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FOR THE UK’S PC & TECH COMMUNITY • No. 151 • APRIL 2016
UK
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8 Boot Camp revamp Check out our new interactive workshop sessions for IT dealers
33 Intel’s game plan PCR reports from the Intel Extreme Masters eSports event in Poland
46 Portable power We look at the mobile device market and the latest products available
No. 151 • APRIL 2016 COMPUTER & IT RESELLERS z RETAILERS z SYSTEM BUILDERS z DISTRIBUTORS z VENDORS
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EXERTIS SCOOPS 19 AWARDS HAT-TRICK Company named Distributor of the Year O Dell wins top Grand Prix accolade EXERTIS WON big at the 2016 PCR Awards, picking up a trio of trophies in the Distribution category. The supplier was voted Components Distributor, Peripherals Distributor and Distributor of the Year, while rival Entatech picked up the Software Distributor and Service & Support awards.
“Retail is a key area of our business. To win three awards reflects the commitment and dedication of our Exertis teams who work tirelessly to ensure that our partners get the best possible service,” Mike Buley, Exertis’ services director told PCR. “We are rightly proud of these achievements and would like to thank the
organisers, judges and those that supported our nominations.” Elsewhere, Dell received the coveted Grand Prix award for an exceptional past 12 months in the IT channel. There were 24 awards handed out overall, with the event featuring a circus theme. Turn to page 19 for all the winners
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CONTENTS & COMMENT
Follow us @pcr_online
CONTENTS
Dominic Sacco Editor dsacco@nbmedia.com
REGULARS
@Dom_Sacco
6
Analysis: VR at retail
6
Analysis: Wearable Tech
Show 2016 Laura Barnes Online Editor
7
DISTREE EMEA 2016
show review
lbarnes@nbmedia.com @RoraDrum
11 Number crunching 13 Appointments and events 14 Opinion 16 PCR Trader Trust
Jennie Lane Sales Manager
39 Retailer of the Month:
jlane@nbmedia.com
More Computers
@jennielane1
41 Reseller profile: Nybble 41 Gaming column: eSports BAFTA recognition 44 Mystery Shopper: Mobile
Sarah Goldhawk Account Manager sgoldhawk@nbmedia.com
FEATURES 8
Boot Camp South 2016
19 PCR Awards 2016 winners
Dan Bennett Designer
33 The Big Interview: Intel’s
dbennett@nbmedia.com
Frank Soqui at IEM 36 Women in tech: Diversity in PC gaming 46 Mobile device security
Elizabeth Newton Production Executive enewton@nbmedia.com
PRODUCTS 50 Mobile computing sector guide 61 Huawei Matebook
Andrew Wooden Interactive Entertainment Content Director awooden@nbmedia.com @pcr_online
62 Recommended products
OUT OF OFFICE 64 PCR Awards 2016: Selfies and tweets from the night
NewBay Media is a member of the Periodical Publishers Associations
Incorporating
The next small thing WITH COMPUTERS getting smaller with each passing year, the industry should be mindful of what may be on the horizon. First it was notebooks, then smartphones, tablets soon followed and now wearables are becoming the norm. But what’s next? At the Intel Extreme Masters eSports event in March, PCR interviewed Frank Soqui, the firm’s enthusiast desktop group general manager, about growth in high-end PC hardware sales, eSports and VR (see page 33 for the full interview). He mentioned the strong potential of haptics – using motion or touch to control devices. For example, you can attach wearables to yourself during a VR experience to imitate feeling a virtual object. It got me thinking. With the likes of Kinect and Intel’s RealSense hand and face-tracking technology, what’s next in that area in terms of computing – and specifically, mobile computing?
computing etail special
@sarzgoldhawk
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COMMENT
66 PCR Awards 2016: Hannspree photo booth pics
ISSN: 1742-8440
“The channel should be mindful of what the next big (or small) thing may be, and act accordingly.” Will tech like RealSense become the norm? Will the mouse and keyboard become redundant in the future? And what does this mean for the future of mobile devices? The channel should be mindful of what the next big (or small) thing may be, and act accordingly. Tablets completely rewrote the rulebook for several years and forced vendors and retailers to rethink their strategies. Sales of tablets aren’t as strong today, with notebooks and 2-in-1s instead performing better, but one day it’s likely the market will move on to something else. So, as part of our mobile computing special, we ask the experts for their thoughts on the future of these devices (page 14), explore the murky world of mobile security (page 46) and collate the best mobile products (page 50). Elsewhere, we ask Synaxon about its TrustATec network partnering with TrustPilot (page 16) and look at our revised PCR Boot Camp (page eight). Of course, don’t forget to check out all the winners from this year’s PCR Awards on page 19. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists – you’re a credit to the trade. Dominic Sacco, editor dsacco@nbmedia.com
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PCR-ONLINE.BIZ ANALYSIS
Vive alive: VR ramps up at retail HTC is teaming up with stores and shows across the UK to get its Vive virtual reality headset in front of consumers. Dominic Sacco asks: is experiential marketing key to VR hitting the mainstream? Is HTC leaving Oculus in the dust?… THOSE WHO are behind virtual reality and believe it has legs will know that seeing is believing. It’s all well and good analysts estimating that VR will make $3.6 billion in revenues this year and $40 billion by 2020, but unless people try the devices for themselves, VR may not become the mainstream success we know it can be. It’s good news for the UK PC industry, then, that HTC is engaging with the channel, putting its faith in retail and making sure the device is available for consumers to experience it first-hand. The HTC Vive headset – launching from May at £689 – is being shown off in a room-scale VR experience at Overclockers UK’s store in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. The showroom will be a permanent feature for customers. The headset also features in Scan Computers’ Bolton store, plus Currys/PC World has also featured HTC Vive demo rooms in three of its major retail stores in
Leeds, Tottenham Court Road and Reading. Elsewhere, on the consumer show circuit, the Vive was available to test out at the PC Gamer Weekender in early March. The Gadget Show Live will be placing a big focus on virtual reality from March 31st to April 3rd. The device comes with wireless VR controllers and will ship with VR experiences Tilt Brush, Fantastic Contraption and Job Simlulator: The 2050 Archives. Intel also had a Vive demo zone at its Intel Extreme
“What truly brings Vive to life is trying it first hand. We can’t wait to bring this opportunity to as many consumers as possible.” Peter Frolund, HTC
Masters eSports event in Poland in March. Peter Frolund, HTC’s VP for VR in Europe, commented: “What truly brings Vive to life is trying it first hand, and we can’t wait to bring this opportunity to as many consumers as possible.” Gekko’s Dan Todaro added: “Many brands will state that “seeing is believing” when marketing their products, however when it comes to VR and AR, this could not be more accurate. The execution in retail for the brand, product and demonstration is critical
to achieve success and own the category.” HTC’s activity with companies like Intel and retailers is arguably putting the Oculus Rift – a rival headset that garnered all the original buzz around VR – in its shadow. Oculus, owned by Facebook, previously told PCR it has no plans to partner with retailers, and is instead focusing on direct sales. It’s a bold move, and one that could allow players such as HTC to benefit from the exposure and value that channel partners can provide. After all, if virtual reality succeeds, so do the etailers, system builders, resellers and retailers that sell high-end PC hardware and similar products. Frankly, Oculus would be foolish to ignore them. Want to find out more about VR? AMD’s gaming scientist and tech expert Richard Huddy will be speaking at PCR Boot Camp 2016, which takes place at Emirates Stadium on May 18th. Visit www.pcrboot camp.com to sign up.
Are outsiders saturating the wearables market? THE WEARABLE Technology Show (WTS) was held in March for the third year. The event has grown substantially between each show as the wearables market continues to expand. Looking back on the first show in 2014, the humble set up at West London’s Olympia centre featured a couple of VR headsets, a handful of fitness trackers, and a lot of smartwatches. Walking around the show in 2016, all the core wearables were still there in abundance, but it was clear there are now many companies from nontech backgrounds finding a way into the wearables market. Paulo Ferreira das Santos, CEO of Kinematix, told PCR: 6 | PCR April 2016
“We’ve been in the medical devices arena for several years. We’ve been interested in collecting data from movement and we decided to repackage our product for the wearables market.” Kinematix has a running tracker called TUNE, which consists of a thin sole with a tracking device attached. It connects with any smartphone or smartwatch with GPS via Bluetooth and collects distance, time, pace and speed. We also saw real estate agents making use of the Gear VR headsets, boxing enthusiasts creating specialised gloves for improving their punches, jewellers showcasing NFC-
embedded rings, and clothing ranges getting to grips with the world of the Internet of Things (IoT). Wearable Technologies Ltd CEO Mark Bernstein told us: “We’re building an IoT personal hub that is embedded within a garment,
so you can plug in speakers, microphones, cameras, sensors etc.” The clothing firm will be teaming up with several bigname companies such as BP, Orange and 3M in order to get the IoT personal hub to market.
Satnav makers TomTom also had a presence at the show, where it was pushing its golfing tech. The firm’s UK VP, Tom Brown, explained to us how the firm went from car navigation to wearable tech. “We’re about solving consumer problems. We take big data and we bring it to the consumer in an easy to understand way. We did that with car navigation and now we’re doing it in the wearables market.” So there appears to be lots fringe industries out there finding a way into the consumer tech market through wearables. The tech market is shifting, so traditional players need to be aware of what happens next… www.pcr-online.biz
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ANALYSIS
Disties warned to ‘get smart’ The annual DISTREE EMEA expo took place once again in Monaco in February. Laura Barnes went along to the show to find out what on Earth a ‘smart rope’ is, and why GfK is warning distributors to stop using certain buzzwords…
THIS YEAR is ‘the year of transformation’, according to GfK’s global director of IT, Rudi Aunkofer, who gave a talk the 2016 DISTREE EMEA conference and expo. He told the audience – mostly made up of distributors and vendors – purchase power and innovations are driving demand in the channel. Despite the hoard of ‘smart’ products on show, Aunkofer warned the channel to stop using the term. He said hybrid businesses are most likely to succeed in 2016, commenting: “There is potential everywhere, but the key thing is timing.” He warned that the channel, and in particular, distributors, need to ‘be relevant’ and understand that buzzwords like ‘smart’ have been over saturated. “Disties need to guarantee product availability and shipment to ‘pick up points’ such as stores and to customers. Distribution and channels have to
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focus on their own USPs. Buzzwords like ‘smart’ aren’t helping anymore,” he said. There were also lots of Internet of Things (IoT) products and smart gadgets such as drones, fitness trackers and audio equipment on show at DISTREE. 1,000 delegates attended the fourday event, which took place from February 24th to 27th. We went to check out a ‘smart rope’ – and it really was smart. Made by Tangram, it’s a skipping rope with embedded LEDs. As you skip, a digital display of your fitness data is projected mid-air in front of you with every jump. 23 LEDs are fitted along the rope to produce the ‘screen’, which consists of four characters counting your number of jumps. Future updates promise to track calories burned and provide interval training data. On the rope, Glasspool said: “It’s unbelievable what innovations companies are coming out with right now.”
“Distribution and channels have to focus on their own USPs. Buzzwords like ‘smart’ aren’t helping anymore.” Rudi Aunkofer, GfK
PC GAMING FOCUS With DISTREE having a strong focus on one-on-one meetings between retailers, etailers and distributors, and as it’s set in such a lavish city as Monaco, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the event is full of straight-faced briefings about weighty business issues. But actually, while the show had its share of important meetings, it also let people have fun playing about with the latest consumer tech. “There is so much PC gaming and VR products at the show this year,” Mark Glasspool, Tech Data’s consumer product marketing director, told PCR. He was right. The amount of gaming mice, keyboards, headsets, PCs, chairs, components and rigs was somewhat overwhelming. We watched attendees try out Thrustmaster’s vast array of gaming wheels and learnt about Aqprox’s aims for its new Keep Out gaming brand, which currently consists of
headsets, keyboards and mice, with plans in place to launch its own gaming tablet and smartphone. PCR also caught up with Razer at the show. Best known as a gaming peripherals brand, we learnt after speaking to the firm’s European general manager Marco Chillon that Razer’s new Leviathan Mini portable speaker isn’t its first. “We have quite a history with speakers. About seven or eight years ago it was a huge thing for us, and our products were actually ahead of their time,” he said. As well as the £139.99 Leviathan Mini, Razer showed us its new Nabu Watch. The full-featured digital watch with smart functions is the latest product in Razer’s line of wearable devices. We also got a chance to get hands on with Razer’s first Xbox One controller. Compatible with PC, the Wildcat Xbox One is lightweight and has been designed with eSports enthusiasts in mind.
PCR April 2016 | 7
Get fit for business in 2016
New masterclass format shakes up PCR Boot Camp Our latest free conference and expo for IT retailers and resellers – taking place at London’s Emirates Stadium on May 18th – will feature a fresh interactive masterclass and demo zone to give you more ideas to grow your business…
A
s well as featuring a channel conference and expo, PCR Boot Camp 2016 is also introducing new masterclass sessions. Our new Interactive Masterclass and Demo Zone will be located in the exhibition area. Each session will be run by an expert in the field, and delegates will be able to ask questions, share experiences and walk away with expert advice. Boot Camp takes place on May 18th at London’s Emirates Stadium.
MORNING KEYNOTES
MASTERCLASS AGENDA
GET SMART: HOW TO CASH IN ON THE CONNECTED HOME REVOLUTION The smart home is one of the biggest trends in the tech market right now – but how do retailers make the most out of interconnected, web enabled devices? What are the novelties, and what can make you some serious money?
SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING ONLINE SALES Discuss and learn about advanced techniques and strategies you can implement now, from design to back-office infrastructure, and give your online sales a shot in the arm.
VIRTUAL REALITY, GAMING AND BEYOND Aside from gaming, when huge international media conglomerates are getting involved you know it’s going to be big. VR was a standout theme of CES, with applications ranging from immersive FPS titles to virtual sales tours of yachts. AMD’s gaming scientist Richard Huddy helps get you clued up on how YOU can be a part of this exciting market. DISTIE QUESTION TIME Seize the chance to grill senior figures from the distribution sector in a no holds barred interactive Q and A session. MARKET TRENDS UPDATE Get detailed information from GfK’s Carl West on what sectors are in decline, what’s becoming a surprise success, and how global trends are shaping the realities of doing business.
EMPOWERING YOUR WORKFORCE: STAFF RETENTION AND TALENT ACQUISITION A company is built on its staff – whether you’re an industry spanning multinational or a local High Street retail operation. In this masterclass, explore an array of ways to motivate your team with an expert, and how to make sure you hire the right talent to help grow your business.
REINVIGORATE YOUR STORE You don’t have to overhaul your business to make a positive impact – explore and be inspired by practical changes you can make to how customers perceive your business, and gain an edge on the competition. MARKETING TOOLS & THE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA So you have a Facebook and a Twitter account for your business – but what about Instagram, Pintrest, Snapchat, Tumblr and Google +? Learn how people of all ages are using these platforms to make purchasing decisions, and how you can market your business in new dynamic ways using these tools.
SIGN UP FOR FREE
If you’re a tech ret ailer, reseller, system builder or etailer, simply register on line at www.pcrbootca mp.com or call +44 (0)207 354 6010
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OR EXHIBITING AT PCR BOOT CAMP SOUTH 2016? Contact Sarah Goldhawk now on sgoldhawk@nbmedia.com or call +44 (0)207 354 6000 to find out how you can get involved!
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8 | PCR April 2016
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Available now
a
Company
Call our specialist sales teams North (Altham) 01282 776776 North (Stoke) 01782 648300 South (Basingstoke) 01256 707070 www.exertis.co.uk
STATS
Number
crunching
A round-up of the most important stats and facts in the tech channel‌
$5bn
-6.3% Worldwide notebook shipments reached 164.4 million units in 2015, a year-on-year decline of 6.3 per cent. (TrendForce)
Nvidia has posted record full-year revenue of $5.01 billion for its fiscal 2015. (Nvidia)
1.2% 123m
75%
UK retail footfall was up 1.2 per cent on a year ago – its best performance in two years. (BRC)
Three quarters of the Western European workforce will be mobile by 2018 and require the ability to access and process information quickly. (IDC)
1 in 3 4 in 10 Around 123 million wearable devices will be sold across the globe in 2016. (CCS Insight)
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Mad Catz is cutting around 37 per cent of its total workforce (one in three staff ) as part of a restructure. It made a $4.3 million loss for the nine months ending December 31st 2015. (Mad Catz)
Four in 10 UK ransomware victims have paid to recover their documents. (Bitdefender)
PCR April 2016 | 11
iPad Pro The iPad Your Customers Love, From The Distributor You Love.
iPad Pro is the largest and most powerful iPad Apple have ever designed, yet it’s only 6.9 millimetres thin and weighs just 713 grams. Its 12.9-inch Retina display along with the powerful new multitasking features of iOS 9 mean iPad Pro can do things no iPad has done before.
Buy Now From Westcoast
www.westcoast.co.uk | 0118 912 6000 | apple@westcoast.co.uk
RECRUITMENT & EVENTS
Marsden takes on MD role at VIP VIP COMPUTERS: The distributor has promoted RICH MARSDEN to the role of managing director. Formerly the sales director, Marsden has worked within VIP’s group of companies for over 16 years. Commenting on the appointment, VIP Group chairman JATTI SAHNI said: DELL: JAMIL NATHOO is now responsible for UK consumer and distribution sales at the PC vendor. Nathoo has been at Dell since 2002, starting off as senior marketing manager, and more recently, director of client solutions, where he led Dell’s client solutions business across the UK, COOLER MASTER: Vendor Cooler Master Europe has appointed ADRIAN LIU to manage and handle its UK business. He started with Cooler Master back in 2012 as a channel executive. Liu told PCR: “I am involved with sales, commercial, portfolio, and marketing – ENTATECH: The distributor has announced the appointment of DEANA HARVEY, who joins Entatech’s Southern Office ‘Entaprise’ team as an enterprise specialist. With over 25 years’ within the IT industry, she has extensive experience working alongside resellers, PRESTIGIO: The mobile devices and accessories vendor has promoted HAMISH MUNTON to UK sales director. He replaces MARTIN MACNAMARA who left the business back in January. Munton will continue to work with his key clients such as Argos, Euro CarParts and
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EVENTS The UK’s channel calendar is full of important events. Here are some highlights for upcoming dates…
Rich Marsden
“Rich has played a pivotal part in the delivery of a strategy that has strengthened VIP UK’s position in the IT distribution channel.” Marsden added: “There are exciting times ahead for VIP UK and there are plans in the pipeline that will see continued growth for the company.”
Jamil Nathoo
including Dell’s PC, tablet, workstations and associated third party software and accessories businesses. Nathoo takes over the retail role from SARAH SHIELDS. The PCR Woman of the Year 2014 winner now heads up UK channel sales as well as the commercial reseller team at the firm.
Adrian Liu
taking many of our products through the journey from factory, to forwarders, to distributors, to resellers and how it reaches our end-users. “Everything is very hands on, making each day different. You really feel accomplished when you see the business model you implemented influencing the channel.”
PCR BOOT CAMP 2016
Deana Harvey
distributors and vendors. Deana will work closely with Entatech’s Fujitsu enterprise product manager STEPHEN COWNLEY. STEWART HONEYWILL, sales office manager for Entatech South, said: “Deana’s appointment will only strengthen our Fujitsufocused enterprise team.”
LONDON TECHNOLOGY WEEK
Hamish Munton
disties such as Smithie, whilst overlooking departments, including the marketing team, sales teams, training and recruitment. Munton said: “It’s a great privilege to be leading this fantastic brand and company in the UK. There are many positive and exciting things to happen throughout 2016.”
MULTIPLAY INSOMNIA 57 NEC, Birmingham MARCH 25TH – 28TH The UK’s biggest gaming festival returns for its 57th outing. Taking place at its new home in Birmingham at the NEC, the Insomnia Gaming Festival consists of live interactive shows, eSports tournaments, panel talks, meet and greets with YouTube stars and a host of new PCs and products on show in the expo.
GADGET SHOW LIVE NEC, Birmingham MARCH 31ST – APRIL 3RD Gadget Show Live returns to Birmingham’s NEC, with 75,000 tech fans expected to flood through its doors. This year’s show features four new areas: Better Life, Power Up, The Lab and The Arcade. For the first time ever, the Super Theatre performances will be filmed for an episode of The Gadget Show.
HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre APRIL 13TH – 16TH The HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) brings electronics businesses together. In 2015, the fair featured over 2,800 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions, and welcomed over 61,000 buyers. 71 per cent of overseas buyers were from high-growth emerging markets.
Emirates Stadium, London MAY 18TH The UK PC industry’s essential conference and expo returns to London for 2016. Delegates will benefit from a morning conference, afternoon exhibition and workshop masterclasses, with the latest products and services on show. It’s free for tech retailers, resellers and system builders to attend.
Various locations JUNE 20TH – 26TH London Technology Week is a festival of live events taking place throughout the UK’s capital. It celebrates London as a ‘global powerhouse of tech innovation’ by connecting the ecosystem within London and beyond. This year will see the introduction of five new content streams.
PCR April 2016 | 13
OPINION
Widget asks: Wear next? Fitness trackers and smartwatches are now at different ends of the same market according to Mark Needham, chairman of consumer electronics distributor Widget UK, who says that the sector is evolving in 2016… In contrast to this situation where EVEN AT my advanced age, I there is a diehard core of early occasionally go to social events – and when I’m there, I have to explain what adopter fans, some products crossover to the mainstream quickly. I do. When this happens suddenly every “My company distributes consumer cross section of the population is electronics,” I say, before having to hopping on the bandwagon to explain exactly which type of purchase the devices. products fall in this category. This year is clearly the year of the The reactions vary, from fitness tracker – everyone knows bafflement to enthusiasm. I find someone who has one. nobody knows what I’m talking about The latest figures from GfK confirm if I say that we specialise in selling some of my observations, as do our wearable technology. own sales figures. They show that by I don’t think that anybody sets out far the best sellers in the wearable to buy some wearable technology. technology market are fitness trackers Instead people talk about buying retailing at between £79 and £129. something that will count their steps, Market researchers or track their sleep describe the devices pattern, a heart rate sold at the top end of monitor or a watch to the market as show them their “2016 is clearly smartwatches, but I messages and emails. the year of the find only Apple and They buy these to Pebble owners make themselves fitness tracker – describe their devices healthier, fitter or everyone knows as watches. because their friends Many people who have one. someone who are wearing a device, Some brands that has one.” which has all the we distribute sell to Mark Needham, Widget features of a early adopters, and if I smartwatch, describe end up talking to the it as a fitness tracker. right person, they will know and love The wearable market is evolving. the brand, but yet I run into trouble New devices which have been trying to explain it to the majority of launched this year bring the fitness the population. tracker and the smartwatch even At the moment, Pebble is an closer together. example of this type of brand. My prediction is that after In 2015, Pebble and Widget took a Christmas 2016, I will be hearing of stand at the Mobile World Congress more people that have got a in Barcelona. smartwatch. The Pebble fanbase is enthusiastic The smartwatch and the fitness and many visitors to the stand were tracker are colliding as wearables fans that showed us their Pebble stumble into the mainstream and I watch, or those that told us they see a future of smartwatches rather had backed the Pebble Time device than single function devices. on Kickstarter. Mark Needham is chairman of consumer electronics distributor Widget. www.widget.co.uk
14 | PCR April 2016
The challenges of mobile security The IT service provider is caught in a ‘hostile swamp’ of mobile device features and companies, and now faces the difficult task of securing important data on said devices, says LogicNow security lead Ian Trump… emails (48 per cent) or are using THE MOBILE industry has to be one something for the remote of the most fragmented, management of devices (49 per dysfunctional technology industries cent). 70 per cent of large firms have ever created. issued a policy to cover how these You have two opposite business devices should be used. philosophies driving competition It can be argued Android’s for the same customers. In the approach to security has been quality and style category we have achieved by obsolescence: if you Apple, which despite some bugs – want the most secure phone you like the recent 1970 bug – has need to buy the latest phone, focused on security to such an opposite to the Apple ecosystem extent the NSA and GCHQ are which frequently pushes updates challenged to break into these and has become increasingly phones. Then there are Android protective of its brand – bricking phones which are functional, some phones repaired by noninexpensive but unfortunately filled Apple authorised shops for example. with security holes. Caught in this hostile swamp of Layered on top of this device features and environment, companies is the IT mobile security service provider that features such as “The mobile faces the difficult task tracking, wiping industry is one of of securing important and resetting are data on devices, available from the the most which can be riddled manufacturers, fragmented, with security holes, or carriers and in the so locked down as to case of Microsoft dysfunctional occasionally not be Office, third-party tech industries.” able to meet a email providers. Ian Trump, LogicNow business requirement. The need for Adding to this effective mobile nightmare is the fact a user now phone security needs little more may have a phone, tablet, work PC underlining: The 2015 Information and home PC which the IT service Security Breaches Survey reported provider needs to look after and that 15 per cent of organisations secure. What the mobile industry suffered from a breach caused by has achieved is the movement of use of a smartphone or tablet the IT nightmare of manufacture device, more than double 2014’s versus carrier ISP versus application figure of seven per cent. The survey vendor down to the consumer, who found that firms are starting to use a may be caught in an endless cycle of series of measures to address the who is to blame as to why ‘it’s not management of these devices. working’. Achievement unlocked. Roughly half of all large It’s so bad, the only advice I can give organisations have either defined a on this subject is pick the brand of strategy for mobile usage (52 per phone/carrier ISP you hate the least. cent), are protecting corporate Ian Trump is security lead at IT service management platform provider LogicNow. www.maxfocus.com
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PCR TRADER TRUST
TRADER TRUST
Since launching our Trader Trust campaign to clamp down on rogue dealers and promote fairness in the channel, PCR has been contacted by all kinds of companies with stories and comments. Here is the latest news on the subject…
‘This is like a trade association’ – Synaxon teams up with TrustPilot IT’S FAIR to say that Derek Jones has been one of the UK channel’s strongest advocates of the need for an IT trade association that safeguards customers. After launching the TrustATec network of PC dealerships earlier this year, which allows end users to find local IT services and support in their area, Synaxon has now partnered with wellknown consumer review site Trustpilot to give the scheme additional accreditation. TrustATec allows IT dealers to sign up and join its network in order to reach new customers in their local areas. It’s first come first served, with one dealer allowed per area, and features standardised services and pricing across the network. While it’s not a trade association as such, Synaxon’s UK MD Derek Jones says the TrustATec/Trustpilot partnership creates something that is close to one. “This is a public endorsement, if you like,” he told PCR. “Although it’s not a trade association, it’s very much like a trade association. It gives the end user a point of redress, which is what I’ve shouted about in the past. “TrustATec is the point of redress, end customers can come back to us and speak to one of our customer service people here or it can be elevated to me – and they will always get a response.
