News release

New Presario Lineup Makes Enjoying Digital Entertainment and E-Learning Faster and Easier

New Presario PCs Fastest and Most Advanced Yet With Latest Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor and USB 2.0 Connectivity

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced a variety of new options for its Presario line of digital entertainment desktop PCs will be available May 8 direct from Compaq, including the newest, fastest Intel® Pentium® 4 processor for faster and easier enjoyment of digital video editing, photography and music, gaming, and e-learning.

In addition, Presario 6000 and 8000 PCs may also be configured with USB 2.0, for up to 40 times faster connections to digital cameras and mp3 players designed for USB 2.0. External hard drives, CD burners, cameras and mp3 players will all take less time to transfer data, simplifying and speeding the process while allowing more time to enjoy digital entertainment.

Digital video enthusiasts will enjoy creating and sharing their home movies with the enhanced MyMovieSTUDIO solution, featuring the more intuitive Sonic MyDVD™ Video Suite. MyDVD Video Suite makes it possible for home users to record, share and re-edit their personal videos on DVD or CD, combining the sheer simplicity and power of Sonic MyDVD 3.5 with the professional-level editing features of ArcSoft ShowBiz 1.1 video editor and the front IEEE 1394 port—creating a fully integrated, easy-to-use video production center.

E-learning will also be easier and faster with the new Questia Online Library. With one free month of the subscription-based service, students of all ages can see just how simple research, paper writing and projects can be with their new Presario PC with access to more than 65,000 liberal arts books and journal articles. All of the full-text, searchable digital content is selected by professional librarians and leading academics to ensure reliability and is digitized in its original, complete version. After the first free month from Compaq, the Questia Online Library is available for just $19.95 per month.

In addition to these new and enhanced offerings, Compaq customers can rely on award-winning product care and customer service. Customers have the option of utilizing Compaq's industry leading Help & Support Web site (http://www.compaq.com/consumersupport) which provides assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through either its Compaq Customer Communities (http://www.compaq.com/communities) or its best-in-class email-assisted support. For added peace of mind, customers can also find Compaq qualified technical support by calling 1-800-OK-Compaq or by purchasing an extended service plan by calling 1-888-445-0115.

Available direct from Compaq on May 8, more information about these new products can be found on Compaq's Web site at http://www.athome.compaq.com, by visiting a Compaq kiosk located in more than 10,000 popular retail stores and many traditional retail locations, or by calling Compaq at 1-800-888-0220.

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.