Hewlett-Packard

Corporate brand

An American technology brand known for personal computers, printers, imaging products, and its former enterprise technology businesses. HP is a global technology brand focused on personal computers, printing, digital manufacturing, collaboration devices and related services.

Last updated October 19, 2026

Overview

Hewlett-Packard, commonly known as HP, was an American multinational technology company founded by electrical engineers Bill Hewlett and David Packard in Palo Alto, California, in 1939. It became one of the most influential companies in Silicon Valley and built a broad portfolio spanning electronic test equipment, scientific instruments, calculators, computers, servers, storage, networking, software, consulting, personal computers, and printers. The company began in a rented one-car garage during the Great Depression. Its first major commercial success was the HP 200A precision audio oscillator, an inexpensive and technically innovative instrument that used a small light bulb to stabilize signal amplitude. Walt Disney Studios purchased HP oscillators for production work on Fantasia, giving the young company an important early customer and helping establish its reputation for practical engineering. Hewlett-Packard formally incorporated in 1947 and went public in 1957. For much of its early history, HP emphasized measurement and instrumentation. It expanded into oscilloscopes, voltmeters, signal generators, frequency counters, spectrum analyzers, calculators, and laboratory systems, while developing a distinctive management culture known as the HP Way. That culture stressed trust, technical competence, decentralized decision-making, employee development, and close relationships with customers. HP’s engineering heritage also supported an early move into computing. The company introduced minicomputers, technical desktop systems, business computers, terminals, and servers, and later became a major supplier of personal computers. HP’s calculator business produced several landmark products, including the HP-35, widely recognized as the first handheld scientific electronic calculator, and the programmable HP-65. Its computer activities included the HP 2100 series, HP 3000 business systems, HP 9800 technical computers, and later workstation and PC families. In the 1980s, the company entered desktop printing with inkjet and LaserJet products. Printing, imaging, and consumables eventually became central to the company’s identity, alongside consumer and commercial PCs. The company expanded through acquisitions and divestitures. It spun off its test-and-measurement and analytical-instrument operations as Agilent Technologies in 1999, merged with Compaq in 2002, acquired Electronic Data Systems in 2008, and bought several technology businesses in 2010, including 3Com, Palm, and 3PAR. The Autonomy acquisition in 2011 led to a major accounting dispute and contributed to management and investor turmoil. HP also announced plans to separate its PC and printer operations from its enterprise products and services. On November 1, 2015, the separation was completed. The personal-computer and printer business became HP Inc., retaining the historical HPQ ticker and the predecessor company’s stock-market history. The enterprise technology business became Hewlett Packard Enterprise, trading as HPE. Accordingly, references to HP after the split generally concern HP Inc., while the historical Hewlett-Packard company encompassed both businesses. The surviving HP brand remains strongly associated with laptops, desktops, workstations, monitors, printers, supplies, managed print, and selected digital manufacturing and collaboration solutions.

History

Hewlett-Packard began when Bill Hewlett and David Packard, Stanford-trained electrical engineers, established a business in Palo Alto in 1939. Their mentor, Stanford professor Frederick Terman, encouraged the pair to commercialize practical electronics. They formalized the partnership after deciding the order of their names by a coin toss. The first important product was the HP 200A audio oscillator, whose innovative amplitude-stabilization circuit allowed it to be sold at a lower price than competing instruments. Walt Disney Studios became an early customer, using HP oscillators during work on Fantasia. During the 1940s, HP broadened its measurement portfolio and supported wartime electronics work. It built instruments including signal generators, distortion analyzers, wave analyzers, and vacuum-tube voltmeters. The company incorporated in 1947 and listed publicly in 1957. International expansion followed, including manufacturing and marketing operations in Europe and Japan. HP developed a reputation for durable, usable instruments and for a management philosophy later called the HP Way. In the 1960s and 1970s, HP expanded from instruments into semiconductors, calculators, terminals, and computers. The HP 2100 and HP 1000 families served technical and industrial users, while the HP 3000 addressed business computing. The HP 9100A, introduced in 1968, was an influential programmable desktop machine, although HP marketed it as a calculator. Scientific and programmable calculators, particularly the HP-35 and HP-65, made the company prominent among engineers and students. HP also developed the Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus, which became an important standard for connecting laboratory instruments. The company entered desktop printing in the 1980s with inkjet and laser products. LaserJet became one of the best-known printer families in the industry, while later OfficeJet and multifunction products combined printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. HP also expanded its personal-computer business, eventually serving consumers as well as universities, researchers, and companies. The HP Pavilion line helped establish a stronger presence in home computing during the 1990s. Corporate restructuring accelerated from the late 1990s onward. HP separated its test-and-measurement and analytical-instrument operations into Agilent Technologies in 1999. It acquired Compaq in 2002, a move that enlarged its PC and enterprise hardware businesses but was controversial internally and externally. Later acquisitions included EDS, 3Com, Palm, and 3PAR. The 2008 EDS combination strengthened services, while the 2010 acquisitions expanded networking, mobile software and hardware, and storage. HP became the world’s leading PC manufacturer for a period beginning in 2007, but the business faced falling PC demand, intense competition, and rapid changes in mobile computing. The Autonomy purchase in 2011 was followed by HP’s 2012 announcement of a large impairment and allegations concerning Autonomy’s accounting before the acquisition. The episode damaged confidence and intensified pressure to simplify the company. After several leadership changes and a strategic review, HP announced a separation into two independent companies. The separation took effect on November 1, 2015. HP Inc. retained the personal-computer and printing businesses, the HP brand, the HPQ ticker, and the predecessor company’s market history. Hewlett Packard Enterprise received the enterprise servers, storage, networking, technology services, and related operations. Modern HP Inc. therefore represents the consumer and commercial devices and printing successor to historical Hewlett-Packard, rather than the entire pre-2015 enterprise portfolio.

