Toshiba dealers seek better desktop Ts&Cs

Resellers argue that top-rank status as notebook vendor has no bearing on Equium desktop range

Toshiba?s channel is calling for changes in the vendors? terms and conditions (Ts&Cs) prior to the manufacturer?s imminent UK debut in desktop PCs.

The Equium range of PCs is due to be launched in the UK on 2 June. But while some Toshiba resellers will be investing heavily in the Equium, others are adopting a wait and see approach.

Roy Howitt, sales manager at Business Systems Group, said the Equium launch would not be an automatic success for Toshiba. ?There?s no reason for corporates to switch to Toshiba desktops just because they use their notebooks. There would need to be compelling reasons for resellers to put their full weight behind the Equium range and I haven?t seen any so far.?

His sentiments are echoed by other Toshiba resellers. Compel and Computacenter have said they are looking at the Equium range with interest but feel that Toshiba will have to do something special to encourage the channel to get involved.

Mike Norris, Computacenter MD, said the channel would be looking for more attractive Ts&Cs for the desktops compared with Toshiba notebooks. ?Toshiba is number one in notebooks and its Ts&Cs reflect this. To kick start its desktop market presence, Toshiba will need to look at its Ts&Cs.?

Another reseller said Toshiba was likely to be able to form strong links with resellers unhappy with Compaq?s decision to open up a direct channel. ?I?m going to visit every corporate I?ve sold a Compaq desktop to and show them the Toshiba machine. Toshiba is well placed to become the indirect channel?s greatest ally.?

Prices and specifications for the UK models have not been announced by Toshiba, but in the US the entry-level Equium 5160D is priced at $1,899.