News release

HP Delivers the Ultimate in Home and Business Computing with Windows XP-equipped PCs

Features Include Innovative Digital Imaging Capabilities, Variety of Software Choices, Superior Reliability and Easy Internet Access

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 12, 2001

Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) today announced exciting consumer and business applications -- including enhanced digital photography and imaging capabilities, simple PC-to-PC information transfer and fast and easy Internet access -- with the introduction of its new desktop and notebook PCs equipped with the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system. Powered by the much-anticipated OS and packaged with exclusive HP features, the new PCs provide the simplicity and performance customers demand.

"HP and Windows XP is the one-two punch that unlocks the possibilities of home, business and notebook PCs for consumers and businesses," said Pradeep Jotwani, president and general manager, HP Consumer Business Organization. "HP's Windows XP-powered desktop and notebook PCs take users into the future of digital solutions with their very own photo lab, movie theater, production studio and jukebox, as well as the latest in mobile and office technologies."

"The launch of Windows XP represents the arrival of a new standard of computing, where consumers will have the freedom to experience more than ever thought possible with a PC and the Internet," said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Platforms Group, Microsoft. "Microsoft is excited to have the support of HP in delivering great new Windows XP-based PCs that will enable users to achieve new heights in communications, digital photography, music and video."

HP's entire portfolio of easy-to-use digital imaging, business, mobile and wireless solutions makes the most of Windows XP. Relationships with Detto, The Learning Company and other partners further enhance HP's Windows XP experience for consumers:

• Users can create, personalize and share digital photography experiences using HP's digital photo center software, which is accessed through a simple one-touch button on the keyboard, opening up a whole new world for digital photography.

• Consumers can now upgrade their PCs without spending hours on re-customization. In an exclusive alliance with HP, Detto Technologies' IntelliMover software is pre-installed on HP PCs running Windows XP. IntelliMover offers the quick and easy transfer and integration of data, settings and information from one PC to another.

• Together with The Learning Company, HP is bringing HP Learning Adventure software to every Windows XP-equipped PC for the home. Consumers have access to 15 pre-installed software choices ranging from children's educational titles to family reference software that they can try before they buy. Consumers also receive one free software choice with each system they purchase.

• With the My HP Center, consumers have access directly from the desktop to Internet sites featuring special offers for HP customers ranging from personal finance and shopping to digital imaging and music. The My HP Center is powered by BackWeb Technologies -- the leading provider of ProactivePortal™ technologies for the enterprise.

• HP business desktop and notebook PCs running Windows XP Professional offer increased mobility in a wireless or wired environment. HP notebook PCs with embedded wireless capabilities are designed to take advantage of Windows XP features that provide wireless capabilities that are secure, easy to set up and manage. Remote desktop tools on Windows XP Professional enable users to access all of their data and applications housed on their Windows XP PCs and notebooks from any other Windows computer connected via a network.

• For IT managers, Windows XP Professional complements HP's commitment to reducing PC lifecycle costs with its centralized administration and application compatibility tools. The manageability, security and supportability of HP hardware and Windows XP Professional give businesses a reliable foundation needed to maintain their always-on Internet infrastructures.

Availability

HP retail desktop and notebook PCs with Windows XP are available now. HP's home and business desktop and notebook PCs with Windows XP are expected to be widely available as of Oct. 25 directly from HP via http://www.hpshopping.com or http://www.buy.hp.com and in retail stores nationwide.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to all. HP had total revenue from continuing operations of $48.8 billion in its 2000 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development of these products and services may not proceed as planned; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Oct. 31, 2000, and subsequently filed reports. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, HP's results could differ materially from HP's expectations in these statements. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.