15.10.2024 | Platform ITscope Market barometer Q3/2024

The channel maintains its stability in the third quarter of 2024. The ITscope Market Barometer Q3/2024 indicates that the demand for IT products, especially notebooks and PC systems, continues to be strong.

ITscope Market barometer Q3/2024 as a PDF

The ITscope market barometer is based on ITscope GmbH’s own analysis.

The boom is absent

Despite the promising numbers, there's a noticeable hesitation among companies. According to Benjamin Mund, CEO of ITscope, market trends reveal a gap between current needs and executed investments: "The channel is doing well, even though it's often heard that companies are delaying investments," says Mund. "The devices acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic are slowly becoming due, having been written off and partially outdated." Uncertainty may be fueled by the current AI hype. "Whether PCs and notebooks with additional AI chips can truly prove their strengths in everyday business use remains to be seen," Mund concludes.

AI on the rise: Initial steps, but lacking momentum

As AI garners increasing attention as a trending topic, its actual integration, especially in the PC sector, is still in the early stages. The trend is more pronounced in notebooks, where AI features are increasingly supported by dedicated chips and NPUs (Neural Processing Units) intended to enhance productivity and extend battery life. In contrast, development in the desktop PC sector is less visible, as powerful graphics cards can already handle many AI tasks, and energy consumption is less of a concern. "We expect truly marketable and high-performing AI PCs only from 2025, when hardware and software are better integrated and AI models can be used more efficiently locally," explains Benjamin Mund.

Smart heroes in the meeting room: Network cameras and conference systems

Exciting advancements are occurring in the category of network cameras and conference systems, mainly driven by the adoption of AI-assisted solutions, which are leading to real change. Smart cameras that automatically focus on the speaker enhance videoconferences and make meetings more efficient. Features like noise reduction and automatic image adjustments are also gaining importance. "The integration of AI into conference systems enables a noticeable improvement in collaboration, especially with hybrid work models," explains Oliver Gorges, Director of Sales & Marketing at ITscope. Consequently, technologies from companies like Logitech and HP are experiencing increased demand on the platform.

AMD vs. Intel: The eternal showdown

In the processor sector, the rivalry between AMD and Intel remains intriguing, although Intel is under increasing pressure. AMD maintains its leading position, particularly due to the strong demand for the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which remains the most-clicked processor on ITscope in the third quarter of 2024. "AMD continues to demonstrate strong performance, especially in high-end processors," says Oliver Gorges. "Intel faces challenges on three fronts: against AMD and Qualcomm in the high-end market and against Nvidia in the AI sector." The declining prices of the Intel Core i7-14700K have sparked short-term interest, but the long-term development of the competition remains to be seen.

Benjamin Mund, CEO and Oliver Gorges, Director Sales & Marketing from ITscope.

Topics in this Market barometer

Highflyer: Fresh Products from the Superhero Forge
Notebooks: The Rise of AI Performers
PC systems: Tried-and-true heroes without AI
Network cameras & conference systems: Superpowers for digital collaboration
Mobile phones: Pocket-sized powerhouses
Tablets: New challengers in the battle for the top
CPU: AMD and Intel - the epic processor showdown
Multifunction printers: The last bastion against paperlessness
TFTs: Old masters meet pixel pioneers

Highflyer: Fresh Products from the Superhero Forge

The Highflyers of the third quarter of 2024 are the latest IT products that have captured the most attention on ITscope over the past six months. Based on ITscope users' click numbers, this list highlights which products have been particularly in the spotlight since their launch. For each product category, we recognize the most-clicked new product.

Rank 1: Lenovo ThinkPad E16 – Category: Notebooks
With an impressive 7,155 clicks (for comparison, the top Highflyer in Q2 only managed 2,033 clicks), the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 secures the top spot among ITscope Highflyers. This reliable business notebook features an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and Windows 11 Pro. However, testers from Chip.de have noted a lackluster color display on the 16-inch screen. The notebook saw particularly strong sales in June and July. Since then, its average dealer purchase price (HEK) has dropped by €60, continuing to attract numerous clicks on ITscope.

Rank 2: HP Pro 400 G9 –  Category: PC systems
The HP Pro 400 G9 Mini-PC secures the second spot with 2,714 clicks. Featuring an Intel Core i5 13500T processor, this compact computer excels in office efficiency. According to Notebookcheck, it delivers reliable performance while maintaining low energy consumption, making it ideal for daily office use.

