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Geo helps Tactus Group to win 2021 Microsoft Device Partner of the Year

By News

Geo helps Tactus Group to win 2021 Microsoft Device Partner of the Year

Tactus Group, the specialists in consumer and educational technology, has received the prestigious Microsoft Device Partner of the Year Award for the outstanding growth achieved by portfolio brand Geo Computers.

The company was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

In the past 12 months alone, Geo Computers, the Tactus-owned brand specialising in Windows devices, has seen a 600 per cent revenue rise. In our last financial year, we sold 280,000 of our specialist Windows devices, which includes our GeoBook Minecraft Edition laptops. Retailers that stock our devices now include Amazon, Very, John Lewis and Argos in the UK and Best Buy in the US, and we have plans to further expand our reach into new markets.

Tactus are a business built around a family ethos, dedicated to succeeding together. Meet the board members, from left: Rich Hughes, Alec Woolford, Rich Winsland, Scott Brenchley.

Alongside our sales performance, we were recognised for our commitment to making technology affordable and accessible for all. By partnering with the Department of Education (DfE), we have supplied 165,000 laptops to underprivileged school children in the UK – 15 per cent of the total number provided by DfE.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide.

Scott Brenchley, CEO at Tactus Group, said:

“Being named the Microsoft Device Partner of the Year is a landmark accomplishment for Tactus Group, and again demonstrates the extraordinary dedication and talent across our brands to make technology accessible and affordable for all.

“Working with Microsoft has given us the impetus to continue innovating our product range to embrace the latest technologies and make a lasting difference to the way people work, learn and play on a global scale.”

Tactus’ success to date owes a lot to its culture. The firm’s staff look after each other, work hard and believe in honesty, innovation, creativity and teamwork.

“I am honoured to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards,” said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. “These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customers—from cloud-to-edge—and represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer.”

Press contact (UK):

Andy Haywood, MC2
andyh@thisismc2.com
07568 096543

Press contact (US):

Mayumi Yokomizo, Geo
mayumi@geo-computers.com
+1 (310) 210-2733

Geo set to launch Minecraft laptops at Best Buy in time for back-to-school

By News

Geo set to launch Minecraft laptops at Best Buy in time for back-to-school

Geo, the UK-based tech company that specializes in making premium finish Windows 10 laptops, will now sell its products at US electronics retailer, Best Buy.

The GeoBook 120 Minecraft Edition – a laptop optimized to play the popular video game, that has amassed 140 million monthly users to date – will be available exclusively on Bestbuy.com and in select Best Buy stores beginning in early June. The laptop is Minecraft Creeper Green with colored WASD keys, comes with the Game, bonus digital content and stickers and will retail for approximately $259.99. In addition to the Minecraft features, the laptop offers built in security with Windows 10 in S Mode, and is designed to support remote learning with its 2MP webcam, dual microphones and speakers. In addition, a free one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal is included.

GeoBook 120 12.5-inch Laptop in Hot Pink, Cool Blue and Arctic Purple

Best Buy will also carry a selection of GeoBook portable, lightweight Windows 10 laptops that are designed to be slim, compact and affordable. This includes the GeoBook 240 model (MSRP $399), a 14-inch notebook with full-HD, an Intel Pentium Quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD with a rubberized chassis, as well as the GeoBook 120 (MSRP $239), a 12.5 inch notebook in three fresh colors: hot pink, arctic purple and cool blue.

Geo is part of Tactus Group, a $175m UK technology business, providing multi-branded IT hardware to global retailers and the public sector, developing a strong reputation and trading relationships with leading corporate technology businesses, as a Microsoft Gold Partner and a direct Microsoft OEM partner. Its product portfolio includes IT hardware, smart home technology and tech wearable apparel, which it retails through partnerships with high profile ecommerce and high street retailers worldwide.

Scott Brenchley, CEO at Tactus Group, said:

“Best Buy is known for its commitment to providing quality technology products, so it is a fantastic achievement to be able to announce this availability with our GeoBook range. The deal will provide us with a hugely valuable route into the thriving US consumer electronics market and will help us with our ambitions to grow the Tactus and Geo brands globally in the coming years.”

