News release

Compaq Introduces the Ultimate Travel Companion—A Fully-Loaded, Ultra-Portable Notebook for Under $2,000

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today introduced its newest notebook PC for the U.S. home and small business market: the Presario 800 series. Starting at $1,799 ⁽¹⁾, this ultra-portable PC has a sleek, sophisticated design that is under one inch thin and less than 3.5 pounds, so it's small and lightweight enough to carry effortlessly and discreetly, yet provides the same cutting-edge technology and performance offered on larger notebook PCs.

"The Presario 800 is specifically designed for independent mobile professionals who are on the go and want anytime, anywhere access to their personal and business computing and Internet-based communications needs," said Kevin Frost, Compaq's vice president, Mobile Products, Access Business Group. "The small, compact design of this PC, combined with the highest portable performance, provides mobility to match customer lifestyles, giving them the freedom to be more productive in more places."

Configurations feature the low voltage Intel Pentium^®III 700 MHz processor, a 12.1" TFT XGA screen, 20 GB hard drives, 128 MB of memory and external optical drive options that include CD, CD-RW or DVD drives. It also has a rugged magnesium alloy shell that provides the durability necessary for frequent use and today's active lifestyles.

iPAQnet Mobile Internet

Also announced today as an additional option available on the Presario 800 is Compaq's new, high-speed wireless Internet service—iPAQnet Mobile Internet Solution, powered by WorldCom Wireless Internet Service in conjunction with WorldCom's high-performance global IP network and the Ricochet national wireless network. The service is the fastest available today, operating at speeds of 128 Kbps. The wireless service is immediately available in 13 cities ⁽²⁾.

"The Presario 800 with iPAQnet Mobile Internet is Compaq's innovative solution for highly active, highly mobile people who need access to the Internet in a convenient, easy-to-carry and reasonably priced package," said Frost. "Compaq is leading the way in making the Internet truly pervasive and always accessible to our customers."

Beginning today, consumers can purchase the new Presario 800 notebook through Compaq's "Built for You" program or on the shelf at participating retailers, by calling 1-800-888-0220 or on Compaq's Home and Office Web site at http://athome.compaq.com. Compaq's "Built for You" program allows customers to configure their PCs to meet their specific needs and gives them access to the latest products as soon as they become available.

Available for purchase with the high-performance PC are the equipment and services that make up iPAQnet Mobile Internet: a Novatel Wireless Merlin™ Ricochet PC Card and WorldCom Wireless Internet service. All necessary equipment and airtime service are included with the PC at an additional cost of $299 plus $74.95 per month for unlimited airtime ⁽³⁾. However, this bundle is only available directly from Compaq via the toll-free number or the company Web site.

In addition to the Presario 800, the iPAQnet Mobile Internet solution will be available on other Compaq mobile commercial products, such as the Armada notebook family and the iPAQ Pocket PC and will be available for all other Presario notebooks later this quarter.

For more information about the Presario 800 and iPAQnet Mobile Internet, please visit http://athome.compaq.com.

For more information about other newly announced products from Compaq, including a variety of wireless access solutions and wireless local areas networking products for commercial and small office/home office environments, please visit http://athome.compaq.com.