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Technology Trends CES 2018

Technology Trends CES 2018, the largest consumer electronics show in Las Vegas is place to be to witness the cutting edge technology products and services. CES 2018 will expand on its trend, it set forth for bringing in technology innovations from companies around the world to Las Vegas. The show is scheduled to open on Jan 12, 2018 and end on Jan 19, 2018.

It is expected that 170 thousand attendees will benefit from CES 2018 and 4000 manufacturers, distributors and computer rental companies will participate as exhibitors to showcase the latest products including but not limited to Video Walls, Computers, Laptops, Tablets and Projectors.

Video Walls & Digital Signage

Digital Signage and Video Wall industry leaders like Samsung, NEC and Christie are planning to introduce LED Displays with very narrow bezel and very high resolutions at Technology Trends CES 2018. The trend setting Video Walls will far exceed current contrast ratio of 4000:1 and brightness of 700 Nits to produce superior picture quality and vivid colors for presentation. Expect to see eye catching LED displays regardless of surrounding ambient lighting conditions.

Video Wall rental service companies will release latest displays with interactive touch screen and newest LED Video walls capable of ever increasing possibilities in shape and sizes. Expect to see both indoor and outdoor Video wall applications for advertising and billboard industry.

Computer Technology Products

The Annual CES Show is also big on computer technology products, with announcement of several new Notebooks, iPad tablets and 2-in-1 hybrid laptops from manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Lenovo and Apple. Further, CES is an Ideal platform for big and small Computer rental companies to show case their latest products and offer glimpses of future products and prices.

Over the years, computers and laptop industry has moved from bulky and hard to use devices to ever smaller and user friendly computing gadgets that are truly mobile in nature. At CES 2018, we expect to see this trend to continue with emphasis on mobility, portability and laptops with long lasting batteries.

This year at CES, we will see an abundance 2-in-1 Laptops from computer vendors around the world. This particular category of Laptops that has been getting traction in recent years ever since this concept was introduced in 2012. It offers the best features of tablets and laptops into a single unit at affordable prices.

Laptop and Notebook Processors

Another trend we will see at 2018 CES, that is quietly taking hold under the hood of laptops and notebooks is new processors from Intel, AMD and ARM. These are the engines that will power new the laptops. The new generation of processors will incorporate CPU and graphics processors into a single integrated unit to deliver the higher speed and graphics with low power consumption.

Intel’s 8th generation Core processors will combine Intel CPU with AMD Vega graphics chip. This combo chip will result in a processor that will fit in very thin laptops and deliver the long battery life. We expect to see few new laptop prototypes with Intel 8th generation core Processors at the show this year.

Still another chip maker, Qualcomm has jumped in the race to conquer the market for low cost 2-in-1 notebooks with its Snapdragon Processor. HP recently introduced its Envy 2 series of Chrome Book Laptops with touch screen based on Snapdragon CPU. These are entry level units with limited software capabilities but provide long battery life and are available for budget conscious users. Expect to see few rivals to HP envy line of laptops at CES.

Home Theater Projector Technology

World leading manufacturers of projectors- Optima, Epson, Infocus and NEC will unveil a steller line of projectors for both Home theaters and professional applications because projectors have become cornerstone of presentation. They have also moved beyond the conferences, meetings, movie theaters to homes, offering larger displays for entertainment.

Latest Home Theater projector will provide movie cinema like experience in home at affordable prices. These projectors will be able to compensate for ambient light with higher brightness and contrast resulting in vivid images. When used with reflective screen, it will offer further improved image quality in a partially lit room. Also, this category of projectors will be easy to connect to TV and DVD players.

At Technology Trends CES 2018, Expect to see latest home theater projectors that can project crisp High density images as large as 150 inches across with deep blacks and rich color resolution with proper aspect ratio. We also anticipate projectors offering  resolutions from 720P, 1080P to 4K and beyond.

Professional Grade Projectors

Projector Manufacturers see a huge potential in professional grade high lumen laser projectors for large audience presentation and hence we expect to see a number of manufactures to offer new and improved projectors in this category. Laser projectors are capable of combining incredible imagery with high style and function.

Topics Discussed: CES 2018, Video Walls, Digital Signage, Laptops, Computers, Projectors & NoteBooks

About the Author:

Jim Jain is SVP at Event Technology Rentals, a leading national provider of Video Walls, Projectors, iPads, Laptops, Tablets & Computer rentals for Events, Trade Shows and business meetings.

 

How to Choose the Best Projector

Projectors have in the recent years become the cornerstone of any successful presentation. They have also moved beyond the conferences, meetings, movie theaters to homes, offering larger displays for entertainment. The resulting increase in the variety of projectors on the market has however made it harder to choose the best projector. Whether renting, which is a cheaper option or buying a projector, several key factors can help make it easier to choose the most suited projector.

Big-screen presentation makes a lasting impression to wow the audience and stimulate visual senses. For Businesses, it is a perfect way to share the information with customers in the form of Power Point Presentation or Data Spreadsheet. For gamers and Movie buffs, Projectors offer large screen life like experiences.