Rank 3: Apple 11-inch iPad WiFi –  Category: Tablets
According to Macwelt, the 11-inch version of the Apple iPad WiFi stands out for its solid mid-range performance. While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking innovations, particularly in terms of the display, it remains a dependable choice for everyday tasks. The newly released iPad is currently available at an average dealer purchase price of €560.

Rank 4: Apple Pencil Pro –  Category: Notebook Accessories
The new Apple Pencil Pro comes with features like haptic feedback and rotation detection, particularly appealing to creative users. Its precision is praised, but there is criticism concerning its lack of compatibility with older iPad models. "It's especially frustrating for many that users of a new iPad Pro can't continue using their old stylus and are forced to purchase a new one," comments Benjamin Mund.

Rank 5: Apple Magic Keyboard –  Category: Input Devices
The Apple Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop. Featuring a backlit keyboard and built-in trackpad, it provides a comfortable typing experience, perfect for working on the go. Priced at 324.01 €, it's considered quite high for a keyboard. Rumors suggest that Apple is currently working on a more affordable version for beginners.

Rank 6: Apple Power Adapter – 20 Watt – Category: Chargers
Like many other manufacturers, Apple no longer includes chargers with its iPads. This situation propelled the new Apple power adapter straight into the ITscope Top 10. The USB-C adapter from Apple is versatile, efficiently charging phones and tablets at 20 watts.

Rank 7: Iiyama ProLite XUB2493HS-B6 – LED Display –  Category: TFTs
This 24-inch LED monitor stands out with its Full HD resolution and 100 Hz refresh rate. Its IPS panel ensures accurate color reproduction and consistent viewing angles, while the frameless design makes it perfect for multi-monitor setups. Additionally, the monitor offers comfort for extended work hours with its height-adjustable stand and eye-friendly blue light reduction.

Rank 8: Quectel EM061K-GL – Wireless cellular modem –  Category: Interface Cards
The Quectel wireless LTE modem was so popular last quarter that it was temporarily sold out, a remarkable occurrence for a niche product. On ITscope, it can be seen that the cellular modem in M.2 format was often ordered alongside Lenovo notebooks, suggesting a link to Lenovo's patent dispute: The LTE card allows for easy upgrades to notebooks, enabling them to surf with LTE Advanced and 4G at speeds of up to 300 Mbps.

Rank 9: Ubiquiti Cloud Key UniFi UCK-G2-SSD –  Category: Network equipment
The Ubiquiti Cloud Key UniFi is a plug-and-play network management system that facilitates easy network setup and management. This device has been highly sought after this quarter but was scarcely available at most retailers, driving up clicks on ITscope. The average dealer purchase price is €239.97.

Rank 10: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max –  Category: Mobile phones
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has been listed on ITscope since September 10th but has yet to be delivered by any distributor. Despite this, the new Apple smartphone has already made it to the Highflyers of the third quarter due to the high interest in the model. Rated as "Very Good" (1.3) by Computerbild, the high-end model is praised for its large 6.9-inch OLED display, fast performance, excellent camera, and long battery life, once again setting a high bar for smartphones. However, Giga reports that the new Apple model is already experiencing initial touchscreen issues.

See the most active 15 new releases on ITscope - our high-flyers:

ITscope users can use the link in the table to go directly to the product page in ITscope.

Notebooks: The Rise of AI Performers

In the third quarter of 2024, laptops demonstrate strong performance on the ITscope platform, surpassing the click numbers from the previous quarter and both prior years. Devices from Lenovo and HP are particularly popular among businesses, with upgradable memory and powerful hardware being key factors for buyers. At the same time, AI features are increasingly gaining attention.

Interest in notebooks on ITscope is higher than in the third quarter of previous years.

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 leads the pack

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 has claimed the top position among notebooks with 7,155 clicks. Since its launch in April 2024, it has gained increasing popularity, particularly in June and July, with strong click and sales numbers. Priced at €752.77 and featuring two SO-DIMM slots for up to 64 GB RAM, Lenovo emphasizes flexibility. The shift back to upgradeable memory is particularly well-received by business customers. The version with a Ryzen-5 processor also made it to the 13th spot in the ITscope category.

