PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
This changing technology landscape, and what has led us to this point, was the subject of an Intel press presentation, in line with the official UK launch of the 2010 Intel Core processor family, held in London last month. The chip giant is one of the few firms that can claim to be integral to the success and failures of the industry as a whole, manufacturing the majority of the world’s processors.
The new range, first shown-off at CES, is unusually holistic in its approach, in that for the first time Intel has aimed chips at all sections of the market simultaneously, an act which has generated huge demand already from OEMs. Also unlike previous chip family launches, its design appears to be somewhat reactionary, seeking to provide architecture to better process the massive increase in online content consumption, for instance. Furthermore, it will supply the processing might required for all the exciting technology the rest of the industry is buzzing about.
However, quite apart from all this shiny new innovation on the horizon, one of the biggest issues affecting much of the trade at the moment is the commoditisation of PC hardware. Retailers, especially smaller businesses, are finding it increasingly difficult to make money out of computers themselves anymore, thanks to much cheaper netbooks, and price erosion from supermarkets and mobile phone dealers.
In this respect, one of the most interesting and tangible benefits of the i3, i5, and i7 chips appears to be Intel’s claims that the new processor platforms will push the prices of PCs up, providing better margins for retailers. Much of this is to do with incorporating those new technologies, providing the processing capability to handle them well, and ultimately leading to PCs with more margin attached to them. The firm is calling it its biggest launch in the last ten years, and it could prove to be just as important to the rest of the industry as well.
Last chance for PCR Awards tickets
In three weeks the trade will descend upon Kensington’s famous Royal Garden Hotel for a night of networking, entertainment and celebration for the PCR Awards 2010. There are still a few spaces available, so if you haven’t got your ticket already then email Hannah.Short@intentmedia.co.uk.
