Hewlett-Packard’s (also known as HP) name was decided in a coin toss in 1939.

Hewlett-Packard’s (also known as HP) name was decided in a coin toss in 1939.

In 1939, Hewlett and Packard decided to formalize their partnership. They tossed a coin to decide whether the company they founded would be called Hewlett-Packard (HP) or Packard-Hewlett. HP was incorporated on August 18, 1947, and went public on November 6, 1957.

Computer models: HP 2100, HP TouchPad

Subsidiary: Electronic Data Systems, 3Com, Opsware, Palm, Inc., HP Autonomy, Mp...

Software: webOS, iPrint Photo, HP OpenView

Company acquired: Compaq, Palm, Inc

HP was founded by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard in 1939. Their first product was an audio oscillator and one of their first customers Walt Disney. Disney used the oscillator to test audio equipment in the 12 specially equipped theaters showing Fantasia in 1940.

In 1939, Hewlett returned to Palo Alto, and he and Packard quickly renewed their friendship. ... (Packard would later reveal that the name was selected to give customers the impression that they weren't dealing with an upstart company offering its first product.

2015

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) was created in 2015 when HP split its operation into two.