News release

Compaq to Provide Wireless Access to Link Delegates at Asian Development Bank Conference

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today distributed its hot-selling, award-winning iPAQ Pocket PCs with wireless LAN connections to link top delegates to each other and event information as they gathered here for the 34th annual Asian Development Bank Conference.

Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PC, which enables wireless computing and access to the Internet and corporate information, will deliver state-of-the-art technology during the three-day conference, allowing more effective dialogue between worldwide participants from 59 different countries, in addition to information exchange and debate among forum attendees.

At the request of the Governor of Hawaii, an ambitious wireless network, the first of its kind ever assembled at the Hawaii Convention Center for such a large-scale event, can be accessed by more than 100 of the key decision makers at the conference using the Microsoft^®Windows^®Powered PC platform. The iPAQ Pocket PCs will serve as a personal navigation tool, providing delegates with real-time wireless access to essential event information and a wide range of functions, including messaging, secure wireless e-mail capability, Internet access, daily news, and the ability to monitor changing conference schedules and view webcasts of some events at the forum.

"The state of Hawaii is extremely proud to show what is possible when a leading-edge technology partner like Compaq can demonstrate the true potential of secure wireless Internet access to some of the most important business leaders in the world assembled here for this event," said Hawaii Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano.

Compaq is also powering a Cyber Café, delegates' offices, and a press room with a combination of more than 100 iPAQ desktops, Deskpro EN Series desktops, and Armada E500 notebook computers to mostly local and international government officials, finance ministers, investment bankers, and media from across North America, the Asia Pacific and Europe. Through Compaq technology, forum attendees can get up-to-the-minute conference information, and will have the ability to stay connected with the outside world through Internet and intranet access.

Michael Capellas, chairman and chief executive officer at Compaq Computer Corp., and a keynote speaker here, said, "The wireless capabilities presented at this conference underline how swiftly the wireless revolution is changing the way people work and live, and serves as a compelling proof point of how Compaq is ambitiously working with partners to build leading-edge wireless solutions that will truly change the way we access information."

Capellas will discuss in his keynote address here today at 2 p.m. [7 p.m. CDT] how information technology can be a positive force in driving economic development in Asian Pacific countries. According to IDC, Asian Pacific markets are anticipated to generate annual IT growth rates of 17 percent.

The Asian Development Bank is a multilateral finance institution with its principal goal being to reduce poverty and secondarily, foster growth, support human development, improve the status of women and protect the environment. The organization provides loans and technical assistance to governments for specific programs.

Some 600 delegates from 59 member nations, led primarily by their ministers of finance or governors of their central banks, will be in attendance. Another 1,500 international and local guests representing banks, financial and business interests are also attending, as well as a host of other attendees.

At the start of the conference, each top-level participant was presented with an easy-to-use, personalized iPAQ Pocket PC loaded with functionalities specifically designed for the Hawaii meeting. Delegates found their name on the device as soon as they switched them on. Special software was developed for the conference, which leads the delegates through the conference agenda and delivers important information. Each Pocket PC was preloaded with a welcome e-mail message and an information sheet that details the wide uses for the handheld device. The Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC devices are connected to a server via a wireless LAN, however, the devices can work both online and offline and are synchronized through the wireless LAN. Wireless access points were pre-installed throughout different locations inside the convention center to enable participants' connectivity.

Compaq is providing on-site support for delegates needing technical assistance with their iPAQ Pocket PCs. Enhanced security features and optimization from Infowave Software (TSE:IW) will provide a secure environment and a fast, real-time wireless experience on the Pocket PCs. GeminiTech, a Honolulu-based technology company, is providing deployment services and technical support throughout the conference in partnership with Compaq.

Asian Development Bank Background

Annual meetings are occasions for the Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 59 member countries to report on the economies and the ADB, and the operations, administration, and future directions of the ADB. Finance ministers and senior treasury officials of member countries, representatives of the multilateral development bank community, investment bankers, NGO representatives and journalists attend.