CALCULATOR FOR SCHOOL

I'm sure they are both fine. As for Alg vs RPN ... ... basically ALG is what you are used to. To do 1+2 x 3+4 on the most basic of calculators. You'd just literally put in 1+2 x 3+4, and the calculator knows how to handle it (I'm talking now about a decent calculator like a ti-85).

RPN is more confusing - to do 1+2 x 3+4 you'd have to enter 1 2 3 x 4 +

The bottom line is that if you are not used to RPN you wont want to learn it... and you really don't need to. You should know that the plantium anniversary edition of the 12c supports BOTH ALG and RPN, so you don't have to learn RPN. But...only the platinum edition, so make sure you get the right one if you get it.

But here's the difference between the 12c and the BA II 2+ whatever hte heck

Lameboy calculator:
You: "Hi, My name is Big Boy. Man this homework is so easy."
Girl: "Gosh, I'm so confused. Last night I stayed up till 3am trying to figure out this stuff about bonds."
You: "Really? I could teach you how to do it."
Girl: "Really? I would do anything, and I mean anything, to learn this material."
You: "Well, you see I'm gonna be a banker, and so I know this stuff."
Girl: "Really? You think you'll go to Goldman Sachs? I've always wanted to do it with a Goldmanite"
You: "Absolutely. Look here I'll show you how to do the first one and then we can go to my place ok?"
Girl: "I can't wait."
You: "Ok so this is the HP BA II + ... "
Girl: "Oh, hey Bob, listen..."
You: "My name's Alex."
Girl: "Yea whatever. Look I gotta go."

12c:
You: "Hi. My name is Alex."
Girl: "Whats that in your hand?"
You: "This is a 12c."
Girl: "I'm so hot for you. Will you please do unholy things to me?"
You: "Get lost you tramp. I'm trying to be a banker here. Stop distracting me."

You pick.