Copyright (C) 1990, by BBS PRESS SERVICE, INC. ======================= COMPUTER HARDWARE NEWS: ======================= ---------------------------------- HP INTROS DESKJET PRINTER 500, COMPETITIVE WITH DOT MATRIX PRICES ---------------------------------- (BPS) -- The new HP DeskJet 500 printer replaces the HP DeskJet PLUS and DeskJet printers and is priced at $729. This lower price point allows HP to build on the trend, noted by industry analysts, away from dot-matrix printing to non-impact printing. The HP DeskJet PLUS and HP DeskJet printers were $995 and $795, list, respectively. The HP DeskJet 500 printer improves upon its predecessors by offering more fonts and better font spacing, water-resistant ink and compatibility with Microsoft Windows 3.0. Microsoft Windows 3.0 currently works with the HP DeskJet 500 printer. Later this year, HP expects to ship an enhanced driver with each HP DeskJet 500 printer that allows Microsoft Windows 3.0 users to scale fonts (change typeface sizes). Customers who buy the HP DeskJet 500 printer before this driver is introduced may obtain it at no charge when it is available. All HP DeskJet family (for IBM and compatible computers) and HP DeskWriter (for Macintosh computers) printers have 300 dots-per-inch resolution and use plain paper. Like the HP DeskJet PLUS printer, the HP DeskJet 500 printer produces up to three pages of text or two pages of graphics per minute. The HP DeskJet 500 printer is designed for people with dot-matrix budgets who want to print documents that look professional. The HP DeskJet 500 printer and optional font cartridges are scheduled to be available Sept. 4 from HP-authorized dealers and HP's direct marketing organization. HP DeskJet PLUS and DeskJet printer owners may upgrade their printers to HP DeskJet 500 printers for $175 and $225, respectively. Owners of these models may call HP's Customer Information Center at 800/752- 0900 or the Personal Peripherals Assist Line at 208/323-2551 for information on how to return their printers to HP for the upgrade. The water-resistant ink cartridges are scheduled to be available Dec. 1 from HP-authorized dealers and HP's direct-marketing organization. These cartridges have the same list price ($19.95) and part number (HP 51608A) as current cartridges. Contact: Hewlett-Packard Company, Customer Information Center, Inquiry Fulfillment Dept., 19310 Pruneridge Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014; 800/367-4772. --- File 5: COMPUTER HARDWARE NEWS --- ==========END>>>