The Museum of HP Calculators
HP-38E/C
The HP-38C and HP-38E were the high-end business members of the 30 series.
The HP-38E was introduced first, followed a year later by the HP-38C which
added continuous memory.
A Programmable Business Calculator
The HP-38E/C were the first HP programmable business calculators. Previous
high-end business models had relied on the large amount of software in ROM
to handle most business problems. Thanks to the decreasing costs of ROM and
RAM, the 38E/C could provide those previous built-in functions and allow
user programmability at an attractive price.
More Financial Functions At A Lower Price
For about 30% less than
the price of the previous generation HP-22,
the HP-38E provided not only
programmability but a much larger financial function set including
amortization, internal rate of return, discounted cash flow
analysis and net present value. While the HP-22
easily replaced the
HP-70, it wasn't until the HP-38E was introduced
that the HP-80 was finally discontinued.
Shared Program/Register Memory
A first on the HP-38E/C was shared memory for programs and data storage.
The calculator started with 20 numbered registers (R0-R.9) and 8 lines
of program space and converted registers
as needed into program lines. Register conversion started from the top
(R.9) and proceeded downward to R7 with each register yielding 7
lines of program space. R0-R6 were always used for data which meant that
programs could be up to 99 lines in length. (The financial registers
were separate and never converted,)
Picture of an HP-38C (~59K)
Manual Available
HP-38E features
HP-38C features
Technology and Packaging
Dimensions and Weight
Prices:
HP-38E: $120
HP-38C: $150
Production Runs:
HP-38E: 1978-1981
HP-38C: 1979-1983
Go back to the main exhibit hall
Next Calculator Made
Previous Calculator Made
Picture of an HP-38C (~59K)