Alvaro Celis, Vice President, Device Partner Sales, Microsoft said:

“As Remote/Hybrid learning and work are unstoppable trends in the new normal, and as we engage in this new paradigm, the demand for Personal computers will continue to increase. The GeoBook portfolio offers Best Buy customers a colorful range of well-priced, high quality PCs that deliver great value for their customers. Geo has developed an outstanding reputation for producing innovative, sleek and stylish products at affordable prices, and I am excited to see their expansion in the US market.”

UK Press contact:
Andy Haywood, MC2
andyh@thisismc2.com
+44 (0) 7568 096543
US Press contact:
Mayumi Yokomizo, Geo
mayumi@geo-computers.com
+1 (310) 210-2733

Watch the videos to find out more!

GEOBOOK 3Si FAQs

By FAQS

GeoBook 3Si

FAQs

Need help with your GeoBook 3Si?

Our support team have used their knowledge to put together a list of answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Q: The battery does not charge. What should I do?

A: There are 3 main possible reasons for this problem: bad connection, improper temperature condition, or damaged battery or adapter.

As for bad connection, the user should:

  1. Check all connectors to ensure proper connectivity;
  2. Unplug the supplied power adapter from the wall and verify that the outlet is functioning;
  3. Check all cable connections, plug the adapter back into the device, and then plug back into the wall socket;

In regards to improper temperature conditions, i.e. the device’s temperature is below 0°C or higher than 35°C,  the user should change the location and charge the battery in an ambient temperature between 0°C to 35°C. If the battery or adapter has been damaged, contact an authorised reseller to replace the battery or power adapter.

Q: My battery drains quickly, even when the device is in Standby Mode. What is wrong with it?

A: If the device is not in range of a network it can connect to, the device continues to send out signals to locate a base station and drains the battery. So, temporarily turn on the device, or move the device in range of a network it can connect to, or temporarily turn on the wireless connection on your device.

In addition, if the device keeps checking for Windows updates, even in Standby mode, the battery will drain quickly too. It is normal in this case. The user can disable
it by selecting “Never check for update”. However, this is not recommended. The user should be cautious before doing this.

Q: The device does not turn on. What should I do?

A: It may be because the battery is completely discharged. Charge the device for at least 4 hours, then press and hold the Power Button for 3 seconds to turn on the device.

(Note: sometimes the power button needs to be held down for longer than the 3 seconds if it is in a hard shutdown mode)

Q: How can I increase the space on my GeoBook 3Si?

A: 1. Complete a Disk Clean-Up (To create more free storage space)

  • Once you have completed your update, to create more free storage space, type ‘Disk Clean-up’ into the search box and select the Disk Clean-up app
  • Now press ‘Clean up system files’
  • Then select the files, including any previous old Windows installation files by ticking the boxes to the left of the window. Once you are happy to delete the selected files, press OK. This will, permanently delete the selected files and increase your free available storage.

Note: Once these files are deleted, you will not be able to restore to the previous Windows 10 version

 2. Use an external hard drive. You can insert external devices via the ports provided.

You will need to ensure that this size of hard drive is sufficiently powered so that you can connect the device. If the HD is of a large size, you will need a USB-Y cable and another USB power input to give your HD the power that it will need (you can use a charger for this). Once powered and plugged in, the HD should be recognised by your GeoBook 1 immediately and be ready to use.

Q: The Device is connected to the power adapter for charging, but still fails to turn on. Why?

A: If the device has been idle for a long period of time, or has just been purchased and used for the first time, it’s battery might be completely discharged. In this case it is suggested that the user should charge the battery for over half an hour before turning it on, so as to guarantee the stability of its system.

Q: The Device does not turn off. What should I do?

A: Press and hold the Power Button for 10 seconds to perform a hard shut down.

Note: User will need to wait for about 8 seconds before turning the device back on again after it has shut down.

Q: Can blind or visually impaired people use this GeoBook 3Si?

A: Yes. This device supports a featured function designed for blind or visually impaired people. This is the Narrator mode. Narrator is a screen reader that vocalizes all elements on screen, including text and buttons. To enable Narrator mode, select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator, then toggle the slider to turn on Narrator.
 In Narrator mode, every time you select an option, you will hear a voice telling you the text or button you are selecting.

Q: The system crashes, or the screen turns blue, after startup. What can I do?

