To: Night Writer who wrote (663 ) 5/30/2002 10:36:05 AM From: Night Writer Respond to of 4345 FEATURE/College-Bound Students Wired for Classroom Success; Compaq Factory Outlet's Dads and Grads Web Site a Great Source for Essentials May 30, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES) -- More than ever, computer skills are vital to the long-term success of students in a dynamic, high-tech global economy. Embracing the electronic age can make the difference between an average and an A+ educational experience. For instance, parents might be surprised to learn that most dormitories and libraries on college campuses are wired for Ethernet access. Many colleges recommend that every student bring their own PC. By owning a PC, students can easily communicate with their family by email and can avoid the risk of public computers being unavailable. Notebooks (laptop PCs) with Ethernet and wireless features are one of the best options when shopping for the perfect hardware. Students using notebooks can register online for classes, download class assignments and materials, research academic materials and do online tutorials and mentoring sessions. Time management is also essential to today's student. Learning to balance class schedules, homework, exams and extracurricular activities may be aided by the use of a handheld, or personal digital assistant. Handhelds (which are really mini-PCs) are handy for taking notes in class or recording lectures. Notes taken with a handheld can then be downloaded to a PC. Add on a wireless card and students have the ultimate portability to bring their notebook to a quiet study room either in the dorm or at the library -- all the better to avoid the distractions of roommates or noisy students in a library's common areas. Parents and students have many choices when seeking out the electronic essentials for school. To help students make the most of the wired college world, Compaq Factory Outlet -- a business entity within HP that remarkets a full selection of excess new and refurbished products -- has assembled some affordable ideas on their special "Dads & Grads" Web site atcompaqfactoryoutlet.com . There, shoppers can find quality, refurbished product bundles designed specifically with the college student in mind at prices that are easy on the pocket book. Notebooks come with backpacks for easy mobility. Handhelds provide flexibility. For music lovers, consider one of the personal audio player bundles, including either a notebook or a pocket PC. Both bundles will allow hours of music enjoyment from the classroom to the dorm room, along with the portability that a notebook and handheld offer. With so many options, parents should visitcompaqfactoryoutlet.com to determine which of these pairings will best meet their students' needs. The special bundles will be available through June 30. Customers who prefer the guidance of a knowledgeable sales representative can take advantage of these deals toll-free at +1 800 658 1106. Houston-area residents can visit the Compaq Factory Outlet retail store located at 10251 North Freeway (I-45 at West Road). CONTACT: Rives Carlberg (for Compaq Factory Outlet) Kevin Smothers, 713/965-0764 kevin.smothers@carlberg.com URL: businesswire.com Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. Copyright (C) 2002 Business Wire. All rights reserved. -0- KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EDUCATION HARDWARE PRODUCT SOURCE: HP