2025
Humane AI assets agreement
[10]HP accelerates AI software investments with Humane capabilitiesinvestor.hp.com
HP announces an agreement to acquire selected AI capabilities, intellectual property and talent from Humane.
2022
Poly acquisition completed
[9]HP Inc. completes acquisition of Polyhp.com
HP Inc. completes the acquisition of Poly and adds collaboration hardware and software.
2019
Enrique Lores becomes CEO
[15]HP Executive Teamhp.com
Enrique Lores takes the chief executive role after helping manage the company’s earlier separation.
2015
Corporate separation
[1]Hewlett-Packarden.wikipedia.org
Hewlett-Packard separates into HP Inc., focused on PCs and printing, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
2015
HP Inc. begins operations
[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
HP Inc. becomes the publicly traded successor focused on PCs, printing and related products, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise begins separately.
2014
Two-company separation is announced
[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
HP announces that personal systems and printing will become HP Inc., separate from the enterprise business.
2011
Autonomy acquisition
[4]Autonomy Corporationen.wikipedia.org
HP acquired Autonomy as part of an effort to expand its enterprise-software portfolio.
2011
TouchPad and webOS hardware strategy ends
[13]Hewlett-Packardzh.wikipedia.org
HP stops producing TouchPad tablets and webOS smartphones and later releases webOS as open-source software.
2008
EDS acquisition
[19]EDS acquisitionen.wikipedia.org
HP acquired Electronic Data Systems to strengthen technology services and consulting.
2008
EDS is acquired
[13]Hewlett-Packardzh.wikipedia.org
HP acquires EDS and significantly expands its information-technology services business.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Products and positioning

A global provider of personal-computing, printing, imaging, digital-manufacturing, and workplace technology solutions serving consumers, small businesses, enterprises, education, and public-sector customers. A broad, globally distributed technology brand combining mainstream and premium personal computing with consumer, office, enterprise and production printing. HP also uses security, hybrid-work collaboration, creative workflows, gaming, sustainability and AI-enabled experiences to extend beyond standalone hardware.