“I want to know from an independent body how our members are performing. I want to ensure the quality of service and customer care is right up there at a five-star rating.” Derek Jones, Synaxon “Our TrustATec dealers have been visited, credit checked and we know them. And whilst we’re all working under the TrustATec brand, TrustATec has no standing with the end customer. It’s a facilitator. We’re putting the end user in touch with a professional technology service company. The end user already knows what they’re buying when they contact the dealer, because TrustATec has fixed national
pricing and fixed standards to the service.” TrustATec is already available in Germany where it’s known as PC Spezialist and has some 230 partners, each generating around 65 leads per month. But Synaxon wanted to do things differently in the UK. “In Germany they have their own rating system, they get information from the end users direct, so they’re in complete control of it – the
vetting is not independent,” Jones explained. “Over here, I didn’t believe that was the right way to go. I wanted independent verification, hence using TrustPilot. So I want to know from an independent body how our members are performing. And I want to ensure that the quality of service and customer care is right up there at a five-star rating, through the biggest service provider of that type of ratings system in the world. “TrustPilot contacts every end customer and they will then be asked for their feedback – this way we’ve got an early warning system. But it’s not about jumping on dealers, it’s about assisting dealers in improving their levels of customer service and care and attention to the end customer. “It’s about the whole reputation of the TrustATec brand, so we’ll use our business development managers, we’ll visit members, look at their systems and advise on better service, so we bring everybody up to the highest possible standard – that’s the intention.” In terms of pricing, it costs £150 to join TrustATec plus there’s a monthly fee of £50. The service is exclusive to Synaxon members in the UK at the moment. If they wish, dealers can also set their own monthly budget to advertise their business using Google Adwords – and
Synaxon manages all this on their behalf. “So rather than trying to manage it themselves and hoping it works, where they’ve got to use a credit card, pay upfront and spend hours trying to manage AdWords, going it alone, this way they can compete with the PC Worlds out there. “It’s a big national brand rather than a little local dealer,” Jones added. Synaxon wouldn’t reveal the specific cost of the deal with Trustpilot, but did state it’s ‘a major annual contract that cost an arm and a leg’. Synaxon currently has around 650 members, with 37 signed up to TrustATec in its first month. It has hired Elizabeth George as its UK TrustATec project manager and is aiming to bring five to ten new dealers on board per month. TrustATec brand manager Leona Mühlenbrock, who is based in Germany, will be flying over to the UK to talk at the 2016 Synaxon National Conference on June 16th and 17th. In terms of other marketing, TrustATec is launching a ‘tech for dummies’ newsletter for end customers, giving them basic computer tips and advice. Other than the individual Google Adwords campaigns, it is also promoting the brand on social media and is developing a series of videos to push TrustATec further.
PCR Trader Trust is a campaign designed to promote fair practices in the channel. Email PCR editor Dominic Sacco at dsacco@nbmedia.com or online editor Laura Barnes lbarnes@nbmedia.com with any stories or data you can share
16 | PCR April 2016
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And the winners are... The PCR Awards ceremony and networking bash was back with a bang in March, featuring a brand new channel services category and a fresh circus theme. But who was named the cream of the channel crop? PCR rounds up all the winners…
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oll up! Roll up! The industry’s best have been named at the annual PCR Awards. Exertis picked up three awards including Distributor of the Year, while Dell was honoured with the most prestigious award of the evening: the Grand Prix. Winners in the inaugural Channel Services category were Network Group, GfK and Zaboura Communications. John Lewis won National Retailer for the fourth year in a row, while VIP won PC Gaming Distributor award for the third year in a row. Read on for the full list of winners… PCR April 2016 | 19
PCR AWARDS
FRONTLINE
SYSTEM BUILDER: PC Specialist
“The team at PCS has put in a huge effort over the years to help us get to where we are today, it’s great that this has now been recognised within the industry. Thank you!” John Medley
NATIONAL RETAILER: John Lewis
“‘We are delighted to win this award, especially as it is voted for by our peers. We would not be able to deliver such high standards without the support of our John Lewis Partners – so a big thank you to all!” Will Jones
INDEPENDENT RETAILER: Sweethaven Computers
“Sweethaven are absolutely thrilled to have won Independent Retailer of the Year. It is fantastic to see our efforts to enhance innovation and customer service recognised at this level, especially during challenging times for the retail sector.” Paul Rambridge
RESELLER: AAG Systems
“We are thrilled to have been recognised with the PCR Reseller of the Year Award at this year’s event. It is always great for the team to be appreciated for the hard work they put in.” Jason Fitzgerald
ONLINE RETAILER: Amazon
20 | PCR April 2016
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PCR AWARDS
CHANNEL SERVICES
DEALER SERVICES PROVIDER: Network Group
“Winning the dealer services award is an wonderful moment in Network Group’s history. We would like to thank all our members and partners – we look forward to providing even more value to you in future.” Phylip Morgan
ANALYST: GfK
“We are very pleased to have been awarded the PCR Best Analyst 2016 award. We have been a long-time supporter of PCR, vendors, retailers and resellers alike. We would like to thank the other winners and here’s to a great 2016.” Carl West
MARKETING/PR AGENCY: Zaboura Communications
“We work hard for our clients and always put them first. We are delighted that this has been recognised by the industry.” Maggie Zaboura
22 | PCR April 2016
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PCR AWARDS
DISTRIBUTION
SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech
PC GAMING & HARDWARE DISTRIBUTOR : VIP Computers Nathan Proudfoot picks up the award
“We’re particularly pleased to be recognised by the panel. Entatech has made a consistent investment in our software offering this year and will continue to progress both our range and our electronic delivery tools.” Dave Stevinson
COMPONENTS DISTRIBUTOR: Exertis
“Winning the PCR Components award shows recognition from retailers and vendors that we’ve done a good job for them in this space; we’re looking forward to exceeding their expectations in the future.” Mike Buley
24 | PCR April 2016
“It is great to win the PCR Gaming Distributor award for the third year in a row. We believe VIP is the number one gaming distributor in the UK and winning this award validates the work we put in.” Rich Marsden
PERIPHERALS DISTRIBUTOR: Exertis
“Retaining any award is difficult in a competitive market. So we are pleased to be recognised again for our excellence in providing the peripherals that our retailers and their consumers demand.” Mike Buley
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PCR AWARDS
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS DISTRIBUTOR: Widget
“Widget has made enormous progress in the last few years and it is great to have this industry recognition. I’d like to thank our vendors and customers and my business partner David Elder for his skillful management.” Mark Needham
SERVICE & SUPPORT: Entatech
“Service and Support is core to all of the team at Entatech – we pride ourselves on being ‘easy to do business with’. We are pleased to be recognised, however we will strive to increase our performance.” Dave Stevinson
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MARKETING & PR: Ingram Micro
“We are delighted to win this award in recognition for the great work of Agency Ingram Micro over the last 12 months. It has been a real team effort to get to this level of recognition after only 17 months. Thank you to PCR for all your support.” Samantha Purcell
DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR: Exertis
“We are delighted to have won the prestigious 2016 PCR Distributor of the Year award. It’s the one that reflects your overall contribution to the retail market and is testament to our expertise in this area.” Mike Buley
PCR April 2016 | 25
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PCR AWARDS
VENDOR
SOFTWARE PUBLISHER: Microsoft
PERIPHERALS VENDOR: Razer
COMPONENTS VENDOR: NVIDIA
“The last seven years have seen phenomenal growth for Razer, keeping us established as the leader in PC gaming peripherals.“ Darren Roberts
DESKTOP PC VENDOR: Terra
NETWORKING VENDOR: Synology
“We’re over the moon that we won. We’ve had a good year bringing new concepts to market, expanding our UK team and services and look forward to what the rest of 2016 has in store for us.” Billy Knowles
MOBILE DEVICE VENDOR: Samsung
“On behalf of Samsung, one our longest term and beloved clients, thank you PCR and keep up the great work.” James Dean, Kuoda
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SERVICE & SUPPORT: LogicNow
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PCR April 2016 | 27
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PCR AWARDS
Partner power: How Dell won big at the PCR Awards After Dell picked up the most prestigious accolade of the 2016 PCR Awards evening – the Grand Prix award – PCR takes a look back on an impressive 12 months for the PC giant. We explain why Dell was awarded the prize and how its business has changed in recent years, from going private to embracing distribution and that EMC deal…
T
HE GRAND PRIX award is given to the company or brand that has had an outstanding past 12 months. It’s the only accolade at the PCR Awards that is chosen purely by PCR, rather than being voted for by the judges, and is usually incredibly difficult to pick a winner. However, this year While it’s usually very difficult to choose a winner for this accolade, Dell had an exceptional 2015, making it the strongest contender for the Grand Prix award this year. Over the past year, Dell made a dramatic shift in strategy as it hopes to become the number one PC vendor in the world. While it remained the number three PC vendor in 2015, with nearly 40 million units sold according to IDC, the firm increased its share of the global market from 13.5 per cent to 14.1 per cent. For many years Dell sold computers direct to customers, but over the past few years it struck distribution deals with the likes of Ingram Micro to offer a larger product range – software, hardware and services – to commercial customers in the channel. In 2015 alone, Dell made its portfolio available to Tech Data and also signed a deal with Exertis to bring its products back to retail. Another big change for the firm was, of course, going from a public to a private company back in late 2013. By placing a great emphasis on its partners, Dell has won the channel’s favour. Today, Dell’s channel business generates more than half of
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Entatech’s MD Dave Stevinson (left) hands the Grand Prix award to Dell UK’s partner development manager Mo Taufiq
its EMEA business revenue, with over 70 per cent of its enterprise business going through the channel. It recorded double-digit revenue growth through distribution in 2015 and welcomed thousands of new partners to its PartnerDirect programme in 2015. More than 24,000 new resellers purchased Dell products and solutions through Dell’s network of distribution partners last year. Plus, more partners benefitted from training and support: in 2015, 27,771 Dell competency courses were completed across the EMEA region.
“The past year has been a particularly exciting time for Dell and our partners, including our move back into retail in the UK.” Jamil Nathoo, Dell
At Dell’s PartnerDirect conference in Vienna in late 2015, the company’s founder and CEO Michael Dell told PCR that his business has enjoyed 11 quarters in a row gaining share in its client business, since going private. In terms of products and services, the firm’s portfolio is incredibly broad. From gaming to the enterprise, PC hardware, servers, storage, security, printers, networking and more, Dell is hoping to accommodate both the home and business. Its Aienware brand is making waves in the growing PC games sector, having launched a Steam
Machine in 2015 and becoming an Oculus hardware partner for the Rift VR headset earlier this year. Dell also made additions to its Latitude notebook portfolio, Vostro 3000 Series desktop and notebook products, servers and more. Putting all of that to one side, Dell’s swoop for VMware owner EMC last year was one of the biggest stories in the tech world. Not only is this an ambitious acquisition, at £44 billion it’s actually the largest deal in tech history. Considering EMC has some 70,000 staff worldwide, and has subsidiaries including RSA, it could turn Dell into a true force in the enterprise computing arena. On the corporate responsibility side of things, Dell has environmental and community-based activities, its own diversity and women in tech initiatives, and has partnered with Exertis to raise money for the TechAid charity. On the win, Jamil Nathoo, general manager for retail at Dell UK, said: “The past year has been a particularly exciting time for Dell and our partners, including our move back into retail in the UK. It’s great to gain this recognition from PCR in the form of the much sought after Grand Prix award. Since moving into the channel a little over seven years ago, we’ve worked hard with our partners, retailers and distributors to ensure they have the support they need to succeed. Huge appreciation goes to PCR for its recognition of Dell and thanks for a great night out at the awards ceremony!” PCR April 2016 | 29
THE BIG INTERVIEW
Intel’s Game Master
With a host of competitive gaming tournaments, a vendor expo and some 100,000 attendees, Intel Extreme Masters in Katowice has become an essential event in the eSports calendar and a valuable show for PC companies looking to crack the gaming sector. Dominic Sacco flew out to Poland to interview Intel’s enthusiast desktop group general manager Frank Soqui, report on the show expo and discover how channel partners can benefit from eSports…
E
Sports revenues are expected to reach $463 million this year and over $1 billion in 2019. Will the eSports bubble eventually burst? I don’t think it’s going to burst, for a couple of reasons. I see gaming as a form of entertainment. It’s like asking: are movies going to go away? No, but you can transform the way you experience it and you’re seeing VR do the same thing. I don’t think people stop playing games. Every time you see us produce the next generation performance or next level graphics, or experience VR, as soon as you get that tip of the iceberg usage model, people are going to take VR everywhere for example. That puts a tremendous load on that platform – people are going to want more and there won’t be enough. The future of VR is in training, education and haptics. eSports is its own thing, it will transform, but it won’t be going away. Intel recently announced some limited edition Intel Extreme Masters PCs, with several OEM partners selling the systems, such as Scan Computers. What kind of demand have you seen for those? We took the modest goal of selling 15,000 units and it looks like we’re probably going to exceed that. The initial uptake was very, very encouraging. If you think about 15,000 PCs, all of these are enthusiast PCs, so the CPU is going to be $300 or higher at retail. That’s around $4.5 million so far. Wow. So just from being here and giving the players want they want, we didn’t have to push it.
