program, and magnetic strip modules.

Here the 'X MEMORY' memory expansion module, the 'SURVEYING 1' program module, and the blank cover have been inserted in expansion slots, leaving the appropriate slot free to take the magnetic card writer/reader module, on the left.

HP-41CX with the magnetic card writer/reader module connected

The HP-41CX with the magnetic card writer/reader module connected and a magnetic card inserted.

The HP-41 series calculators were very successful.  The HP-41C was produced from 1979 to 1985, the HP-41CV was produced from 1980 to 1990, and the HP-41CX was produced from 1983 to 1990.

"At least 1.5 million HP-41 units of all types were sold - perhaps more"[1]

 

The HP-41 system is described in considerable detail in the Hewlett-Packard Journal of March 1980.

 

Reference:

Hand-held Calculators

Vintage Calculators

Text & photographs copyright, except where stated otherwise, © Nigel Tout 2000-2024.