With the news that Saitek have been bought out by another company interested only in their PC peripheral side - what is the future for their electronic chess computers which occupies over a third of the computer inventory of most chess retailers? It looks like the aquiring company is not interested in continuing their manufacture - so what does the horizon look like?
The probability is in increased sales for Novag and Excalibur. This is an excellent opportunity for both companies to really capitalize on sales in market that demands excellence in terms of quality. The opportunity exists to maintain and improve product ranges such that these two companies grasp strong leadership in the market and present hurdles to any potential entrant.
Saitek has rocked the niche market for chess computer purchases - it’s a blow - but it’s an opportunity for their competitors, particularly Novag - to take their products to a higher level.
The Novag Citrine (now back on track with their new cabinets and improved quality) is a great chess computer to be sure. But many users have suggested an improved set of pieces would be justified for this high level chess computer. So ChessBaron.co.uk have come out with an improved set of pieces re-engineered for the Citrine from their luxury chess set range. The set is this set of chess pieces and the complete chess computer product is here. The Citrine product is so improved that ChessBaron’s chess computer tester suggested that they should only sell the enhanced version. But they’re continuing to market both versions so that users can come back later and purchase the enhanced pieces. The company hope that the enhanced Novag Citrine will boost their Citrine sales over competitors who only have the standard set. With ChessBaron’s product - you get the standard pieces and the enhanced set too. The company say this enhanced set can be returned and if the original Citrine was bought from them the enhanced set can be bought later at the same price as the with-the-Citrine price. Innovation indeed. Our review of the product had everyone raving about it.