News release

United Airlines uses Five Millionth HP iPAQ to reach new heights

Abanco deploys HP's customized mobile devices for United Airlines' creative in-flight catering solution

HP today announced that United Airlines, through solution and software provider Abanco, received the five millionth iPAQ Pocket PC which will be used in a customized in-flight catering solution that allows customers to enjoy specialty cuisine at 35,000 feet.

Abanco created an in-flight catering solution for the entire airline industry that allows flight attendants to offer dining options from name brand restaurants to their customers. The United flight attendants use the iPAQs to process individual traveler selections by checking the inventory, placing the order and processing the transaction for the customer on the spot, and the customer then quickly receives their meal.

"This customized iPAQ solution allows our flight attendants to individualize our customers flying experience using innovative mobile technology," said Bill Dove, Director Worldwide Catering, United Airlines. "With hundreds of flights already offering choices from popular restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe, we are seeing an enthusiastic customer response to this unique service."

"Abanco's In-Flight Terminal Services delivers an easy way for travelers to experience on-board custom cuisine by allowing them to conveniently pay with a credit card," said Anthony Ashe, SVP of Abanco. "Our system allows airlines and caterers to track inventory and revenue reconciliation, supply chain logistics management, customer preferences and trend analysis, thus enabling airline carriers to cater to the specific needs of their flyers."

HP technology enables mobile environments, such as United Airlines' in-flight catering service, across every customer segment; from consumers and the wireless handhelds they use, businesses of all sizes and the "mobile workplace" they create, and service providers and the infrastructure that enables mobile technology. HP is the only company with a portfolio of products that span the entire mobility spectrum - from devices to servers, software, infrastructure, and services.

"Five Million iPAQ Pocket PCs and our history of industry-leading innovation continue to define the handheld category," said Alex Gruzen, senior vice president and general manager, HP Mobile Computing Global Business Unit. "Individuals and solution providers alike look to HP to drive the future of mobile computing with cutting-edge technologies that open new markets and opportunities."

Innovation through the years

HP has a rich heritage of innovation in mobility, and the iPAQ has been a trendsetter since its introduction in the Spring of 2000 by continually incorporating new features never before seen in a handheld.

HP was the first to integrate Bluetooth wireless technology into a handheld, first with a transflective screen for clear outdoor viewing, and the first with integrated biometrics. This innovation continued with the introduction of iPAQ h4150 and h4350, one of the thinnest and lightest Pocket PC product lines on the market to include both Bluetooth technology and integrated wireless LAN network access in one device.

By reaching the five millionth milestone, the award-wining iPAQ Pocket PC product line further solidifies its position as the No. 1 selling Pocket PC family worldwide.

In addition to the unique in-flight solution using the five millionth iPAQ, the iPAQ Pocket PC family has experienced other milestones through the years:

• January 2001 - first use of the iPAQ in the Houston Marathon to track runners' location
• January 2001 - first time iPAQ is used to provide wireless network for delegates at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos
• April 2001 - named "World's Most Powerful PDA" by the Guinness Book of World Records
• December 2001 - iPAQ used to read vows during wedding ceremony
• February 2002 - iPAQ provides EMS support at Super Bowl XXXVI
• February 2002 - iPAQ provides wireless technology to Australian Olympians
• April 2002 - iPAQ allows National Park Service track locations of fires
• April 2002 - iPAQ allows Vanderbilt University Medical Center track patients through each point of their care
• June 2002 - iPAQ technology provided to help develop Raytheon's ruggedized iPAQ
• January 2003 - iPAQ used by law enforcement to access vehicle property or criminal history
• June 2003 - iPAQ used as model for first wireless Pocket PC PDA for the blind
• July 2003 - First iPAQ in space with TransOrbital mission
• October 2003 - iPAQ inspires various wireless mobility technologies for people with disabilities
• February 2004 - iPAQs deployed through Fairmont hotels as pocket concierge
• February 2004 - iPAQ used to diagnose heart attack patients more quickly

About HP

HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the last four fiscal quarters, HP revenue totaled $74.7 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.