Hewlett-Packard, a worldwide leader in large format printer sales, has announced that it has teamed with Apple Computer to provide graphics professionals with HP DesignJet printing systems that are Apple ColorSync-compatible. HP also announced that its new HP DesignJet ColorPro GA printer (which provides Macintosh users predictable colour output for B+/A3+ size conceptual proofing) will be distributed through Apple's network of resellers.

The new HP DesignJet ColorPro GA printer - like the HP DesignJet 488CA, 1000 Series, 2000CP Series and 3000CP Series printers - features ICC (international colour consortium) profiles for the ColorSync colour-management workflow system. With ICC profiles, users can achieve predictable and consistent colour output - key criteria for producing conceptual proofs for clients. ICC profiles enable the printer to emulate such professional output devices as offset printers, taking into account such specific characteristics as inks, paper and finish.

"Our relationship with Apple enables us to provide the Macintosh-based graphic arts community with the industry standard in colour management, available through an extended network of HP and Apple authorised resellers," said Ignacio Fonts, Marketing Manager of the HP Inkjet Commercial Division, which designs and manufactures HP DesignJet printers. "The announcement reinforces HP's commitment to this important market."

"Graphic arts professionals demand high quality and reliable colour accuracy at every stage of the design process," said Clent Richardson, Vice President of worldwide developer relations of Apple Computer. "Apple's ColorSync technology provides unparalleled solutions for this field, and, combined with HP's leadership in professional large format printing systems, delivers the best of both worlds."

Apple Computer ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission - to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

Hewlett-Packard is a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home - is focused on capitalising on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP plans to launch Agilent Technologies as an independent company by mid-calendar 2000. Agilent consists of HP's test and measurement, semiconductor products, chemical analysis and healthcare solutions businesses, and has leading positions in multiple market segments.

HP has 123 500 employees worldwide and had total revenue of $47,1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at www.hp.com

Hewlett-Packard

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