Best Projector that is ideal for movie watching may not be best suited for business presentation at a conference hall with lot of ambient light. Choosing the right projector for the event remains a daunting task but with the knowledge and proper planning, one can optimize the selection and get the best value. This guide is intended to cover various aspects about types of projectors, technology, accessories and much more.

Topics for Projector Selection:

  • Types of Projectors
  • Projector Technology
  • Input Devices and how to connect them to a Projector
  • Projector Screens
  • Accessories
  • Where to Buy or Rent a Projector

Type of Projectors

Projectors for Home Theater

Modern home theater projectors can project crisp High Density images as large as 150 inches across. Home theater projectors are designed to provide high contrast images, with deep blacks and rich color resolution with proper aspect ratio. Aspect Ratio refers to the rectangular shape of a video image where earlier versions had 4:3 but newer projectors and content have 16:9. The resolution is the pixels that the device has available for the creation of an image and ranges from 720P, 1080P to 4K with 1080P being best for homes. Besides aspect ratio, a projector’s brightness is an important factor to consider. Brightness is illumination perceived by the eye which depends on the lumen rating and screen reflection, moderate brightness is better for homes. Finally, the contrast is the difference in the brightness between darkest and brightest parts of an image, with home theaters needing more.

Home Theater Projectors are ideal for showing movies, sports events, family photo slide shows and playing video games. People choose home theater projectors for high quality image quality, ease with which they can be connected to home TV via HDMI cables and finally for quite operation.

Best Home Theater Projectors:

Best Projector for Home Theater provides movie cinema like experience in home at affordable prices. These projectors are able to compensate for ambient light with higher brightness and contrast resulting in vivid images. A reflective screen is highly recommended to further improve image quality in a partially lit room. Also, this category of projectors are easy to connect to TV and DVD players. According to Ariaav.com  best Home Theater Projectors are:

Optima EH 3200UST Projector

  • 4,000 Lumens with 1920 x 1080 Full HD and weighing 10.5 Lbs.
  • 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Ultra Short Throw Lens

Epson 3000 Lumen Projector

How To Choose Best Projector

  • 3000 Lumens of White Brightness
  • iProjection App Compatible
  • Wireless Ready

Business Projectors

Business projectors are essentially used for presentations at meetings, conferences, training rooms and other company events. Power Point and sales oriented presentations are usually held in rooms and conference halls with plenty of ambient light and for this reason business projectors are designed with extra ordinary bright light source with high resolution.

Most business projectors utilize the latest technology in DLP, LCD and Laser projectors.  This category includes projectors from lightweight portables to projectors that are permanently mounted. The projectors listed here will span in the range from sub-five pound portable business projectors to large venue projectors with 10,000 lumens or more. A typical office projector for small Board rooms, Hotel Ballrooms and training rooms these days offers 2000 to 5000 lumens with entry level performance and resolution. Recently WUXGA and 1080p business projectors have gained significant market share  now that they are far more affordable, starting as low as $600.

According to  PC Magazine some of the top selling brands of business projectors include View Sonic, Epson, Optima, Sony, Panasonic, BenQ, Christie, and Sharp.

Best Business Projectors

Our team of experts in audio visual business picked, following Best Business Projectors based on their ability to provide sharp crisp images in an business environment. Best business projectors are easy to setup, have multiple inputs to connect laptop or other devices, are portable and provide wireless connections. For more information about best projector, please refer to Projectorreviews.com

View Sonic 5000 Lumen Projector

How To Choose Best Projector

  • 5000 LUMENS TRUE XGA
  • 1024 X 768
  • 8.6 LBS

View Sonic PJD 7382 Projector

How To Choose Best Projector
  • Latest 120Hz and 3D DLP
  • Support 1024 X 768  VGA To UXGA
  • Ultra Short Throw Lens

   Epson PowerLite Pro Z8455WUNL Projector


How To Choose Best Projector
According to Epson this projector is a powerful performer that’s easy to install, manage and maintain, the PowerLite Pro Z8455WUNL multimedia projector offers 7000 lumens of color/white light output for captivating presentations in virtually any venue, even those with ambient light. Featuring WUXGA resolution, innovative 3LCD technology and a contrast ratio up to 5000:1, the Z8455WUNL delivers brilliant widescreen images in lecture halls, conference centers and entertainment venues. Setup and installation are easy with 360-degree projection, edge blending and more. Offering diverse connectivity and a full suite of monitor and control features, this high-definition, high brightness projector ensures easy integration with complex devices, plus a low overall cost of ownership. With its sleek black casing, it’s ideal for staging and rental applications. Choose from a variety of optional lenses to meet most any need.
Bright, widescreen performance — 7000 lumens color/white light output; WUXGA resolution
Advanced features — edge blending, split screen, DICOM simulation mode and FineFrame interpolation
Diverse connectivity for easy integration — includes HDMI, HD-SDI and LAN Connectivity

Panasonic PT-RZ970bu 10000 Lumens Projector

  • 10,000 Lumens Laser
  • 1920 x 1200 True HD
  • 51.1 lbs

Projector Screen Size Requirement

When searching for a best projector, it is also essential to focus on the projector screen size. Screen sizes range from diagonal measurements of 50 inches to 300 inches or even more. This factor is usually dependent on the size of the audience.

