HP and Fairmont to Bring Wireless Convenience to Travelers

PALO ALTO, Calif., and TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2004 /Wi-Fi Technology News/- HP and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced a first-of-its-kind initiative to bring mobile technology to members of Fairmont?s guest recognition program, Fairmont President?s Club, with the use of wireless-enabled HP iPAQ Pocket PCs during their business or leisure stay.

Providing quick and easy access to instant messaging programs as well as personal and corporate e-mail, the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h1940 equipped for wireless connectivity(1) gives Fairmont guests a new way to stay connected while on the road.

Running on Microsoft? Pocket PC software, the iPAQ allows program participants to benefit from mobile access to favorite applications, including Word, Excel and Windows Media Player, as well as a quick Internet connection for access to information on local events, weather and more.

?By providing guests first-hand access to the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h1940, Fairmont is expanding existing technology offerings to deliver a wireless solution that is truly capable of enhancing any business or leisure travel experience,? said Rick Roesler, vice president, Handheld and Wireless Business Unit, HP. ?Guests utilizing the iPAQ during their stay will be able to access information ranging from local attractions to weather updates while in the hotels? public areas, lounges, or meeting and conference rooms.?(2)

As a complement to this new program, Fairmont has installed a modified version of its Web site on the iPAQ, enabling guests to easily access destination content available through its Virtual Concierge. Populated by 10Best Inc., Fairmont?s Virtual Concierge provides reliable and unbiased destination information on restaurant recommendations, local landmarks, as well as maps and driving directions.

?Feedback from our most frequent guests indicates that technology is an important part of their stay,? said Tim Aubrey, senior vice president of finance and technology, Fairmont. ?Allowing guests to test out an innovative product such as the HP iPAQ provides them with a benefit that?s in-line with their needs and also allows them to further personalize their stay at any hotel. We also believe that working with a highly respected and globally recognized brand such as HP is representative of Fairmont?s commitment to offering guests the most comprehensive and innovative technology services available.?

This announcement follows the launch of the HP iPAQ product line and Fairmont?s recent investment in wireless local area networks ?hotspots,? which offer guests a mobile solution while on the road.

Guests can join Fairmont President?s Club by enrolling online at http://www.fairmont.com, by calling +1 800 663 7575 or at any hotel upon check-in. Fairmont President?s Club is the company?s guest recognition program, providing frequent guests with certain benefits and privileges that fulfill their travel needs with an enhanced level of service.

About the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h1940
The slim and affordable HP iPAQ Pocket PC h1940 offers consumers and mobile professionals integrated expansion and wireless connectivity at a low estimated U.S. street price of $299.(3) The h1940 weighs a mere 4.37 ounces and easily slips into a shirt pocket or purse.

Building on the success of the h1910 model, the h1940 has a similar slim and sleek design and includes a dazzling color display and a Secure Digital input/output expansion slot. The SDIO expansion slot allows customers to do even more with the iPAQ Pocket PC by adding not only memory cards but also wireless cards, digital cameras and other features planned for the future.(4)

The h1940 includes integrated Bluetooth? wireless technology, 64 megabytes of RAM (56 MB of main memory) and the Samsung S3C2410 processor (203-megahertz processor). A synchronization cable is included with the device, and a variety of optional accessories are available including a USB cradle with an extra battery slot for charging, extra styli, a spare lithium-ion battery, auto adapter and a variety of cases.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a collection of world-class resorts and city center hotels that enjoy unrivalled prominence in the communities where they are located. Operating 43 properties throughout six countries, Fairmont is committed to providing guests with exceptional service in distinctive surroundings. Featuring such storied hotels as The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and The Plaza, Fairmont properties are often deemed attractions in and of themselves. For more information on Fairmont or reservations please call +1 800 441 1414 or visit www.fairmont.com http://www.fairmont.com.

About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company?s offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the fiscal year ending on Oct. 31, 2003, HP revenue totaled $73.1 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

1) A standard WLAN infrastructure, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, and a service contract with a wireless airtime provider may be required for applicable wireless communication. Wireless Internet use requires a separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for availability and coverage in your area. Not all web content available.

(2) Requires wireless access points. Availability of wireless access points may be limited.
(3) Actual prices may vary.
(4) Accessories are purchased separately.