AI-Enhanced productivity

Several models in the ITscope top lists boast AI features, typically referring to special performance tools or productivity enhancements. The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2, for instance, uses Intel Core Ultra processors with an NPU to lower energy consumption and extend battery life. These features are often labeled as AI-driven productivity improvements but do not offer comprehensive AI applications. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 for Business (ranked 6th) also utilizes AI-based functions like Windows Studio Effects to optimize video conferencing through AI.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6: Real progress with Snapdragon X Elite

While many notebooks only advertise AI-assisted productivity, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 with the Snapdragon X Elite processor brings genuine AI power to the table. Unlike many AI features that focus on optimizations, the integrated NPU of the Snapdragon X Elite enables powerful, energy-efficient AI applications. With 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), the T14s offers significantly more computing capacity for AI processes than typical office laptops—ideal for data-intensive applications and long battery life without compromising performance.

HP ProBook 450 G10 on the Rise

The HP ProBook 450 G10 secures two spots in the top 10. The i7 version, ranked 5th, is equipped with a dedicated GeForce-RTX-2050 graphics card, making it suitable for more graphics-intensive tasks. The i5 version of the same model is in 3rd place. Both versions offer good value for money.

Discontinued Models Still in Demand

Several older Lenovo models remain in the top 15 despite limited availability. These notebooks, which have already been replaced by successors, are only sporadically available from many retailers but continue to be in high demand in Q3 due to their proven performance and good value for money.

The ThinkPad L15 Gen 4: This notebook is now scarcely available.

PC systems: Tried-and-true heroes without AI

Even as AI continues to garner attention, specialized "AI PCs" have yet to break into the top 15 of the ITscope rankings. Currently, traditional PC systems, which prioritize powerful graphics cards and processors, remain dominant. While some systems offer special performance features or software optimizations, the real benefits of AI functions are often limited to smaller features. An example is the Dell OptiPlex 7020 at rank 11, which, despite offering AI-supported audio and productivity enhancements through Dell Optimizer, doesn't integrate comprehensive AI applications.

Increasing demand for mini-PCs

In the third quarter of 2024, there is a rising demand for complete PC systems on ITscope. Particularly compact and efficient models are in high demand among businesses. Lenovo continues to be well-represented, as in the previous quarter, with many models. In total, 8 out of the 15 most-clicked systems are from Lenovo.

Complete PC systems achieve their best click numbers on ITscope in Q3 in two years.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M70q Gen4 12E3 remains unrivaled

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M70q Gen4 12E3 maintains its leading position by a large margin. With 12,639 clicks in Q3, it is well ahead of other models. Notably, the click numbers rose sharply in August despite the usual summer slump. The compact model, measuring just 18 x 18 cm and equipped with an Intel Core i5-13400T processor, is often praised for its efficiency. The Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50q Gen 4 also continues to perform well, holding the 5th spot. According to ComputerBild, the model offers "a lot of power in a small space" and is noted for its decent working speed.

In August, interest in the Lenovo ThinkCentre M70q Gen4 12E3 increased noticeably.

Up-and-coming models from HP The HP Pro 400 G9 Mini made it from 57th to 2nd place. With an Intel Core i5-13500T processor and 12 cores, it offers good performance, a solid SSD and 16 GB RAM. According to a test report from Notebookcheck, the device impresses in everyday office use with its "good efficiency". The HP Workstation Z2 G9 - for once not a compact mini model - scores particularly well with companies with high computing power and security requirements. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-14700K processor, it is a reliable solution for demanding workloads.

Network cameras & conference systems: Superpowers for digital collaboration

For the first time, the ITscope Market Barometer takes a closer look at the "Network Cameras & Conference Systems" category. This category has gained significant importance in recent months, particularly due to the introduction of AI-supported systems that elevate video conferencing to a new level. The offerings range from high-priced conference solutions and accessories to affordable webcams and surveillance cameras, making the category especially exciting and diverse.

Logitech MeetUp secures top positions

With 1,202 clicks, the Logitech MeetUp is the most-clicked product in the category. Since its introduction in 2017, the 4K videobar has remained popular in small conference rooms. With a dealer purchase price (HEK) of €419.67, it offers good value for money. This year, Logitech launched the successor, MeetUp 2, featuring AI technology, which is almost twice as expensive. It remains to be seen if the latest version will be equally successful in the future. In second place is the Rally Bar video soundbar, also from Logitech.

Intelligent conference solutions on the rise

AI-driven conference systems are gaining increasing importance. A standout is the Owl Labs Meeting Owl 3, which secures the 5th place with 498 clicks. The owl-shaped camera delivers a 360-degree view and automatically focuses on speaking individuals by processing optical, acoustic, and motion data. With this AI-supported feature, the Owl 3 ensures seamless conferences in hybrid teams. The successor model, the Owl Labs Meeting Owl 4+, offers even more: 4K resolution, greater audio range, and improved AI that even recognizes where people are looking in the room. These enhancements have helped the Owl 4+ climb directly to 20th place in the ITscope rankings, further increasing the demand for smart conference technology.