Personal computing
HP personal computers
HP’s computer portfolio has included consumer notebooks and desktops, commercial PCs, workstations, and gaming-oriented systems. The range serves home users, students, small businesses, enterprises, and professional creators. Major families have included Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, EliteBook, ProBook, Z workstations, and Omen gaming systems. Following the 2015 separation, personal computers remained part of HP Inc., while historical enterprise servers and related infrastructure moved to Hewlett Packard Enterprise. HP sells notebooks, desktops, all-in-one systems, monitors and accessories for consumers, schools, small businesses and large organizations. The portfolio ranges from affordable everyday computers to premium thin-and-light devices and enterprise-managed endpoints. Major families include Pavilion, ENVY, Spectre, EliteBook, ProBook and ProDesk.
Printing · 1984
HP LaserJet
LaserJet is HP’s long-running laser-printer family for home, office, workgroup, and enterprise use. Products have ranged from compact monochrome printers to color multifunction systems with scanning, copying, network management, and security features. The line helped make laser printing accessible in offices and became one of HP’s most recognizable product franchises.
Printing and imaging
HP OfficeJet
OfficeJet is a family of inkjet printers and multifunction devices aimed primarily at home offices, small businesses, and general office users. Depending on the model, the range combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, with emphasis on color documents, wireless connectivity, and recurring ink supplies.
Consumer personal computing · 1995
HP Pavilion
Pavilion is a consumer PC brand introduced as HP expanded more directly into home and home-office computing. It has included desktop and notebook computers positioned below premium families such as Spectre and Envy, with configurations for everyday productivity, education, entertainment, and general household use.
Premium personal computing
HP Spectre
Spectre is HP’s premium consumer notebook and convertible family. It emphasizes industrial design, thin form factors, premium materials, high-resolution displays, and features for mobile productivity. The line competes in the upper tier of the consumer PC market and complements HP’s broader Pavilion and Envy ranges.
Large-format printing
HP DesignJet
DesignJet is HP’s large-format printer family for technical drawings, architecture, engineering, construction, geographic information, photography, and graphics production. These systems are designed for wide media and accurate color or line output, serving professional users rather than ordinary desktop-printing customers.
Digital printing
HP Indigo
Indigo is HP’s digital press business for commercial and industrial print environments. Indigo systems support short runs, variable data, packaging, labels, publishing, and high-quality color production. The business reflects HP’s expansion beyond office printers into professional digital production workflows.
Calculators · 1972
HP calculators
HP’s historic calculator portfolio included scientific, financial, programmable, and graphing models. Products such as the HP-35 and HP-65 established the company’s reputation among engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals. Calculator development was an important bridge between HP’s instrumentation heritage and later computing activities.
Gaming hardware
HP gaming
OMEN and Victus products address gaming laptops, desktops, displays and related accessories. OMEN is positioned toward higher-performance enthusiasts, while Victus provides a more accessible gaming range. These products extend HP’s PC presence into a segment driven by graphics performance, thermal design and upgradeability.
Professional workstations
Z by HP
Z by HP comprises high-performance mobile and desktop workstations for creative production, architecture, engineering, data science and visualization. The line is marketed around professional workloads requiring certified configurations, powerful processors and graphics, substantial memory and dependable support. Z by HP is the professional-computing range for engineering, architecture, media production, data science and other demanding workloads. It includes workstations and related displays or accessories designed for users who need higher performance, expandability and professional software compatibility.
Printers and multifunction devices
HP printing
HP’s printing portfolio includes OfficeJet inkjet devices, LaserJet laser printers, multifunction machines, large-format DesignJet systems and production-printing platforms. Products serve home users, small offices, corporate fleets, graphic-arts customers and commercial print providers, with software and managed services supporting fleet administration and security.
Consumables and subscriptions
HP supplies and services
Ink, toner, paper, replacement supplies, printer software and service programs support HP’s installed base. Instant Ink is a subscription-oriented replenishment service for eligible printers, while managed-print offerings help organizations monitor devices, control supplies and administer document workflows.
Workplace collaboration · 2022
Poly
Poly products include business headsets, desk phones, conference phones, cameras, video-conferencing equipment and related collaboration software. Following HP’s acquisition of Poly, these offerings form part of HP’s hybrid-work proposition for meeting rooms, distributed teams and enterprise communications.
Personal computers
Personal Systems
HP’s personal-systems portfolio includes consumer laptops and desktops, business notebooks and desktops, gaming PCs, workstations, monitors and accessories. Product families span premium design-oriented devices, mainstream home computers, corporate fleets and high-performance systems for gaming, engineering, content creation and other demanding workloads.
Printers and imaging
Printing and Imaging
HP supplies home and office printers, multifunction devices, scanners, large-format printers and commercial printing systems. The portfolio includes inkjet and laser technologies and is supported by consumables, device management, maintenance and workflow services.
Consumables and services
Printing Supplies and Subscriptions
Ink, toner and related supplies are a central part of HP’s printing business. The company also offers subscription and replenishment services, including Instant Ink in supported markets, linking printer ownership with recurring supplies and service relationships.
Industrial printing
3D Printing
HP’s 3D-printing activities address industrial and production use cases, including materials, printers and related services. The business extends the brand beyond consumer and office printing into manufacturing and product-development workflows.

Controversies

2020
Judge triples Quanta damages award to HP
In HP's price-fixing case, a federal judge tripled a jury's damages award against Quanta Storage, bringing the award to $528 million before deducting amounts paid by other companies. The ruling increased the jury's original award in the litigation.
Source
2019
Icahn criticizes HP management over Xerox offer rejection
In a public letter to HP shareholders, investor Carl Icahn alleged that HP management rejected customary mutual due diligence for self-interested reasons, including preserving executive and board positions.
Source
2012
Autonomy accounting dispute
After acquiring Autonomy, HP announced a substantial impairment and alleged that accounting irregularities had affected the company’s reported financial condition before the transaction. Former Autonomy executives disputed HP’s claims. The episode resulted in prolonged civil litigation and regulatory attention in the United States and United Kingdom.
Source
2012
Autonomy acquisition accounting controversy
Hewlett-Packard recorded a large impairment after acquiring Autonomy in 2011 and alleged that accounting improprieties had inflated the software company’s reported value. Autonomy’s former executives disputed HP’s allegations, and the episode led to litigation, regulatory attention and criticism of HP’s acquisition due diligence and governance. The matter concerns the pre-2015 Hewlett-Packard company and is not an operating event of HP Inc. after the corporate separation. After acquiring Autonomy, HP alleged that the company’s former management had misrepresented its financial position and recorded improper transactions. Former Autonomy executives rejected the allegations, and the dispute generated extensive litigation and regulatory scrutiny.
Source
2006
Board-leak investigation and pretexting controversy
HP acknowledged that investigators hired during an inquiry into board leaks used deceptive methods to obtain telephone records belonging to directors, journalists and others. The controversy led to investigations and the resignation of chair Patricia Dunn.
Source
1980
Accusations concerning operations in apartheid-era South Africa
Activists supporting divestment from South Africa criticized HP’s operations and technology sales in the country, alleging that the company’s activities helped automate or support apartheid-era administration.
Source

