News release

HP Handheld “Pushes” Mobile Connectivity to the Next Level

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HP today introduced the latest HP iPAQ handheld, a smart device with the ability to receive email wirelessly using new “push” email functionality from Microsoft.^(1,2)

In addition, the HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger provides customers with all the essentials to keep a business or personal lifestyle running while mobile, including a mobile phone,⁽³⁾ access to Wi-Fi wireless hotspots, data networks, digital content and services,^(1,2) and enhanced security.

The Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Messaging and Security Feature Pack allows HP iPAQ hw6900 customers to automatically receive new email, calendar items, tasks or contacts without incurring additional email middleware expenses.

“With the powerful HP iPAQ Mobile Messenger, busy professionals no longer need to sacrifice connectivity when away from their desks,” said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Computing, HP. “With the handheld’s wireless email, voice and fast data access, our customers can get more done and be more mobile with fewer devices.”

The sleek hw6900 is the first handheld with four integrated radios so customers can stay connected in more places around the world. Included are: Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Wi-Fi, GPS(4) and Bluetooth™ wireless technology.^(1,2,3) The Bluetooth technology additionally offers wireless communication with other Bluetooth devices such as headsets, printers and automobile hands-free kits.

The HP iPAQ hw6900 also is compatible with Skype Mobile software, allowing customers to enjoy high-quality voice calls via high-speed Internet connections.⁽¹⁾

Secure and in the know when on the go

In addition to its push email functionality, the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system creates an improved Outlook Mobile experience and enhanced device and data protection without the need for businesses to deploy additional middleware servers and software. IT administrators can remotely manage and enforce IT policies over the air and have the ability to remotely delete data on an HP iPAQ if it is lost or stolen.

Windows Mobile 5.0 integrates directly with Microsoft Exchange Server and Small Business Server for a cost-effective messaging solution for businesses both large and small. The operating system also has been enhanced with persistent storage to prevent the loss of data – even if the battery is removed or drained – and for easy multimedia synchronization for music, video and photos.

“The iPAQ hw6900 combines powerful Windows Mobile software with continued innovation from HP to give business professionals a compelling all-in-one device,” said Suzan DelBene, corporate vice president, Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. “The combination of Direct Push Technology and Microsoft Outlook Mobile included in Windows Mobile gives users immediate access to all the information they need to stay on top of their jobs while away from their desk.”

Versatility for both work and play

Additional built-in features of the HP iPAQ hw6900 include both a keyboard – for fast and easy creation of email and messages – and a 1.3-megapixel HP Photosmart camera on select models for capturing photos and videos to share wirelessly.⁽¹⁾

Built-in GPS receiver and navigation applications also are standard. For customers in North America, Microsoft Pocket Streets 2006 comes installed to provide basic navigation assistance and a 60-day free trial of the HP iPAQ Navigation Software and Maps is included on CD to provide voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation. For customers in Europe, TomTom Navigator 5 software comes installed and customers can download their choice of one city map for free, while additional maps can be purchased separately.⁽⁴⁾

Availability and pricing

The HP iPAQ hw6900 series is expected to be available in the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa regions this spring and in North America in summer.  Telecommunications carrier information and pricing will vary by region.

More information on the HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger is available in an online press kit at www.hp.com/go/Mobility2006.

About HP

HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company’s offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended Oct. 31, 2005, HP revenue totaled $86.7 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

(1) A standard GSM/GPRS/EDGE infrastructure, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, separately purchased equipment, and a service contract with a wireless airtime provider may be required for applicable wireless communication. GSM/GPRS/EDGE Wireless Internet access requires separately purchased Internet service contract. Check with service provider for availability and coverage in your area. Not all web content available. GPRS/EDGE may not be available in all networks. GPRS/EDGE data transmission speeds may vary based upon network capabilities and other conditions. Establishment and continuation of a GPRS/EDGE connection depends on network availability, provider support and signal strength.
(2) Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) is a global standard for wireless wide-area data communication being rapidly deployed by GSM carriers worldwide. Actual download speeds depend on coverage, network availability, traffic, device, applications, tasks, file size and other factors. Coverage is subject to transmission limitations and terrain, system, capacity and other limitations. Not all features and service options are available in all areas. EDGE capabilities available when EDGE networks are deployed. When an EDGE network is not available, it defaults to GPRS.
(3) Telephone service requires separately purchased contract with a telephone service provider with coverage in customer’s service area. Additional fees may apply for some features, check with service provider.
(4) GPS Navigation software is included in select countries. Purchase of additional maps and/or software may be required to enable some features or allow navigation in certain areas. Availability of maps is limited. Map coverage may vary and is not guaranteed.
(5) Wireless access point required and is not included. Availability of public wireless access points limited. Wireless Internet use may require separately purchased Internet service contract.
(6) Normal GSM Data Calls (CSD) are not basic GSM data services. These services may not be available via all operators and may require separate subscription. Maximum connection speed is used in defining maximum speed. The GSM Operator may change the speed of the connection and reduce time slots at its discretion if the network is congested. These actions may cause the total data rate to be lower than the requested data rate.

Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they ever materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including the expected development, performance or rankings of products or services; statements of expectation or belief; and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the development, performance and market acceptance of products and services and other risks that are described from time to time in HP’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2005 and other reports filed after such report. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.