HP-71B

The HP-71B was a handheld computer introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1984. It was notable for its powerful BASIC programming language, its relatively large amount of RAM for its time (17.5 KB, expandable to 64 KB), and its ability to interface with various peripherals. Marketed towards technical professionals, engineers, and scientists, the HP-71B offered features such as advanced mathematics functions, including matrix operations and numerical integration.

The device used a 16-bit custom processor, the Capricorn, and featured a single-line LCD display with 22 characters. Expansion ports allowed for connectivity to printers, plotters, mass storage devices (such as cassette drives and floppy disk drives), and other instrumentation. Its BASIC language, known as HP-71B BASIC, was highly regarded for its comprehensive features and support for advanced programming techniques.

The HP-71B was discontinued in 1989, but it remains a significant artifact in the history of personal computing, particularly for its impact on handheld computing for technical applications. Its durable construction and powerful capabilities have contributed to its lasting appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.