News release

New hp 17bII+ is designed to help real estate, financial, investment and business professionals and students tackle business problems from A to Z.

HP (NYSE:HPQ) announced today a new financial calculator that satisfies the demands of MBA candidates as well as serious number crunchers in the fields of real estate, investment and finance.

The hp 17bII+ (suggested retail $119.99¹) can handle everything from amortization to the zero coupon bond. It can keep track of more than 1,000 cash flows and will calculate four types of depreciation. In all, there are more than 250 built-in functions in the 17bII+, making it the most powerful financial calculator in HP's current line-up.

The hp 17bII+ financial calculator's power is easy to use because it has a menu-driven interface that simplifies each step in a calculation. Users can switch between traditional algebraic input mode and Reverse Polish Notation (RPN)*, HP's efficient input method that dramatically reduces the number of keystrokes required. The device includes a comprehensive 310-page manual that shows how to perform and solve what-if analyses on hundreds of business calculations.

In addition, the hp 17bII+ includes the HP Solve application that permits the user to enter and store complex equations using complete words for variables. The two-line, 22-character LCD screen has plenty of room to display long equations and relevant labels during the input process.

"The hp17bII+ is capable of solving a vast array of problems that real estate, mortgage lending, banking, investment and financial professionals encounter every day," said Fred Valdez, general manager of HP Calculators. "We've listened to our customers to understand what they want most in a financial calculator and the result is this powerful tool." With this new model, HP now has a total of four business calculators. Along with the hp 17bII+, the line includes the hp12c platinum, the classic hp 12c and the hp 10bII.

"I am happy to announce the release of this much-awaited financial calculator," Valdez said. "The hp 17bII+ is an improved replacement for HP's 17bII model, which was a popular choice for many business professionals and college students." The hp 17bII+ will be available Sept. 23, 2003 at selected retailers and campus bookstores throughout the United States, Asia, Latin America and Europe, and also can be purchased online at that time at www.hpshopping.com, www.amazon.com, www.staples.com and HP's Small & Medium Business Online Store. For product-specific details, please visit HP17bII+.

HP offers a comprehensive range of calculators designed for math and science students, engineers, scientists and financial and business consultants. More information about HP's entire range of calculators is available at http://www.hp.com/calculators. This Website provides many tutorials and tips on how to solve scientific, engineering and business problems using HP's currently-available calculators.

* Reverse Polish Notation. See more information.

¹ Manufacturer's suggested retail price. Retailer prices may vary. Prices shown in U.S. dollars, does not include applicable sales tax and shipping and is subject to change or cancellation without notice.