# HP-97

> scientific programmable RPN desktop calculator with built-in printer

**Wikidata**: [Q16024693](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16024693)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-97

## Summary
The HP-97 is a scientific programmable RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) desktop calculator produced by Hewlett-Packard in 1976. It features a built-in thermal printer and was part of the company's early programmable calculator lineup, following the HP-65 and preceding the HP-41C.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Scientific programmable RPN desktop calculator
- **Manufacturer**: Hewlett-Packard
- **Inception**: 1976
- **Discontinuation**: 1984
- **Price**: $750 (1976)
- **Notable Features**: Built-in thermal printer, magnetic card reader, seven-segment display, LED display
- **Predecessor**: HP-65 (1974)
- **Successor**: HP-41C (1979)
- **Uses**: Postfix notation (RPN)
- **Category**: Desktop calculator
- **Partially coincident with**: HP-67

## FAQs
### Q: What was the HP-97 used for?
A: The HP-97 was a scientific programmable calculator designed for advanced mathematical and engineering calculations. Its built-in thermal printer allowed users to save results and programs.

### Q: How did the HP-97 differ from the HP-65?
A: The HP-97 was a desktop model with a built-in printer, while the HP-65 was a handheld calculator with a magnetic card reader. The HP-97 was more suited for professional use due to its larger display and printing capabilities.

### Q: What was the significance of the HP-97's magnetic card reader?
A: The magnetic card reader allowed users to store and retrieve programs and data, making the HP-97 a versatile tool for engineers and scientists in the 1970s.

### Q: Why was the HP-97 discontinued?
A: The HP-97 was discontinued in 1984 as Hewlett-Packard shifted focus to more advanced handheld calculators like the HP-41C.

### Q: What display technology did the HP-97 use?
A: The HP-97 featured a seven-segment display and an LED display, providing clear visibility of calculations and results.

## Why It Matters
The HP-97 was a significant product in the early days of programmable calculators, bridging the gap between handheld and desktop models. Its built-in thermal printer made it a practical tool for professionals who needed to document calculations. The magnetic card reader allowed for program storage, a feature that was innovative for its time. As Hewlett-Packard evolved, the HP-97 was eventually succeeded by more advanced models like the HP-41C, but it remains a notable example of 1970s calculator technology. Its combination of programmability, printing, and data storage made it a valuable tool for engineers and scientists.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the first desktop calculators with a built-in printer and magnetic card reader.
- **Professional tool**: Designed for engineers and scientists requiring advanced calculations and documentation.
- **Transition model**: Represented Hewlett-Packard's shift from handheld to desktop calculators.
- **Innovative features**: Combined programmability with printing and data storage capabilities.
- **Legacy product**: Influenced later calculator designs with its hybrid form factor.

## Body
### Overview
The HP-97 was introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1976 as a scientific programmable calculator. It was part of the company's early programmable calculator lineup, following the HP-65 and preceding the HP-41C. The HP-97 was a desktop model with a built-in thermal printer, making it a unique product in its time.

### Features and Specifications
- **Display**: Featured a seven-segment display and an LED display for clear visibility.
- **Printer**: Included a built-in thermal printer for saving calculations and results.
- **Magnetic Card Reader**: Allowed users to store and retrieve programs and data.
- **Programmability**: Supported postfix notation (RPN) for advanced calculations.
- **Power**: Operated on a rechargeable battery or an AC adapter.

### Market Position
- **Predecessor**: The HP-65, introduced in 1974, was a handheld calculator with a magnetic card reader.
- **Successor**: The HP-41C, introduced in 1979, was a more advanced handheld calculator.
- **Competitor**: The HP-67, a desktop calculator with similar features, was partially coincident with the HP-97.

### Discontinuation
The HP-97 was discontinued in 1984 as Hewlett-Packard shifted focus to more advanced handheld calculators. Its legacy lived on in later models, influencing the design of programmable calculators.

### Images
- [HP-97 Calculator](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Vintage_Hewlett-Packard_Model_HP-97_Magnetic_Card-Programmable_Handheld_Calculator_With_Thermal_Printer,_7-Segment_Red_LED_Display,_Cost_New_=_750_USD,_Circa_1976_(14548847987).jpg)
- [HP Magnetic Card](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/HP_magnetic_card.jpg)

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