HP Announces iMac Connectivity For HP DeskJet Printers; Apple iMac Customers Now Have Affordable HP DeskJet Printing Solutions Available Via New USB Connectivity Kit

Business Wire, July 6, 1998

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 6, 1998--Hewlett-Packard Company today announced the HP Printer Cable Kit for iMac for the HP DeskJet 670C and 690C series of printers, a new offering under the HP and Apple printer alliance, formed earlier this year. The announcement is part of the company's long-term commitment to delivering world-class printing capabilities to Macintosh customers.

The HP Printer Cable Kit for iMac, along with the Apple iMac and HP DeskJet printers, will be exhibited in HP's booth (No. 1502) at MacWorld in New York, July 8 to July 10.

"This introduction is part of HP's current Mac connectivity program and serves as a transition to HP's longer-term strategy of offering out-of-the-box Mac connectivity," said Vyomesh Joshi, general manager of the Home Business Unit of HP's Consumer Products Group. "This strengthens HP's position in the Mac market, supporting Apple's iMac launch by offering connectivity on existing HP DeskJet printers already available worldwide."

"Apple is leading the USB (Universal Serial Bus) charge with iMac," said Phil Schiller, vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing at Apple Computer Inc. "HP's strong commitment to the Mac platform and iMac means that our customers can use their favorite HP printer products with their new USB-based machines. We look forward to working with HP to bring even more great USB products to market."

The HP Printer Cable Kit for iMac includes a parallel-to-USB conversion cable, a Mac OS 8.1 printer driver on CD-ROM, a Quick Installation Guide and a comprehensive User Guide provided on CD-ROM. The kit is expected to sell at retail for about $69 (U.S.). Products supported by the new kit include the DeskJet 670C/672C and DeskJet 690C/692C/694C printers. Additional DeskJet printer models are expected to be added to the program over time.

Worldwide shipments are expected to coincide with iMac availability, scheduled for August, through retail outlets. Apple also says it plans to offer this connectivity kit bundled with HP DeskJet 670C printers, which Apple sells under its reseller agreement with HP, to its education customers.

ABOUT HP

HP is the world's leading provider of digital-imaging technology and products, enabling home and office users to explore creative and practical new applications of digital imaging.

HP is the official information-technology hardware and maintenance supplier to the 1998 World Cup soccer tournament.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. It is the second-largest computer supplier in the world, with computer-related revenue in excess of $35.4 billion in its 1997 fiscal year. HP has 125,300 employees and had revenue of $42.9 billion in its 1997 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

    CONTACT: HP
              Christine Ferguson, 972/868-4360
              christine_ferguson@hp.com
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              Pat Kinley, 619/655-4838
              pat_kinley@hp.com