Larger audience usually requires a larger screen size for presentation. The rule of thumb is that the distance to the furthest individual in the audience should never exceed eight times the screen height. That ensures every person in the audience has a clear view and does not strain. The type of presentation also has a role to play here. On other hand, for smaller audience a more modest display will do just fine. At this level, what matters more is the picture quality with more focus on clarity. It has to large enough for a comfortable view while being small enough to fit in the room. The smaller projector screens require less powerful projectors than the large audience projector screens.There are three categories:

General viewing which includes PowerPoint and video.
Reading for instance spreadsheets require larger screen.
Inspection for instance of detailed information like engineering drawings will need the larger screen than the above.
With a projector and screen, you can make images much larger than most HDTVs can. The screen size needs to match the aspect ratio of your projector, such as 4:3, 16:9 or 2.4:1.

Projector Input & Connections

Another critical factor to consider while selecting best projector is the input to the projector that allows connection to data or video source. Primarily, there is analog and digital input. Analog signal input is made up of luminance (brightness) and chrominance (color) that are combined into channels. They are easier to process and can display higher resolutions.
Digital input utilizes a binary system in the transmission of data making it render higher image qualities and be less vulnerable to interference.

Video or Data Types

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Input) is a digital interface combining HD video and multichannel audio and inter component control

DVI (Digital Video Interface) is a high-quality digital input with digital, analog or a combination of both in the transmission of video data

BMC carries analog signals referred to as Red Green Blue Horizontal Vertical (RGBHV) through five cables with advantage of higher quality and longer distances

Component that carries analog signals over an RCA connector and can be split into two or more components

VGA is common with personal computers and carries an analog signal (RGBHV) with DDC2 digital clock and data

S-video that carries video data as two separate signals of brightness and color

Composite transmits analog signals over an RCA connector

Audio Input

Audio input includes the renowned RCA, a left, and right audio input and the popular 3.5mm audio jack input.

Other Inputs

Besides the primary inputs, some projectors have USB for PC-less presentation, 3-in-1 USB display, and Micro SD input.

http://projectors-av.co.uk/inputs.html

Projector Accessories

Several accessories are required for the projector to deliver optimally. A consideration of these accessories and the additional cost can help make an informed decision when shopping. The accessories include:

Lens
The lenses help in making the image larger or smaller so that it can fit on the screen. Whether analyzing a projector while basing on the lens quality or purchasing separate lenses, the lens type matters.

Long throw lenses allow a considerable distance between the projector and screen and are not suitable for small rooms. On the other hand, short throw lenses allow for the projection of large images even at a short distance from the screen and are ideal for smaller rooms. The ultra-Short throw lenses will allow for the projection of large, high-quality images at a very short distance from the screen.

Cables

The transmission determines the quality of output, and therefore the choice of cable is critical with digital being superior to analog. The length matters too.

Spliter
It allows for duplication of video signals, and some do boost the signal too and include video splitters and HDMI splitters

Input Devices

They include presentation remote, keyboards, mice and other devices that make the control of the presentation easier.

Where to Rent A Projector or Buy

Fortunately there are many options where businesses can buy or rent a Projector. For long term use it makes perfect sense to buy the best business Projector. There are plenty of brick and mortar stores like Best Buy and Projector Central that sell and lease projectors and carry a wide range of projectors to choose from. However, to get the best value one must explore the possibility to buy directly from manufacturers and their distributors.

The affordable option that provides access to high-quality projectors is short-term rentals. One can rent a projector for a day or week from services like Event Technology that have a broad range of projectors available. Despite being the cheaper option, projector rentals vary in cost from one company to another. The projector rental cost will depend on factors such as:

High high-end laser projectors cost more than their average counterparts used in small rooms or homes. Another factor affecting the cost is the duration of renting projectors. Rental companies often offer discounts for long term rentals. The setup and operation cost are the additional costs that will be incurred and therefore have a role to play in the overall cost. It should be noted that extra services and support may often be charged by some rental companies and result in higher prices. to keep the cost down, it is prudent to ask for flat rate projector rentals.

Professional Projector Setup

Even after selecting best projector, getting the best out of a projector display remains a challenge to many people. There are strategic ways that can help get the best image quality and it takes skills to pull it off. Critical aspects of projector setup are listed below that may require professional help.

Distance from Projector Screen

The range at which the projector is set from the screen depends on several factors that include the screen size, audience size, lens type and projector quality. The calculations involved may be astounding, and therefore professional input comes in handy.

Lighting Environment

The lighting conditions are not enough a focus on the area in the hall that is best suited for the projector screen can help maximize visibility. An expert eye can with ease identify where best to project the presentation for the best view.

