But can your calculator run Linux?
A tech enthusiast explores the process of porting Linux to the HP Prime G2 graphing calculator. The author contrasts modern graphical calculators with classic models like the HP 16C, focusing on hardware hacking rather than standard utility.
Why it matters
Demonstrates the ongoing interest in hardware modification and the capability of embedded systems to run general-purpose operating systems.
Published: 01-08-2026 20:08 | Author: Remy van Elst | Text only version of this article
One of my all time favorite calculators is the HP 16C . It is an RPN calculator aimed at computer programmers with support for hex, binary, octal and decimal and all sorts of useful operations like bit shifting, masking and rotations. I don't own one myself, I have a Swiss Micro's DM16L , a high quality modern day remake with improvements like a 2 line display. There is a limited run collectors edition of the HP 16C coming soon though. But none of those calculators run Linux.
Screenshot of the console and partial fbv image viewer
Below are at least a thousand words covering the HP Prime G2 and other graphical calculators capable of running Linux. You can skip that if you just want to read about my updated Linux port for the Prime G2.
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