A: This may be because the device system has been damaged to some extent from improper shut-down actions. In shut down status, we recommend restarting your device following the instructions below:

  • Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
  • While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
  • On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
  • Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

OR

  • To reset, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.
  • For a full, factory reset, remove all settings and files. Please externally save all files you wish to keep before doing this.
  • Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

OR

  • If you wish to boot from an EFI USB, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced start-up.
  • Choose Use a device and select the device you wish to boot from.
  • Your PC will restart and will boot from the device chosen. Follow the instructions to complete

Q: Unable to access the account due to a lost password. What should I do?

A: If you don’t have a Microsoft account and have forgotten your local account password, you can’t recover it. Instead, you’ll need to reset your PC. Please see instructions below:

    1. Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
    2. While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
    3. On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
    4. Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

Note: Following these steps will remove all of your data, programs, and settings.

Q: There is no wireless connection; how do I set this up?

A: Check if the wireless radio is on. See Wi-Fi setting.

  1. Try to get closer to the wireless access point.
  2. Reset the wireless router if using a private network; open the browser to view the landing page if using a public network.

Q: The touchpad of the keyboard is not functioning?

A: If there has been no damage to the device, the reason is likely associated to the touchpad drivers or user error. Please try the below suggestions:

  • Complete all available updates; continue to perform updates until there is no more remaining when you click ‘Check for updates’ in Update & Security Settings
  • Ensure that the keyboard lock is not turned on- this can be found on the right-hand side of the device, next to the power button
  • Check that the touchpad lock is not turned on, via your function keys (Fn + F3)
  • Troubleshoot your keyboard via the Update & Security Settings
  • Fully shutdown the device and restart.

Please also check Device Manager to ensure your drivers are all functioning and updated. If you have any ‘Unknown’ devices or drivers in Device Manager, please use the attached driver sheet to update.

As a final resort, we recommend resetting the device back to factory settings- you will need to remove all files and settings. Please externally backup any files you wish to keep before you perform this action.

GEOBOOK 4 FAQs

By FAQS

GeoBook 4

FAQs

Need help with your GeoBook 4?

Our support team have used their knowledge to put together a list of answers to your most frequently asked questions.

geobook4_windows10_laptop

Q: The battery does not charge. What should I do?

A: There are 3 main possible reasons for this problem: bad connection, improper temperature condition, or damaged battery or adapter.

As for bad connection, the user should:

  1. Check all connectors to ensure proper connectivity;
  2. Unplug the supplied power adapter from the wall and verify that the outlet is functioning;
  3. Check all cable connections, plug the adapter back into the device, and then plug back into the wall socket;

In regards to improper temperature conditions, i.e. the device’s temperature is below 0°C or higher than 35°C,  the user should change the location and charge the battery in an ambient temperature between 0°C to 35°C. If the battery or adapter has been damaged, contact an authorised reseller to replace the battery or power adapter.

Q: My battery drains quickly, even when the device is in Standby Mode. What is wrong with it?

A: If the device is not in range of a network it can connect to, the device continues to send out signals to locate a base station and drains the battery. So, temporarily turn on the device, or move the device in range of a network it can connect to, or temporarily turn on the wireless connection on your device.

In addition, if the device keeps checking for Windows updates, even in Standby mode, the battery will drain quickly too. It is normal in this case. The user can disable
it by selecting “Never check for update”. However, this is not recommended. The user should be cautious before doing this.

Q: The device does not turn on. What should I do?

A: It may be because the battery is completely discharged. Charge the device for at least 4 hours, then press and hold the Power Button for 3 seconds to turn on the device.

(Note: sometimes the power button needs to be held down for longer than the 3 seconds if it is in a hard shutdown mode)

Q: How can I increase the space on my GeoBook 4?

A: 1. Complete a Disk Clean-Up (To create more free storage space)

  • Once you have completed your update, to create more free storage space, type ‘Disk Clean-up’ into the search box and select the Disk Clean-up app
  • Now press ‘Clean up system files’
  • Then select the files, including any previous old Windows installation files by ticking the boxes to the left of the window. Once you are happy to delete the selected files, press OK. This will, permanently delete the selected files and increase your free available storage.

Note: Once these files are deleted, you will not be able to restore to the previous Windows 10 version

 2. Use an external hard drive. You can insert external devices via the ports provided.

You will need to ensure that this size of hard drive is sufficiently powered so that you can connect the device. If the HD is of a large size, you will need a USB-Y cable and another USB power input to give your HD the power that it will need (you can use a charger for this). Once powered and plugged in, the HD should be recognised by your GeoBook 1 immediately and be ready to use.