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One manufacturer, which was selling a top-end IEM PC for $6,000, only thought they would sell five – but those five are already sold out. So it’s exceeded our expectations. Would you look to partner with smaller retailers for those IEM PCs in the UK? If our OEM partners want to go to a specific retailer, we have co-funding marketing programmes they can access. It doesn’t matter if the retailer is big or little to be honest, we have a sales force in the field that brokers these kind of deals. So if a smaller retailer did want to get more into gaming, that’s one way to do it. We also have a channel organisation, and that can help local OEMs get into retail. Desktop sales were down again in 2015, but gaming seems to be resilient. How is Intel doing in that space? Last year, the consumer PC market was very tough – the market shrank. But when I think about what we did with our enthusiast processors, we did very well. And not only in that space, but in the case sku space. It was double-digit growth – in a bad year. People love overclocked processors.
“The best of our world is when the ecosystem is healthy and everybody is making money.” Frank Soqui, Intel
What new tech can retailers and the industry expect to see, specifically from Intel? Optane (fast SSD and memory technology) is coming out. There’s also going to be a next-generation Broadwell Extreme CPU – that’s another pretty cool technology, which is on the way this year. It’s not too far away. A lot of the things we’re doing is promoting the overall experience and use cases. So, for example RealSense technology and getting that into the developers’ hands. PCR April 2016 | 33
THE BIG INTERVIEW Here at IEM you’re showing off technology that allows players to put their own faces into Fallout 4 (see ‘testing the latest tech’). Do you think that consumer personalisation will become more prominent? Yeah. It’s a level of customisation. Think about what gamers are doing with hardware right now in the DIY market. They want it their way. And I think inviting end users to be able to modify their games somehow, whether it’s putting your face or virtual objects into the game using RealSense, it personalises the experience and I think gamers love that. Intel has invested heavily in eSports. What return on investment have you seen in terms of hardware sales? It’s not quite that black and white. The goal isn’t to monetise. We have a venue, we have a forum, gamers want to buy things and our partners want to sell things.
If my customers make money, I make money, if the gamers are happy, I’m happy. But we didn’t do it strictly for the direct revenue return, because things are hard to track, but there are two things we do track at IEM as real metrics: What kind of positive awareness are we creating? And then the things that can start to look like demand generation. Also, people at events look for exclusive stuff they haven’t experienced yet. They want to come along and take something home. In this case, the gamers like the keyboards, mice and gaming systems that their favourite eSports teams play with. The best of our world is when the ecosystem is healthy and everybody is making money. Nvidia, ATI, our OEMs, the case and accessory manufacturers, the software guys… The choice means everybody gets what they want, as opposed to firms competing with each other.
Team Dignitas – sponsored by Scan, Intel and more – lift the Heroes of the Storm trophy
VENDOR VICTORY WHILE INTEL Extreme Masters is all about top gamers and teams playing matches to assert themselves as the best in the world, the sponsors and companies behind them also benefit greatly from a victory. At IEM Katowice this year, Korea’s SK Telecom T1 (parent company of SK Hynix) beat Fnatic in the final of the League of Legends World Championship, adding another major title to their belt. The Koreans are widely regarded as the best League team in the world, and mopped up Fnatic with ease. SKT is named after the Korean telecoms firm (which is the parent company of SK Hynix), and its ongoing eSports success has given it global coverage. However, Fnatic won the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament, beating Luminosity in the final in a close-fought match. While Fnatic’s CSGO team
is formed of Swedish players and its League team is a mix of Europeans and Koreans, the organisation itself is actually based in London, giving the UK some good representation at the show. Fnatic is partnered with Zowie, Monster, MSI, Dafabet, AMD, Newzoo, Alphadraft, Twitch and DXSeat. The UK also picked up another victory, with Team Dignitas winning the Heroes of the Storm tournament. They took home $25,000 and qualified for the global Heroes of the Storm Spring Championship, which takes place in South Korea. Dignitas is sponsored by Intel, Scan Computers, Alienware, Corsair, WD, Iiyama and more. Elsewhere, SK Gaming’s Spanish player Esteban”AKAWonder” Serrano won the Hearthstone tournament (SK is sponsored by Intel, HyperX, ASRock and more),
while CSGO team We Run This Place beat CLG Red 2-0 to win the Katowice Challenge women’s CSGO tournament. In StarCraft II, Polt (who plays under Cooler Master’s CM Storm brand) beat Snute 4-2 in the final, winning some $66,000 and securing a WCS global playoffs spot in the process. There was also an expo at Intel Extreme Masters, with other vendors and PC companies exhibiting their latest wares to consumers. There were plenty of giveaways, show deals and fan tournaments running on the stands, plus consumers were able to buy accessories and products. Some 100,000 attendees visited the event during the weekend overall. Exhibitors included Alienware, HP, MSI, ASUS, Acer, Zowie, Roccat, Gigabyte, Razer, ESL, HyperX, Need for Seat, Ozone, SteelSeries and, of course, Intel.
TESTING THE LATEST TECH INTEL HAD a showroom at IEM, presenting some of its latest technologies to the press and partners, including its RealSense face-mapping technology, computing devices and the HTC Vive virtual reality headset. Intel staff were also scanning visitors’ faces using a RealSense tablet, before uploading a 3D model of their face into the PC game Fallout 4, using free Uraniom software. There was a also host of PCs and devices on display in Intel’s showroom, including Lenovo all-in-ones, Acer small form factor PCs, Razer gaming desktops and a couple of
34 | PCR April 2016
RealSense computers. Users could raise their right hand to aim a virtual bow in an archery game, and their left hand to draw the arrow back and fire. A LEGO PC game also let visitors physically move their body to the left or right to swerve and control a virtual car. Of course, RealSense can be used as a security feature. It can detect a person’s face down to unique details such as eyebrow size and so on, meaning only that person can log onto their PC when recognised by the RealSense camera. The technology can even recognise a person’s finger joints as they wave at the screen.
INTEL EXTREME MASTERS IN THE UK? GEORGE WOO, Intel’s brand partnerships and sponsorships marketing manager, told PCR: “The UK, from a sales and grow opportunity for Intel, is a critical market. We have taken CPL (Cyberathlete Professional League) to the UK back in the day, and we would love to bring IEM to the UK.
“It’s about partnerships – it’s expensive to do those things. But eventually we would love to bring it to the UK if we can find a show partner. It’s a strong market for Intel. We continue to look at the UK. If we can find a partner to get there, we will. “Obviously Intel has its objectives, and it has to be a
strong market for sales – a growth opportunity. But then ESL needs to step in and look at if there is feasibility. Are there strong partners? What’s the eSports community like? They have their checklist – and if everything works out, then we can look at [bringing IEM to a new country].”
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WOMEN IN TECH
A level playing field? Intel has been striving to become a more diverse company for over a year now, and has just announced AnyKey – an initiative designed to get more women and minorities into the burgeoning eSports industry. Dominic Sacco sits down with Intel’s developer relations director Lee Machen and professional Counter-Strike player Hege Botnen to discuss PC gaming’s gender problem…
T
HERE ARE around 30 people in this meeting room at the Intel Extreme Masters eSports event in Katowice, Poland. All of them – bar one – are male. The audience consists mostly of journalists, while the lone female is Hege Botnen, a professional gamer who plays for the all-female Counter-Strike team of LGB eSports (which, to avoid any confusion, isn’t an acronym for lesbian/gay/bisexual). Earlier that weekend, Intel’s AnyKey diversity stand in the expo – while commendable – drew some confused looks as several vendors’ so-called ‘booth babes’ walked past in tight outfits. During the press conference that morning, where Intel’s developer relations director Lee Machen spoke about Intel seeing a 5.4 per cent increase in the number of women it employs, one journalist asked him a sexist question: “Do women want to compete with men in eSports? Because women may get disappointed with losing. And as we know, they take disappointment worse than men.” In the ESL UK League of Legends Premiership, a female player was referred to as ‘he’ by the commentators, because they didn’t know she was female. Not to mention, most top-level eSports teams only consist of men. We could go on, but these are just a few examples that show there is work to do in growing diversity within eSports. To help with this, Intel and eSports organiser ESL have launched the AnyKey diversity programme ‘to create more opportunities and inclusive spaces’,
36 | PCR April 2016
supporting minorities in eSports such as women and LGBTQ participants. Back at the press roundtable, female pro Counter-Strike player Hege Botnen explains: “I think that, as it is now, the female player pool in competitive games is so much smaller than the guys’ pool. So to get that talent out in Counter-Strike, you need five talented players to build a team. And it’s very hard to find that talent when you only have so few to pick from. For the guys you can have a million players, but for the women we might have 50,000. So there’s a big difference in where we can get our players from.” Intel’s Lee Machen adds: “We want to improve diversity in eSports. I hope that by being more proactive about it and sponsoring women’s teams and bringing them to events like this, we’ll be able to spur more interest in this area. By providing role models to girls, they might want to play competitively themselves some day.” Hege agrees that role models are vital. She says that when a woman joins a Counter-Strike game lobby, male players usually react with excitement, surprise or harassment – and while the latter is more prominent in the lower tier of play, it’s driving some women away. “When female players come in, they instantly face this wall of harassment and are getting talked down,” she says. “That can be very discouraging and give them the feeling it’s not a fun game to play. “At the highest level, there’s almost none of it – and I have never received harassment in person.”
Hege Botnen is a professional gamer for LGB eSports – an allfemale team sponsored by Intel
“Female players face a wall of harassment and are getting talked down. That can be discouraging.” Hege Botnen, LGB eSports
To promote female gamers, Intel hosts an all-female Counter-Strike tournament at Intel Extreme Masters, with a $30,000 prize pool. The company also arranges its sponsored female teams to play at other events like DreamHack London, where attendees can meet the teams and play against them. “We also have a group of people doing surveys and interviews at events like this to try and gather more information. For example, are our sponsorships enough? Why is there such a difference between men and women in eSports at the top level? And so on,” Lee says. “They’ve published a few whitepapers
but it’s still early on. My hope is that they’ll uncover some things and we can do something about that.” Hege adds: “It’s extremely important for us to play in those tournaments, because there are a lot of fans that have never heard of female teams – we’re not so visible in the community and on the news sites. The visitors learn that we’re pretty good and we’re getting better. “There’s been more mixed gender tournaments recently. Sometimes the female teams get destroyed, but the level of the female teams is increasing. We’re getting closer and closer – and I think very soon we will kick their asses.” www.pcr-online.biz
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RETAILER OF THE MONTH
FACT FILE Year established: 2003 Number of staff: 18 Address: 12 Collegiate Crescent, Broomhall, Sheffield, S10 2BA Telephone: 0114 292 2930 Email: Orders@morecomputers.com Website: www.morecomputers.com
More Computers More than just your regular etailer, More Computers also has its own e-commerce solution for other retailers. Dominic Sacco asks head of marketing Brian Trevaskiss about the challenges of competing with bigger etailers… What products and services do you offer? We sell computing devices and other tech as well. The reason for setting up MoreFrom.com was to show our range is broader than just computing. So we’ve got small electrical appliances, toasters, cookers, that kind of thing. We’ve even got some washing machines, dishwashers and fridges, plus things like TVs and cameras, so it’s a really broad range. Tell us about your setup… We’re purely online. We’ve never gone down the route of a physical store. We don’t have our own warehouse – we’ve always worked with distribution. But it’s more evolved than just drop ship feeds. We’ve always seen the industry sort of moving away from holding stock.
We’ve got a third-party warehousing fulfillment company that we occasionally use, so it just keeps us lean and keeps stock holding to a minimum. We tend to only buy stock of things that are going to be a sure-fire seller, things that we’ve seen movement in already. You built your own e-commerce platform, right? Yes. At the heart of the company we’re a small bunch of computer scientists, if you like! Our platform is closely integrated with the distribution sources that we use. It helps them manage the sale of a product that’s not available, which is always the danger of drop shipping: selling something that’s not actually there. We’ve got real-time links into distribution.
Does the More Group consist of other companies? As More Computers grew and we started offering more than just computers, we thought we needed a slightly different
“We’re a bunch of computer scientists with our own e-commerce platform.” Brian Trevaskiss, More Computers name, so we launched MoreFrom.com. It gives us the flexibility to launch other brands. We’ve had other specialist websites – More Monitors, More Televisions, and so on.
How do you compete with Ebuyer and Amazon? I think the advantage we have is that level of technical integration into distribution. We do some clever things on Amazon and eBay to make sure we can maintain really high levels of service. If you look at any of our customer stats, we have 99 per cent satisfaction ratings on Amazon and eBay. It’s a really slick operation. I suppose it does enable us to have a broader range than eBay. Amazon has a lot of marketplace traders, but we get quite a lot of sales for specialist kit and spare parts. A lot of indies and repairs companies buy parts from us. Should store owners have a strong online offering? Yes. We have a morefrom.me e-commerce solution that we
offer out to other retailers. It helps provide a platform for indies who want to get online. If you’re going alone, it can be difficult to maintain and make money, and it takes a lot of time and energy. Our solution gives them a quick and easy way to at least make some money on an enquiry that they haven’t get anything in stock, so rather than send people off to eBay or Amazon to buy something, they can say: “Well here’s a link to it on my own shop.” And we just pay a commission on those sales that they get. It’s free to sign up at morefrom.me and you get an instant website with your own branding on it. What we have is a handsoff solution. It gives you 20 distributors’ product ranges and offers that integration – it’s all there for the taking.