Connection
Connecting all the accessories and the source of input may turn out to be an overwhelming job. However, some may find it easier with time, but to most people, they will need skilled help.

It is therefore vital to get professional help when preparing for a successful presentation. The best projector rentals always offer professional projector setup and support like what Event Technology Rentals currently provides.

Choose Wisely & Plan Ahead

How to choose the best projector depends on the understanding of the above crucial features. An excellent presentation depends on how well the projector functions now that they have become the mainstay of every display. It is not only the projector qualities that matter but also the accessories, services, and the cost is essential in determining the projector that is perfect for the job. It may take patience to assess and arrive at the best projector and therefore start the search early enough before the presentation is essential. ETR has a vast selection of high-quality projectors to choose from at a cost lower than any other rental and is a perfect alternative to buying.

How Computers Help Me Create Information

How Computers Help Me Create InformationWe live in a world where we have access to more information than ever before. The breadth of knowledge available at our fingertips is both incredible and overwhelming. Computers and technology have played the immense role in facilitating this availability of information. They play a role in gathering, recording, and distributing information. Due to the ever-increasing pool and the advancement of technology that allows access to this information I am faced with the responsibility to both learn as much of it as I can, and to build myself into a scholar who will help analyze and organize it for those who come after me.

I am currently enrolled in California State University, Long Beach working to gain my Psychology Bachelor’s Degree and my Health Science Minor. I work in a behavioral Neuroscience lab that does addiction research and through being in this lab I have discovered that I want to go on and pursue a career as a Psychological Researcher. I have used a computer every day of my life as a student because of the amazing tool that it is, which allows me to do almost everything that I need to do to be successful.

Computer as Research Tool

I use a computer to gather information on the background of what I want to research in the form of literature searches (by using online databases). I use my computer to create spreadsheets to help me remember the most important bits of information that I will need to remember when looking at the results of my own work. I use a computer to record data from the research that I am conducting and to analyze it by using online statistics programs such as SPSS. And then I use my computer to write about my research and to communicate its implications and relations to existing literature. Finally I use my computer to make that information accessible to others through online databases and journals.

Laptops & Computers are a necessary part of my success in achieving my goals as an undergraduate student, as well as the goals that I want to pursue through being a part of academia in the future. I want to go on to pursuing my doctorate degree after I finish my undergraduate degree and I’d like to do so in Health Psychology. I want to explore more methods in research, all of which will include automated systems that will be collecting data through computerized applications. Computers have allowed for whole new approaches to research methods and to record keeping in research and in society. I would like to add to all of this information made possible through the use of computers.

To accomplish this goal of mine, I will be using a computer for the rest of my life. They have become my favorite tool for success!

Acknowledgement: This essay was submitted by Yohanna C. Brown for  RentiPads.com Scholarship.

Laptop Crazy

Laptop

My fingers twitch with anticipation as I rip into the shiny Christmas wrapping paper, as I peal back the layers of paper, the sharp edges of a card board box protrude out of the edges of the paper. The last of the paper is shredded away and within the box lays a smooth black new laptop from Toshiba. My seventh grade heart started pounding with excitement to use the new laptop.

Today, as I open the same computer my senior year, to begin my first Varsity debate, the keys in the computer are cracked like old teeth and the top and bottom are splitting apart, creaking like an ancient wooden staircase, but the laptop is still an essential part of my strategy. Hidden within the broken creaking bolts of the tired old Toshiba is all my cases for Varsity debates as well as rebuttal information and additional research.

Besides debate and speech activities, my computer over the last five years has been a vital part of my study habits. Throughout my childhood, I struggled with dyslexia coupled with atrocious handwriting. The combination, left most of my writing a simple sea of jumbled gibberish that was incoherent due to spelling mistakes and sloppy letters. Once I opened the computer though my seventh grade year, the technology provided me with a method for producing more coherent writing and has made me into a better student.

In the long term, I hope to pursue a career in business or law, in both fields my computer will remain a vital tool in my work. The simple laptop can help me to connect with customers, future employers and investors in my future for years to come. Similarly to how my current computer connects me with students, parents and teachers for running my own tutoring program, as I progress with my future career, my computer will continue to help me connect with new opportunities.

Twenty years from now, I’ll take out a computer with shiny new keys that opens as quietly as a mouse, and has an airtight security code to protect all my important work information. Beyond a fire wall of specialized passwords inside the new sophisticated laptop lie the secrets of large corporations I defend or the bank statements of my own new company illustrating a progressive growth pattern in my company’s profit margins. My laptop will continue to be a vital part of my organization process whether I’m creating my own startup from the ground up, or working within large firms, the computer will always be an important storage and security device for my important information. In the long run, I know that laptops will be as vital to my life in the future as they are right now, and as they were on that simple Christmas morning six years ago when I tore into the Toshiba that I still use today.

