Hewlett Packard was founded on 1st January 1939 by Stamford University graduates David Packard and Bill Hewlett. Thier initial premesis was a garage in Palo Alto, California, as was the case with so many Silicon Valley computer companies of the time.

 

Their first product was not infact a computer at all, but the HP 200A Precision Audio Oscillator which became a very popular piece of test equipment for engineers mainly due to its unique design and low cost. Walt Disney bought eight of the later model, the HP 200B which they used to certify the Fantasound surround sound system installed in cinemas for thier classic "Fantasia" film in 1940.

 

As of 2007 HP's revenue exceeded $104 billion ....

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