RESELLER PROFILE / OPINION
NYBBLE What’s Nybble’s background and what sets it apart? Nybble formed over 17 years ago with the basic value of ‘turning your vision into a solution’. Thinking outside of the box, we’re dedicated to providing value-added IT solutions, from hardware, software development, mobile applications to full disaster recovery, virtualisation and email management solutions. Who are your customers and what services do you offer? Nybble offers the full range of IT products and solutions. From small business to corporate client, we cover many industries and sectors including the motor industry and education. We provide consultation to businesses
Demand for mobile devices is on the up, says Ram Gupta, managing director at reseller Nybble. PCR asks the firm about being Microsoft-authorised and what’s next for the firm…
regarding infrastructure and design, purchase to installation, repairs and ongoing support. Downtime isn’t an option for us and our customers will testify to that. You’re a Microsoft Authorized Education Reseller. What kind of a difference does this accreditation make? It allows us to sell Microsoft Academic Edition Software licenses. The accreditation provides assurance that we
are a credible business offering expert advice and pricing on the plethora of Microsoft products. How important are mobile devices to the education space nowadays? What kind of demand is there? The demand for mobile devices continues to increase. iPads, mobiles, terminals and other mobility devices are used daily in and out of classrooms, enhancing the learning process.
Mobile devices do, however, pose challenges such as connectivity, e-safety management and restrictions for responsible use in line with government legislation. Nybble has a suite of products and solutions backed by experts, supporting e-mobility, e-safety and controlled connectivity. What are the biggest challenges for you as a business? Our challenge is keeping abreast of emerging technologies and judging relevance and value. Our business relationships, partnerships and specialist knowledge provide a platform to select technology focusing on the most advantageous to our clients, so our strengths
help us meet our challenge head on. What’s next for Nybble? What are your plans for 2016? 2015 was a year of rapid expansion for Nybble, and we’re showing no sign of slowing down in 2016. Sage 200 accreditation, new services, customers, big recruitment plans and exciting opportunities await us in coming months. As always, we’ll evolve based on clients’ needs and feedback. Our Synaxon partnership contributed to Nybble’s success and we’ll extend our relationship in 2016. Our ‘customer is king’ philosophy is fundamental to our business – 2016 brings a targeted focus on exceeding customer expectation. www.nybble.co.uk
BAFTA finally recognises eSports, but there’s still a long way to go An eSports award has been added to the list of BAFTA categories for the first time ever this year, which could be the start of something huge (if the strategy is right), says Dominic Sacco in PCR’s gaming column this month… THE ANNUAL British Academy Games Awards have been running since 2004, but this is the first time BAFTA has decided to give eSports its own category. The AMD eSports Award recognises the best eSports game of 2015. Typically, games are recognised in categories such as best audio, game design and best sports title, with the occasional eSports title lumped into the multiplayer category with other familybased and non-competitive games such as Mario Kart and Minecraft. Last year, Hearthstone won best
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multiplayer game – this year it’s in its own eSports category. Big whoop, you might be thinking. But actually it is a big deal, because eSports at a local level has a bit of an awareness problem in the UK. Yes, everyone knows it’s big business now – but all the focus is still on the global tournaments rather than the UK scene in particular. Having this award could persuade BAFTA to recognise talented eSports individuals – players, commentators and organisers – in the future. Not to mention increasing the mainstream recognition of eSports in the UK, which
“This award could increase the mainstream recognition of eSports in the UK, which should boost system and hardware sales in years to come.”
should boost system and hardware sales in years to come. There’s still some way to go – it’s just one award after all – but it’s a start. It’s also interesting that this is the only public award at the British Academy Games Awards: It’s voted for entirely by gamers. Perhaps it’s because BAFTA didn’t want to take on the responsibility of choosing the winner in a sector with such fiercely passionate and opinionated fans, and I don’t blame them if that’s the case. But for me it’s likely because eSports games – and the hardware designed
around them – are not your average product. Where BAFTA may have judged other games on criteria such as popularity and gameplay, that goes out of the window when it comes to eSports, as titles don’t need fancy graphics, a captivating story or even what you would describe as ‘fun’ gameplay. They need to be thrilling to watch with a super competitive nature. This notion of ‘being the best’ also relates to high-end PC gaming products, and vendors and retailers would do well to tap into that appeal and drive sales.
PCR April 2016 | 41
MYSTERY SHOPPER
Best of both worlds? Which etailer has the best 2-in-1 offering? With a budget of £300, our Mystery Shopper goes in search of a notebook/tablet hybrid online this month, taking price, delivery options and ease of use into consideration. Our list was formed by typing ‘2-in-1’ into Google and choosing the first six relevant retail links that appeared…
STAR STORE
9/10 “PC World wasn’t PC WORLD AFTER LANDING on the PC World 2-in-1 laptops page directly from Google, I was greeted by a host of devices including the Surface Pro 4. A deal banner took pride of place at the top of the screen, pulling me in with its persuasive words: “Trade in and get up to £100 to spend on any new Windows laptop £399 and over.” Scrolling down, the HP Pavilion x2 caught my eye with its £229.99 price tag – but unfortunately it was only available for in-store pickup. I clicked the easy-to44 | PCR April 2016
spot price filter on the left before searching for 2-in-1s under £299. The Acer Aspire R3-131T 11.6-inch 2-in-1 also caught my eye with a £229.99 price. I decided to put it in my basket, but had to put in my contact details before finding out I could receive free delivery within five working days, or get it next-day delivery from between £3.95 and £11.99. It wasn’t the cheapest retailer I visited, but I was impressed at how easily I had gone from Google to purchasing an item.
the cheapest retailer I tested out, but I was impressed at how easily I had gone from Google to purchasing an item.”
7/10 LAPTOPS DIRECT WHILE IT’S rather basiclooking, the Laptops Direct site is functional and simple to use. After arriving on the convertibles laptops page, the first product at the top – the Gigabyte U2142 Windows 8 11.6-inch Convertible Ultrabook – jumped out at me with 29 per cent off and a £199.99 price tag. There was no excuse for the ‘Convertable’ spelling mistake in the product’s name, but the sheer range of products available on this page impressed me. In terms
of the most affordable 2-in-1s, there was a £197.98 ASUS Transformer Book and £189.97 HP Pavilion x2, but both only had 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The HP Pavilion x360 11.6inch touchscreen convertible laptop with 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive seemed a steal at £249.97. I added that to my basket, but was annoyed to discover an F-Secure Internet Security product and ‘Laptop Essential Set Up & System Check’ had been added without my doing, bringing the total price over £300. www.pcr-online.biz
MYSTERY SHOPPER
5/10 COSTCO
CURRYS
I WAS SURPRISED Costco had a 2-in-1 page appearing higher in Google than biggername etailers like Amazon. I was equally shocked to see just two devices on said page: the £449.89 14-inch Toshiba Radius notebook with 4GB of memory and a 128GB SSD, and the £269.89 10.1-inch Toshiba Click 2GB of memory and a 32GB SSD. I had a quick look around using the site’s navigation bar, but alas, these were the only two 2-in-1 hybrid computing devices Costco had in its range.
With just one product falling within my budget, I placed it in my cart and clicked through to the checkout page. It was nice to see that delivery was free, but ultimately unacceptable to have just a couple of 2-in-1s to choose from, especially considering that Costco had a surprisingly large range of other tech devices in stock, from laptops to tablets, gaming PCs, monitors, consoles, software, TVs, audio and even smart home lighting.
7/10 VERY.CO.UK “THE VERY.CO.UK shopper is fun-loving, doesn’t take herself too seriously and has an ‘up for it’, outgoing personality,” says the company on its website. Bearing that in mind, the headings for each product on the 2-in-1s page only contained the vendor name, making it difficult to see the differences between each product. However, when I clicked the easy-to-miss ‘explore the range’ button, a computing hub popped up with a message urging me to ‘try the new product picker’. www.pcr-online.biz
7/10 CURRYS HAS an identical layout to the PC World website, which certainly isn’t a bad thing. The same trade-in offer was present at the top of the page, but the products were in a different order. This time the £399 HP Pavilion 1TB 15.6-inch laptop was at the top – which isn’t a 2-in-1. I quickly realised I was actually on a laptops page and not a convertible area. After using the navigation at the top of the page to find the correct part of the
6/10 ARGOS
This made things ten times easier. I was asked a series of questions and selected what I would be using the device for and what features I wanted. Despite checking the ‘laptop and tablet convertible’ box, I was disappointed to see a number of Lenovo tablet-only products appear in the results. Despite that, I did find a nice red HP Pavilion x2 for £229.99, so proceeded to place that in my basket. I felt like I was being forced to purchase warranty, and had to click two separate buttons to remove it from the basket.
THIS ARGOS web page was very busy indeed with more than 50 different devices on show, not to mention other banners, free delivery and ‘save 20 per cent’ promotions scattered around. Like other websites, it was disappointing to see many laptops listed that weren’t actually 2-in-1s. I quickly realised Google had misleadingly taken me to a ‘laptops and netbooks’ page on Argos’ website. After browsing around the site, I discovered that Argos doesn’t actually have a 2-in-1 section.
I found myself back on the ‘laptops and netbooks’ page and had to scan each product individually to find out if it was a 2-in-1 or not. Thankfully, Argos’ search options on the left were great. I selected £300 as the maximum price and a number of Acer Aspire and Toshiba 2-in-1s appeared. I added a £229.99 Aspire to my trolley and was greeted with breakdown care and Office 365. Like Laptops Direct and Very, I got there in the end, but the site could have made things simpler.
website, I was instantly met with the exact line-up from the PC World site. With the Lenovo Miix still priced at £129.95, I placed that in my basket with no trouble at all. While my shopping experience with Currys was similar to my time on the PC World website, Google brought me to an incorrect page, which could confuse some customers.
SUMMARY MY TIME spent searching for an affordable, decent 2-in-1 online was actually quite frustrating. Most of the websites I visited placed incorrect standalone tablets and notebooks in their 2-in-1 sections, or failed to make it clear what kind of products I was browsing. PC World had the widest range, the lowest-priced 2-in-1 and the best user experience by far, making it my star site this month. But it wasn’t perfect, as Laptops Direct arguably had slightly lower prices across its range. I was surprised that the likes of Costco, Very and Laptops Direct appeared higher in Google than retail giants Amazon, Ebuyer and John Lewis, which also means the latter don’t have their SEO strategy as fine-tuned as they should have. Perhaps ‘2-in-1’ isn’t a popular search term for consumers, or maybe etailers simply aren’t focusing their efforts enough of on this specific computing category. Either way, a lot can be done to improve the online shopping experience. I was left feeling that I’d have had a much easier time going into a bricks and mortar store and asking a sales assistant for some help in choosing a laptop that’s also a tablet.
PCR April 2016 | 45
MOBILE COMPUTING
How secure are mobile devices? Laura Barnes speaks to security experts to find out about the issues IT departments face as more mobile devices enter the workplace, and how the security of these devices can help retailers sell them…
E
very year the general public is made aware of the latest advancements in mobile technology. Whether it’s the latest smartphone launches announced at the shows like CES, constant advertising across TV, print and billboards from the likes of Microsoft, or sharing amusing memes about iPhone vs Android on Twitter, mobile technology is a big part of people’s lives. Gartner reported that worldwide smartphone sales grew 9.7 per cent in Q4 2015, and according to Canalys, 1.5 billion smartphones will ship worldwide in 2016. It’s not just at a consumer level anymore though, and as mobile devices continue to penetrate the workplace, trade shows like Mobile World Congress, Distree, CeBIT and Computex continue to expand their 46 | PCR April 2016
coverage of more businessfocused smartphones, tablets and laptops. As mobile device tech changes so quickly, businesses are having to make sure they keep up-todate with the latest security issues to ensure company info stays safe. And retailers have to also make sure their knowledge is great when talking about security issues. MOBILE SELLING How does the advancements in mobile device technology, and the security issues around them, affect how retailers sell these products? BullGuard’s security expert Steve Bell comments: “Selling a mobile phone is quite similar to selling a computer. Aside from obviously trying to understand a customer’s needs and help them choose the right physical device, it’s
“A smartphone is effectively a mini computer, and just as vulnerable as a laptop to a cybercriminal.” David Emm, Kaspersky
also important to discuss how to manage them. “This could involve educating children on safe internet use if the device is being bought for a minor, advice on how to protect sensitive data if a phone is lost or damaged, and new and emerging threats such as mobile malware.” Bell believes that the security side of things can be a key differentiator for retailers. “It allows them to offer a level of service and support to customers that they may not find elsewhere,” he explains. “Building strong relationships with key channel partners that have the resources to offer this advice can also be mutually beneficial,” he says. “Partners have an opportunity to promote their own products, retailers
can stand out from the crowd, and customers are equipped with the tools they need to deal with a changing mobile market.” SECURITY SHORTCOMINGS In 2015, Kaspersky detected 884,774 new mobile malware programs – an almost threefold increase on 2014. Last year Ofcom announced a ‘landmark moment’ – where smartphones overtook laptops as the most popular device for getting online. But Kaspersky’s principle security researcher David Emm warns that whilst this may not be a surprise, we should take this as a warning to change the prevailing consumer mindset that a smartphone and a laptop are not the same, and don’t require the same level of protection. www.pcr-online.biz
MOBILE COMPUTING
“A smartphone is effectively a mini computer, and is just as vulnerable as a laptop to a cybercriminal,” Emm tells PCR. “It is important to remember, as we live increasingly connected lives, that our mobile devices have become a very valuable target for cybercriminals. This is because of the multitude of personal information they collect – especially as we increasingly use them for work, online banking and even to track our health, fitness and calendar events. “If we add to this, apps like Facebook, Whatsapp and Apple Pay – our entire personal lives are at risk of being stolen,” he says. Bell agrees: “Mobile devices are very much on hackers’ radars. We shop and bank online using mobiles and we inhabit our social media worlds using them. “There will always be a place for desktop computing but the world in effect is going mobile. When you marry this to the fact that organised crime is also getting more deeply involved in online skulduggery there’s only one possible outcome – wide-scale hacks aimed at mobile devices.”
