HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY SELECTS NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR'S GEODE™ GXm PROCESSOR FOR NEW ENTRIA G THIN CLIENT APPLIANCE

September 29, 1999 - National Semiconductor® Corporation (NYSE:NSM), a key enabler in the thin client marketplace, today announced Hewlett-Packard Company has selected National's integrated solution for the new HP Entria G-220 thin client appliance. The National solution for the Entria G is built around its low-power National Geode™ GXm processor.

Hewlett Packard's Entria G delivers access to Windows applications located on a central, easy-to-manage server, and includes a suite of terminal emulations for access to data hosted on mainframe and legacy systems. HP Entria thin clients offer all the IT benefits of thin client computing combined with a superior end-user experience. Incorporating the National Geode™ GXm allows the HP Entria G to deliver the graphics and communications performance users demand.

"National's integrated solution offers HP a tailored feature set individualized for our needs," said Wolfgang Baltes, general manager of HP's thin client operation. "National's low-power solution is the optimal choice for the Entria G, which demands higher graphics and telecommunications abilities at a competitive cost"

National's integrated thin client solutions offer high performance, low power and faster time-to-market for key customers. Based on the National Geode GXm processor, this solution offers on-chip graphics, audio, memory control and PCI interface, while delivering powerful, easy-to-use multimedia technology that is ideal for the thin client environment. In addition to the National Geode GXm, the Entria G also incorporates National's companion southbridge, the MacPHYTER&153; 10/100 PCI Ethernet controller, SuperI/O, audio codec, voltage controller and several other peripheral and analog chips.

"The rapid adoption of new thin client solutions validates our approach to this market," said Michael Polacek, vice president of National's Information Appliance Group. "We're working with our partners to understand their needs and National's Geode GXm solution offers the low power requirements HP was looking for."

Thin clients, designed for efficient information access, utilize optimal computing power focusing on the user's experience. Users are given capabilities such as display and communications, while still enabling the server to host, control and compute data. This allows for improved security and fewer hardware concerns, making IS management more convenient.

For additional information regarding National's thin client solutions, visit our website at http://www.national.com/appinfo/solutions/.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor provides system-on-a-chip solutions for the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company's chips lead many sectors of the personal computer, communications, and consumer markets. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2 billion for its last fiscal year and currently has about 11,000 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.