# HP-55

> handheld calculator by HP

**Wikidata**: [Q3125154](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3125154)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-55)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-55

## Summary
The HP-55 is a handheld calculator produced by Hewlett-Packard (HP), designed for portability and efficiency. It belongs to HP's lineup of electronic calculators and reflects the company's focus on compact, user-friendly devices during its tenure as a leading information technology manufacturer.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer**: Hewlett-Packard (HP), a U.S.-based information technology company founded in 1939.
- **Classification**: Instance of "electronic device model" and subclass of "calculator."
- **Aliases**: Hp-55 (common misspelling).
- **Image**: Available on Wikimedia Commons ([HP 55 Calculator.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/HP_55_Calculator.jpg)).
- **Documentation**: Featured in Wikipedia (English, French, Japanese) and a MobyGames attribute ID (2604), indicating potential relevance to gaming or specialized applications.
- **Sitelinks**: 4 wiki sitelinks, with a dedicated Wikipedia page and commons category.

## FAQs
### Q: Who manufactured the HP-55?
A: The HP-55 was produced by Hewlett-Packard (HP), a prominent American technology company known for its hardware and software innovations.

### Q: What type of device is the HP-55?
A: The HP-55 is a handheld calculator, emphasizing portability and manual data entry, typical of early electronic calculators.

### Q: Is the HP-55 part of a specific product line?
A: While the HP-55 is classified under HP's broader calculator offerings, the source material does not specify a dedicated product line or release date.

## Why It Matters
The HP-55 represents Hewlett-Packard's contribution to the evolution of portable computing devices. As a handheld calculator, it catered to professionals and students requiring on-the-go computational tools, aligning with HP's reputation for engineering reliable, user-centric hardware. Its design underscores the demand for compact technology in the pre-smartphone era, showcasing HP's innovation in the calculator market. The device also holds nostalgic and historical significance, symbolizing the transition from mechanical to electronic computation.

## Notable For
- **Handheld Design**: Emphasized portability, a key feature for users needing mobility.
- **HP Brand Heritage**: Part of Hewlett-Packard’s legacy as a pioneer in electronic devices.
- **Cultural References**: MobyGames attribute ID suggests potential appearances or relevance in gaming or niche applications.

## Body
### Manufacturer and Background
The HP-55 was developed by Hewlett-Packard, a company founded in 1939 in Palo Alto, California. HP was a major player in the computer hardware, software, and information technology industries until its split in 2015. The calculator reflects HP’s focus on scientific and engineering tools.

### Design and Specifications
- **Form Factor**: Handheld, designed for manual operation.
- **Classification**: Categorized as an "electronic device model" and a subclass of "calculator" in taxonomic terms.
- **Documentation**: Featured in multilingual Wikipedia entries and a dedicated Wikimedia Commons category, indicating its recognition in technical and historical contexts.

### Legacy and Impact
While specific technical specifications (e.g., release date, processor details) are not provided in the source material, the HP-55’s inclusion in cultural and gaming databases (e.g., MobyGames ID 2604) hints at its broader influence. It exemplifies HP’s role in democratizing access to computational tools, bridging the gap between bulky desktop calculators and modern smartphones. The device’s simplicity and reliability likely made it a staple in educational and professional settings during its active use.