48 | PCR April 2016
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE Thanks to Moore’s Law (the observation that the number of transistors in a circuit will double every two years) smartphones are now almost as powerful as a desktop or laptop. Bell believes that this evolutionary arc is set to continue well into the future. “Some people claim that smartphones will eventually
“There will always be a place for desktop computing but the world in effect is going mobile.” Steve Bell, BullGuard replace desktop computers but that’s not necessarily true, though they will evolve into sleeker and more powerful versions,” he tells PCR. “Businesses all over the world rely on office tools for essential daily tasks and you can’t use these tools on smartphones with the same effectiveness as you can on a desktop PC. It’s difficult to see
larger general purpose computers be completely replaced by smaller mobile devices, simply because you need a PC for graphics-heavy tasks, analytics and so on.” Despite this, Bell does expect computing devices to become smaller yet more powerful. He also thinks we’ll see some form factors such as tablets slide into digital oblivion. “The keyboard is still king and an essential component of mobile computing, but with the advent of voice recognition and different interfaces such as infrared keyboards and braincomputer interfaces, we are likely to see mobile devices become the frontier devices in a brave new world of computing. He concludes: “As highspeed mobile networks become the norm, mobile devices will also become access points for powerful cloud-based computing. The Shazam app is a case in point, it effectively accesses super computing power to identify music and we will see more of this type of usage as the cloud effectively becomes a powerful processing core for mobile devices.”
HP ON THE CHANGING MOBILE WORKPLACE HP’S DIRECTOR of corporate, enterprise/public sector and personal systems, John O’Reilly, tells PCR why it is essential that IT departments take note of the changes in the workplace. “The pervasiveness of technology in our daily working lives through the omnipresence of laptops, tablets and mobile devices has changed the landscape of the workplace forever,” says O’Reilly. “Business regularly takes place from the airport, a customer site, a coffee shop, or at home – research has identified that 62 per cent of people work from more than one location.” A study by Wakeman and Cushman identified that the average office space per person has decreased by 40 per cent from 2004 to 2014. “This trend is only going to increase as the number of devices increase as well,” explains O’Reilly. “As a result of the ever increasing number of portable devices, it is essential that this new way of working is facilitated by the IT department to provide devices that are fast, secure, and easy to carry around. “As employees move out of the office and into a broader range of working environments, the demands on the tools that they use for work are also changing. Workers may require the mobility of a tablet whilst in a meeting, but the functionality of a keyboard when travelling. As a result, the device provided by the IT department needs to suit a wide variety of different users and therefore, the option of a hybrid, 2-1 device is ideally suited. He continues: “As the concept of the physical ‘office’ becomes more abstract, IT departments are increasingly being asked to provide devices that are visually attractive for workers when ‘on the road’ in addition to providing the required functionality that matches the demands of their jobs.” With tough demands being placed on IT departments to adapt to the changes in the workforce, they need to be able to provide devices that match employees’ requirements, and support them too. “New business devices need to be mobile, functional and aesthetically pleasing,” advises O’Reilly. “This has ushered in a new breed of hybrid devices that aim to satisfy even the most demanding of workers.”
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SECTOR GUIDE
Portable power Over the past decade, computers have taken on dramatic new mobile form factors, transforming the traditional tower into tablets, smartphones, 2-in-1s and even wearables. PCR rounds up the hottest mobile devices around…
ACER CLOUDBOOK 14
ACER ASPIRE R11
ACER CLOUDBOOK 11
XMG P506 NOTEBOOK
Distributor: Exertis
Distributors: Exertis, Ingram Micro
Distributors: Exertis, Ingram Micro
Contact: XMG
The Aspire One Cloudbook 14 is an online-oriented Windows laptop that gets you into the cloud faster. A big bang in a small box, it’s a portable device that keeps you productive with wireless connection and other features.
Acer says the R11 is ‘the best companion you ever had’, and describes it as a smart computer that can move between four modes, meaning there are no limits to the work that can be created and where it can be used.
The Aspire One Cloudbook 11 is, like the Cloudbook 14, an online-focused Windows laptop. It’s similar to the 14 but features a slightly lower price and a number of different features.
The new XMG P506 is the next generation of pro gaming laptops. Featuring a slim aluminium chassis, it is equipped with the latest 6th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors and NVIDIA GeForce 900M series G-Sync graphics.
Specs: 14-inch screen, 64GB of storage, 2GB RAM, Intel Celeron N3050 processor Dual-core 1.60 GHz.
Specs: Intel Celeron N3150 processor Quad-core 1.60 GHz, 11.6-inch 1366x768 HD screen, 4GB RAM, 500GB.
Specs: 11.6-inch screen, 32GB of storage.
Specs: 970M or 980M, i7 processor, choice of RAM and SSD size, 15.6-inch IPS screen.
SRP: £199.99
SRP: £309.99
SRP: £179.99
SRP: £1,149 (depending on config)
LENOVO THINKPAD X250
LENOVO THINKPAD X1 CARBON
COOLER MASTER NOTEPAL U3 PLUS
COOLER MASTER ERGOSTAND III
Distributor: Beta Distribution
Distributor: Beta Distribution
Distributors: Entatech, Exertis
Distributors: Entatech, Exertis
The ThinkPad X250 marks the return of the three-button trackpad. New hot swap technology gives you twice the battery for nearly twice the mobility. You can even swap out batteries without the system shutting down.
Introducing the New X1 Carbon – the third iteration of the popular Carbon Series. Lenovo says it’s taken the best of the past, and incorporated newer technologies to provide a system with ‘legendary’ usability and performance.
Notepal U3 Plus is a slim and sturdy notebook cooling stand. The aluminium surface, with three fully adjustable 80mm fans powered via USB support, dissipates the heat from the notebook, allowing it to perform at its best.
Ergostand III is a notebook stand focused on cooling and ergonomics. The Ergostand III has six adjustable heights, a fan controller and four-port USB hub port, allowing you to connect your essentials.
Specs: 12.5-inch Ultrabook, Intel Core i7 i7-5600U Dual-core (2 Core) 2.60 GHz.
Specs: 14-inch Ultrabook, Intel Core i7 i7-5500U Dual-core (2 Core) 2.40 GHz.
Specs: Supports up to 19-inch notebooks.
Specs: Supports up to 17-inch notebooks.
SRP: £1,400
SRP: £1,260
SRP: £34.99
SRP: £34.99
50 | PCR April 2016
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SECTOR GUIDE
DELL XPS 13
DELL XPS 15
MSI GT80S 6QF-075UK NOTEBOOK
ASUS ZENBOOK PRO
Distributor: Exertis
Distributor: Exertis
Distributor: VIP Computers
Distributor: VIP Computers
Building on an impressive showing at CES 2015, the award-winning XPS 13 now features 6th generation Intel Core processors and graphics, more storage and memory (up to 1TB PCIe SSDs and 16GB RAM respectively) and Thunderbolt 3. The XPS 13’s popular form factor continues to impress, still holding its title of the smallest 13-inch laptop, as well as the first with a virtually borderless InfinityEdge display.
Dell has brought the world’s first virtually borderless InfinityEdge display to a 15-inch laptop, making it the smallest 15-inch laptop on the planet. At 11-17mm thin and starting at 1.78kg with a 56Whr battery and SSD, the XPS 15 is also one of the lightest. The XPS 15 features a stunning UltraSharp 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution option and the only 100 per cent minimum Adobe RGB display on a laptop.
The award winning GT80S 6QF Tital SLI is MSI’s 29th anniversary offering and delivers the ultimate gaming performance. It’s loaded with the latest and fastest gaming features such as an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M SLI graphics, Super Raid 4 storage, MXM VGA upgrade kit and Cooler Boost 3 technology.
Every single component in the ZenBook Pro is chosen to deliver outstanding performance: 4K/UHD display with incredible pixel density, Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics, the world’s fastest SSD and Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 – on a single Type-C port.
Specs: 13.3-inch Full HD 1080p display, 6th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.
Specs: 6th generation Intel Core processors (up to i7 Quad Core).
Specs: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M SLI graphics, Intel Core i7 6920HQ processor, 1TB HDD, 512GB SSD.
Specs: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics, Intel Core i7 6700HQ processor, 512GB SSD with 12GB DDR4.
SRP: From £849.00
SRP: £1,099
SRP: £3,999
SRP: £1,499
VEHO T-2 HYBRID BAG
NEW HANNSPAD 101 HERCULES
NEW HANNSPAD 133 TITAN 2
PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK CF-20
Distributors: Exertis, Westcoast
Distributors: EntaTech, Exertis, Tech Data
Distributors: EntaTech, Exertis, Tech Data
Distributor: CI Distribution
This versatile hybrid laptop bag is designed to be carried as a traditional laptop bag with a handle or shoulder strap, plus it has straps to convert the T-2 into a rucksack. The rucksack straps tuck away when the T-2 is being used as a conventional bag. It also has a sleeve to slot over a carry-on flight bag handle for easy transportation in airports.
The HANNSpad 101 Hercules features a 10.1-inch IPS touch screen and Quad Core power delivering seamless everyday mobile computing and entertainment. Android 5.1, HDMI, front and rear cameras and a generous twoyear warranty as standard complete the mobile package.
Hannspree’s HANNSpad 133 Titan 2 is a powerful mobile solution with a generous 13-inch Full HD display, boasting highly responsive 10 point fingertip control and picture perfecting IPS technology. It boasts the combined force of Octa Core performance and 2GB RAM a high spec dual camera set up, HDMI, Android 5.1, plus 16GB of internal storage.
The Toughbook CF-20 delivers a new level of unrivalled versatility for mobile business computing as the first fully rugged detachable notebook. Offering the best of all worlds for mobile workers, the Toughbook can be used in six different modes to meet every business need. It has a glove-enabled touchscreen and up to 14-hour hot swappable battery life.
Specs: Holds notebooks up to 17 inches and tablets up to 10 inches.
Specs: 1GB DDR3 memory, 16GB storage, ARM Cortex A53 1.3GHz Quad Core (MT8163).
Specs: 1920x1080 Full HD Resolution, 2GB DDR3, ARM Cortex A53 1.5GHz OCTA Core (RK3368), 16GB storage.
Specs: Intel Core m5-6Y57 vPro processor, 10.1-inch 1920x1200 display, up to seven hours battery life.
SRP: £29.95
SRP: £99
SRP: £199
SRP: Varies
52 | PCR April 2016
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Call our specialist sales teams Home South 01279 822822 IT South 01256 707070
Proud sponsors of the PCR Awards 2016 Exertis IT is one of the leading distributors of Audio Visual (AV), IT, Communications and Home Entertainment products and services in the UK. We represent over 25 Audio Visual brands within an extensive product portfolio consisting of monitor, projectors, large format displays, video walls, touch interactive solutions, mounting and accessories. We are a one-stop sales, marketing and distribution service provider, supplying product to over 11,000 customers in the Business, Retail, Mobile and Supplies markets. Our state-of-the-art distribution centre, next day delivery and a host of managed services, including creative design, product sourcing and launch capabilities, retail services and end-user fulďŹ lment perfectly position us as your distributor of choice. Find out more about our business on store.exertis.co.uk
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SECTOR GUIDE
MOTION BY XPLORE F5M AND C5M
MOTION BY XPLORE R12 RUGGED TABLET PC
XPLORE XSLATE D10 FULLY RUGGED ANDROID
FUJITSU STYLISTIC R726
Distributor: CI Distribution
Distributor: CI Distribution
Distributor: CI Distribution
Distributors: Entatech, Exertis, Tech Data, Ingram Micro
The F5m and C5m tablet PCs are rugged, powerful and mobile, providing real-time access to information in the field. The F5m and C5m offer performance, security and manageability, and have integrated features, such as a seven-hour+ hotswap battery, dual cameras, smartcard reader and 1D/2D barcode scanner suited to healthcare, pharmaceutical, emergency services and field services.
Designed to empower the worker who moves from the field to the vehicle to the office, the rugged R12 is sleek and stylish with a full HD 12.5-inch display optimised for outdoor viewing, a ninehour hot-swap battery, along with a wide array of accessories for docking, charging and carrying. The R12 is ideal for replacing cumbersome laptops when mobilising Windows applications.
With the flexibility of Android 5.1, Lollipop and powered by Intel’s Atom CPU, the XSLATE D10 is a big, strong, and secure tablet. The lightweight XSLATE D10, with a 10.1-inch display, is fully rugged, powerful, and comes with a vast array of standard and optional integrated features, including HDMI-In, RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, an NFC/RFID reader, front and rear cameras, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G LTE.
