10 Hot Products For The SMB-Focused Solution Provider
Laser Focus
D&H Distributing is in the business of knowing what solution providers targeting small and midsize businesses need to be at their best. The Harrisburg, Pa.-based distributor has had its finger on the pulse of the SMB market for a long time, giving the company an insight to the market that is hard to come by.
CRN touched base with D&H at its trade show in Boston last month to find out what products may be making a big splash in the market. From education products to clever and convenient mobile devices and a few old-fashioned necessities, here are 10 products suited for the SMB-focused solution provider.
HP Sprout
HP Sprout is an all-in-one computer that is able to scan 2-D and 3-D images, which users can then edit with either the computer's 20-inch diagonal, 20-point enabled touch mat or its 23-inch HD touch screen. Sprout is well suited for the education space and for small businesses looking to collaborate on projects in three dimensions. Sprout's touch mat connects via magnetic USB and allows up to four hands work on it simultaneously. It also includes a stylus for a comfortable writing and drawing experience. The Sprout has a $1,899.99 price tag.
Acer K132 Portable Light Projector
This compact DLP LED projector from Acer is aimed at the business professional on the go. Weighing in at less than a pound, this projector measures 5.5 x 4.6 x 1.6 inches. The projector has a brightness of 500 ANSI lumens and with an HDMI connection and native WXGA (1,280 x 800) HD resolution, it can produce a clear picture when the lights are dimmed. The lamp will last 30,000 hours in eco mode and 20,000 hours in standard mode. The retail price is $499.
D-Link DCS-2310L 1 MP HD Cube PoE IP Camer a
D-link's 1 MP HD Cube PoE IP Camera is a security camera with functionality suited for small businesses. The camera can be used indoor and out throughout the night or day. It has a 5-meter IR illumination distance and a built-in microphone/speaker. With 10X digital zoom and a 58-degree horizontal field of view, it can be programmed to activate when it senses motion. The camera comes cloud-enabled so users can look at it from their mobile devices at any time. It also comes with a one-year warranty and has a suggested retail price of $389.99.
XYZ Da Vinci Jr. 3-D printer
The da Vinci Jr. 3D can fit the needs of educators looking for a 3-D printing solution. The printer is designed to be simple and safe to use, with a non-heated, completely enclosed print tray. The da Vinci Jr. prints with a filament that comes in a cartridge similar to toner cartridges for laser printers and eliminates much of the confusion associated with loading 3-D printers. XYZ has eliminated the need for users to calibrate the printer before use and developed a new, auto-loading filament system for a simpler experience. The printer weighs 33 pounds and measures 42 x 43 x 38 centimeters. It can print 3-D renderings up to 15 centimeters in length, width and height with a 100-micron resolution. The da Vinci Jr. 3D printer starts at $349.
Plantronics SAVI 740
The Plantronics SAVI 740 is an over-the-ear configuration Bluetooth headset that connects to a user's desk phone and mobile phone. The headset works wirelessly and has a range of up to 350 feet so users can move about the office or check invent. It comes with built-in sound-cancellng technology and a charging base that automatically routes mobile calls to the mobile phone or headset depending on which is in reach. It also allows the user to transfer audio between the headset and mobile with the press of a button so users can leave the office and take the call with them. Plantronics lists the SAVI 740 at $399.95.
Dell Chromebook 11
The Dell Chromebook 11 sports the first-ever interactive, non-disruptive activity light on a Chromebook. The LED light on the back of the laptop can be programmed to change colors when students are using the right websites during class or provide a quick visual cue for in-class polls to potentially gauge student engagement and comprehension visually and immediately. It has a battery that can last up to seven hours and includes a Corning Gorilla Class touch screen and rubberized LCD and base trim that is MIL-STD tested. This Chromebook from Dell sports a 4th Gen Intel core processor and is automatically scanned for malware in the cloud, so it stays secure without additional software. It has a $249 price tag.
Intel NUC5i5RYH Desktop
The Intel NUC5i5RYH is an ultra-compact desktop computer that is perfect for businesses looking to save space without sacrificing quality. It comes with the 5th generation Intel Core i5-5250U processor with Intel Boost Technology 2. The device comes with a replaceable lid so users can change its look to fit their style. The computer also comes with imbedded security for extra piece of mind. This Intel computer is selling for around $360 retail.
Sennheiser SP 20 MB Portable Speakerphone
This portable speakerphone system is simple as it can be, simply plug and play. It’s suited for business professionals on the go who need to be able to contact the whole team on while on the job. The USB-based speakerphone also has a headphone jack included so it can be used with laptops, phones or tablets. The SP 20 is still small enough that it can be carried in a pocket from room to room. The Sennheiser Speakerphone SP 20 is priced at $199.95.
iPad Air Defender Series Case
The Otterbox Defender series iPad Air case is a back-to-school item that can extend the life of iPad Air for educators. This case protects the iPad Air from drops, dust and scratches with a built-in screen protector and a multiple layers that absorb shocks and deflects the impact force away from the device inside. The case comes with a two-piece internal polycarbonate shell, clear screen protector and external slipcover made out of synthetic rubber, providing a better grip and even more impact absorption. The case is listed at $99.90 retail, which includes a stand.
HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen8
The HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen8 is a surprisingly small and quiet server that fits the needs of professionals looking to save space in the office. This server, weighing in at 21 pounds, is certified to run Windows Server Foundation, Essentials and Standard all within a fanless design that operates at a noise level of just 21 decibels adjusted, or about as loud as a whisper. The server operates on a low-wattage power supply so small businesses save on network infrastructure costs. It is listed at $399.