Acknowledgement: This essay was submitted by Margaret Krenke for 2017 Rentipads.com Education Scholarship

 

 

 

My Laptop is My Lifeline

My Laptop is My LifelineThe world is utilizing technology more and more and this is most obvious when walking on a college campus. In my freshman year of college, I bought the same supplies for university as I did for high school pens, pencils, and notebooks for each class and within the first week I realized I could return nearly all those supplies because all I needed was my Laptop.
Technology in the college classroom goes far beyond writing papers and power point presentations. The entire academic process from applying to school, registering for classes and completing coursework is done online. College students are so dependent on the internet that when the Wi-Fi on campus becomes overloaded and shuts down students will use their cellular data plans to go on Twitter to express their outrage over this injustice because they were just about to finally start that essay that they were assigned a week ago.
Even as a strong advocate for the old-fashion pen and paper I quickly realized that my laptop computer is going to be the heart of my academic and professional life. Being involved in so many clubs and having a rigorous academic schedule requires that I create very meticulous agenda. I have several events, classes, and meetings that come at me from various people covering time frames from tomorrow to next year. I absolutely need my computer to keep track of everything I must do on campus or at home. Being able to stay organized allows me to have both academic achievement and involvement in a variety of on campus activities.
In addition to being able to organize my life I use my laptop Apps to complete the tasks I put in my planner no matter where I am. While sitting at work I can email questions to my professors and while eating lunch I can both complete my homework and turn it in. The diversity of tasks that I can accomplish from a study room in the library with nothing, but my computer and an internet connection is extraordinary, homework, current events and of course a quick Netflix study break is all achieved without moving or getting something out of my backpack.
Moreover, one of the most stressful parts about being a college student is wondering how I will be able to pay for that $10,000 tuition. One quick search on my laptop and I can find thousands of scholarships to pay for school and hundreds of job applications, so I can pay my rent. This is the most important job my computer has because without this financial security all the work I put into my academics would be pointless but because of my laptop the only thing that keeps me up at night is that math test I have tomorrow.

Acknowledgement: This essay was submitted by Megan Spittell for 2017 Rentipads.com Education Scholarship

 

Masterpieces Through Technology

Masterpieces Through Technology
Click Clickity Clack

Click…. click…. clack…. Clickity clack, the sound of buttons being pushed on keyboards across the world are the sound of artists creating masterpieces through technology.Without the click clacking of the keys, the future of illustration, design, and art would be as stark as a canvas that has never felt the stroke of a brush. My world would be bleak without the ability to pursue my creative passions. With the use of computer technology, and even better, a laptop, the world of creation could literally be at my fingertips at home, school, or at any given location where inspiration strikes.
Through the use of design programs, I could have my pallet and canvas with me at all times. As an art major, who has applied to the University of Arizona’s fine arts illustration and design program, this scholarship would be a huge asset in opening doors to the future. Not only would I be able to complete course work, do research, and pursue my love for design, I would be able to use a laptop to compile my portfolio, research scholarships, search and apply for jobs, and eventually reach my goal of completing my master’s degree in order to teach at a university as an art instructor. This gift of a laptop would continually be passed forward.
Not only would it benefit me, but it, the buttons, the keys, the click, click clacking on the keyboard, would be the keys that open the door of opportunity for me, as well as many others. As I move forward to being more self-reliant, and obtaining a job in a field that I love, I realize
that the only fulfillment in life is by helping, serving, and teaching others, so that they as well can become successful upstanding citizens. I am so grateful for those like you who offer help to those in need. If I am awarded this scholarship, it will be used to further my education, in order to reach a successful point in my life where I will then be able to give back in return.

Success isn’t reached in a day, just as a masterpiece isn’t created with one stroke of a brush, or one click of a keyboard. It is however reached through multiple failures, sweat, tears, hard work, millions of brushstrokes, and billions of click clickity clacks on the keyboard. In my pursuit to success, I would largely benefit from all that this scholarship has to offer. The use of a laptop would give me the tools I need to focus on my personal path to creating my own beautiful masterpiece in life. The world will be filled with the click click clicks, and the clack clack clacks of creation, as one more struggling student uses the keys to open the doors to her future.

Acknowledgement: This essay was submitted by Ashley Savage of St, David for 2017 Rentipads.com Scholarship Essay Competition.

 

Power of Computers

Oftentimes, people in modern society do not truly appreciate the raw power granted to us by our inventions. This holds ever more true for computers and thereby laptops. We carry around these wonderful machines and take them for granted. The importance of such remarkable creations should not be undercut, as I hope to never do.

Power of ComputersThere are the obvious benefits of a word processor, namely the ease with which we can now create and edit long, complex documents; however, the limit of computers’ usefulness, of course, does not lie there, rather we gain the ability to do the previously unimaginable. There are simply unbelievable applications for computers that I feel only envy at not working with.

That being said, a task essential to any field of study is research. It matters not whether the aforementioned research is for an essay as simple as this one or serves as a basis for new hypotheses that may change everything, the byproduct of computers speaking with one another (i.e. the Internet) allows for innumerable amounts of information to be gathered and later viewed by anyone with access to the Internet.