Q: The Device is connected to the power adapter for charging, but still fails to turn on. Why?

A: If the device has been idle for a long period of time, or has just been purchased and used for the first time, it’s battery might be completely discharged. In this case it is suggested that the user should charge the battery for over half an hour before turning it on, so as to guarantee the stability of its system.

Q: The Device does not turn off. What should I do?

A: Press and hold the Power Button for 10 seconds to perform a hard shut down.

Note: User will need to wait for about 8 seconds before turning the device back on again after it has shut down.

Q: Can blind or visually impaired people use this GeoBook 4?

A: Yes. This device supports a featured function designed for blind or visually impaired people. This is the Narrator mode. Narrator is a screen reader that vocalizes all elements on screen, including text and buttons. To enable Narrator mode, select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator, then toggle the slider to turn on Narrator.
 In Narrator mode, every time you select an option, you will hear a voice telling you the text or button you are selecting.

Q: The system crashes, or the screen turns blue, after startup. What can I do?

A: This may be because the device system has been damaged to some extent from improper shut-down actions. In shut down status, we recommend restarting your device following the instructions below:

  • Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
  • While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
  • On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
  • Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

OR

  • To reset, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.
  • For a full, factory reset, remove all settings and files. Please externally save all files you wish to keep before doing this.
  • Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

OR

  • If you wish to boot from an EFI USB, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced start-up.
  • Choose Use a device and select the device you wish to boot from.
  • Your PC will restart and will boot from the device chosen. Follow the instructions to complete

Q: Unable to access the account due to a lost password. What should I do?

A: If you don’t have a Microsoft account and have forgotten your local account password, you can’t recover it. Instead, you’ll need to reset your PC. Please see instructions below:

    1. Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
    2. While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
    3. On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
    4. Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

Note: Following these steps will remove all of your data, programs, and settings.

Q: There is no wireless connection; how do I set this up?

A: Check if the wireless radio is on. See Wi-Fi setting.

  1. Try to get closer to the wireless access point.
  2. Reset the wireless router if using a private network; open the browser to view the landing page if using a public network.

Q: The touchpad of the keyboard is not functioning?

A: If there has been no damage to the device, the reason is likely associated to the touchpad drivers or user error. Please try the below suggestions:

  • Complete all available updates; continue to perform updates until there is no more remaining when you click ‘Check for updates’ in Update & Security Settings
  • Ensure that the keyboard lock is not turned on- this can be found on the right-hand side of the device, next to the power button
  • Check that the touchpad lock is not turned on, via your function keys (Fn + F3)
  • Troubleshoot your keyboard via the Update & Security Settings
  • Fully shutdown the device and restart.

Please also check Device Manager to ensure your drivers are all functioning and updated. If you have any ‘Unknown’ devices or drivers in Device Manager, please use the attached driver sheet to update.

As a final resort, we recommend resetting the device back to factory settings- you will need to remove all files and settings. Please externally backup any files you wish to keep before you perform this action.

GEOFLEX 3 FAQs

By FAQS

GeoFlex 3

FAQs

Need help with your GeoFlex3?

Our support team have used their knowledge to put together a list of answers to your most frequently asked questions.

GeoFlex3_Windows10_Laptop

Q: The battery does not charge. What should I do?

A: There are 3 main possible reasons for this problem: bad connection, improper temperature condition, or damaged battery or adapter.

As for bad connection, the user should:

  1. Check all connectors to ensure proper connectivity;
  2. Unplug the supplied power adapter from the wall and verify that the outlet is functioning;
  3. Check all cable connections, plug the adapter back into the device, and then plug back into the wall socket;

In regards to improper temperature conditions, i.e. the device’s temperature is below 0°C or higher than 35°C,  the user should change the location and charge the battery in an ambient temperature between 0°C to 35°C. If the battery or adapter has been damaged, contact an authorised reseller to replace the battery or power adapter.

Q: My battery drains quickly, even when the device is in Standby Mode. What is wrong with it?

A: If the device is not in range of a network it can connect to, the device continues to send out signals to locate a base station and drains the battery. So, temporarily turn on the device, or move the device in range of a network it can connect to, or temporarily turn on the wireless connection on your device.

