10 fun and interesting Hewlett Packard facts

1. HP: From $538 to a Global Giant

William Hewlett and David Packard, two Stanford graduates, founded Hewlett Packard with a meager capital of just $538, which included the necessary equipment. To decide whose name would come first on the logo, the two men resorted to a coin toss, and thus the iconic HP logo was born.

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2. Palo Alto's Hewlett Packard garage recognized as historical landmark

Hewlett Packard (HP) was founded in a humble Palo Alto garage in 1939, and this garage has now been officially recognized as a historical landmark in the state. This is a testament to the incredible success of HP, which has grown from a small startup to a global leader in the technology industry. The garage is now a symbol of the company's humble beginnings and its remarkable journey to becoming one of the most influential companies in the world.

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3. Pioneers in Innovation

Hewlett Packard (HP) was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, and their first product was a resistance-capacitance audio oscillator. This device was used for testing sound equipment, and was the first of many innovative products that HP would go on to produce. HP has since become a leader in the technology industry, producing a wide range of products from computers and printers to servers and storage solutions. HP's commitment to innovation and quality has made them a trusted name in the industry for over 80 years.

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4. The Casual Culture That Shaped Silicon Valley

In the 1940's, Hewlett Packard (HP) pioneered the casual culture that has become so intrinsically woven into tech firms in Silicon Valley. HP's relaxed dress code, open office layout, and emphasis on collaboration set the tone for the modern tech workplace. This laid-back atmosphere has become a hallmark of Silicon Valley, and HP's influence can still be seen in the tech industry today.

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5. 50 years of innovation

Fifty years ago, Hewlett Packard was a pioneer in the corporate world, being the only company to offer on-site recreational facilities for its employees. This included a gym, a swimming pool, and a tennis court, all of which were available for employees to use during their lunch break or after work. This was a revolutionary concept at the time, and it set the standard for other companies to follow. Hewlett Packard's commitment to providing a healthy and enjoyable work environment for its employees has been a hallmark of the company ever since.

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6. The Company That Revolutionized LED Technology

In 1968, Hewlett Packard made history by introducing the world's first LED (light emitting diode) to the market. This revolutionary technology was a major breakthrough in the field of electronics, as it allowed for the production of smaller, more efficient devices. The LED was a major success for HP, and it paved the way for the development of many other electronic products, such as calculators, computers, and even smartphones. HP's LED technology has been used in countless products over the years, and it continues to be a major part of the company's success.

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7. Hewlett Packard's Flextime Revolution

In 1973, Hewlett Packard (HP) revolutionized the workplace by introducing flextime or flexible working hours at their German plant. This innovative concept allowed employees to work outside of the traditional 9-5 schedule, and it quickly spread to HP's U.S. operations. This groundbreaking idea has since become a staple of modern workplaces, allowing employees to better balance their work and personal lives. HP's pioneering spirit has been a major influence in the way we work today.

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8. Hewlett Packard's 1958 Acquisition Sets the Stage for Success

In 1958, Hewlett Packard (HP) made their first acquisition, purchasing F.L Moseley. This move was a major milestone for the company, as it helped to propel them into the printer franchise that they are now renowned for. F.L Moseley provided HP with the necessary resources and expertise to develop and manufacture their own printers, which has since become a major part of their business. HP's acquisition of F.L Moseley was a key moment in their history, and has allowed them to become one of the leading printer companies in the world.

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9. Hewlett Packard Launches First Computer

In 1966, Hewlett Packard (HP) launched the HP2116A, their first computer. This revolutionary machine was designed to control instruments, and was the first of its kind. It was a major milestone for HP, and marked the beginning of their journey into the world of computing. The HP2116A was a powerful machine for its time, and its success paved the way for HP to become one of the world's leading technology companies.

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10. HP's First Personal Computer Revolutionized Computing

In 1980, Hewlett Packard (HP) revolutionized the personal computer market with the introduction of the HP-85. This was the first true HP personal computer, and it featured a built-in BASIC language, a 4 MHz processor, and 64KB of RAM. It was a major step forward in the development of personal computing, and it set the stage for the many advancements that would follow.