Hewlett-Packard is planning to set up ''hands-on'' showrooms around China this year in co-operation with Intel to promote the HP laptop computer series and Intel's computer chips.
On Friday, HP will open the first four showrooms in Beijing and Shanghai. By the end of March, the company will open 15 showcases in other parts of the mainland, with an eventual goal of about 30 in all, according to HP China spokesman. Yu Jie.
The company said this would make HP the first company to employ this 'hands-on demo' concept on the mainland. The firm believes the move will boost HP's stake in the laptop computer market.
Mr Yu explained that most of the showrooms would be located in standard 'computer halls' or department stores where almost all brands of computers can be found. Hewlett-Packard has more than 200 special stores in China. But, Mr Yu said, 'unlike at those outlets, in the showrooms people can come try out and actually 'feel' our products and have the chance to compare the product with other brands next door.'
When asked whether this move was meant to put some pressure on HP's dealers, Mr Yu said no. 'We are not opening the showcases to sell products, but to boost brand awareness,' he said, but added purchasers may receive some discounts for on-the-spot purchases.
In the year 2000, HP became the first IT company on the mainland to pass the US$1-billion mark in sales. Its products range from printers and scanners to data storage facilities and network servers. HP ranked eighth in laptop sales in China in 2000.
