HP Redesigns Consumer PC Line-Up

March 29, 2005 –HP today introduced an array of PC products and accessories, including a new, fresh look for its HP Pavilion and HP Media Center Desktop PCs and monitors, providing consumers with a PC that offers enjoyable digital entertainment experiences and functional design that fits effortlessly into the home.

HP’s new desktop PC design offers simple lines and light colors unifying the PC with the company’s consumer product portfolio. HP’s advanced design and functionality make it easier than ever to enjoy digital entertainment and digital photography from the PC. For example, select models provide an easy connection to an R-series HP digital camera or the Apple iPod from HP via a removable docking station located on the top of the PC chassis. Today’s newly announced models include the HP Pavilion d4000 Series Desktop PC, the HP Pavilion a1000 Series Desktop PC, and the HP Media Center m7000 Series Photosmart PC .

Protected right out of the box, new HP Pavilion and HP Media Center Photosmart PCs will include Norton Internet Security 2005 and Intermute’s SpySubtract Pro including 60-days of complimentary updates to safeguard hardware from unwanted Spyware and viruses. These programs are provided pre-installed to provide protection from the first moment the PC is powered-on.

HP Pavilion and Media Center Desktop PC Highlights:

– HP Organize, HP’s exclusive desktop organizational tool, includes a built-in media player and allows consumers to access files, Web links and search tools from one location.
– Bundled with select new HP Pavilion and Media Center PCs on retail shelves, the HP Wireless Keyboard includes multimedia controls and is equipped with 256 digital ID channels and autoscan to prevent potential interference with other wireless devices in the home.
– Store more digital content with the optional HP Personal Media Drive available with up to 400GB of capacity, providing a fast and easy way to store, share and manage videos, photos, and music.

Stylish Monitors and Accessories
Perfectly matched to complement the new PC offerings, HP’s new monitors and accessories are designed to save space and maintaining style.

HP VS Series flat panel monitors
Offering the latest in LCD technology, the new 15”, 17” and 19” flat panel monitors include speakers, streamlined cabling and an anti-glare surface for crisp images. Consumers can mount the monitors on the wall or use the included stand to easily adjust the monitor’s angle for comfortable viewing.

HP Optical Mouse
Available as an accessory from HP in blue, white and black, the HP Optical Mouse includes five programmable buttons for Microsoft Office Functions and is designed for easy left or right hand use.

New HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario Notebook PCs
Combining the power of a desktop PC with the mobility of a notebook, HP is also introducing two new notebook PCs, the HP Pavilion zv6000 series Notebook PC – available today -- and the Compaq Presario R4000 series Notebook PC, which will be available in the coming weeks. Both notebooks feature AMD processors, with Athlon™ 64 processors providing additional security features, future 64-bit readiness, and quieter system performance. Other advanced features include ATI RADEON XPRESS 200M Integrated graphics with up to 128MB discrete memory, high-definition 15.4” BrightView widescreen displays, advanced wireless options, and ExpressCard/54 PC card slots, which support nextgeneration expansion products at significantly higher speeds of data transfer. All systems include the Expansion Port 2, enabling connection to the HP xb2000 Notebook Expansion Base for one-step connection to the internet and peripherals as well as adjustable screen height for desktop comfort. More detailed product information including specific configurable options can be found at www.hpshopping.com .

Security
HP is committed to protecting customers from security threats by delivering more secure machines right out of the box and supporting customers with an expanded portfolio of security resources and services. These expanded offerings include a new security threat check, dedicated online security assistance and online virus alert classes, helping consumers defend their PCs, protect their privacy and keep their systems running smoothly. Unique to HP, the new security check through HP’s preinstalled Help & Support Center initiates more than 30 diagnostics to check the overall health of the system and alert the customer of virus threats. If detected, easy, step-by-step instructions are provided for removing it at no charge as long as the customer owns the PC.

Service & Support
The Service and Support Professionals Association (SSPA) recently honored HP with its third STAR award, this time for its Best Practice in Leveraging Customer Feedback -- a reflection of HP's ongoing dedication to improving the customer support experience. In October, SSPA awarded the company with a WebSTAR and a High Volume award, reinforcing HP's commitment to delivering outstanding technical support and service through HP Total Care. HP offers a one-year warranty for desktops and notebooks that includes technical support, parts and labor as part of its HP Total Care portfolio of services. With HP Total Care, customers have more choices for convenient support including eSupport options such as real-time chat with a support agent, diagnostic tools and driver downloads, as well as 24/7/365 toll-free technical support in both English and Spanish. HP Total Care strives to deliver quality support with one-hour email response times; increased first-time resolution rates and reduced customer hold times. For support information visit www.hp.com/support and www.compaq.com/consumersupport.

Pricing and Availability
The newly re-designed desktop PCs will be available in pre-configured retail models of the HP Pavilion a1000 Series Desktop PCs, and HP Media Center m7000 Series Photosmart PC, starting in April direct from HP, via www.hpshopping.com , by calling +1 888 999 4747 or by visiting a retail store. Customized configure-to-order models of the HP Media Center m7000 Series Desktop PC, the HP Pavilion d4000 and a1000 will be available in May.

HP’s newest notebook models are expected to be available in April. HP configure-to-order notebook PCs can be purchased direct from www.hpshopping.com , by calling +1 888 999 4747 or by visiting retail kiosks.

Estimated U.S. street pricing for HP’s newest pre-configured desktop PCs is expected to start at $499 after mail-in rebate. Estimated U.S. street prices of customized PCs purchased from www.hpshopping.com will start as low as $379 after rebates and will vary based on the configuration ordered.

Estimated U.S. street pricing for HP’s newest notebook PCs is expected to start at $799 after mail-in and instant rebate depending on the configuration ordered.

Estimated U.S. street prices for HP’s newest monitors are expected to start at $229 with mail-in rebate.

Estimated U.S. street pricing for the HP Optical Mouse and Wireless Keyboard are $49.99 each.

SOURCE HP