PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news

Sony has significantly reduced its 2006 profit forecast, following the recent laptop battery recall that is expected to cost in the region of £230m.

VIP is set to distribute a range of Logitech keyboards and mice aimed at the OEM channel.

Web search giant Google will buy the enormously popular video clip site YouTube, following a flurry of deals with a number of media firms.

ATI is giving away a free flying lesson in a competition promoting its multi-GPU platform CrossFire.

Rumours pointing towards a possible takeover of graphics specialist Nvidia by chip giant Intel have caused the former’s share prices to climb more than eight per cent this week – though anything resembling official backing the rumours is noticeable by its absence.

Components, peripherals and technology supplier Aria is launching Rush Hour VII on October 13th – its seventh 14-hour price drop which runs every two to three weeks, and offers some of its more popular products at heavily reduced prices for one hour each.

Supermarket giant Tesco is preparing to release a range of budget own-brand PC software applications, in direct competition with lines currently offered by the likes of Microsoft.

Hewlett-Packard is set to acquire gaming-rig vendor Voodoo, in a deal that is expected to close in November.

Microsoft is planning to offer free online versions of its spreadsheet and word processing software, in response to the emergence of web-based programmes from rival firms. 

Avnet Technology Solutions EMEA has appointed Achim Apel as president.

Zune, a 30GB MP3 player has been launched in the US and is expected to be just the first in a new range of ‘connected entertainment’ products from the software giant.

The most important trade event for all UK computer retailers, resellers and suppliers is moving to an earlier slot on the industry calendar.