Press Releases

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HP Launches Consumer Education Program for PDA Buyers, Reaches Agreement with FTC Regarding Ads

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 3, 2001 -- Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) today announced it has reached an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission concerning advertisements for the HP Jornada Pocket PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA). In addition, the company announced it has begun a voluntary campaign to educate consumers about purchasing PDAs.

A proposed consent order between HP and the FTC addresses the agency’s concerns about advertising for the HP Jornada Pocket PC, centering on a disclaimer regarding wireless Internet access. The proposed consent order imposed no penalties or fines on HP, and HP did not admit any wrongdoing.

The centerpiece of the voluntary consumer program is an educational brochure entitled: “Helpful Facts About Personal Digital Assistants.” The brochure helps consumers ask the right questions so they can buy the PDA that best meets their needs. The brochure is available on the Web at http://www.hp.com/go/pdabrochure.

PDAs were originally targeted towards mobile professionals, but have more recently become popular with a wide variety of consumers. For that reason, HP believes that an informational piece is valuable to potential purchasers of PDAs.  HP’s consumer education campaign was designed with input and encouragement from the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“Consumers want to know the capabilities of new Internet appliances such as PDAs, and HP wants to help them make informed choices,” said Boris Elisman, worldwide marketing manager, HP Embedded and Personal Systems Organization.

“Because we value our record of integrity and customer satisfaction, we voluntarily withdrew the ads for the HP Jornada Pocket PCs after learning of the FTC’s concerns,” said Elisman. “However, HP believes that the advertisements were accurate.”  

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and solutions for an Internet infrastructure that’s always on.

HP had total revenue from continuing operations of $48.8 billion in its 2000 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

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