With a HEK of €3,480.54, the AI-driven conference system HP Poly Studio X52 is the most expensive product in the ITscope Top 15. The "DirectorAI" software enables intelligent camera control, focusing on the speaker and reducing distractions from other people in the background. The system is suitable for rooms up to 6x6 meters.

Webcams and surveillance cameras remain in demand

Alongside complex conference systems, simple webcams and surveillance cameras are also in demand. The Logitech BRIO 105, an affordable webcam, secures the 8th spot with 332 clicks, while the Poly Studio P5 offers a comparable solution with audio functions at the 12th spot. These models provide Full HD resolution and are particularly suitable for smaller offices or home offices.

In the surveillance camera sector, the Ubiquiti G5 Professional impresses in 10th place. With a HEK of €318.69 and a weatherproof design, it is described on OMG.de as a "simple and cost-effective complete solution" for outdoor use.

Mobile phones: Pocket-sized powerhouses

In the third quarter of 2024, the mobile phones category once again recorded an increase in clicks - more than in the second quarter and also more than in previous years. New models such as the iPhone 16 are causing a stir, although the new Apple flagship is not yet represented in the top 15 of the category.

Interest in mobile phones was higher in this quarter than in previous years.

Apple dominates the top positions

As in the previous quarter, Apple continues to lead the click statistics. The iPhone 15 Pro Max takes first place with 3,222 clicks, after being in second place in the previous quarter. The model has been listed since September 2023 and benefits from a new iOS update that improves the torch function, among other things. The iPhone 15 secured second place with 2,741 clicks. Due to high sales figures, stock levels were briefly lower in September, resulting in a significant increase in the number of clicks on ITscope.

The history for the iPhone 15 on ITscope shows large sales in June and September.

Samsung models make gains

Samsung also manages to get several models into the top 15. According to Chip, it is an affordable mid-range mobile phone with good hardware that scores points with an OLED display and 5G support. The Galaxy A15 5G, which is one of the cheaper models with a retail price of €139.80, comes in 11th place. ComputerBild emphasises the good features, especially the bright OLED screen and 5G connectivity, but criticises the slow performance. While the purchase price of Apple models remains stable, it is worth setting price alerts for Samsung smartphones, as major price fluctuations can occur here.

Tablets: New challengers in the battle for the top

Despite a slight decline compared to the previous quarter when the new iPads were launched, the tablet category remains strong. The number of clicks is stable compared to the previous year, and with the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy Tabs, an exciting development is expected in the next quarter. The price differences between Apple and Samsung remain clear.

 
The trend shows a decline, but with over 62,000 clicks on the top 100, tablets remain popular.

Apple dominates Tablet-Charts

The Apple iPad Wi-Fi remains in first place with 6,630 clicks, but the gap to the competition is gradually narrowing. The new iPad models were already presented in detail in the last Market Barometer. As expected, the Apple 11-inch iPad Air Wi-Fi with 128 GB of memory is doing particularly well, coming in 6th place with 2,026 clicks. With a RRP of €560.13, it is significantly more expensive than the first-placed model, but also significantly faster and more modern.

Microsoft surprises with Surface Pro 10

The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 for Business has made a significant leap, climbing from the 72nd position in the previous quarter to 3rd place with 2,507 clicks. This model utilizes Intel's modern Meteor-Lake processors with up to 12 cores and is designed for business users. The brighter display and optional 5G capability make it a strong contender for mobile use, according to Heise.

Samsung excels with value for money

Following in 4th place is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ with 2,410 clicks. This affordable model, priced at a HEK of €153.07, is considerably cheaper than its Apple counterparts while still delivering solid performance. In the coming months, Samsung claims the tablet will support Galaxy AI technology, potentially increasing its appeal further. For budget-conscious buyers, Samsung remains an attractive option. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, ranked 10th, is described by Chip as a "high-quality yet affordable all-around tablet."

Samsung's rugged tablet

Ranked 9th is the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5, a rugged outdoor tablet with a replaceable battery, suited for specific use cases. According to TechStage, it is well-suited for outdoor or demanding work environments, such as in industry. Its robust casing, swappable battery, and IP68 certification support this functionality.

