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HP 9825A Desktop Calculator / Computer – Pioneering 16‑Bit Scientific Computing Classic (powers up, Seems to function as designed)

Own a genuine piece of computing history with the Hewlett Packard 9825A Desktop Calculator/Computer — a revolutionary 16‑bit all‑in‑one scientific instrument controller introduced in 1976 at a base price of nearly $6,000. Years ahead of its time, the 9825A combined a custom HP‑designed 16‑bit multi‑chip processor, a live QWERTY keyboard that stayed active during program execution, built‑in thermal printer, 250 KB magnetic tape cartridge drive, and a full‑featured HPL programming language into a single stunning package. Faster and more capable than any contemporary microcomputer of its era, it controlled laboratory instruments, executed complex scientific programs, and blurred the line between calculator and computer in ways no machine had before. This unit powers on and represents an outstanding restoration or parts opportunity for a truly iconic piece of engineering history.

High‑Level Specifications

• CPU: HP‑designed 16‑bit multi‑chip module (3 NMOS LSI chips on ceramic substrate: Binary Processor, I/O Controller, Extended Math); ~6 MHz clock
• RAM: 6,844 bytes standard, expandable to 31,420 bytes maximum
• Display: 32‑character, 5×7 LED dot‑matrix alphanumeric display, upper and lower case
• Built‑in storage: two‑track magnetic cartridge tape drive, 250 KB capacity, 2,750 bytes/sec transfer rate, ~6‑second average access
• Built‑in printer: 16‑column 5×7 dot‑matrix thermal line printer
• Programming language: HPL (High‑level Programming Language) — BASIC‑like with named variables, labeled branches, conditionals, and subroutines
• ROM slots: 4 slots for optional ROM packs to extend HPL capability
• I/O expansion: 3 rear slots accepting 16‑bit parallel, BCD, and HP‑IB (IEEE‑488) interface cards
• Live keyboard: allows user input, calculations, and program control while a program is actively running
• Power: 180 W, 120 VAC 60 Hz (switch‑selectable mains voltage)
• Dimensions: 15.1″ W × 19.5″ D × 5.1″ H; weight ~26 lbs
• Original list price: $5,900 in base configuration (1977)

Condition Description

• Unit powers on
• Display is responsive
• typing prt "test" then execute causes the printer to print the word "test" and advance the paper.
• Seems to function as designed
  
• No other testing completed
• Used condition with normal marks, scuffs, and scratches from lab use
  
• Good cosmetic condition overall – see photos for detail
• Sold AS‑IS; no warranty or returns

Included in This sale

• HP 9825A Desktop Calculator/Computer main unit only
• ROM Pack - String Advanced Programming
• ROM Pack - Operating System
• ROM Pack - General I/O
• ROM Pack - Plotter

No accessories, no cables, no power cord, no manuals, and no additional ROM packs are included.

Please review all photos and the description carefully before offerding. This HP 9825A is an exceptional find for vintage computing enthusiasts, collectors, and restorers who appreciate one of the most remarkable and historically significant desktop computing instruments of the 1970s.

Feel free to contact with any questions prior to offerding.

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Terms

1. Reservation of Rights.All rights not expressly granted hereunder or stated in work proposals are reserved to the Seller, including but not limited to all rights in sketches, comps, computer files or other preliminary materials.
2. Errors and Omissions.The Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Seller against any and all claims, costs, and expenses including attorney's fees, due to errors or omissions. Due to the nature of sales responsibility for errors & omissions resides with the Buyer. It is the Buyer’s responsibility to determine if the Item is fit for the Buyer’s particular use. This responsibility includes and is not limited to visual issues, functionality, operations, mechanics, testing, legal implications ….. etc. All Items are delivered as is, as presented.
3. Limitation of Remedies.In no way shall the Seller be liable for any damages beyond the scope of the Item purchased, consequential or other wise. The Seller and its suppliers’ entire liability and the Buyer's exclusive remedy shall be, at the Seller’s option to repair or replace the Item purchased.
4. No Liability for Consequential Damages.To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Seller or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, business interruption, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the Item purchased.
5. No Waiver.If any provision of this agreement is deemed to be illegal or otherwise void, invalid, or unenforceable, such provision or part thereof shall be discarded and the remainder of this agreement without such provision or part thereof shall remain in full force and effect.
6. Arbitration.All disputes arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration before an arbitrator in Will County Illinois and settled in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Disputes in which the amount at issue is less than $2,500.00 shall not be subject to this arbitration provision.
7. Miscellany.This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
8. Authorized Agent.Both Buyer and Seller hereby represent and warrant that they have been and are on the date of this agreement duly authorized by all necessary and appropriate action to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of themselves or their respective principal.
9. Changes To Terms and Conditions.We reserve the right to revise our policies at any time without notice.