ConsumerIT - For Europe's High Volume PC Retailers, Distributors & Builders

Think Google's ambitions to take over the laptop market with Chromebooks are over? Maybe the cloud-based notebook concept will be getting some fresh blood soon, as America's FCC-approval website reveals a Chrome OS-powered Sony Vaio model.

The recently declassified FCC listing for the Vaio VCC111 series features a number of photos, including one of a keyboard lacking a Windows button. It also has a copy of a user manual explaining how to use Chrome OS.

One can only take a guess at the specifications though-- a photo lists the processor as a "T25," so maybe it carries an Nvidia Tegra 250 T25 chip? If that is the case, the VCC111 will also be the first Chromebook to carry a non-Intel processor (other Chromebooks run on Atom processors).

Chromebooks were meant to be small and lightweight notebooks running on a modified version of the Chrome browser-- with the key idea being of the OS storing everything (including the actual user session) on the cloud. However the first Chromebook generation (from Acer and Samsung) failed to impress, while the OS lacked a built-in online storage system as well as general polish.

However some hopes remain for the OS-- Samsung is also releasing a second Chromebook (running on a Celeron processor) sometime this year, while Google is reportedly testing Chrome OS on Ivy Bridge processors

Go Sony Chromebook FCC Listing

Kaspersky launches an Android tablet protection security-- Kaspersky Tablet Security, providing protection against malicious and fraudulent software and a solution in case of lost or stolen devices.

The anti-virus engine works with cloud-based protection technology, which Kaspersky claims blocks all (including new and previously unknown) malicious programs. A Web Protection feature also blocks fraudulent websites from accessing personal data on your customers' devices.

Tablet Security can also block lost or stolen devices, as well as wipe all personal data. It also locates devices through GPS, mobile network data (GSM) or the coordinates of the nearest wifi access points, while a Mugshot function secretly takes photos (using built-in camera) of whoever is using a stolen device.

Kaspersky says the program's UI is specifically suited for Android-based tablets, and a web management feature allows users to remotely access and control tablets via web interface.

Go Kaspersky Tablet Security

A rapid rebound from the 2008 global economic crisis, distribution of wealth across a growing middle class and more affordable prices are driving Russia to become the biggest PC market in Europe.

Russia will become the fourth-largest PC market in the world in 2012, according to IDC research director Stefania Lorenz.This means that for the first time more PCs will be sold in Russia than in Germany, Europe's decades-long epicenter of PC demand.

"Certainly Russia is a driving force in PC growth in Europe, and consumers are driving the growing volume of sales," Lorenz said in an interview for this story. "Between the first quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2011, consumer notebook sales in Russia grew from a staggering 241 percent [growing from a relatively small base of 273K units first quarter 2009 to 932K units first quarter 2010] to 21 percent in third quarter of 2011," she said. "And if you look at just the third quarter of 2011, of the 2.6 million PC units sold, 2.2 million of those were sold to consumers."

Improved living standards, computer literacy and Internet access across Russia, combined with a significant drop in prices, are making PCs attractive and accessible to more people, according to Lorenz.

Best Buy might be better known for consumer sales, even if Best Buy for Business (BBFB) has been part of the B2B market for quite a while, selling peripherals and accessories-- and now it adds Dell to the business portfolio.

BBFB sells a number of major brands (including HP, Lenovo and Samsung) as well as products from enterprise vendors such as Wyse Technologies, NComputing, Lacie and Fujitsu.

Why is a consumer product retailer pushing further towards enterprise? One has to keep in mind traditional retail is in trouble, and even Best Buy faces sliding revenues as customers do even more of their shopping online.

No wonder then that the retailer is making moves towards diversification-- in 2011 it bought managed services provider MindSHIFT, and expanded its services capabilities with Speakeasy and Geek Squad.

The Dell addition also shows vendors are looking for more volume national sales options, preferably under a trusted brand.

It is a sign of a changing market dynamic, and the rise of a new breed of channel competition. VARs and MSPs might not be able to rival Best Buy prices...

Go Best Buy for Business