Hugh Symons takes on JVC's alternative to PDAs

Mobility distributor adds mini notebooks to its range

Mobility distributor Hugh Symons IT has added JVC's mini notebooks to its range in a two-year deal that makes it the vendor's second UK distributor.

The deal will cover JVC's ultra-light notebooks, designed for workers on the move. Mark Robinson, business unit manager at Hugh Symons, said the distributor will target SME resellers, offering an alternative to personal digital assistants (PDAs).

"The JVC mini-notebooks bridge the gap between a notebook and a PDA by offering full computing functionality," he said.

But Steve Muttram, managing director at mobility distributor Portable, said there was still huge demand for PDAs.

"PDAs fit into a particular part of the market and have functions that are required when you are on the road," he explained "There are functions that PDAs have that PCs do not, such as the ability to turn on and off at the touch of a button."

JVC's ultra-small notebooks will be immediately available to members of the distributor's Unity partner programme, as well as to three volume partners, including Insight.

Resellers will receive sales support, as well as training and marketing funds of up to £10,000.

Last month JVC signed broadline distributor Ingram Micro as its first mini-notebook distributor, targeting the corporate and retail markets.

Hugh Symons and its resellers will target new customers.

Lawrence Shone, account manager for Hugh Symons at JVC, said the distributor's specialist mobility skills made it an attractive partner.

"Ingram Micro was chosen for volume and Hugh Symons because of its specialisation in niche areas," he said.