HP, an abbreviation for Hewlett-Packard, is one of the most recognised technology brands globally. The company is best known for designing and manufacturing personal computers (PCs), laptops, printers, workstations, gaming devices, accessories, and business technology solutions. Established in 1939, HP played a foundational role in the development of Silicon Valley and remains among the largest technology companies worldwide.

Today, the HP brand primarily refers to HP Inc., whilst enterprise infrastructure products fall under a separate entity, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), following the company’s split in 2015.

The Beginning (1939)

HP was founded by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, two electrical engineering graduates from Stanford University. The company commenced operations in a small garage in Palo Alto, California, with an initial investment of only $538. This site is widely regarded as the Birthplace of Silicon Valley, as HP became one of the region’s first successful technology startups.

The company name was determined by a coin toss to decide between “Hewlett-Packard” and “Packard-Hewlett”, with Bill Hewlett winning the toss.

First Product

HP’s first commercial product was the HP Model 200A Audio Oscillator, an electronic instrument used to test sound frequencies. One of its earliest major customers was Walt Disney Studios, which purchased eight improved Model 200B oscillators during the production of the animated film Fantasia (1940).

Over subsequent decades, HP expanded into numerous technology sectors, including scientific instruments, electronic measurement equipment, calculators, computers, servers, printers, enterprise networking, software, and digital imaging. By the 1970s, HP had become one of the world’s leading electronics companies, with international revenue exceeding domestic revenue.

HP entered the personal computer market during the 1980s. Over time, the company became renowned for consumer and business laptops, desktop computers, inkjet and laser printers, All-in-One PCs, and mobile workstations. HP eventually grew to become one of the largest PC manufacturers globally.

HP transformed home and office printing through innovations such as inkjet printers, LaserJet printers, photo printers, and multifunction printers. The HP LaserJet series became one of the most successful printer families ever produced, helping to establish HP as the global leader in printing technology.

Personal Computers

• HP Pavilion
• HP Envy
• HP Spectre
• HP OmniBook (revived brand)
• HP Essential series

Business Laptops

• HP EliteBook
• HP ProBook
• HP Dragonfly
• HP ZBook (mobile workstations)

Gaming

HP’s gaming ecosystem includes:

• OMEN Gaming PCs
• OMEN Laptops
• HyperX gaming peripherals (acquired in 2021)

Printers

HP manufactures a wide range of printing solutions, including:

• Inkjet printers
• Laser printers
• Smart Tank printers
• OfficeJet printers
• DesignJet large-format printers

Workstations

Professional workstations include the HP Z Workstations and HP ZBook Mobile Workstations. These systems are commonly utilised in engineering, architecture, video editing, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing.

HP currently focuses on two major operational areas:

Personal Systems

This segment encompasses consumer laptops, business laptops, desktop computers, gaming systems, accessories, and monitors.

Printing

This segment includes home printers, enterprise printers, industrial printing solutions, printing supplies, and Managed Print Services.

In 2015, Hewlett-Packard separated into two independent publicly traded companies:

HP Inc.

Responsible for personal computers, laptops, desktops, printers, and consumer products.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Responsible for enterprise servers, cloud computing, networking, data centres, AI infrastructure, and enterprise software.

This restructuring allowed each entity to focus on distinct markets and strategic objectives.

HP operates in more than 170 countries, serving millions of customers across consumer, business, education, and government sectors. Its products are distributed through official HP stores, retail chains, online marketplaces, and business partners.

HP emphasises innovation, sustainability, reliability, productivity, security, hybrid work, and AI-enabled computing. The company invests significantly in AI-powered PCs, sustainable manufacturing processes, and device security.

HP has implemented various environmental initiatives, including printer cartridge recycling, the use of recycled plastics, carbon emission reduction, sustainable packaging, and renewable energy adoption. These efforts form part of its long-term environmental and social responsibility strategy.

HP competes with companies such as Lenovo, Dell Technologies, Apple, ASUS, Acer, Microsoft (Surface), Canon, Epson, and Brother.

• Founded one of the first major Silicon Valley technology companies.
• Helped popularise affordable personal computing.
• Became one of the world’s largest PC manufacturers.
• Developed the influential LaserJet printer family.
• Built a globally recognised technology brand with operations spanning more than 80 years.

• HP’s first office was a one-car garage in Palo Alto, now recognised as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley”.
• The company name was chosen by a coin toss between Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard.
• Disney Studios was among HP’s earliest customers.
• HP pioneered the “HP Way”, a management philosophy emphasising respect for employees, innovation, and customer focus, which influenced many subsequent technology companies.