HP Adds High-End Models to the Pavilion Family of Consumer PCs; New Models Offer Advanced Processors, Multimedia and Communications Power for Consumers

Business Wire, Sept 28, 1995

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 1995-- Hewlett-Packard Company today announced that it has added high-end models to the HP Pavilion family of personal computers that are designed to deliver greater multimedia "muscle" to consumers.

The two new high-performance minitower models are based on the Intel Pentium(tm) 120MHz and 133MHz processors and sport the sleek industrial design that the HP Pavilion PC has become known for since its introduction in August. The HP Pavilion 7070 and 7090 PCs are aggressively priced at $2,899 and $3,199 (U.S.) respectively and are expected to be available in mid-October.

One of the latest additions to the HP Pavilion PC is accelerated 64-bit video graphics with MPEG playback, giving consumers smooth, full-screen, full-motion video for today's MPEG-based software titles. Also added is symphonic wave-table sound for rich, realistic audio performance for an enhanced multimedia experience. Both models include 1.6GB hard drives, 16MB of RAM and 256K second-level cache and quad-speed CD-ROM drives.

The HP Pavilion 7070 and 7090 PC models also are equipped with fast 28.8Kbps fax/data modems, to speed on-line connections, and NetCruiser Plus browsing software from Netcom, to give consumers the interface and power needed to surf the Internet. To simplify on-line communications, all HP Pavilion PCs offer an integrated communications center through customized telephony software called HP FAXPhone, which gives full-duplex speakerphone, voicemail and fax functionality to consumers in one easy-to-use interface. All major on-line services come preinstalled on the HP Pavilion PC, including America Online, CompuServe, PRODIGY and the Microsoft(R) Network.

HIGH CONSUMER DEMAND

"Consumer demand for the HP Pavilion PC has been very strong," said Harry W. (Webb) McKinney, general manager of HP's Home Products Division. "We understand what consumers want and will continue to deliver high-powered multimedia PCs for the home that offer the quality and reliability consumers expect in HP products."

The HP Pavilion PCs were among the first PCs available with Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system preinstalled. The multimedia PCs include such consumer-friendly features as a multiuser shell, called HP Personal Page, that gives consumers at all computing levels a choice of four user interfaces.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR DESIGN AND EASE OF USE

"The consumer PC market has historically seen competition primarily along two axes: pricing and features," said Dataquest analyst Scott Miller. "HP is one of the few companies to extend the basis of competition along a crucial third axis: industrial design." The look of the HP Pavilion PC was created by Lunar Design, Inc., a design firm recognized in the industry, and features styling that integrates easily into the home.

The HP Pavilion family of consumer PCs also has redefined standards in usability. HP Pavilion multimedia displays are designed with easy-to-find front-panel volume, mute and power switches, built-in microphone and removable speakers with retractable power cords. To demystify using the PC and speed the setup process for novice and experienced users alike, the HP Pavilion PC provides color- and icon-coded cables, an easy-to-follow "welcome mat" guide and on-line tutorials.

COMPLETE SOFTWARE, CD-ROM TITLE BUNDLE, WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT

In addition to NetCruiser Plus from Netcom, the new HP Pavilion PC models will include Microsoft Encarta 95 (MPEG version), which features full-motion video. Every HP Pavilion multimedia PC comes with more than 40 software titles preinstalled, including leading reference, education, entertainment, communication, productivity and personal finance titles, such as Microsoft Works for Windows 95, Microsoft Bookshelf 95, Microsoft Explorapedia, EasyPhoto, Read with Me, Write with Me, Memphis Math and Quicken SE.

All HP Pavilion PCs have a one-year limited on-site warranty for hardware. HP Pavilion PC buyers can access a toll-free hotline (1-800-PCHOME1) for assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The HP Pavilion PC also provides on-line assistance through HP's Support Forum via America Online, CompuServe, HP's BBS, (208) 344-1691, and the Internet.

HP CONSUMER AND RETAIL FOCUS

The HP Pavilion PC line is available at leading U.S. retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Computer City, Incredible Universe, Micro Center, Office Depot, OfficeMax and Staples. The entire family of PCs includes eight high-performance models based on the Intel Pentium 75, 90, 100, 120 and 133MHz processors and the AMD DX4 100MHz processor.

HP Pavilion multimedia PCs are being distributed exclusively through the retail channel. The PCs are developed and marketed by HP's Home Products Division (HPD). HP distributes a host of market-leading products through U.S. retail outlets, including HP LaserJet and DeskJet printers, HP ScanJet scanners, HP OmniBook notebook PCs, HP 200LX palmtop PCs and HP calculators, and tape backup products.