PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2001- Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) today unveiled an exclusive(1) innovation in scanning technology that will enhance image quality and speed, improving consumers' ability to communicate, collaborate and stay connected through the power of images. Three scanners introduced today -- the HP Scanjet 7400C, 7450C and 7490C scanners -- incorporate the technology for the benefit of busy office professionals. HP's scanning technology provides leading optical resolution, speed and image quality. This technology allows true 2400 dots-per-inch (dpi) optical resolution for the first time in desktop scanning. HP scanners with this innovative scanning technology have one 2400-dpi staggered pixel sensor, for high optical resolution, along with one 600-dpi linear pixel sensor, for high speed and excellent image quality when scanning at lower resolutions. By using two separate sensors, HP is able to provide users the higher specifications they demand without sacrificing quality or speed. The HP technology improves ease-of-use, since the scanner automatically chooses the appropriate sensor for the given scan. For scans that do not require high resolution, the high-speed 600-dpi sensor is used, delivering a four-second preview scan. For scans requiring more exact resolution, such as scanning negatives, the 2400-dpi sensor is used. "Consumers are constantly attracted to higher resolution scanners, yet such scanners don't always deliver better quality," said Kristy Holch, principal at InfoTrends Research Group. "By being first to use two separate sensors for scanning the entire platen at different resolutions, HP has overcome the limitations of today's technology to enhance speed, resolution and value." HP's scanning technology also enhances image quality because it works in tandem with improved optics in the HP Scanjet 7400C, 7450C and 7490C scanners. The size and quality of a scanner's optics are critical to its ability to resolve small detail.