HP First to Deliver AMD, NVIDIA Technology to Business PC Market

Business Wire, August 19, 2002

Business Editors

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 2002

HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced that it is the first global technology provider to bring the performance and unmatched value of AMD Athlon(TM) XP processors to business customers with the availability of the Compaq D315 Business PC.

The combination of HP, AMD, and NVIDIA technology in the Compaq D315 Business PC brings affordable high-end PC performance to mainstream and value-conscious business users at a starting price as low as $549 in the United States after a $100 introductory instant rebate.(1)

"With the introduction of the Compaq D315 Business PC, the new HP is delivering on its commitment to innovation, its drive to strengthen the company's direct strategy in the PC space and its goal to fulfill customer needs, particularly those of small- and medium-sized business," said Jeri Callaway, senior vice president and general manager for business PCs, HP Personal Systems Group. "HP is forging aggressive new strategies even as merger integration progresses."

In addition to HP's design, engineering and testing, the new PC includes the AMD Athlon XP processor, which has been tested for compatibility with more than 60,000 business applications and 40 different operating systems and is fully certified to deliver the reliability required by business customers. Validation and certification by Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Hardware Quality Labs also ensures compliance with a wide range of industry standards.

"The combined world-class expertise of HP, AMD and NVIDIA technologies creates a premier desktop PC system," said David Somo, vice president of Worldwide Strategic Accounts, AMD Computation Products Group. "AMD is committed to helping our customers increase productivity and lower total cost of ownership by offering high-performance processors for businesses that demand reliability and manageability in their computer systems. With the Compaq D315 Business PC, HP has created a system that will impress business users and IT managers."

The NVIDIA nForce(TM) Platform Processors provide the Compaq D315 PC with GeForce2(TM) 3D graphics and enhanced networking, streaming and multimedia capabilities at an unmatched value. NVIDIA nForce Platform Processors use a distributed processing architecture that frees up the CPU for other tasks and introduces new system level and memory innovations to enhance everyday business applications.

"HP's decision to use nForce Platform Processors in the Compaq D315 Business PC is one of the factors that allows them to offer such a compelling product at a very competitive price," said Dan Vivoli, vice president of marketing, NVIDIA. "nForce brings a litany of system level innovations that helps bring HP business customers an uncompromised computing experience."

Whether a customer defines value as better productivity, procurement savings, total cost of ownership, product innovation or investment protection, the Compaq D315 Business PC enables customers to select their preferred mix of features to reach an optimum price-performance balance.

"AMD and HP have shown great vision for emerging technologies, and that kind of innovative thinking is a better solution for customers, and truly exciting for corporate America," said Mike Brown, senior vice president, Desktop and Portable Standards, Countrywide Home Loans. "I'm glad to see a trusted technology company like HP offering an AMD-based solution for business customers."

Available immediately from HP, the Compaq D315 Business PC offers an AMD Athlon XP processor 2000 , NVIDIA GeForce 2 graphics, 20 gigabyte hard drive, 128 megabyte double data rate (DDR) SyncDRAM memory, standard 48x CD-ROM, network interface card and six USB ports at an estimated U.S. street price of $549 with Microsoft Windows XP Home or $599 with Microsoft Windows XP Pro after the limited-time $100 rebate.(1)

The system also can be configured to include AMD Athlon XP processors 2000 (2) or 2200 (3), up to 1 GB DDR SDRAM running at 266 megahertz (Non-ECC), a 40 GB Ultra-ATA hard drive (100 MB/s) and choice of CD-RW or DVD-ROM. The combination of the AMD Athlon XP microprocessor, DDR SDRAM memory and integrated NVIDIA graphics makes this machine fully qualified to meet demanding needs of small and medium business users. In addition, the tool-less chassis design allows for quick access to internal parts for easy upgrade or service.

The Compaq D315 Business PC also is supported by a standard three-year parts, labor and service warranty, providing an excellent platform for ongoing commercial purchase programs. The Compaq D315 Business PC complies with DMI, WfM and WMI specifications for easy integration and system management.

More information about the Compaq D315 Business PC is available at www.compaq.com/products/desktops or by calling 1 800 282 6672.

About HP

HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corp. on May 3, 2002. The company would have had revenue on a combined company basis with Compaq of approximately $81.1 billion in fiscal 2001 and has operations in more than 160 countries. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.