News release

HP and Magic Johnson Foundation Double Team to Defeat Digital Divide in Chicago

Magic Johnson and HP Inventor Center Featuring HP Technology Opens in Chicago

HP (NYSE:HPQ) and the Magic Johnson Foundation today continued their community technology initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide with the opening of the seventh Magic Johnson and HP Inventor Center at Lake Grove Village Apartments. The center will offer training and skills development and access to online services for Chicago-area youths and adults.

Funded through the HP Multi-cultural Marketing Program, the $1 million, three-year initiative has already established centers in six other inner-city communities, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and New York.

"So many people take computer technology for granted because it's such a major part of our society now, but imagine not having the education or the ability to access computers," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson, founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation. "Thanks to organizations with a strong sense of responsibility like HP, my Foundation can come into the community and provide the necessary training and education that the kids and the residents of the community may not be getting otherwise."

The Magic Johnson and HP Inventor Center in Lake Grove Village will feature a powerful lineup of HP commercial and consumer products -- from servers, desktop and notebook PCs to printers, scanners and digital cameras.

Rep. Bobby Rush said, "The center will help ensure that residents have access to computer technology so they can continue to develop indispensable skills for a technologically driven world. We thank HP, the Magic Johnson Foundation and the other organizations that came forward to make this happen."

"HP is deeply committed to broadening access to social and economic opportunities through technology," said Lewis Karabatsos, director, U.S. Strategy and Operations, HP Corporate Philanthropy and Education. "By working with the Magic Johnson Foundation, we are widening our efforts to enable under-served communities to harness the benefits of the digital economy."

Lake Grove Village Housing Development is located in the South Bronzeville section of Chicago and services more than 1,600 residents of the Douglas community. It is their mission to improve the quality of life and economic stability by empowering families to be self-sufficient through developing literacy, vocational and technical skills in adults; nurturing leadership skills in youth and providing a safe haven; and reaching out to seniors to remain active.

Other sponsors supporting the Magic Foundation and HP Inventor Center include: Bank One, DHL, Eastwind Consulting Group, Microsoft, Personal Touch Systems and Skillsoft.

About the Magic Johnson Foundation

The Magic Johnson Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving and addressing the health, educational and social needs of those residing in the inner city. In addition, the Foundation has made a strong commitment to raise awareness about several health and social concerns that threaten under-served communities. Founded in 1991 by basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the Foundation has raised more than $20 million for charity.

About HP

HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corporation on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.