2024Workday productivity creative advertisement
China
A HP advertisement used fast-paced, almost spoken-word storytelling to depict the pressure and overload of an ordinary worker’s day before shifting to the proposition that effective tools can improve productivity.
Outcome. The campaign was presented as a creative marketing case and received a reported editorial rating on the publishing platform; broader commercial results were not disclosed.
Source
2021Remote-working freedom campaign
Global
An AKQA Berlin campaign depicted a worker using HP technology in locations including a mountain, balcony, vehicle, salon and horseback. The narrative contrasted outdated equipment with flexible, mobile work.
Outcome. The campaign strengthened HP’s association with hybrid-work flexibility and the idea that changing technology can enable greater freedom.
Source
2020Power Your Breakthrough
Global
HP’s first global brand campaign for Z by HP targeted creative professionals, product designers, data scientists and architects working increasingly outside conventional offices during the pandemic period.
Outcome. The campaign used work created with Z systems and a digital magazine featuring industry perspectives to demonstrate rather than merely claim professional capability.
Source
2019Get Real
United States
Get Real promoted HP printing by asking whether people had become too absorbed in digital devices. The campaign presented printing as a way to return digital ideas to tangible, real-world experiences.
Outcome. The campaign ran during the 2019 World Series and through digital placements; HP used real-time monitoring to adjust media and engagement activity.
Source
2017Print the Magic
Selected consumer markets
HP partnered with Disney around Moana to provide printable themed crafts and activities, linking household printers with entertainment, family creativity and physical projects.
Outcome. The collaboration gave HP a consumer-focused demonstration of how printing could extend digital entertainment into hands-on activities.
Source
2015Keep Reinventing
Global
Keep Reinventing positioned HP around continuous innovation and personal or professional transformation. Stories of people using technology to change how they work and create connected the company’s heritage with contemporary products.
Outcome. The platform supported HP’s innovation-led brand identity and continued across multiple media and product contexts.
Source
2014#BendTheRules
Global digital and social channels
HP promoted the Pavilion x360 by collaborating with Meghan Trainor around the production of the music video for “Lips Are Movin.” The campaign emphasized the convertible computer as a tool for music, choreography, styling and behind-the-scenes creativity.
Outcome. Reference material reports strong social engagement, rapid reach among younger audiences and growth in visits and subscribers to HP’s YouTube channel.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Agreement to acquire Humane AI capabilitiesM&A
Background
HP identified AI-enabled experiences and software as areas for extending its hardware and workplace portfolio.
Action taken
HP announced an agreement to acquire selected Humane technology, including Cosmos, intellectual property and technical talent.
Aftermath
The transaction was intended to accelerate HP’s transformation toward experience-led and AI-supported workplace products.
Announced transaction value. $116 million (Announced February 2025; expected to close by the end of March 2025)
Source
2022
Acquisition of PolyM&A
Background
Hybrid work increased demand for professional audio, video, meeting-room and collaboration equipment.
Action taken
HP completed its acquisition of Poly.
Aftermath
HP broadened its workplace portfolio and gained collaboration devices, software and a complementary enterprise go-to-market organization.
Source
2015
Separate HP into two companiesStrategy
Background
Different market dynamics, capital needs, and operating models made the company’s PC-and-printing and enterprise businesses increasingly difficult to manage as one corporation.
Action taken
HP separated its personal-computer and printing operations into HP Inc. and its enterprise products and services into Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Aftermath
HP Inc. retained the HPQ ticker and consumer and commercial device businesses, while HPE became an independent enterprise-technology company.
Source
2015
Separation into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard EnterpriseStrategy
Background
Hewlett-Packard concluded that personal systems and printing required a different operating focus from enterprise infrastructure and services.
Action taken
The company separated its businesses into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with HP Inc. retaining the HP brand for PCs and printing.
Aftermath
HP Inc. became a focused public technology company centered on personal computing, printing, supplies and adjacent services.
Source
2015
Partner with Bang & Olufsen for premium audioProduct launch
Background
HP sought to strengthen the audio experience and premium positioning of selected computers and tablets.
Action taken
HP announced Bang & Olufsen as a premium audio partner for its devices.
Aftermath
The partnership supported differentiated audio positioning in HP’s consumer-device portfolio.
Source
2014
Separate HP into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard EnterpriseStrategy
Background
The company concluded that consumer and printing operations required a different focus from enterprise infrastructure, software and services.
Action taken
HP announced and implemented a tax-free corporate separation, creating HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise as independent public companies.
Aftermath
HP Inc. retained the HP brand, personal systems, printing operations and HPQ listing, while HPE became the enterprise-focused successor business.
Source
2011
Acquire AutonomyM&A
Background
HP wanted to expand beyond hardware into enterprise software and information-management technologies.
Action taken
HP acquired Autonomy Corporation.
Aftermath
The acquisition was followed by HP’s impairment announcement and accounting allegations, becoming a major factor in the company’s strategic and leadership turmoil.
Source
2011
Discontinue TouchPad and webOS smartphonesOther
Background
Early sales and market traction did not support HP’s mobile hardware strategy.
Action taken
HP stopped producing the TouchPad and webOS smartphones and later opened the webOS software platform.
Aftermath
HP exited proprietary mobile hardware and concentrated on PCs, printing and enterprise activities.
Source
2002
Merge with CompaqM&A
Background
HP pursued scale in personal computers, servers, storage, and technology services amid competition from IBM, Dell, and other large technology vendors.
Action taken
HP completed its merger with Compaq.
Aftermath
The combined company became a larger PC and enterprise-hardware supplier, although the transaction remained controversial and integration was demanding.
Source
2002
Merger with CompaqM&A
Background
HP sought greater scale in personal computers, servers, services and enterprise technology.
Action taken
HP combined with Compaq Computer Corporation.
Aftermath
The transaction created one of the largest global technology companies and substantially expanded HP’s PC and enterprise footprint, while also creating significant integration complexity.
Source

Showing the 10 most recent.