Fujitsu’s latest edition to its tablet/ hybrid portfolio has been designed specifically for the business user. The device, which boasts a 12.5-inch full dual digitiser touchscreen, has a multiinput mode supported with touch, pen and keyboard use.
Specs: 1.5kg, 10.4-inch, Intel Core i7vPro, i5 or i3, 4/8/16 GB RAM, 64/128/256 GB SSD.
Specs: 1.34kg, 12.5-inch, Intel Core i7vPro or i5, 4/8 GB RAM, 64/128/256GB SSD storage.
Specs: 1.09kg, 10.1-inch, Intel Atom ‘Baytrail’ Quad Core, Android 5.1, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD.
Specs: 6th generation Intel processors, Core i3/i5/i5VPro/i7VPro, 4GB or 8GB RAM, 12, 128/256/512GB SSD options.
SRP: From £1,630
SRP: From £1,700
SRP: From £1,250
SRP: Varies (£716 for i3, 4GB RAM and
KURIO SMART
KURIO TAB XL MOTION EDITION
AIPTEK IBEAMBLOCK
SAMSUNG GALAXY TABPRO S
Contact: KD UK
Distributor: Meroncourt
Distributor: Tech Data
Distributor: Exertis
Kurio Smart is a 2-in-1 tablet with detachable keyboard, meaning it can be used for everything from homework to play. With access to programmes such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint, it allows children to do all of their school tasks with ease. Then when their work is done, Kurio Smart features games and apps pre-loaded from the Windows Store. It also features two-player games.
The Kurio Tab XL is an Android tablet for families that has all the features you would expect from a tablet, plus exclusive Motion Technology for a motion controlled experience. It comes pre-loaded with ten Motion apps including a Learn & Fun pack and Sports pack, which use the Kurio cameras to sense and track the user’s body movements and enable full control of games.
Aiptek International has launched the iBeamBLOCK projector, a device with stackable design – like a LEGO toy – that includes a dual OS tablet, projector and power bank. With a trendy, metallic look, iBeamBLOCK projector also creates an easy way for business people and households to build their own computing projection system. The connection between blocks via magnetics and pogo pins is cable-free.
The Galaxy TabPro S is the first Samsung tablet running on Windows 10, delivering full PC functionality. Its fully equipped touch-pad keyboard is easily detachable to maximize space and also eliminates the need for pairing. It needs no charging thanks to its pogo pin system. You can also unlock access to work and entertainment in the Galaxy TabPro S securely, using the fingerprint scanner from other Samsung devices.
Specs: Intel Quadcore processor, 1GB RAM, 8.9-inch screen, 32GB storage (up to 64GB via Micro SD Card).
Specs: 10-inch capacitive touch 1280x800 screen, 8GB storage, 1GB RAM.
Specs: 125x95x30mm dimensions, 4.5inch tablet screen, 2GB RAM.
Specs: 12-inch 2160x1440 screen, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD.
SRP: £199.99
SRP: £169.99
SRP: £599
SRP: £849
54 | PCR April 2016
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SECTOR GUIDE
LENOVO THINKPAD S1 YOGA
LENOVO YOGA 700
MICROSOFT BAND 2
LIFETRAK R420
Distributor: Beta Distribution
Contact: Lenovo
Distributor: Exertis
Distributor: Peak Development
The ThinkPad Yoga delivers flexibility for business. Its 12.5-inch display rotates 360 degrees to offer four different usage modes: laptop, tablet, tent and stand. Boasting ThinkPad reliability and a range of business and security features, Lenovo says it’s the ultimate multimode business ultrabook.
The Lenovo Yoga 700 is thin and light, yet brilliantly intelligent, with a 360-degree hinge design and intuitive software that responds to how you use it. Whether for work or play, Yoga adapts to you with four ways to do almost anything: laptop, stand, tent or tablet.
Introducing the new Microsoft Band – for people who want to live healthier and achieve more. Reach your health and fitness goals by tracking your heart rate, exercise, calorie burn and sleep quality, and be productive with email, text and calendar alerts on your wrist.
Fitness is about much more than calories in and calories out. This new LifeTrak Zone R420 unites a range of wellbeing tools in one device. Maximise your results with activity and sleep monitoring, workout mode, accurate step counts, distance calculation and ata-glance weekly and hourly records. It boasts heart rate monitoring, detailed reports from the Lifetrak app and a long-lasting battery.
Specs: Multimode keyboard, 12.5-inch display.
Specs: 14-inch 1920 x 1080 screen, up to 6th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor.
Specs: 11 sensors including GPS, UV monitor and barometer, AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Specs: 30m water resistant, one-year typical battery life, ECG accurate heart range finger touch via push button.
SRP: £850
SRP: From £699.99
SRP: £199
SRP: £99
HANNSPREE PRIME SMART WATCH
HANNSPREE LEGEND SMART WATCH
TP-LINK MOBILE WI-FI UNIT
MICROSOFT LUMIA 950/XL
Distributors: Entatech, Exertis
Distributors: Entatech, Exertis
Distributors: Spire Technology, CMS Distribution, Entatech, Tech Data, Exertis
Distributors: Exertis, Ingram Micro, Tech Data
The Prime from Hannspree is a standalone smartwatch boasting integrated SIM support, which can provide features such as a music player and on-board camera. It can also pair with a smartphone to relay alerts of incoming calls and messages.
The Hannspree Legend is a traditionally designed wristwatch with added smart functionality. It features a large high definition touch screen that is scratch proof and is housed by brushed metal alloy. The Legend monitors and tracks a variety of health related statistics and includes a barometer, thermometer and altimeter.
The LTE-Advanced Mobile Wi-Fi M7350 is a little portable gem that provides 4G broadband on the go, can support up to 10 devices at any one time, as well as 10 hours of continuous power while out and about. It’s also dual band, and there is a micro SD card slot for up to 32 GB of additional storage.
Introducing the new 5.2-inch Microsoft Lumia 950 with Windows 10, featuring an advanced camera, state-of-the-art technology, easy access to all your favourite apps and content, and Windows 10. The XL version includes a larger 5.7-inch QuadHD screen.
Specs: 0.3MP camera, pedometer, sleep monitor, supports TF card up to 32GB, 240x240 IPS screen, 1.54-inch display.
Specs: 1.54-inch OLED TFT touch display, 240x240 IPS screen, Bluetooth, pedometer, calorie consumption.
Specs: 4G broadband, support for up to 10 devices, 10 hours of continuous power, micro SD card slot.
Specs: 32GB mass memory, 20MP main camera sensor, 4G LTE network.
SRP: £59.99
SRP: £69.99
SRP: £99.99
SRP: £399.99 (950), £466.99 (950 XL)
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PCR April 2016 | 55
SECTOR GUIDE
MICROSOFT LUMIA 650
MICROSOFT CONTINUUM DISPLAY DOCK
MIO FUSE HEART RATE, SLEEP + ACTIVITY TRACKER
Distributor: Tech Data Mobile
Distributor: Tech Data Mobile
Distributor: CMS Distribution
The new Microsoft Lumia 650 comes with Windows 10, which offers you a familiar experience across all your devices, regardless of whether you are using a PC, tablet or phone. It is able to adapt to the device you are using, giving you access to all your files.
Connect your Lumia 950 or 950 XL to a Display Dock and do more with an external monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. Office apps and Outlook scale up to create a big screen-optimised work environment. It’s a PC-like experience that’s powered by your phone.
Mio FUSE is a sleek wristband that combines all the features of a heart rate monitor, sports watch, and activity tracker. Heart rate data is EKG accurate and does not require the use of a chest strap. You can monitor the intensity of your workouts and your movement throughout the day.
Specs: 5-inch AMOLED HD 720 Screen, Gorilla Glass 3, 16GB expandable memory, 1GB RAM, 8.MP Auto focus camera, 5MP wide-angle front facing camera.
Specs: USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB: 2, USB 2.0, USB 2.0 high current charging port, up to 1080p (Full HD, 1920 x 1080).
Specs: Customisable display and configurable heart rate zones, up to 30 hours of workout data storage or two weeks of daily activity data storage.
SRP: £159.99
SRP: £79.99
SRP: £129.99
HEALBE GOBE ACTIVITY TRACKER
KURIO ANDROID SMARTPHONE FOR KIDS
CAT S60 RUGGED SMARTPHONE
Distributor: CMS Distribution
Distributor: Meroncourt
Distributor: CI Distribution
Healbe GoBe provides comprehensive information from your body, delivered to your smartphone. It automatically measures calorie intake and constantly tracks the wearer’s water balance.
Claiming to be the ‘safest smartphone for children’, the Kurio Android smartphone has numerous safety features, as well as a raft of fun, cool smartphone features to keep the kids happy. It is configured for wireless internet connectivity, allowing you to access Google Play and the Kurio Store to download apps.
The Cat S60 is the world’s first smartphone with an integrated thermal camera, and claims to be the world’s most waterproof smartphone. It has a strengthened die cast frame to protect it from drops, it also comes with a 4.7-inch HD touchscreen with Gorilla Glass 4 and super bright display.
Specs: N/A
Specs: 4-inch capacitive touch screen with 5 point touch, SIM free unlocked phone, internet filtering, set call and text limits, geolocation and geofencing.
Specs: 3800mAh batter, 13MP main camera with dual flash, 5MP front-facing camera, 4G LTE, 32GB ROM, 3GB RAM.
SRP: £229.99
SRP: £129.99
SRP: Around £500
CONTACT
56 | PCR April 2016
CI Distribution:.............01256 378071
Ingram Micro:.............. 0871 973 3000
CMS Distribution: ....... 020 8960 6000
KD UK: ...........................01727 827194
Entatech: ..................... 0333 101 1000
Lenovo: ........................ 020 3014 0783
Exertis IT: ......................01256 707070
Meroncourt: .................01462 680060
Peak Development: .....01489 796979 Spire Technology: ........01202 828444 Tech Data: ................... 01256 788 000 VIP Computers: ........... 0871 622 7500 XMG: ............................ 0203 5880 533
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HU 282 PPS
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TO ALL THE 2016
AWARDS WINNERS
“HANNSPREE PRIDES ITSELF ON CREATING WINNING
CONSUMER ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS.”
HS 246 HFW
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Congratulations to the PCR Awards Winners
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The latest tech Editorial Planner
The MateBook comes with Microsoft’s Edge browser and the Cortana digital personal assistant
Huawei’s new 2-in-1 has a fingerprint recognition security feature and can reach 60 per cent battery strength in one hour
Huawei unveils first Windows tablet TELECOMS GIANT Huawei is shaking up the tablet market with the MateBook, a 2-in-1 device designed for business users. The firm showed off its first Windows tablet at Mobile World Congress 2016, saying it ‘seamlessly integrates mobility, high efficiency, work and entertainment’. Starting at €799 and rising to €1,799 for the top-end product, the MateBook comes in a variety of options, including 4GB or 8GB of RAM, as well as 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage.
The device features a 6th Generation Intel Core m-series processor and boasts a lightweight fanless design and aluminium unibody, weighing 640g. Built to operate on Windows 10, the MateBook comes with tools and features offered by Microsoft, including its latest browser Microsoft Edge and the Cortana digital personal assistant. A keyboard, MatePen and MateDock accessories are also available. The keyboard case is made of environmentally friendly soft PU leather, while
the keyboard features touchpad technology and a 1.5mm keystroke and a chiclet keycap design, designed to minimise typing errors. The MateBook has a 12inch IPS multi-touch screen and a screen-to-body ratio of 84 per cent. It has a resolution of 2160x1440 and a160degree wide angle, while the colour gamut reaches 85 per cent. Its 33.7Wh high-density Lithium battery provides enough power for nine hours of work, nine consecutive hours of internet use and
29 hours of music playback, and can reach a full charge in two and a half hours, or 60 per cent battery strength in one hour. The MateBook also has a fingerprint recognition security feature, as well as a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot and a drag-and-drop document transfer feature to and from Android smartphones. The MateBook will be available in Asia, Europe and North America in the coming months and will be available in two colours: grey and golden.
“With this landmark device, Huawei is demonstrating our industry-leading design and manufacturing expertise by bringing a beautifully crafted flagship product to market that is redefining the new style of business – connected computing across all devices in almost every scenario,” said Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group. “This is an exciting time for Huawei to enter the market with its powerful new MateBook,” added Kirk Skaugen, senior VP and GM at Intel’s client computing group.
Contact: Huawei | www.huawei.com/uk | Price: From €799 to €1,799 (device), €149 (keyboard), €69 (Matepen), €99 (MateDock) | Out: Q2 www.pcr-online.biz
PCR April 2016 | 59
CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL THE WINNERS AT THE PCR AWARDS 2016, WE HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT EVENING!
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RECOMMENDED
Lenovo makes a splash at MWC LENOVO HAS revealed the TAB3 10 Business, an Android tablet engineered for business use, and the TAB3 7 and TAB3 8, Lenovo’s first series of family-focused tablets. The TAB3 10 Business (pictured) offers full support for Android For Work, and features an array of security and encryption options to help keep data safe and secure. For example, it comes with endpoint protection, which shields business networks, and geotechnology, which allows businesses to track devices and create geofences. It’s also pre-loaded with productive apps, Google Play for Work and a kiosk mode that allows users to set up their TAB3 10 Business as an interactive kiosk. The tablet also supports industry solutions for classroom, POS and e-health management.
