Productivity and IT manageability is improved with powerful processor speeds, high memory capacity and flexibility to serve varied business environments

Dubai, UAE, 20 December 2004 - HP today announced the HP iPAQ hx2000 series Pocket PC, which delivers maximum device and data protection and provides optimal combinations of performance, connectivity and expandability.  Offering three configurations, the series provides professionals the security and flexibility to select what they need to improve their productivity and overall mobile experience.

Mobile professionals require connectivity and the ability to access data in a secure manner.  Protecting data, often a company's key asset, is a top priority. "Security is now the number one problem being faced by IT managers worldwide and this is at cross-purposes to today's incredible popularity of relatively unsecured mobile products accessing corporate networks over exposed wireless networks," said Christoph Schell, Solutions Partner Organisation Manager, International Sales Europe and General Manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Middle East. "In the Middle East, HP continues to lead the handhelds market, according to IDC, and we are confident that by working closely with our channel partners, we can deliver secure, state-of-the-art mobile solutions to our customers," he added.

The enhanced security features of the HP iPAQ hx2000 series help keep both device and data protected from unauthorized access.  With a simple scan of a fingerprint or a combination of a PIN and fingerprint, customers can authenticate themselves to the device, while intruders are shut out from gaining access.  With HP ProtectTools, secured by CREDANT Technologies, mobile professionals can encrypt data and create automatic security measures if a device is lost or stolen.  By using data encryption, the additional layer of defense helps ensure that sensitive information such as email, calendar and contacts remain confidential. 

Along with the security capabilities of the HP iPAQ hx2000 series, businesses will benefit from simplified manageability.  "The new HP iPAQ hx2000 series is a direct result of listening to our corporate customers who want a mobile device that is scalable, flexible and stable," said Gigliola Graziani, Category and Marketing Manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Middle East "We've created a handheld platform with flexible features that scales across a wide range of performance and prices, and we've done this with one common software package, to reduce IT complexities.  When a company qualifies one model from the hx2000 series for their application, they have essentially qualified and can confidently leverage all other models in the series. The iPAQ hx2000 series is the first handheld platform to mimic the IT lifecycle experience of desktops and notebooks: HP will keep the hx2000 series hardware and software stable for up to 18 months." 

Customers can expect high performance from the entire line of HP iPAQ hx2000 series Pocket PCs.  A selection of Intel PXA270 processor speeds, up to 624 MHz, delivers fast data access and program execution, possessing power comparable to desktop PCs from recent years.  Large capacity memory, up to a total memory of 256 MB, accommodates a greater range of programs and files.  Integrated Wi-Fi2 and Bluetooth wireless technology creates easy and convenient connectivity.  Dual expansion slots offer the widest choice of expansion cards and options.  Additionally, a protective plastic flip cover shields the screen from dirt, scratches and other damage.

With the HP iPAQ hx2000 series Pocket PC, enterprise and small- to-medium-sized businesses can increase agility and productivity through efficient mobile computing while minimizing security concerns.  Highly expandable, the single platform offers corporations the ability to standardize technology without limiting flexibility on device options.  For individual mobility needs, the HP iPAQ hx2000 series Pocket PC also reliably delivers simple and affordable technology for personal productivity activities such as email, calendar and contact lists as well as photos, music and games.

The HP iPAQ hx2000 series Pocket PC is available in three models with varied configurations of security solutions, processor, wireless radios, memory size and battery size to match needs and budgets: HP iPAQ hx2110, hx2410 and hx2750.  Key features include:

 Enhanced security protection for data and wireless2 connection, including biometric fingerprint reader for user authentication (hx2750 only) and HP ProtectTools secured by CREDANT Technologies security software providing user authentication and data encryption capabilities(1); encryption extending to removable storage; full VPN and WEP enhanced security included in the Microsoft OS and advanced security for wireless communication with support for (Cisco) LEAP, 802.1X, and Wi-Fi Protected Access.        

 Intel PXA270 Processor for high performance; 312 MHz, 520 MHz, or 624 MHz

 Up to 128 MB ROM and up to 128 MB RAM; abundant memory capacity allows for storage of more programs and files

 Connect at the office, home, or Wi-Fi hotspots with integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) on select models enables access to the Internet, email, and corporate data in or out of the office(2)

 Integrated Bluetooth on all models enables cable-free connections to other Bluetooth enabled devices including mobile phones(3, 4), printers, headsets and keyboards

 Dual expansion slots (Compact Flash Type II and Secure Digital slots) on all models provide superior flexibility in storage and functionality

 iPAQ Backup safely backs up applications and data;  automated backups can be set based on time or battery charge and store backup in main memory, iPAQ File Store, or on memory card

 Removable/rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery for continuous power (1440 mAh for hx2410 and hx2750, 920 mAh for hx2110); optional extended battery keeps iPAQ running longer and internal bridge battery allows users to quickly swap batteries without losing valuable data       

 3.5" transflective TFT QVGA 64K color display provides larger image size and higher-quality viewing than phone displays

 Commonality of all accessories across models, including standard and extended batteries, styluses, cradles, AC chargers

In addition, customers can choose from more than 250 available software titles and download up to four software titles completely free of charge. From games and entertainment to business and travel, HP offers software for every need. A full range of options and accessories is available, allowing the customer to expand the HP iPAQ hx2000 capabilities and adapt it to the way they want to work or play. To find out how to make the most out of the HP iPAQ Pocket PC hx2000 visit: www.hp.com/go/ipaqchoice.

-Ends-

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 four fiscal quarters ended July 31, 2004, HP revenue totaled $78.4 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

(1) User must have HP Protect Tools features enabled

(2) A standard WLAN or Wi-Fi infrastructure, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, separately purchased equipment, and a service contract with a wireless airtime provider may be required for applicable wireless communication. Wireless Internet use requires a separately purchased service contract.  Check with service provider for availability and coverage in your area.  Not all web content available.

(3) Requires Bluetooth enabled mobile, separately purchased wireless carrier/Internet service plan(s) and supporting IT infrastructure.

(4) Telephone service requires separately purchased contract with a telephone service provider with coverage in your service area

(5) All prices are estimated street prices, actual prices may vary.

About HP Middle East:
HP is the largest IT company in the Middle East employing about 500 professionals in the region. HP has been present in the Middle East since 1968, and opened its first regional office in 1994 and has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar, Cairo and Ramallah servicing the GCC, the Levant and Egypt. For more information about HP in the Middle East, please visit www.hp.com/me.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corp. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Editorial contacts:
Hanan Kamal, HP
+ 9714 3916000
hanan.kamal@hp.com

Rola Zaarour
Hill & Knowlton for HP
+ 971 4 334 4930
rola.zaarour@hillandknowlton.com

Hewlett‑Packard Middle East
P O Box 17295
Dubai Internet City
Dubai
www.hp.com/me

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2004 and other reports filed after HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2003. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

© Press Release 2004