News release

Say 'Cheese!' -- HP Survey Reveals Family Photos Are Most Cherished Possession

Survey Explores Significance of Photos in Americans' Lives

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 6, 2001

More than 70 percent of Americans cherish their family photos more than their personal writings, heirloom jewelry or diplomas and other awards of personal achievement. Yet, more than half of Americans admit to keeping their photos in a box or drawer. These and other revealing statistics were released today as part of a survey commissioned by Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) to explore Americans' image-related attitudes and habits.

The survey, conducted by International Communications Research, is being released in conjunction with the recent launch of HP's new digital imaging solutions, which are designed to make it even easier for families to capture, share, display and safeguard their most cherished possessions -- photos.

The survey revealed that Americans are frustrated with traditional picture taking and film development. While 94 percent of Americans say they take pictures to commemorate major family or life events, two out of three acknowledge that they have developed a roll of film only to be disappointed that all or some of their pictures did not come out.

Some of the most common problems associated with traditional photography are red eye, out-of-focus photos, running out of film and poorly framed photos, that is, photos that are off center or cut off people's heads. HP's survey revealed that these issues aggravate 84 percent of Americans. With digital imaging and HP's enhanced photo imaging software, these frustrations can be virtually eliminated.

"Digital imaging offers simple solutions to many of the frustrations associated with traditional photography," said Julie Adair King, author of "Digital Photography For Dummies." "With digital imaging you can avoid the fear of losing that 'magic moment' because you can immediately see whether or not you got the photo you wanted and take another picture if needed."

As a result of recent advances in technology, there are cameras and printers available to suit every lifestyle and budget. HP recently launched three new digital cameras: the HP Photosmart 318, 612 and 715.

Priced between $199 and $499⁽¹⁾, the cameras provide superior image quality and flexible storage options, with the high-end models offering even more options and benefits for photo enthusiasts. All three cameras allow family and friends to instantly e-mail and print favorite images.

It is common for friends and family to request copies of pictures -- even as they are being taken and before seeing the developed roll. With digital imaging, photographers can be selective about what they print, discarding poor images and printing multiple copies of favorites. "Even today's less expensive printers can produce photos that rival the quality of traditional prints," said King.

Technological advances in digital printing also mean that it's no longer even necessary to have a computer in order to print photos. For example, the HP Photosmart 1315 color inkjet printer allows consumers to simply transfer the camera's memory card to the printer and immediately print photographs directly from the camera.

A total of 1,008 telephone interviews were conducted between Oct. 5 and Oct. 10 by International Communications Research of Media, Pa. The sample was weighted to provide a nationally representative and projectable estimate of the adult population, age 18 and older. Sampling error for a survey of this size is plus/minus 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

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.

⁽¹⁾ Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.