HP Announces Free User-Installable ROM Upgrade for HP 320LX Palmtop PC Customers
PALO ALTO, Calif. — September 2, 1997 — Hewlett-Packard Company today announced a free ROM upgrade program that includes the latest Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE 2.0 for the handheld PC operating system for the HP 320LX palmtop PC. The new upgrade is available to customers who purchase the HP 320LX beginning Sept. 2, 1997. With its simple and convenient ROM upgrade program, HP protects the investment of HP 320LX palmtop PC customers and allows for an easy upgrade to the latest palmtop PC features. The HP 320LX ROM upgrade can be installed easily by the user, and unlike other Windows CE handheld devices, does not require the sacrifice of a memory slot or the use of special tools or outside support.
"HP believes it has the most user-friendly ROM upgrade of any palmtop PC vendor on the market," said Dennis Hamann, worldwide marketing manager of HP's Asia Pacific PC Division. "With our user-installable ROM upgrade, our existing HP 320LX palmtop PC users can simply and efficiently upgrade their palmtop PC to Windows CE 2.0 for the handheld PC machines with no downtime or loss of productivity. HP's user-friendly design makes upgrading the palmtop as easy as changing the batteries."
"Consumers make a smart, long-term investment when they purchase a first generation HP palmtop PC with Windows CE," said Harel Kodesh, general manager, consumer appliance group at Microsoft. "HP palmtop PCs are dynamic business and communications tools that can quickly and easily be customized with additional software and peripherals, as well as be upgraded to new releases of operating system and application software."
HP has 25 years experience building handheld products and has consistently designed HP products to allow for simple and convenient updates to incorporate the latest technology. HP offers a coupon for the free upgrade to individuals who purchase an HP 320LX palmtop PC beginning Sept. 2, 1997, ensuring the viability of their investment and providing immediate access to the latest applications and features of the new Windows CE 2.0 for the handheld PC operating systems.
Details on this promotion and coupon are available through the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com/handheld or by calling (800) 443-1254. HP will ship the ROM upgrade kit in December 1997 to qualifying HP customers upon receipt of the ROM upgrade coupon. The ROM upgrade will be available until Feb. 28, 1998.
AVAILABILITY, U.S. PRICING AND SUPPORT From December 1997 onwards, the ROM upgrade kit also will be sold as a separate accessory with an estimated street price of $ 129 (U.S.).
The HP 320LX palmtop PC is available through corporate resellers, including Ingram Micro and Merisel, as well as retail locations, such as CompUSA, Computer City and Office Depot. The HP 320LX palmtop PC is backed by a one-year limited warranty offering next-day, express pickup and delivery service.
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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. HP has 120,500 employees and had revenue of $ 38.4 billion in its 1996 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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CONTACT:
Hewlett-Packard
Larry Sennett, 408/553-2916
[email protected]
or
Alexander Communications for HP
Mark Bingham, 415/923-1660
[email protected]