PC Retail http://pcretailmag.com/ PC Retail en-uk Copyright 2006, Intent Media Gem acquires Exspect http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=1105 Harlow distributor Gem has acquired the assets and brands of the Exspect range of accessories. Anti-piracy partnership in Xbox giveaway http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=1097 Microsoft has teamed up with distributor VIP to bring attention to its Genuine Advantage anti-piracy initiative. Microsoft takes on security market http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=1094 Antivirus and maintenance software package is offered to the US market for a cool $50 a year Major margin maker from Acer and VIP http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=1061 To celebrate becoming an official partner of Acer notebooks, distributor VIP is offering retailers a boost by offering an Acer Travelmate 2423WXMi Notebook for £324.00. BT in surprise purchase of dabs.com http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=963 Telco giant swoops for etailer as part of its “strategy to strengthen its online sales and service capabilities.” VIP treat for footie fans http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=925 VIP hopes to capture the imagination of football fans in the run up to the World Cup with an HDTV/Media Center PC spring bundle. Dixons goes digital http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=908 Dixons is to become an exclusively online brand with 190 Dixons retail outlets being rebranded ‘Currys.digital’. Leading industry figure steps down http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=886 Clive Bishop, known to all in the industry as CEO of the trade body for computer retailers - NASCR - has resigned, citing irreconcilable differences with the NASCR committee. THX-Trade goes into administration http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=880 To be sold as going concern. Surprise axe for HCI in budget http://pcretailmag.com/newsitem.php?id=866 Chancellor Gordon Brown has shocked and dismayed the PC industry by cancelling tax relief for the Home Computing Initiative (HCI).