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1970s

HP continues its tradition of innovation. As this decade—marked by significant growth in earnings and employment—draws to a close, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard delegated day-to-day operating management of HP to John Young.

HP continues its tradition of innovation with the introduction of a new array of computing products. Foremost among them is HP-35, the first scientific handheld calculator, which ushers in a new era of portable, powerful computing.

HP continues to look for new opportunities around the globe, laying the groundwork for an eventual joint venture with China over the course of several trips by HP representatives to that country.

1972

Dave retires as Deputy Secretary of Defense, returns to HP and is elected chairman of the board. Bill retains title of president and CEO.
HP makes another advance in personal computing with HP-35, the world's first scientific handheld calculator. Small enough to fit into a shirt pocket, the powerful HP-35 makes the engineer's slide rule obsolete. In 2000, Forbes ASAP names it one of 20 "all time products" that have changed the world.
HP becomes the first U.S. electronics firm to be invited to China for trade discussions.

1973

The HP Logic analyzer becomes the tool of choice for engineers in the fast-growing field of digital electronics.
HP becomes the first U.S. company to institute flexible working hours, or flex-time.
HP introduces the first electronic calculator to print Japanese characters. The model 9810 desktop calculator is marketed in Japan by Yokogawa-Hewlett-Packard.

1974

HP introduces the first minicomputer to be based on 4K dynamic random access memory chips (DRAM) instead of magnetic cores.
The world's first programmable pocket calculator, HP-65, is introduced at $795. Its programmability will later lead some to call it the world's first handheld computer.

1975

HP simplifies instrument systems by creating a standard interface. The electronics industry adopts HP-IB (interface bus) as an international standard to allow one or more instruments to connect easily to a computer.

1977

John Young is named president (appointed CEO in 1978).
HP introduces HP-01 wrist instrument, a combination digital wristwatch, calculator and personal calendar. Smarter than many pocket calculators, the sleek wrist instrument (code-named Cricket) performs more than three dozen functions to manipulate and interrelate time, calendar and numeric data. One of the first personal information appliances, HP-01 demonstrates HP's excellence at miniaturization. Miniaturizing the math functions is an engineering feat, as is the extraordinarily small package engineering.
Dave makes his first trip to China as a member of a non-governmental group of Americans invited by Chinese officials. The visit makes a strong impression, and Dave becomes committed to helping China's modernization efforts. He will return two years later in 1979.

1979

First integrated microprocessor development system combines all the tools needed by hardware and software engineers.
Dave travels to China for the second time. During his visit, he tours factories and other scientific facilities. His hosts express interest in a joint venture with Hewlett-Packard. Throughout the following years, HP and Chinese representatives make steps toward solidifying their business relationship.

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