Compaq Computer

Founded in February 1983 by Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto, Compaq Computer Corporation set records by reporting revenues of over $111 million after its first year of being in business. From its inception, Compaq sought to imitate IBM's success and supply businesses with IBM-compatible portable computers. The first Compaq computer, called the Compaq Portable, weighed a whopping 28 pounds and sold for approximately $3,000.00. After realizing such success with its portable computers, Compaq also successfully began to market desktop computers, namely the Compaq Deskpro, in 1984.

In the 1990s, Compaq was one of the first companies to sell personal computers for under $1,000 at retail stores. These Compaq computers, called Presarios, played an integral role in stirring up competition that eventually led to the opportunity for many average households to have the ability to own a computer. The Presario remains one of the most popular types of personal computers sold today.

Despite massive opposition, Compaq Computers merged with Hewlett Packard in early 2002 and retained the name Hewlett Packard. The merger wasn't a total wash, as many of those who opposed it (including members of the Hewlett family) predicted it would be. However, it has been far from a total success story. The merger initially resulted in layoffs, which continued into early 2005. Additionally, in early 2005, one of the integral players in the Compaq-Hewlett Packard merger and the chairman and chief executive of Hewlett Packard, Carly Fiorina, was forced to resign when she lost support from the board.

Today, the Compaq Presario lines of computers offer both notebooks and desktops that are sold by Hewlett Packard. Both of these types of Compaq computers utilize Intel Pentium processors and Windows operating systems. Compaq computers for home and home office use can be purchased from most major retailers, or by visiting HP's website.