For me in particular, it will allow me access to the meanings of very specific terms in German that evade the grasp of Google Translate or grant me the privilege of reading otherwise invisible papers discussing the elusive concept in question in enough detail that I can then create the term anew in English or vice versa. Furthermore, I can, through the masterpiece that is the computer, read ancient texts that would be otherwise non view-able by anyone but the highest ranked experts, such as the German Nibelungenlied, an epic poem discussing a dragon slayer and his vengeful wife. To be more specific, such works are, because of computers, available to people such as me in their original, both in text and in language.

However, rather oxymoronically, something helping someone in their studies is not always about facilitating their studying. If one cannot obtain a break from the books, that person will probably have a much harder time retaining the information or actually enjoying their life. In this respect, computers may be the most variable in their power. While they facilitate unbelievably difficult tasks, they also grant us down time. It is as the idiomatic expression goes: “work hard, play hard”. And what harder worker or harder player is there, if not the computer.

Acknowledgement: This essay was submitted by Isaac Herzberg, a student at University of Arizona, as part of application for 2017 rentipads.com Scholarship

Advantages and Hazards of Computer Rental For Events

Over the past decade, computer rental have become more and more popular. When you invest in these rentals, you get to take advantage of using various computers without having to put up the full amount of money that they cost. Instead, you can use the computers for a limited period of time and then return them. Generally, you will be out only a fraction of the cost of what it would take to actually buy the computers. And while renting computers will come with an assortment of benefits, it is also important that you be aware of the possible drawbacks. Let’s take a close look at the pros and cons of computer rentals for events.

What kind of events are computer rentals good for?

Computer RentalLet’s say you are hosting a business conference meeting. As part of the meeting, you are going to be presenting a large amount of information to the attendees. Ideally, you don’t want to waste paper printing out all of this information because you know the attendees will simply throw the papers away once the meeting is over. Is there a solution to this? Of course, and it comes in the form of computer rentals. A single computer with access to PowerPoint will make it easy to display the information to all attendees. Not only will you be saving paper, but the attendees will be thankful for the organized data and information you present to them in an electronic format.

Another type of event that computer rentals are good for include product launching events, exhibits at trade shows, sponsorship events, and event promotions. Having one or more computers on hand at these events easily allows you to store attendee information, which is great for capturing vital data that you can use in your future marketing endeavors. Let’s say you are doing a product launch at a trade show. Trade show attendees that visit your booth are more than likely prospect customers, and you will want to capture their contact information to ensure you keep them updated with product information. The more you stay in contact with them, the more likely you are to make a sale and convert them into repeat customers. The best way to capture their information is by typing it into a computer at your trade show booth.

Pros of Computer Rental for Events

Access to Today’s Latest Technology

When it comes to renting electronics, you can’t go wrong with gaining access to today’s latest technology. You will spend thousands of dollars when purchasing a new computer with the latest technology, but if you rent one, you will be investing only a fraction of the purchase price. Think about it. Today’s technology advances on a daily basis. New computers are coming out on the market all the time. To keep up with the latest technology, you would have to replace your computers and electronics at least once every few months. When you rent computers, though, you can have all-time access to devices with the latest software.

According to Event technology expert Raj Jain of Aria Technology solutions  more and more event planners are also choosing to replace the old technology with latest immersive computer rental technology that features activities, video content, interactivity and more.

Minimal Investment

So, we’ve already discussed how renting computers is way more cost-efficient than actually purchasing them, but this is a pro that needs to be touched on again. No matter the event you are taking part in, having a computer on hand — whether it be a laptop or tablet — will help ensure smooth functioning of your activities. Unfortunately, though, unless you have good credit, you probably won’t have access to credit to purchase a computer. When you rent electronic devices, though, your credit is rarely looked at; this gives you access to today’s best computers without having to shell out a bunch of money.

Upgrade as Needed

Another pro to renting electronics, including computers, tablets, smartphones, etc., is that you can upgrade as needed. Take for instance that you have a smartphone that becomes low on storage due to all the business apps you use on it. When you rent a smartphone, you can easily upgrade to a phone with much more storage space, making it easy for you to store and access all of your pertinent information.

No Maintenance Required

One of the best reasons to invest in computer rentals is that you don’t have to perform maintenance on the devices you rent. Instead, the rental service provider you rent from will perform all required maintenance for you. Not only can this save you money in the long run, but it can save you the hassle and headache of having to carry out the maintenance tasks. There are four basic types of computer and electronic maintenance:

  • Software
  • Hardware
  • Environmental
  • Upgrading

Large Variety to Choose From

Renting computers is also advantageous because there is such a large selection to choose from. From plasma screens to laptop rentals to copiers, there are electronic devices available to rent for any type of task you are performing. No matter the event you are attending, you can rest assured there are computers and electronic devices available to rent that can be of value to your event. From capturing customer information to displaying information on new products, electronics simplify all sorts of tasks. For example,  a2z, Inc provides powerful cloud-based event management and marketing tools that grow your brand by accelerating booth sales, helping boost revenue, and enhancing engagement and value for event participants. And Bartizan Connects is a pioneer in lead capture technology, and they have a educational blog related to trade show content.