Recent events

2025
HP announces acquisition of Humane AI assets[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
M&A · Product launch
HP announced plans to acquire selected Humane artificial-intelligence assets, intellectual property, and engineering resources after Humane discontinued its AI Pin.
2025
HP agrees to acquire selected Humane artificial-intelligence capabilities[10]HP accelerates AI software investments with Humane capabilitiesinvestor.hp.com
M&A
HP announced a definitive agreement to acquire selected AI assets from Humane, including the Cosmos platform, related intellectual property and technical personnel. The move was presented as part of HP’s effort to build more intelligent, experience-oriented workplace technology.
2025
HP explores a device-based advertising network[28]HP explores a device-based advertising networkadweek.com
Other
Adweek reported that HP had been pitching advertisers on HP Media Network, a proposed advertising business involving laptop-targeted placements and a streaming service. The report described the initiative as an expansion from device manufacturing into advertising technology.
2024
HP announces Omni consumer-computing brand[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
HP announced a new Omni naming architecture for much of its consumer PC range, including OmniBook, OmniDesk, and OmniStudio products with AI-oriented capabilities.
2024
HP becomes Ferrari Formula 1 title partner[29]惠普成为法拉利一级方程式冠名合作伙伴hp.com
Campaign
HP announced a multi-year title-sponsorship agreement with Ferrari covering Formula 1 and related racing programs.
2024
HP launches advertising centered on workplace productivity[16]HP creative advertising casem.adquan.com
Campaign
A Chinese-market creative advertisement portrayed an exhausting workday and then connected better tools with improved productivity.
2022
HP acquires Poly[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
M&A
HP acquired Poly, a provider of communications hardware and software, to expand its hybrid-work and collaboration portfolio.
2022
HP completes acquisition of Poly[9]HP Inc. completes acquisition of Polyhp.com
Product launch · M&A
HP completed its acquisition of Poly, adding workplace headsets, cameras, conferencing equipment, voice products and collaboration software to its device portfolio.
2021
HP acquires HyperX gaming peripherals business[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
M&A
HP announced and completed the purchase of Kingston's HyperX gaming peripherals business, excluding HyperX memory and storage products.
2021
HP promotes hybrid work through a remote-working campaign[25]Remote-working freedom campaignadweek.com
Campaign
An AKQA Berlin campaign portrayed an employee working from unconventional locations to dramatize the flexibility enabled by modern HP technology and the shift away from outdated workplace computing.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Sources97 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/hewlett-packard · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled

Overview

History

2025
Humane AI assets agreement
[10]HP accelerates AI software investments with Humane capabilitiesinvestor.hp.com
HP announces an agreement to acquire selected AI capabilities, intellectual property and talent from Humane.
2022
Poly acquisition completed
[9]HP Inc. completes acquisition of Polyhp.com
HP Inc. completes the acquisition of Poly and adds collaboration hardware and software.
2019
Enrique Lores becomes CEO
[15]HP Executive Teamhp.com
Enrique Lores takes the chief executive role after helping manage the company’s earlier separation.
2015
Corporate separation
[1]Hewlett-Packarden.wikipedia.org
Hewlett-Packard separates into HP Inc., focused on PCs and printing, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
2015
HP Inc. begins operations
[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
HP Inc. becomes the publicly traded successor focused on PCs, printing and related products, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise begins separately.
2014
Two-company separation is announced
[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
HP announces that personal systems and printing will become HP Inc., separate from the enterprise business.
2011
Autonomy acquisition
[4]Autonomy Corporationen.wikipedia.org
HP acquired Autonomy as part of an effort to expand its enterprise-software portfolio.
2011
TouchPad and webOS hardware strategy ends
[13]Hewlett-Packardzh.wikipedia.org
HP stops producing TouchPad tablets and webOS smartphones and later releases webOS as open-source software.
2008
EDS acquisition
[19]EDS acquisitionen.wikipedia.org
HP acquired Electronic Data Systems to strengthen technology services and consulting.
2008
EDS is acquired
[13]Hewlett-Packardzh.wikipedia.org
HP acquires EDS and significantly expands its information-technology services business.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Products and positioning