It boasts P2i technology and IP52 performance making it dust proof and splash proof, plus it has scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 3 panels. The 1.3GHz quad-core processor gives users quick and powerful multi-tasking and multi-window support. The TAB3 10 Business has a 12-hour battery life and USB on-the-go tech for connecting external storage, Y- and Tconnectors, RJ45 cables or card readers. There’s a 10-inch full HD IPS display with Gorilla Glass 3 and dual speakers boosted by Dolby Atmos cinematic movie audio. Plus, there’s an 8MP auto-focus rear camera and 5MP fixedfocus front camera produce quality pictures with highresolution clarity. Lenovo also presented the TAB3 7 and TAB3 8 tablets at the Mobile World Congress
“The TAB3 10 Business offers full support for Android For Work.”
show, which are designed for families and multi-user modes for sharing. They come preloaded with a dedicated kids mode with safe web-browsing options, and Adaptive Display technology that can filter out blue light. The TAB3 7 comes with a seven-inch SD IPS
display while the TAB3 8 has an eight-inch HD IPS display. Lenovo also introduced two new consumer Windows 10 PCs: the YOGA 710 and 5101 convertible laptops and the Ideapad MIIX 310 2-in-1 detachable tablet.
Contact: Exertis (01256 707070), Westcoast (0118 912 6000) | www.lenovo.com/uk | Price: Starting from €119 (TAB3 7), €149 (TAB3 8) TBC (TAB3 10 Business) | Out: June (TAB3 7 and 8), July (TAB3 10 Business)
‘World’s lightest’ rugged devices PANASONIC has introduced what it claims to be the world’s lightest rugged handheld tablets for business at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona. Its smallest Toughpad device to date, the 4.7-inch Panasonic Toughpad FZ-F1 and FZ-N1 handheld tablets each weigh less than 280g and are 16.3mm slim. With their integrated angled rear barcode reader to protect against repetitive strain, the devices can be easily held and operated in one hand. Designed for postal and courier workers, warehouse, retail, manufacturing, field services and emergency services, the devices have both voice and data capabilities. They also include the option for both a passive and an active pen, for more
accurate proof of delivery signature taking. “With its uniquely angled rear barcode reader and approximately 50g lighter than some of its nearest 4.7inch competitors, the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-F1 and FZ-N1 will set a new benchmark in the handheld market,” said Jan Kaempfer, general manager of marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. “These new devices sit alongside our already successful Toughpad FZ-E1 and FZ-X1 five-inch handheld tablets and the specialist ATEX versions.” The new tablets have HD capacitive multi-touch daylight readable displays designed for use by workers in bright sunlight or in the rain and those wearing gloves. They are equipped
“The FZ-F1 will be one of the first handheld tablets on the market using Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise.”
with both 4G LTE/3G data and voice communications and include three mics, as well as dual front speakers delivering in total up to 100dBA. For wireless communication, the handheld tablets have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC capabilities, an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera for document capture and webcam use, as well as a micro USB port, micro SD card slot and dual micro SIM slots. The tablets come with a choice of two operating systems: Windows (FZ-F1) or Android (FZ-N1). FZ-F1 will be one of the first handheld tablets on the market using Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise. FZ-N1’s Android 5.1.1 version includes the Android For Work functionality. Both are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Quad-core CPU.
Contact: Centerprise, Tech Data, Varlink | Price: £1,268+VAT (FZ-N1), £1,291+VAT (FZ-F1 Windows tablet) | Out: June (FZ-N1), H2 2016 (FZ-F1) www.pcr-online.biz
PCR April 2016 | 61
RECOMMENDED
Fujitsu gets Stylistic THE MOST SECURE 2-in-1 device in Fujitsu’s portfolio has hit the market. The new Stylistic Q736 features different types of security technologies including Fujitsu’s unique PalmSecure palm vein biometric technology – which claims to be more accurate, faster, easier and more hygienic than other biometric authentication scanners. The new 13.3-inch tablet – which also converts into a classic clamshell notebook via a dockable keyboard – enables security authentication with biometrics or SmartCard technology, including support for contactless SmartCard via NFC technology. It also features encrypted drives and Intel’s TPM, which provides secured storage for security keys and passwords.
Fujitsu says the tablet is ideal for securing patient records in healthcare, or bank account details in financial services. Authenticated users can access corporate data from anywhere thanks to its 4G/LTE communications and built-in GPS. Jörg Hartmann, head of category management for EMEIA product business at Fujitsu, said: “Since human error is one of the most common security problems, we have taken a human centric approach towards systematically eliminating any weak points. The new Stylistic Q736 incorporates the very latest biometric and SmartCard security technologies that help reduce the chance of simple, but potentially disastrous mistakes, such as someone leaving
“The Stylistic Q736 has the latest biometric and SmartCard security tech to help reduce the chance of disastrous mistakes.” Jörg Hartmann, Fujitsu
their tablet unlocked in a public place.” The Q736 has an all-day battery life, a Windows 10 Pro operating system and an Intel Pro Wireless Display to connect to an external monitor wirelessly. With Fujitsu offering the device as a notebook replacement, it also comes with an optional docking cradle for use at a desk. This big-screen tablet can be combined with
options such as a keyboard docking station providing additional interfaces and a second battery option, as well as an expansion cradle. It features up to the latest 6th Generation Intel Core i7 vPro processors, and a 1920x1080 resolution. It weighs less than 1kg, putting it among the lightest terminals with an anti-glare, multi-touch display in this form factor.
Contact: Fujitsu | www.fujitsu.com/uk | Price: Varies by region | Out: March
Razer’s loud little Leviathan
HP gets Elite
THE RAZER Leviathan Mini sound bar is a portable mobile speaker targeted at gamers. Using Bluetooth aptX for CD-like audio quality, Razer says the dual drivers deliver fantastic sound reproduction in the tiny package. Two Leviathan Mini speakers can be connected to one device for a Bluetooth based stereo speaker experience, and with a battery life of up to 10 hours of non-stop playback, users won’t have to worry about unexpected interruptions or charging on the go. There’s even a built-in microphone with ‘Clear Voice Capture Technology’ to use the Leviathan Mini as a speakerphone.
HP HAS INTRODUCED what it calls ‘a brand new mobile ecosystem that will drive the next generation of computing’. The HP Elite x3 with Windows 10 Mobile bridges phablet, laptop and desktop-style computing from a single device, allowing users to run productivity apps across these different experiences. “Commercial mobility is prime for disruption, and has never seen innovation at this scale,” said Dion Weisler, president and CEO at HP Inc. “The HP Elite x3 is a revolutionary mobile platform that enables mobility and computing to come together in a truly meaningful way. Together with the strength of our
Battery life is up to 10 hours, Bluetooth wireless range is 10m and the speakers feature a total power output of 24w. The Leviathan also has a 3.5mm audio jack and can connect to devices that support the Bluetooth wireless audio profile (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile or A2DP).
Contact: VIP Computers (0871 622 7500) | www.razerzone.com/ | Price: £149.99 | Out: Now
partners, we’re propelling the industry forward and turning the promise of mobile productivity into a reality for customers.” By utilising Continuum in Windows 10, the Elite x3 smartphone enables multi-screen transitions between a phone and a desktop. The Elite x3 also utilises biometrics to unlock the device – adding an extra layer of protection. It has a Snapdragon 820 processor, the optional HP Desk Dock and the optional Mobile Extender. Additionally, the Desk Dock offers a full featured desktop experience for the Elite x3.
Contact: HP | www8.hp.com/uk | Price: TBC | Out: Summer
RECOMMENDED
The next-gen SD card SANDISK has launched the fastest microSD card in the world. The SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-II card enables action camera, drone and smartphone users to offload huge video files at ‘unprecedented’ speeds. “Action cameras are now the fastest-growing segment in digital imaging and drones are becoming increasingly popular, creating an opportunity for people to capture more high-capacity, high-quality 4K Ultra HD content,” said Dinesh Bahal, vice president of product marketing at SanDisk. “We designed this card to address consumers’ needs for a faster solution when transferring massive files. With nearly three times the speed of our fastest microSD UHS-I card, this new offering dramatically reduces time spent transferring content.”
Philips’ 5K display MMD, THE technology company and brand license partner for Philips Monitors, has announced new 5K and SoftBlue monitors. The Philips 275P4VYKEB 27-inch LCD Monitor with UltraClear 5K resolution (pictured) has a 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, PerfectKolor technology, which ensures factorycalibrated 99 per cent Adobe RGB colour space and one billion colours,
The new card, available in 64GB and 128GB capacities, delivers transfer speeds of up to 275MB/s to offload content at record speeds. Featuring Class 10 and UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), it’s ideal for transferring Full HD and 4K Ultra HD video3 on the latest action cams, drones and smartphones. It also includes a USB 3.0 card reader to offload files to a PC.
Contact: SanDisk | www.sandisk.co.uk | Price: £124.99 (64GB), £249.99
as well as a built-in webcam. The monitor also has MultiView for dividing the display space into multiple partitions, built-in speakers and a non-glare screen with FlickerFree technology. Another high-resolution display is the Philips 241P6VPJKEB. Despite its modest dimensions of 23.8 inches, the monitor has a 4K resolution. It also features 1.074 billion colours, 99 per cent sRGB colour standard and integrated webcam and microphone. Finally, the 241P6EPJEB 24inch display with SoftBlue technology protects eyes and reduces eye fatigue by mitigating the impact of bluelight exposure.
Contact: MMD/Philips | www.mmd-p.com/ | Price: Various | Out: Now
Editorial Planner
A look at the biggest features coming up in PCR over the next few months...
MAY 2016
JUNE 2016
July 2016
INDIE SPECIAL
BUSINESS SPECIAL
30 UNDER 30
PCR highlights some of the top independent PC retailers operating in the UK channel. We also preview our latest PCR Boot Camp conference.
We explore the evolving managed print sector and the B2B market, covering the revenue opportunities for tech retailers and resellers today.
PCR publishes its annual 30 Under 30 list, highlighting the most promising talent in the UK channel. Email dsacco@nbmedia.com to nominate a colleague, yourself or someone in the industry.
In terms of product sector guides, we round up the newest speakers, docks, headphones, memory and smart home products on the market.
PCR also takes a closer look at the announcements from Computex, plus we review our own PCR Boot Camp 2016 conference and expo in London.
For the July issue, we’ll also take a look at the educational tech market and how to sell to schools.
Advertising Deadline
Advertising Deadline
Advertising Deadline
April 15th
May 10th
June 15th
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PCR April 2016 | 63
OUT OF OFFICE
SELFIES, SNAPS AND CHAMPAGNE THE UK PC CHANNEL’s finest gathered once again and let their hair down (or what little there is remaining) for the annual PCR Awards. This time, the event’s circus theme meant attendees
were entertained by ballerinas, a ringleader host and a balloon man. Here’s our collection of snaps and tweets from the event. Sponsors included headline partner
Entatech, after-party host Exertis, drinks reception partner Acer, gold partners AOC, CI International, Intel, and Norton, frontline category partner BullGuard, vendor category partner
CompTIA, photobooth partner Hannspree, entertainment partner M2M, red carpet partner Smithie, gift partner SK Hynix and event partners QSan, TrustATec and NVIDIA.
Industry heavyweights meet circus strongmen
Centerprise’s Rafi Razzak (far right) with friends and colleagues
Acer’s Linda Hassall shares a joke
The AxiCom girls were all smiles with Dell’s Grand Prix win
QSan’s Stefan Ferrari (centre) caught up with former Synology colleagues Michael Rickard (left) and Billy Knowles (right)
64 | PCR April 2016
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OUT OF OFFICE
Kingston’s Jim Knee (left) gets our vote for the ‘suit of the show’ award, posing here with Dennis Huizinga and BenQ’s Carly Hill
QSan’s David Kao (left) with everyone’s favourite system build maestro CK (right)
Left to right: DMSL’s John Carter, Synaxon’s Derek Jones and Nitesh Ganatra from Kingsfield Computer Products
Scan’s Shelley Raja (right) enjoys a drink with Keith Williams (left)
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PCR April 2016 | 65
OUT OF OFFICE
HANNSPREE PHOTO BOOTH GIVE PC EXECS a free bar at the pre-drinks reception, fill them with food during the awards ceremony and put a Photo Booth in front of them, and things get messy…
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66 | PCR April 2016
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NEW FOR 2016! EXPO MASTERCLASS THEATRE & DEMO ZONE | EXCITING CENTRAL LONDON VENUE
EMBARK ON YOUR BOOT CAMP SOUTH JOURNEY: WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT BOOT CAMP SOUTH 2016?
Best practice sessions & case studies
Create your own agenda
Network with your peers and form valuable new connections
Participate in interactive masterclasses and come away with applicable learnings for your business
Cutting edge insight from our expert speakers
Benchmark your business against competitors
PCR Boot Camp South returns to London for 2016, taking place at the iconic Emirates Stadium in North London.
MEET THE DECISION MAKERS
62%
DIRECTOR LEVEL OR ABOVE ATTENDEES IN 2015
#pcrbootcamp
Attend the Boot Camp South 2016 Exhibition to view the latest tech available in the PC retail market, meet with potential suppliers and network with your peers!
Get fit for business in 2016 Contact Sarah Goldhawk now on +44 (0) 207 354 6000 to get involved
www.pcrbootcamp.com