HP Launches Consumer Ad Campaign

Hewlett-Packard Co. launched its first-ever consumer brand campaign, as the Palo Alto-based company makes a more aggressive pitch for the home and small-business market. HP said it will spend $40 million on the ad campaign, and an additional $35 million on related promotions, new packaging and customer support efforts. Those efforts include vending machines on college campuses and in grocery stores and business lounges at airports for its inkjet printer cartridges. The ads are scheduled to begin airing during prime-time television next week. HP shares fell $1.44 to close at $60.50 on the NYSE.