In addition, if the device keeps checking for Windows updates, even in Standby mode, the battery will drain quickly too. It is normal in this case. The user can disable
it by selecting “Never check for update”. However, this is not recommended. The user should be cautious before doing this.

Q: The device does not turn on. What should I do?

A: It may be because the battery is completely discharged. Charge the device for at least 4 hours, then press and hold the Power Button for 3 seconds to turn on the device.

(Note: sometimes the power button needs to be held down for longer than the 3 seconds if it is in a hard shutdown mode)

Q: How can I increase the space on my GeoFlex3?

A: 1. Complete a Disk Clean-Up (To create more free storage space)

  • Once you have completed your update, to create more free storage space, type ‘Disk Clean-up’ into the search box and select the Disk Clean-up app
  • Now press ‘Clean up system files’
  • Then select the files, including any previous old Windows installation files by ticking the boxes to the left of the window. Once you are happy to delete the selected files, press OK. This will, permanently delete the selected files and increase your free available storage.

Note: Once these files are deleted, you will not be able to restore to the previous Windows 10 version

 2. Use an external hard drive. You can insert external devices via the ports provided.

You will need to ensure that this size of hard drive is sufficiently powered so that you can connect the device. If the HD is of a large size, you will need a USB-Y cable and another USB power input to give your HD the power that it will need (you can use a charger for this). Once powered and plugged in, the HD should be recognised by your GeoFlex immediately and be ready to use.

Q: The device is connected to the power adapter for charging, but still fails to turn on. Why?

A: If the device has been idle for a long period of time, or has just been purchased and used for the first time, it’s battery might be completely discharged. In this case it is suggested that the user should charge the battery for over half an hour before turning it on, so as to guarantee the stability of its system.

Q: The device does not turn off. What should I do?

A: Press and hold the Power Button for 10 seconds to perform a hard shut down.

Note: User will need to wait for about 8 seconds before turning the device back on again after it has shut down.

Q: Can blind or visually impaired people use this GeoFlex3?

A: Yes. This device supports a featured function designed for blind or visually impaired people. This is the Narrator mode. Narrator is a screen reader that vocalizes all elements on screen, including text and buttons. To enable Narrator mode, touch Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator, then toggle the slider to turn on Narrator.
In Narrator mode, every time you touch the screen, you will hear a voice telling you the text or button you are touching.

Q: The system crashes, or the screen turns blue, after startup. What can I do?

A: This may be because the device system has been damaged to some extent from improper shut-down actions. In shut down status, we recommend restarting your device following the instructions below:

  • Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
  • While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
  • On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
  • Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

OR

  • To reset, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.
  • For a full, factory reset, remove all settings and files. Please externally save all files you wish to keep before doing this.
  • Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

OR

  • If you wish to boot from an EFI USB, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced start-up.
  • Choose Use a device and select the device you wish to boot from.
  • Your PC will restart and will boot from the device chosen. Follow the instructions to complete

Q: Unable to access the account due to a lost password. What should I do?

A: If you don’t have a Microsoft account and have forgotten your local account password, you can’t recover it. Instead, you’ll need to reset your PC. Please see instructions below:

    1. Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
    2. While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
    3. On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
    4. Your PC will restart and will reset itself.

Note: Following these steps will remove all of your data, programs, and settings.

Q: There is no wireless connection; how do I set this up?

A: Check if the wireless radio is on. See Wi-Fi setting.

  1. Try to get closer to the wireless access point.
  2. Reset the wireless router if using a private network; open the browser to view the landing page if using a public network.

Q: The Touchpad of the keyboard is not functioning?

A: If there has been no damage to the device, the reason is likely associated to the touchpad drivers or user error. Please try the below suggestions:

  • Complete all available updates; continue to perform updates until there is no more remaining when you click ‘Check for updates’ in Update & Security Settings
  • Ensure that the keyboard lock is not turned on- this can be found on the right-hand side of the device, next to the power button
  • Check that the touchpad lock is not turned on, via your function keys (Fn + F3)
  • Troubleshoot your keyboard via the Update & Security Settings
  • Fully shutdown the device and restart.

Please also check Device Manager to ensure your drivers are all functioning and updated. If you have any ‘Unknown’ devices or drivers in Device Manager, please use the attached driver sheet to update.

As a final resort, we recommend resetting the device back to factory settings- you will need to remove all files and settings. Please externally backup any files you wish to keep before you perform this action.

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