She has made this a referendum on herself, ... I expect to be on the search committee for a new CEO. This time around we do not want someone learning on the job.

After careful deliberation, consultation with my financial advisor and consideration of developments since the announcement of the merger, I have decided to vote against the transaction. I believe that Hewlett-Packard can create greater value for stockholders as a stand-alone company than as a company combined with Compaq.

These are preliminary results and both sides will have the opportunity to examine and challenge the proxy tabulation prior to final certification.

In a proxy contest this close, where stockholders are changing their votes right up until the closing of the polls, it is simply impossible to determine the outcome at this time.

Less focused and more troubled.

And has been very well received.

We believe that Hewlett-Packard needs to focus on what it does well, and to change and grow organically, with targeted tactical acquisitions?a strategy that has proven to be successful in the technology industry.

Nothing in the board's letter will distract Hewlett-Packard stockholders from focusing on the real issue, nor change this bad transaction into a good one.