News release

Compaq Handheld Computers to Track Participants at the 2002 Boston Marathon

Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs and Nextel Modems Link Technology to Form the Tracking Network

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) and its innovative handheld iPAQ™ Pocket PCs—along with modems from Nextel—will provide the technology to track every registered participant at the 106th B.A.A. Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2002.

Twenty-two Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs and Nextel modems will combine technology for a state-of-the-art wireless computer network to provide runner and wheelchair participant updates to spectators at the finish lines and at clearly identified sites along the marathon route from Hopkinton to Boston, Massachusetts.

With the use of tiny computer chips that all registered participants will wear attached to their shoes or wheelchairs that will transmit their location as they cross stationary sensor mats at regular checkpoints along the course, the Compaq Athlete Search System will provide details about each participant's progress via the network to allow family and friends, as well as an international audience, to follow the action from start to finish.

For participant location updates, spectators along the race course are encouraged to approach any one of the 22 Compaq volunteers who will be clearly identified in bright red shirts with the words "Ask Me About Your Runner" stenciled on them.

Located every five kilometers along the race course and at the finish line, volunteers just need the participant's name or bib number and they can provide spectators with an instant update of the participant's nearest checkpoint location on the course, prominently displayed on the computer screen of their handheld Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs.

In addition to wireless access on the course, spectators will be able to follow the racing action on iPAQ Pocket PCs while waiting in the race's Family Meeting Area. Participant updates also will be accessible from the race Web site at http://www.bostonmarathon.org, allowing computer users around the world to obtain up-to-date participant locations.

"Compaq and Nextel technology are once again a primary part of the Boston Athletic Association's network to track participants in the 2002 Boston Marathon at checkpoints along the historic route from Hopkinton to Boston," said Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray. "Again this year, spectators on the course will have access to the complete BAA network, and will be able to anticipate finishing times and get accurate information while the race is in progress"

"Nextel is excited to link our Wireless Web Services and Compaq's handheld computers to provide timely location updates on demand for every race participant," said Tim Enright, Nextel area vice president, New England.

John Ardini, vice president for Solutions Development and Integration in Compaq's High Performance Systems Division, said, "This technology is a great way for friends and family members to follow their favorite participant and feel like they're a part of the action. It's a unique approach to using wireless computing and Internet access to provide up-to-the-minute results during a sporting event. The Compaq system, which has been used at the annual Compaq Houston Marathon as well as the Boston Marathon, has become a huge hit with fans"

As official technology sponsor of the Boston Marathon, Compaq serves as the race's complete computing solutions provider, powering several vital aspects of the event.

Compaq equipment will be used at virtually every marathon location, including an operations center at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Command Post on Copley Square Park, runners' number pickup area, press registration areas, press rooms, television broadcast booths, finish-line kiosk, and in the medical tents.

Compaq employees are key contributors as well, with more than 100 New England-based Compaq employees taking part in the race as runners and volunteers.

Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise customers. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information technology equipment, software, services and solutions, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, personal desktop and notebook computers, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices that are sold in more than 200 countries directly and through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.