Computers

WASHINGTON — The Lenovo ThinkPad T430s topped TopTen USA's list for energy-efficiency.

The nonprofit group, appaluded he fact that the laptop uses only 7.4 kilowatt hours of electricity in a year of typical use. The average comparable model uses 28 kWh per year—almost 4 times the energy.  On average, TopTen-listed laptops use about half (48%) the energy of comparable models.

PORT WASHINGTON — Despite a plethora of constantly changing products, the consumer technology industry saw its sales decline 2% in 2012, according to The NPD Group. This is on top of the less than 1% drop in 2011. Since 2010, consumer technology sales have declined by $4 billion.

PARK CITY, Utah -- Skullcandy, a manufacturer of performance headphones, has named Rick Alden, the company's founder, former CEO and a current director, as Interim CEO. Jeremy Andrus has decided to step down from his positions as resident and CEO and a company director to join a private investment firm. He will serve as a consultant to the company over the next 12 months.

INDIANAPOLIS — Lackluster performance in the video space ontinues to impact Hhgregg's sales and earnings results, causing the retailer to focus on more lucrative categories.

The electronics retailer reported net income of $17.4 million, or 51 cents per diluted share, for the third quarter ended Dec. 31, 2012, compared with net income of $22.5 million, or 60 cents per diluted share, for the comparable prior year period. 

San Antonio, Texas -- Dallas-based Venture Commercial said Tuesday it has completed seven leases in the San Antonio market for Best Buy Mobile stores. Six of the stores, ranging in size from 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft., opened in 2012 and the seventh is expected to open in 2013.

MAHWAH, N.J. — Sharp achieved the top U.S. market share in the 60"+ LED TV segment in 2012, according to The NPD Group's Retail Tracking Service. According to the company, the increase in market share between 2010 and 2012 was due to its selection of large screen choices, picture quality performance and brand strength, Sharp more than doubled its market share between 2010 and 2012 (based on revenue share).

New York -- Jerry McDougal, retail VP for Apple Inc., will be leaving the company, according to a Wednesday report by Bloomberg.

He will be replaced by Jim Bean, a VP in Apple’s finance division.

Company spokesman Steve Dowling told Bloomberg that Bean will be an apt replacement for McDougal, who served under former CEO Ron Johnson for many years.

Strength in the computing, mobile phone and appliance categories enabled Best Buy to report flat same store sales during the holidays and temporarily silence the voice of those who had prematurely written the company’s obituary.