Skip to content
  • FAQ
  • News
  • Contact Us
Logo
 
  • ABOUT THE ARCHIVES
  • ABOUT HEWLETT-PACKARD CO. HISTORY
    • HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
    • EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
    • MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS & SALES
  • LOOK INSIDE THE VAULT
  • EXPLORE THE VAULT
  • FAQ
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Home •
  • Hewlett-Packard Calculator Archives •
  • The HP 45: A “Shift” in Technology

The HP 45: A “Shift” in Technology

HP 45 calculator with carrying pouch and owner's handbook in front of a plastic storage case. Enlarge
The back of the HP 45 calculator, with carrying pouch and owner's handbook in front of a plastic storage case. Enlarge
The HP 45 calculator (left and top face). Enlarge
The HP 45 calculator (right and top face). Enlarge
Share this piece of history
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Date: 1973

The HP 45 was the first scientific calculator to feature a “shift” key that expanded the calculator’s functions. The device also featured one of the earliest known “Easter eggs”: a stopwatch feature that could be accessed by entering a special code. The stopwatch feature was originally intended to be a function of the device, but Hewlett-Packard chose not to include it in the advertisements or user manual upon deciding it wasn’t up to their meticulous standards of accuracy.

Tags: 1970s • 1973 • Calculator • portable

( C ) HPCA

 
The HP 12C: A Best Seller
 
 
The HP 82143A Printer Revolution
 
Related
The HP 01: The Smart Watch of the 1970s
Ercil Joseph Breaks Calibrating Record
A Serious Offering: HP Series E Calculators
POWERED BY
Heritage Werks
© 2023 Hewlett-Packard Company Archives. All rights reserved.
HP, Inc. Terms of Use and HPE Terms of Use

  • About the Archives
  • ABOUT HEWLETT-PACKARD HISTORY
    • HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
    • EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
    • MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS & SALES
  • Explore The Vault
Tell Us What You Think Icon
Tell Us What You'd Like To See?
Tell Us What You Think Icon
Tell Us What You'd Like To See?
  • About the Archives
  • ABOUT HEWLETT-PACKARD HISTORY
    • HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
    • EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
    • MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS & SALES
  • Explore The Vault
POWERED BY
Heritage Werks
© 2022 Hewlett-Packard Company Archives. All rights reserved.
HP, Inc. Terms of Use and HPE Terms of Use