The bottom line on the two-line display shows the menu labels for the five major menus in the calculator: Financial, Business Percentages, Statistics, Time Manager, and Equation Solver. The menu keys allow you to shift between functions. The top line shows the numbers or letters you enter and the resulting calculation. Each menu has subfunctions and built-in variables for greater complexity. A beeper sounds when you press the wrong key, when an error occurs, or when you are late for an appointment.
The HP 17BII has 8,000 total bytes in RAM (6,750 bytes plus 1,250 for your built-in variables). You can monitor the available memory (both in bytes and percentages) by pressing shift-MEM. The calculator retains current functions until you press "clear data." If you accidentally shut the machine off, just turn it back on and your calculation will reappear. After 10 minutes of nonuse the calculator turns itself off, but your most recent information will still be there.
The HP financial calculator interfaces with an HP infrared printer (sold separately), allowing you to print tables, lists, and payment schedules whether you are--in a meeting or on an airplane.
A protective cover is included to keep your calculator dust-free. Batteries are already loaded, and the calculator is backed by a limited one-year warranty. --Dana Van Nest
