HP Prime

HP Prime

HP Prime Graphing Calculator
Type	CAS, Graphing, Programmable, Scientific
Manufacturer	Hewlett-Packard
Introduced	October 2013
Latest firmware	11226 (2016-12-08)
Predecessor	HP 39gII (HP 50g)
Calculator
Entry mode	Textbook / Algebraic / Advanced RPN
Display type	16-bit full-color multi-touch TFT LCD
Display size	320×240 pixels (3.5″ / 8.9 cm diagonal), text 10x33 (lines x characters) + menus + header
CPU
Processor	400 MHz Samsung S3C2416XH-40 (ARM926EJ core)
Programming
Programming language(s)	HP PPL
Interfaces
Ports	Micro USB-AB connector
Other
Weight	228 g (8.04 oz)
Dimensions	18.23×8.58×1.39 cm (7.13×3.38×0.550 inches)

The HP Prime is a graphing calculator manufactured by Hewlett-Packard (HP). It contains features common in smartphones, with a touchscreen and apps available to put onto it. There are two sides to the calculator, a numeric home screen and a computer algebra system (CAS) homescreen. The calculator can quickly switch between the two, unlike its competitors, which either have a CAS model or a non-CAS model. The CAS is based on the free and open-source Xcas/Giac 1.1.2 engine by Bernard Parisse, who was also the main developer of the CAS system integrated into the HP 49G and successors. The calculator has a 1500 mAh battery, which is expected to last up to 15 hours on a single charge. Prime emulator PC software is available as well.

It has also, for now (2016), taken the title for the world's smallest CAS calculator at 18.23×8.58 cm and is also the thinnest CAS calculator available currently, with a thickness of only 1.39 cm.

The HP Prime has a feature called Exam Mode. This enables various features of the calculator (such as CAS functionality, user-created apps, notes, etc.) to be selectively disabled for a specific time, from 15 minutes to 8 hours. This can be done manually within the calculator's menus, or by using a computer with HP's connectivity software. LEDs on the top of the calculator blink to let the instructor see that the calculator is in this mode. Despite this feature, the Prime is still prohibited in many examinations, such as the US's ACT college-entry test. It is however starting to be accepted in other examinations, like those run by the Dutch CvTE, the Swiss IB, or Alberta (Canada) education authorities.

The HP Prime's non-CAS home-screen supports textbook, algebraic and 128-level RPN (aka Advanced RPN) entry logic. However, it uses a new operating system unrelated to HP's legacy Saturn and Saturn-emulated systems, which were used on HP's previous RPN/RPL graphing calculators; therefore, it is not compatible with any User RPL or System RPL, or with programming in Saturn or ARMv4T assembly language.