Hazards of Computer Rentals

As with all things in life, there are hazards that can possibly make themselves present with computer rentals. Sure, as you read about above, there is an endless number of pros that can be gained, but there are drawbacks, too. Let’s take a look at these possible drawbacks.

You don’t own the computer

One of the primary drawbacks to computer rentals is that you don’t own the computer. This means the money you invest toward renting the computer will not go toward any type of ownership. Even if you decide you want to keep the computer after using it, you still have to return it. Some computer rental places will allow you to go ahead and purchase the computer, but the overall amount that you pay to own it will likely cost up to twice as much as it would cost to go to a store and buy it. This is why it is so important before you rent a computer to make the choice that you don’t want to purchase it.

Hidden fees

It is extremely pertinent that you read through the entire rental contract that you sign when renting a computer for your event. In doing this, you can become aware of any hidden fees that may be added onto the overall cost of renting the electronic. Take for instance that you sign a 6-month rental contract but you end up returning the computer three months in advance. You may, by the signature of the contract, be obligated to pay for the full six months of rental.

Everything has to be returned

You don’t get to keep anything when you rent computers for your events. Hardware and software both must be returned. If you wish, you can download any of the collected data onto a computer that you actually own or in the cloud, but if you don’t, you will no longer have access to the information you collected. And remember, when you return the software and hardware, it must be in the same condition it was in when you received it. Everything from cables to certificates of authenticity to carrying cases must be in the same condition. If they aren’t, you may be charged additional fees to compensate for any damage that has occurred to them.

You’re losing out on money

When you choose a rental plan that does not allow you to spread the cost of renting the equipment over the term of the rental contract and you have no option to purchase the computer, you are essentially throwing away money because you will end up with no capital asset(s). Even if you are able to use the monies invested toward the rental for tax advantages, you are still losing out on money. However, do keep in mind that as with all drawbacks of computer rentals, you must weigh them against the advantages to be gained — like the ones listed earlier in this article — to determine whether the investment is a smart move or not.

Your data may not be secure

Another drawback to computer rentals is that your data may become unsecured. Think about it. What happens to your data when you return the electronics you have been renting? Unless you do a complete wipe and reset of the equipment, then your data is still on the PC. If the PC falls into the wrong hands, such as a hacker, the data and information can be retrieved. This means all of your financial statements, customer data, and more could be used against you.

There has been much controversy over data leakage and spying when it comes to computer rentals. Take for example CNN’s article on Aaron’s Rental Stores in Anti-Spying Accord.

What do Computer Rentals Mean for Your Company

You should always determine your needs before you choose to rent computers for your next event. In some instances, computer rentals may lead to a tremendous amount of savings in regards to both your personal and business finances. Since you won’t have to pay a large amount of money to purchase the computer, you can use the money saved for other purchases. Still yet, if you intend to use the computer for an extended period of time and you will be saving pertinent information to it, computer rental may not be the best option for you and your company.

Things to Consider When Renting Computers

Whether you are renting computers for a trade show, exhibition, meeting, or to use every day within the office, it is imperative that you consider the following before signing a rental contract.

What services are provided by the rental company?

You want to rent computers, whether they be Dell desktops or Apple laptops, that offers a variety of services. From software training to data center migration and more, having access to these services is essential to getting the most out of your technology & Computer rental. You will also want to make sure the computer rental company offers 24/7 tech support along with venue setup; this decreases the amount of work you have to devote toward setting up the equipment at your next event.

Does the Computer rental contract have an early termination fee?

Always ask the rental company if you will have to pay an early termination fee if you don’t keep the equipment for as long you initially planned to. Some contracts will come with a termination fee exceeding $500. If the early termination fee is not an amount you are comfortable with, you may want to reconsider renting the computers because you never know if you will have to return the equipment early or not.

Are you aware of your contract end date?

Never should you sign the computer rental contract without having a specific end date. Sure, you may agree to a 3-month rental contract, but when are the three months over? 90 days from the day you sign it? Does the day you sign the contract count as day 1? Or are you going from month to month (example: June 1 to September 1)? Knowing the exact end date of the contract is important because it allows you to be fully aware of when the equipment has to be returned.

What happens if you choose to keep the equipment?

A computer rental company isn’t likely to send the FEDs after you if you decide to keep their equipment. They will, however, charge your bank account a hefty fee. You need to be aware of what it will cost you if you decide to keep the equipment you are renting. Just be prepared for this monetary number to far exceed what it would cost you to actually purchase the equipment from a electronics retailer like Best Buy.

What is “fair wear and tear?”

Most laptop  and computer rental companies will allow you to return their equipment with “fair wear and tear” and they won’t charge you additional fees. What you need to pinpoint, though, is what is considered “fair wear and tear.”

Who is responsible for data removal?

As discussed under the drawbacks of computer rental, someone will need to remove the data you stored on the computer when using it. Either you or the rental company will be responsible for carrying out the data removal process. It is highly recommended that you perform the data removal yourself so that you can rest assured it was done properly. If you do not know how to remove data from the computer, you should hire a professional to do it for you.

