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Articles - Qware Microphone - The Benefits Of Free Hardware"

"Hardware prices fall year on year, we all know that. But cheap prices usually mean

out-of-date products. What about timeless products without specifications to go out-of-date?"

The market for technology and computer magazines is fairly competitive. There are some large publishers and some smaller, however regardless of size, the one target remains; To sell as many copies as possible in order to maximise sales revenue.

How you do this is entirely up to you. Nearly all magazines today feature free cover disks packed with every utility and game demo under the sun. Other publishers will include guide books or the occasional full program. While these are, to a great extent 'crowd pullers' and will attract consumers to buy issues, these days they are hardly original.

But there is an entirely new and original way to attract large sales figures. Appealing not only to occasional magazine buyers, but to computer novices, featuring free hardware items with you publication will no doubt boost sales.

Up to this day free hardware and tangible gifts have been limited to subscribing readers due to their cost and the problems associated with distribution of larger items. This is no more, prices of computer components are constantly falling. And while the falling prices usually tend to be for the products with redundant specifications, what about those products without physical specifications?

For there are products in the marketplace that will remain the "same" for their entire lifespan. One such product is the multimedia microphone. A technologically simple device that adds immense to the functionality to the household and workplace computer.

The increasing number of broadband users in the UK and the unpopularity of chat-rooms has prompted a dramatic surge in the use of instant messenger programs. Such programs offer voice and video conferencing effectively allowing users to make PC to PC calls. Telephony programs, diction, voice commands in games and voice though e-mail attachments are all functions available to users due to the presence of a microphone.

What makes this proposal even more feasible is the fact that new computers are very very rarely sold and shipped with microphones. Ownership in relation PC units is extremely low. However the standard 'stick' microphone with desk and monitor mounts currently retails for around £10 in UK and online stores and consumers are happy to pay this if they require a desktop microphone.

However bundling a £10 microphone with a £5 magazine clearly isn't possible. That is what makes the new Qware multimedia microphone unique. Available at a list price of only £1.95 (inc VAT) this would allow you to be the first mid-priced magazine if the UK (possibly world) to feature free hardware. As mentioned ownership is low thus prompting sales and subsequent brand loyalty leading to subscriptions. The microphone itself would also allow for a vast array of articles on PC telephony, how-to guides, news and music/vocals creation.

Physically speaking the benefit of a microphone is its size. With a height smaller than that of the publication and a depth no wider then a 'jewelcase' the microphone would put no strains of packaging or distribution. Yet the size of the base, inclusion of monitor mount and appearance of wires psychologically makes the consumer add value to the publication and will present a magazine that is extremely good value.

Dabs.com is currently retailing Qware microphone at £3.52 (inc Del.) so even at the list price the consumer will not be able to purchase the unit for a more competitive price. Finally the build quality of the Qware microphone is exceptional. The materials are sturdy and the inclusion of an on/off switch on the top distinguishes the product as better quality than those similar units retailing at £10

In conclusion, originality is hard to come by these days, especially if it entails sales, brand recognition and customer loyalty. Being the first magazine to feature free hardware the cover will be a bold move that will clearly distinguish your brand in the marketplace.

The Qware microphone is available from EuroTech Marketing Services Ltd for £1.95 (list inc VAT) Bulk discounts may be available. Please contact EutoTech on 0870 458 0011 for further information.