Duracell Press Release 12/02/04

DURACELL CP1 PRISMATIC BATTERY POWERS HP PHOTOSMART R707 DIGITAL CAMERA

High-Power, Disposable Battery Addresses Consumer Demand for More Power Choices in Smaller Devices

LAS VEGAS, NV, February 12, 2004 - Duracell today announced that its new Duracell CP1 lithium primary prismatic battery is compatible with the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera with HP Instant Share. The HP Photosmart R707 digital camera, announced today at PMA, leverages the new battery’s potent power supply and thin profile to fuel its advanced technology. Disposable in nature, the Duracell CP1 acts as an “always ready” power source for the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera, providing interchangeability with a rechargeable battery.

The unique design of the Duracell CP1 represents the first ever high-power lithium primary prismatic battery designed specifically for digital cameras. The new shape of the battery was developed after a survey of digital camera owners indicated that 75% of the respondents preferred to have a choice between rechargeable and primary (disposable) power when using a digital camera. Measuring only seven millimeters thick, the Duracell CP1 enables digital camera manufacturers like HP to create thinner profile cameras that accept both a primary and rechargeable source of power. With the Duracell CP1, digital imaging leaders now have the ability to offer a lower-cost, “ready-to-go” alternative to secondary batteries. For consumers, the battery provides an ideal portable power source for the spontaneous nature of photography.

The HP Photosmart R707 digital camera is expected to be available in May 2004 at hpshopping.com and retail outlets nationwide. The Duracell CP1 battery is available in select retail outlets in North America, Europe and Asia.

“Many digital camera owners have experienced the disappointment of wanting to capture a spontaneous moment, only to realize that their batteries are not sufficiently charged,” said Jim O’Donnell, vice president, new products, Duracell.

“HP is focused on making the digital photography experience more enjoyable for consumers ? from capture to share to print,” said Karl Wardrop, product manager, Imaging and Printing group at HP. “Recognizing that battery life plays a role in this overall experience, HP designed the Photosmart R707 to work with both the Duracell CP1 and rechargeable batteries, eliminating consumers’ worry about recharging or remembering to bring their charging equipment.”

The HP Photosmart R707 digital camera features 5.1-megapixel resolution, 24x total zoom, 32 megabytes of internal storage and PictBridge together with HP Real Life Technologies—including Adaptive Lighting Technology, In-Camera Red-eye Removal, In-Camera Panorama Mode, and HP Image Advice—to achieve the results of a professional photographer. In addition, the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera sports a new look and feel, featuring a stylish and durable brushed stainless steel construction and ergonomic grip for steady, one-handed shots.

About Duracell
Part of the Boston-based Gillette Company, Duracell is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance alkaline batteries. Duracell also sells primary lithium and zinc air batteries, as well as rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. Gillette is the world leader in male grooming, a category that includes blades, razors and shaving preparations. The Company also holds the number one position worldwide in sales of selected female grooming products, such as wet shaving products and hair epilation devices. In addition, Gillette is the global market leader in manual and power toothbrushes.