I have a deep and enduring affection for the tools from the 1980s personal computer boom. For low-level software developers and computer architects, the true pinnacle of that era wasn’t a computer at all—it was a calculator: the 1982 HP-16C, also known as the “Computer Scientist.” (here) A few other companies, such as TI and Casio, attempted to offer similar tools, but they were not in the same category. One of the best modern spins on the HP-16C is SwissMicros’ DM-16L (here)
Unlike its more mainstream counterpart, the HP-15C, the HP-16C was a highly specialized and niche instrument. It wasn’t designed for high school algebra; it was crafted for the complexities of assembly language, mask manipulation, and bitwise operations. Because it was a niche tool, HP produced far fewer units, driving secondary-market prices for collectors seeking a working model to skyrocket today.
With Moravia Consulting now leading the charge in reviving several calculator brands, including Hewlett-Packard (here), and following the significant announcement made at HHC 2025, we no longer need to wait for the re-release of the HP-16C (here). We can now pre-order a brand-new HP-16C Collector’s Edition. You can place your order directly on Moravia’s website (here) or at The Calculator Store (here), which began taking pre-orders last week. Although production is strictly limited to 10,000 units worldwide and is scheduled to ship in mid-August, I don’t anticipate a scalper rush as we saw with the HP-15C CE, which is certainly a relief!
At approximately $120 USD, with a pre-order discount available through July, here are a few things you can expect from this new model:
- It runs the authentic 1982 microcode via an internal emulation layer on a modern ARM processor, allowing for instantaneous execution of long, iterative binary optimization loops compared to the original Nut processor.
- Moravia has chosen to maintain the original internal memory constraints at 203 bytes of program memory. Purists will appreciate this 1:1 legacy optimization map, though I admit a part of my engineering mind wishes they had expanded the register boundaries a bit further.
- It features an internal POGO-pin interface hidden in the battery compartment for USB flashing, ensuring that the classic landscape chassis remains unblemished on the outside.
- A reissued, spiral-bound user guide is included, which HP aficionados will certainly appreciate. 😊
I use my original HP-16Cs almost daily, and nothing beats having physical keys for hexadecimal, decimal, and octal conversions right next to my keyboard, along with dozens of bit-manipulation functions. So, naturally, I have pre-ordered the new machine, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on this long-awaited revival of a classic calculator. Thank you, HP and Moravia!
Enjoy your weekend, and happy design/coding!
You were going to love it.
I have the 15 version with the increased memory and used that to its fullest extent to create a manual and program which Monrovia carried and came with an aviation overlay.
This was unlimited run and sold out very quickly, but the manual and the program code is still available.
Absolutely beautiful machines with the HP click but you may experience some bounce problems which have effectively been removed through timing code.
My 15 Ccame with a 16 C overlay and the ability to switch to the 16 C at any time.
My nephew at 43 years of age works at Adobe out of San Francisco is a senior scientist and I gifted him a restored 16 C about eight years ago. I told him not to leave it on his desk because there will be some 60-year-olds with very light fingers.
Enjoy