Personal computing
HP personal computers
HP’s computer portfolio has included consumer notebooks and desktops, commercial PCs, workstations, and gaming-oriented systems. The range serves home users, students, small businesses, enterprises, and professional creators. Major families have included Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, EliteBook, ProBook, Z workstations, and Omen gaming systems. Following the 2015 separation, personal computers remained part of HP Inc., while historical enterprise servers and related infrastructure moved to Hewlett Packard Enterprise. HP sells notebooks, desktops, all-in-one systems, monitors and accessories for consumers, schools, small businesses and large organizations. The portfolio ranges from affordable everyday computers to premium thin-and-light devices and enterprise-managed endpoints. Major families include Pavilion, ENVY, Spectre, EliteBook, ProBook and ProDesk.
Printing · 1984
HP LaserJet
LaserJet is HP’s long-running laser-printer family for home, office, workgroup, and enterprise use. Products have ranged from compact monochrome printers to color multifunction systems with scanning, copying, network management, and security features. The line helped make laser printing accessible in offices and became one of HP’s most recognizable product franchises.
Printing and imaging
HP OfficeJet
OfficeJet is a family of inkjet printers and multifunction devices aimed primarily at home offices, small businesses, and general office users. Depending on the model, the range combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, with emphasis on color documents, wireless connectivity, and recurring ink supplies.
Consumer personal computing · 1995
HP Pavilion
Pavilion is a consumer PC brand introduced as HP expanded more directly into home and home-office computing. It has included desktop and notebook computers positioned below premium families such as Spectre and Envy, with configurations for everyday productivity, education, entertainment, and general household use.
Premium personal computing
HP Spectre
Spectre is HP’s premium consumer notebook and convertible family. It emphasizes industrial design, thin form factors, premium materials, high-resolution displays, and features for mobile productivity. The line competes in the upper tier of the consumer PC market and complements HP’s broader Pavilion and Envy ranges.
Large-format printing
HP DesignJet
DesignJet is HP’s large-format printer family for technical drawings, architecture, engineering, construction, geographic information, photography, and graphics production. These systems are designed for wide media and accurate color or line output, serving professional users rather than ordinary desktop-printing customers.
Digital printing
HP Indigo
Indigo is HP’s digital press business for commercial and industrial print environments. Indigo systems support short runs, variable data, packaging, labels, publishing, and high-quality color production. The business reflects HP’s expansion beyond office printers into professional digital production workflows.
Calculators · 1972
HP calculators
HP’s historic calculator portfolio included scientific, financial, programmable, and graphing models. Products such as the HP-35 and HP-65 established the company’s reputation among engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals. Calculator development was an important bridge between HP’s instrumentation heritage and later computing activities.
Gaming hardware
HP gaming
OMEN and Victus products address gaming laptops, desktops, displays and related accessories. OMEN is positioned toward higher-performance enthusiasts, while Victus provides a more accessible gaming range. These products extend HP’s PC presence into a segment driven by graphics performance, thermal design and upgradeability.
Professional workstations
Z by HP
Z by HP comprises high-performance mobile and desktop workstations for creative production, architecture, engineering, data science and visualization. The line is marketed around professional workloads requiring certified configurations, powerful processors and graphics, substantial memory and dependable support. Z by HP is the professional-computing range for engineering, architecture, media production, data science and other demanding workloads. It includes workstations and related displays or accessories designed for users who need higher performance, expandability and professional software compatibility.
Printers and multifunction devices
HP printing
HP’s printing portfolio includes OfficeJet inkjet devices, LaserJet laser printers, multifunction machines, large-format DesignJet systems and production-printing platforms. Products serve home users, small offices, corporate fleets, graphic-arts customers and commercial print providers, with software and managed services supporting fleet administration and security.
Consumables and subscriptions
HP supplies and services
Ink, toner, paper, replacement supplies, printer software and service programs support HP’s installed base. Instant Ink is a subscription-oriented replenishment service for eligible printers, while managed-print offerings help organizations monitor devices, control supplies and administer document workflows.
Workplace collaboration · 2022
Poly
Poly products include business headsets, desk phones, conference phones, cameras, video-conferencing equipment and related collaboration software. Following HP’s acquisition of Poly, these offerings form part of HP’s hybrid-work proposition for meeting rooms, distributed teams and enterprise communications.
Personal computers
Personal Systems
HP’s personal-systems portfolio includes consumer laptops and desktops, business notebooks and desktops, gaming PCs, workstations, monitors and accessories. Product families span premium design-oriented devices, mainstream home computers, corporate fleets and high-performance systems for gaming, engineering, content creation and other demanding workloads.
Printers and imaging
Printing and Imaging
HP supplies home and office printers, multifunction devices, scanners, large-format printers and commercial printing systems. The portfolio includes inkjet and laser technologies and is supported by consumables, device management, maintenance and workflow services.
Consumables and services
Printing Supplies and Subscriptions
Ink, toner and related supplies are a central part of HP’s printing business. The company also offers subscription and replenishment services, including Instant Ink in supported markets, linking printer ownership with recurring supplies and service relationships.
Industrial printing
3D Printing
HP’s 3D-printing activities address industrial and production use cases, including materials, printers and related services. The business extends the brand beyond consumer and office printing into manufacturing and product-development workflows.