CPU: AMD and Intel - the epic processor showdown

In the CPU/processors category, the long-standing rivalry between AMD and Intel continues unabated. Throughout 2024, AMD has consistently held the top positions on the ITscope platform, while Intel faces increasing pressure. The industry giant is struggling with challenging market conditions and internal issues, leading to delays in the planned chip factory in Magdeburg. At the same time, there are rumors that U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm might be interested in acquiring Intel. Although this is currently speculative, it indicates that Intel's market position is becoming unstable.

AMD out in front

In the current market barometer, AMD once again defended its first place in the CPUs category on the ITscope platform. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is at the top. The demand for the 4.2 GHz processor with AM5 socket was so high that the price rose. Curiously, at the beginning of October, the WSP of €390.74 was higher than that of the more powerful Ryzen 9 7900X3D in 7th place (€382.02) – a rather unusual development. The high-end processor is so popular that it has already attracted fraudsters: According to Hardwareluxx, counterfeit models have been discovered on a Romanian online platform. 

In second place is the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, a powerful 16-core processor praised by Computerbild for its high working speed. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D, which was only released in 2024, was able to catch up strongly in the ranking and made it to 12th place in Q3. The processor saw a significant price drop, which makes it attractive for compute-intensive tasks and gaming. It is also interesting for upgraders, as it runs on AM4 platforms.

Intel under price pressure

The continuously falling WSP for Intel processors in the top 10 on ITscope is striking, and this is also evident for current models such as the Core i7 14700K, which made it to 4th place in the ranking. The weaker i7-12700KF in 3rd place also shows a price decrease, albeit less significantly. The falling prices may be due to Intel's tarnished image. Most recently, a hardware bug caused a stir that led to instabilities in overclockable CPUs like the i7-14700K. The processors could wear out prematurely due to excessive voltage. Intel has since fixed the problem with a microcode update and extended the warranty, but the damage has already been done. 

The average WSP for the Intel Core i/-14700K drops from €350 to €326 at the end of September.

Multifunction printers: The last bastion against paperlessness

The printing industry continues to experience turbulent times, particularly with regard to increasing digitalisation. According to a Bitkom study, four out of ten companies in Germany now work largely paperless. On the ITscope platform, the demand for reliable printers remains unbroken, even if the number of clicks has fallen slightly compared to the previous year.

Movement at the top

At the top, an exciting change occurred in Q3: The Kyocera ECOSYS P2040dn has overtaken the long-standing leader, despite being on the market since 2016. Nevertheless, it delivers a solid performance with 40 pages per minute. In second place is the Brother MFC-L2800DW, which was already highlighted in the last Market Barometer.

Prices are climbing at HP

The former leader, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw, has slipped to fourth place, likely due to a continuous price increase since May. Other top models from HP are also affected by this trend. For instance, the dealer purchase price (HEK) of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw has risen by nearly 50%, and that of the HP Officejet Pro 9010e by more than 75%. Despite this, the models remain popular on ITscope, ranking third and fifth, respectively.

Both the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw (above) and the HP Officejet Pro 9010e (below) have recently seen a significant increase in their retail price.

The price of the HP Officejet Pro 9730e, which has moved up to 11th place with its A3 print format, remains stable.

TFTs: Old masters meet pixel pioneers

The TFT monitor category in the third quarter of 2024 shows lower overall click numbers compared to previous years. Despite fewer new models, well-established classics continue to hold their ground.

Dell remains dominant

At the top of the list is the Dell P2422H, which has led the rankings for several years with 4,501 clicks, although the gap to the second-place model is narrowing. The Dell P2425H, a newer model from 2024, is emerging as a potential successor. Ranked fourth with 1,504 clicks, this monitor is already achieving notable success, likely due to its declining purchase price.

The price of the new Dell P2425H monitor has fallen since its market launch.

In 12th place is the curved Dell P3424WE. With a resolution of 3440 x 1440, USB-C and HDMI, it attracts professional users who need an extended field of view.

Note: Wholesale selling prices (WSP) as at 30/09/2024

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sylvia.schreiber@itscope.com
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About the ITscope Market barometer

ITscope is one of the leading platforms for IT procurement and sales in the B2B sector. It provides valuable support to system houses, resellers, distributors, and manufacturers in their digitalization efforts. One of the highlights of ITscope is its quarterly publication, the ITscope Market Barometer, which offers intriguing insights into the ever-evolving ICT industry. This includes identifying the most sought-after products among B2B customers and monitoring the fluctuating purchase prices of smartphones, notebooks, and processors. With its comprehensive market analysis, ITscope offers exclusive and valuable insights into the sales trends and market dynamics of the channel.