Exhibit 99.2

                     [LETTERHEAD OF HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY]

                                                                [HP INVENT LOGO]


Editorial Contacts:

Rebeca Robboy, HP
+1 650 857 2064
rebeca_robboy@hp.com

                        HP TO CHANGE NYSE TRADING SYMBOL
                                FROM HWP TO HPQ

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 2, 2002 -- Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) today
announced that it will change its NYSE trading symbol from HWP to HPQ effective
Monday, May 6, 2002.

"Our new trading symbol is a tribute to the contribution of both companies as we
come together to build the new HP," said Carly Fiorina, HP chairman and chief
executive officer.

HP expects to close its merger with Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) on
May 3, 2002, and that the trading of Compaq common stock will be suspended
before the opening of the market on May 6, 2002.

                                      # # #

This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks,
uncertainties and assumptions. If any of these risks or uncertainties
materializes or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, the results of HP and
its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that
could be deemed forward-looking statements, including predictions regarding the
timing of the closing of the merger, suspension of Compaq stock trading and new
trading symbol.

The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above include the
possibility that the merger may not close or that HP, Compaq or other parties to
planned acquisitions may not complete pre-closing preparations by the expected
time; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities
and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP's annual report
on Form 10-Q, as filed on March 12, 2002, for the fiscal quarter ended January
31, 2002, and subsequently filed reports.

HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking
statements.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER AND WHERE TO FIND IT

On February 5, 2002, HP filed a registration statement with the SEC containing a
definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the merger. Investors and
security holders of HP and Compaq are urged to read the definitive joint proxy
statement/prospectus filed with the SEC on February 5, 2002 and any other
relevant materials filed by HP or Compaq with the SEC because they contain, or
will contain, important information about HP, Compaq and the merger. The
definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials (when
they become available), and any other documents filed by HP or Compaq with the
SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov. In
addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents
filed with the SEC by HP by contacting HP Investor Relations, 3000 Hanover
Street, Palo Alto, California 94304, 650-857-1501. Investors and security
holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Compaq by
contacting Compaq Investor Relations, P.O. Box 692000, Houston, Texas
77269-2000, 800-433-2391.

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