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Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_01YDRjtmAiNpo5mK5N3d7QwZ
2026-10-13 17:26:43 +02:00

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---
title: Hewlett Packard HP-65
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1974'
cpus:
- HP CPU
params:
name: HP-65
image: /media/museum/photos/hp_65_system_s1.jpg
company: /companies/hewlett-packard
company_name: Hewlett Packard
specs:
- label: NAME
value: HP-65
- label: MANUFACTURER
value: Hewlett Packard
- label: TYPE
value: Professional Computer
- label: ORIGIN
value: U.S.A.
- label: YEAR
value: '1974'
- label: END OF PRODUCTION
value: '1977'
- label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
value: Reverse Polish Notation (RPN)
- label: KEYBOARD
value: 35 multi-function keys
- label: CPU
value: HP CPU (several chips)
- label: SPEED
value: Unknown
- label: RAM
value: 100 steps, 9 registers
- label: ROM
value: Unknown
- label: TEXT MODES
value: 1 line, 10+2 chars LED display
- label: SIZE / WEIGHT
value: 8.15 (W) x 15.25 (L) x 3.55 (H) cm
- label: BUILT IN MEDIA
value: Built-in magnetic card reader/writer
- label: POWER SUPPLY
value: Battery pack containing 3x AA rechargeable cells
- label: PRICE
value: $795
tabs:
- links
forum_thread: 1093
links:
- title: HP Museum
url: http://www.hpmuseum.org/hp65.htm
text: Detailed information about the HP-65
related:
- /museum/hewlett-packard-hp-200lx
oc_id: 1123
source:
url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230604005733/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1123
date: '2023-06-04'
---
The HP-65 is arguably the most elegant and classic pocket calculator ever built.
Boasting many firsts, including being the first fully programmable hand-held calculator with built-in magnetic card reader, it was used for course corrections on Apollo, and was introduced as "The Personal Computer" when keypunch machines were still the most common input device for mainframes.
While pricey, nearly $800 back in 1974, its quality and innovations garnered many enthusiasts, spawning clubs like the HP-65 Users Club and triggering medical recoveries (but that's another story!).
Thanks to **Mike Dutch** - Picture from [Teclas.org](http://teclasorg.coolfreepage.com/principal.htm)
**Gary Clouse** reports:\
The early HP calculators were legendary for their durability. there were stories of them surviving 40 ft drops onto concrete, exposure to the weather for several months, and being run over by heavy eauipment on construction sites. The circuit board and battery contacts were gold-plated to prevent corrosion. There was a joke among engineering students that if there was a nuclear war, the survivors would be HP calculators and cockroaches.
<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>