Controversies

2020
Judge triples Quanta damages award to HP
In HP's price-fixing case, a federal judge tripled a jury's damages award against Quanta Storage, bringing the award to $528 million before deducting amounts paid by other companies. The ruling increased the jury's original award in the litigation.
Source
2019
Icahn criticizes HP management over Xerox offer rejection
In a public letter to HP shareholders, investor Carl Icahn alleged that HP management rejected customary mutual due diligence for self-interested reasons, including preserving executive and board positions.
Source
2012
Autonomy accounting dispute
After acquiring Autonomy, HP announced a substantial impairment and alleged that accounting irregularities had affected the company’s reported financial condition before the transaction. Former Autonomy executives disputed HP’s claims. The episode resulted in prolonged civil litigation and regulatory attention in the United States and United Kingdom.
Source
2012
Autonomy acquisition accounting controversy
Hewlett-Packard recorded a large impairment after acquiring Autonomy in 2011 and alleged that accounting improprieties had inflated the software company’s reported value. Autonomy’s former executives disputed HP’s allegations, and the episode led to litigation, regulatory attention and criticism of HP’s acquisition due diligence and governance. The matter concerns the pre-2015 Hewlett-Packard company and is not an operating event of HP Inc. after the corporate separation. After acquiring Autonomy, HP alleged that the company’s former management had misrepresented its financial position and recorded improper transactions. Former Autonomy executives rejected the allegations, and the dispute generated extensive litigation and regulatory scrutiny.
Source
2006
Board-leak investigation and pretexting controversy
HP acknowledged that investigators hired during an inquiry into board leaks used deceptive methods to obtain telephone records belonging to directors, journalists and others. The controversy led to investigations and the resignation of chair Patricia Dunn.
Source
1980
Accusations concerning operations in apartheid-era South Africa
Activists supporting divestment from South Africa criticized HP’s operations and technology sales in the country, alleging that the company’s activities helped automate or support apartheid-era administration.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2024Workday productivity creative advertisement
China
A HP advertisement used fast-paced, almost spoken-word storytelling to depict the pressure and overload of an ordinary worker’s day before shifting to the proposition that effective tools can improve productivity.
Outcome. The campaign was presented as a creative marketing case and received a reported editorial rating on the publishing platform; broader commercial results were not disclosed.
Source
2021Remote-working freedom campaign
Global
An AKQA Berlin campaign depicted a worker using HP technology in locations including a mountain, balcony, vehicle, salon and horseback. The narrative contrasted outdated equipment with flexible, mobile work.
Outcome. The campaign strengthened HP’s association with hybrid-work flexibility and the idea that changing technology can enable greater freedom.
Source
2020Power Your Breakthrough
Global
HP’s first global brand campaign for Z by HP targeted creative professionals, product designers, data scientists and architects working increasingly outside conventional offices during the pandemic period.
Outcome. The campaign used work created with Z systems and a digital magazine featuring industry perspectives to demonstrate rather than merely claim professional capability.
Source
2019Get Real
United States
Get Real promoted HP printing by asking whether people had become too absorbed in digital devices. The campaign presented printing as a way to return digital ideas to tangible, real-world experiences.
Outcome. The campaign ran during the 2019 World Series and through digital placements; HP used real-time monitoring to adjust media and engagement activity.
Source
2017Print the Magic
Selected consumer markets
HP partnered with Disney around Moana to provide printable themed crafts and activities, linking household printers with entertainment, family creativity and physical projects.
Outcome. The collaboration gave HP a consumer-focused demonstration of how printing could extend digital entertainment into hands-on activities.
Source
2015Keep Reinventing
Global
Keep Reinventing positioned HP around continuous innovation and personal or professional transformation. Stories of people using technology to change how they work and create connected the company’s heritage with contemporary products.
Outcome. The platform supported HP’s innovation-led brand identity and continued across multiple media and product contexts.
Source
2014#BendTheRules
Global digital and social channels
HP promoted the Pavilion x360 by collaborating with Meghan Trainor around the production of the music video for “Lips Are Movin.” The campaign emphasized the convertible computer as a tool for music, choreography, styling and behind-the-scenes creativity.
Outcome. Reference material reports strong social engagement, rapid reach among younger audiences and growth in visits and subscribers to HP’s YouTube channel.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Agreement to acquire Humane AI capabilitiesM&A
Background
HP identified AI-enabled experiences and software as areas for extending its hardware and workplace portfolio.
Action taken
HP announced an agreement to acquire selected Humane technology, including Cosmos, intellectual property and technical talent.
Aftermath
The transaction was intended to accelerate HP’s transformation toward experience-led and AI-supported workplace products.
Announced transaction value. $116 million (Announced February 2025; expected to close by the end of March 2025)
Source
2022
Acquisition of PolyM&A
Background
Hybrid work increased demand for professional audio, video, meeting-room and collaboration equipment.
Action taken
HP completed its acquisition of Poly.
Aftermath
HP broadened its workplace portfolio and gained collaboration devices, software and a complementary enterprise go-to-market organization.
Source
2015
Separate HP into two companiesStrategy
Background
Different market dynamics, capital needs, and operating models made the company’s PC-and-printing and enterprise businesses increasingly difficult to manage as one corporation.
Action taken
HP separated its personal-computer and printing operations into HP Inc. and its enterprise products and services into Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Aftermath
HP Inc. retained the HPQ ticker and consumer and commercial device businesses, while HPE became an independent enterprise-technology company.
Source
2015
Separation into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard EnterpriseStrategy
Background
Hewlett-Packard concluded that personal systems and printing required a different operating focus from enterprise infrastructure and services.
Action taken
The company separated its businesses into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with HP Inc. retaining the HP brand for PCs and printing.
Aftermath
HP Inc. became a focused public technology company centered on personal computing, printing, supplies and adjacent services.
Source
2015
Partner with Bang & Olufsen for premium audioProduct launch
Background
HP sought to strengthen the audio experience and premium positioning of selected computers and tablets.
Action taken
HP announced Bang & Olufsen as a premium audio partner for its devices.
Aftermath
The partnership supported differentiated audio positioning in HP’s consumer-device portfolio.
Source
2014
Separate HP into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard EnterpriseStrategy
Background
The company concluded that consumer and printing operations required a different focus from enterprise infrastructure, software and services.
Action taken
HP announced and implemented a tax-free corporate separation, creating HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise as independent public companies.
Aftermath
HP Inc. retained the HP brand, personal systems, printing operations and HPQ listing, while HPE became the enterprise-focused successor business.
Source
2011
Acquire AutonomyM&A
Background
HP wanted to expand beyond hardware into enterprise software and information-management technologies.
Action taken
HP acquired Autonomy Corporation.
Aftermath
The acquisition was followed by HP’s impairment announcement and accounting allegations, becoming a major factor in the company’s strategic and leadership turmoil.
Source
2011
Discontinue TouchPad and webOS smartphonesOther
Background
Early sales and market traction did not support HP’s mobile hardware strategy.
Action taken
HP stopped producing the TouchPad and webOS smartphones and later opened the webOS software platform.
Aftermath
HP exited proprietary mobile hardware and concentrated on PCs, printing and enterprise activities.
Source
2002
Merge with CompaqM&A
Background
HP pursued scale in personal computers, servers, storage, and technology services amid competition from IBM, Dell, and other large technology vendors.
Action taken
HP completed its merger with Compaq.
Aftermath
The combined company became a larger PC and enterprise-hardware supplier, although the transaction remained controversial and integration was demanding.
Source
2002
Merger with CompaqM&A
Background
HP sought greater scale in personal computers, servers, services and enterprise technology.
Action taken
HP combined with Compaq Computer Corporation.
Aftermath
The transaction created one of the largest global technology companies and substantially expanded HP’s PC and enterprise footprint, while also creating significant integration complexity.
Source

