These two Stanford University friends, who became the fathers of Silicon Valley, literally started what has become the world's largest personal computer company in a Palo Alto garage with just $538 in 1939. HP was primarily a commercial electronics and computer maker until the 1970s when it developed the first scientific handheld calculator, which has had an incalculable effect on society and turned the slide rule into a historic curiosity. In the 1980s, the company developed the plain paper ink jet printer, which helped transform the PC into a home consumer device. During their lives, the partners earned a bag full of honors. Packard served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1969-71 and was a co-founder and past chairman of the American Electronics Association. In 1983, Hewlett was awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest scientific honor.