# HP-35

> Handheld scientific calculator

**Wikidata**: [Q1565784](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1565784)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-35)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-35

## Summary
The HP-35 is a handheld scientific calculator introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1972. It was the first handheld scientific calculator capable of performing trigonometric and exponential functions, replacing slide rules for many engineers and scientists.

## Key Facts
- Introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1972
- First handheld scientific calculator capable of trigonometric and exponential functions
- Manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, an American information technology company founded July 2, 1939
- Hewlett-Packard's headquarters is located in Palo Alto, California
- The company had 302,000 employees in 2014 and 48,000 in 2016
- Hewlett-Packard operates in computer hardware, software, and information technology industries
- Has 85 sitelink references across knowledge bases
- Available in multiple Wikipedia languages including English, Spanish, French, German, and Arabic

## FAQs
### Q: What made the HP-35 revolutionary?
A: The HP-35 was revolutionary because it was the first handheld scientific calculator that could perform trigonometric and exponential functions, replacing the need for slide rules and making complex calculations portable and accessible.

### Q: Who manufactured the HP-35?
A: The HP-35 was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, an American information technology company founded in 1939 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

### Q: When was the HP-35 introduced?
A: The HP-35 was introduced in 1972, marking a significant advancement in portable computing technology for engineers and scientists.

## Why It Matters
The HP-35 represents a pivotal moment in the history of computing and engineering tools. Before its introduction, engineers and scientists relied on slide rules for complex calculations, which were limited in precision and functionality. The HP-35 transformed how technical professionals worked by providing portable, accurate scientific calculations at their fingertips. This innovation accelerated problem-solving in engineering, physics, and mathematics, enabling more complex designs and analyses. The calculator's success also demonstrated the viability of handheld electronic devices for professional use, paving the way for the personal electronics revolution that followed. By making advanced mathematical functions accessible outside of laboratory or office settings, the HP-35 fundamentally changed workflows across technical fields and contributed to faster innovation cycles in engineering and science.

## Notable For
- First handheld scientific calculator capable of trigonometric and exponential functions
- Replaced slide rules as the primary calculation tool for engineers and scientists
- Introduced by Hewlett-Packard, a major American technology company
- Available in multiple languages across Wikipedia platforms
- Represented a breakthrough in portable computing technology

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The HP-35 featured a 35-button keyboard layout, which gave the device its name. It used Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) for data entry, a method that eliminated the need for parentheses in complex calculations. The calculator had a 10-digit LED display and could perform logarithmic, trigonometric, and exponential functions.

### Historical Context
Introduced during a period of rapid technological advancement in the early 1970s, the HP-35 came at a time when electronic miniaturization was making previously impossible devices practical. The calculator's development represented Hewlett-Packard's expansion beyond test equipment and measurement devices into consumer and professional electronics.

### Impact on Professional Fields
The HP-35 quickly became an essential tool for engineers, scientists, and students. Its ability to perform complex calculations with high precision made it particularly valuable in fields like electrical engineering, physics, and chemistry. The device's portability meant that professionals could perform calculations in the field, during meetings, or while traveling, significantly improving productivity.

### Manufacturing and Distribution
As a product of Hewlett-Packard, the HP-35 benefited from the company's established manufacturing capabilities and distribution networks. Hewlett-Packard's experience in precision electronics manufacturing ensured high quality and reliability, while their global presence facilitated international distribution of the device.

### Legacy
The HP-35 established Hewlett-Packard as a leader in handheld computing devices and influenced the development of subsequent calculators and portable electronics. Its success demonstrated the market potential for specialized handheld devices, contributing to the evolution of personal digital assistants and eventually smartphones.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013