Showing the 10 most recent.

Recent events

2025
HP announces acquisition of Humane AI assets[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
M&A · Product launch
HP announced plans to acquire selected Humane artificial-intelligence assets, intellectual property, and engineering resources after Humane discontinued its AI Pin.
2025
HP agrees to acquire selected Humane artificial-intelligence capabilities[10]HP accelerates AI software investments with Humane capabilitiesinvestor.hp.com
M&A
HP announced a definitive agreement to acquire selected AI assets from Humane, including the Cosmos platform, related intellectual property and technical personnel. The move was presented as part of HP’s effort to build more intelligent, experience-oriented workplace technology.
2025
HP explores a device-based advertising network[28]HP explores a device-based advertising networkadweek.com
Other
Adweek reported that HP had been pitching advertisers on HP Media Network, a proposed advertising business involving laptop-targeted placements and a streaming service. The report described the initiative as an expansion from device manufacturing into advertising technology.
2024
HP announces Omni consumer-computing brand[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
HP announced a new Omni naming architecture for much of its consumer PC range, including OmniBook, OmniDesk, and OmniStudio products with AI-oriented capabilities.
2024
HP becomes Ferrari Formula 1 title partner[29]惠普成为法拉利一级方程式冠名合作伙伴hp.com
Campaign
HP announced a multi-year title-sponsorship agreement with Ferrari covering Formula 1 and related racing programs.
2024
HP launches advertising centered on workplace productivity[16]HP creative advertising casem.adquan.com
Campaign
A Chinese-market creative advertisement portrayed an exhausting workday and then connected better tools with improved productivity.
2022
HP acquires Poly[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
M&A
HP acquired Poly, a provider of communications hardware and software, to expand its hybrid-work and collaboration portfolio.
2022
HP completes acquisition of Poly[9]HP Inc. completes acquisition of Polyhp.com
Product launch · M&A
HP completed its acquisition of Poly, adding workplace headsets, cameras, conferencing equipment, voice products and collaboration software to its device portfolio.
2021
HP acquires HyperX gaming peripherals business[2]HP Inc.en.wikipedia.org
M&A
HP announced and completed the purchase of Kingston's HyperX gaming peripherals business, excluding HyperX memory and storage products.
2021
HP promotes hybrid work through a remote-working campaign[25]Remote-working freedom campaignadweek.com
Campaign
An AKQA Berlin campaign portrayed an employee working from unconventional locations to dramatize the flexibility enabled by modern HP technology and the shift away from outdated workplace computing.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Overview

History

Products and positioning

Controversies

Marketing campaigns

Brand decisions

Recent events

Related entries

Sources97 sources

Overview

History

Products and positioning

Controversies

Marketing campaigns

Brand decisions

Recent events

Related entries

Sources97 sources