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,

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,

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,

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.

I'm optimistic because the results are unknown, and the margin certainly is razor thin,

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