The Takeaway

Computer rentals aren’t for everyone. They are, however, advantageous for businesses who don’t have the money upfront to invest in Technology. If you use a computer on a daily basis to operate your business, then purchasing a computer will likely be in your best interest. If you don’t use one every day, then renting one on an as-needed basis will be of immense value. Just make sure you rent laptops and computers through a company that is completely trustworthy and has a good reputation. You will likely be storing confidential and important information on the computer, and you don’t want it falling into the wrong hands.

 

Kids Creating Art while Learning Computers

Kids Creating Art while Learning ComputersIn this rising era, computers are the go-to devices in gaining knowledge and performing daily activities. Computers are used especially in middle school for art classes and academic research and there are so many ways for kids to get creative with a computer. They can now draw, paint and print their creations. Additionally, they can create sounds enhancing music as an art. While creating beautiful artwork using computers, kids gain fundamental and essential computer skills.

There are several applications and online activities for kids to draw, paint and color, enabling them to discover and cultivate their talents and creativity. In this day and age, it is important to note that art isn’t just about pen and paper and we have to embrace the newest art forms.

Digital art has greatly been influenced by computers. It encourages a more clear way of seeing and viewing art, thus appreciating it. It should therefore not be faced with a negative attitude or taken less seriously as it is still real art. Encouraging and assisting kids on trying out new art forms helps them develop skills that are useful to them.

The internet is growing rapidly every second and there is a lot of information and content to help kids develop their digital and artistic creativity. Computers benefit our kids in several areas.

1. DIGITAL DRAWING

Computers enable kids to create a composition of their own based on their imagination. A range of themes and motifs can be merged easily by drag and drop – a simple feature to use. If the mouse presents a difficulty for the kids to be in control, digital drawing tablets are available and very convenient to use. There are several websites, online and offline applications that allow for young and older kids to use. The drawing tools present various art activities such as creating cartoon art, pop art and kids can even manage their own gallery. Kids also get to come across education and knowledge on the history of art.

2. DIGITAL PAINTING

With the rise of digital art, came digital painting. It is an upgraded form of traditional painting techniques. Watercolor and oils are applied via the computer. Once the kid has developed the sketch, he/she uses imagination to decide what color fits where and what tool to use. Digital painting allows for erasing and starting over, unlike traditional painting.

Computer technology also allows for Photoshop – a design software that enables altering and editing of the image. Digital painting gives your kids a time advantage and executes presentation of fine detail. After the painting is complete, kids can decide to output their piece of work, which is inexpensive to produce, and display the priceless art.

3. DIGITAL COLORING

Coloring is an activity that keeps children entertained. Consequently, there are claims that there are therapeutic benefits as the kid’s brain enters a state of relaxation. With digital coloring, children can take their love for art anywhere they go as it can be done on many portable personal computer gadgets. Kids get to color on the go! Unlike traditional coloring which had a lot of mess and equipment, all your kid needs is a tablet and a stylus.

Digital coloring doesn’t need cleaning up once it is done. It is easy to correct mistakes as all it takes is a click of the undo button. Through digital art, you end up with different variations of your art.

Sound animation and video are also types of art that are made easier by computers. With the evolving technology, kids can access different art tools that they desire, depending on their needs and talents. Art has always dominated socially, economically and historically. Despite the simplicity and clarity computers have presented when creating art, they also present a reliable medium of gaining knowledge.

Internet access helps kids in their creativity and communication skills. The use of academic software aids kids of all ages in advancing and progressing in school. Through developing, they focus on strengthening their weak areas and making themselves better.

4. KNOWLEDGE GAIN AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Computers hugely expand the number of quality resources available for studies and projects. Kids can research on any artistic subject from a variety of relied sources. This encourages children to think critically and openly. Effective communication is a really essential skill for kids to develop while still young. The ability to communicate with senior citizens in the community improves their opportunities of gaining not only academic but social knowledge.

Through email services, children can easily communicate with members of their family, role models and friends. This makes the kid’s life better in case of a move or distance limitations.

Statistical research shows that kids exposed to computer activities have greater gains that those who are not. These gains include non-verbal skills, long-term memory and a whole load of knowledge gain. Creative exploration boosts self confidence and esteem. Over a period of time, computer use increases creative growth in artistic expression and even music composition.

Talents and skills are nurtured from a very young age. Children of different age groups can connect with their sources of inspiration, view online educational videos and develop in photography, design and drawing. It is needless to say that computers are a great time-saving, cost-saving resource of creating art.

Computers, laptops and tablets make it easier for kids to understand and implement art while having fun in the process. It is about making kids ready for the real world. Creating art therefore becomes a relieving process and kids get to greatly enjoy it as it is a combination of work and play. Kids friendly computers, laptops and digital Graphic tablets are readily available at Event Technology Rentals and at wacom.com.

BENEFITS & A WORD  OF CAUTION

Kids who have never excelled in traditional art greatly benefit from digital art. There are simply no limits to the added advantages of using computers as a resource of creating fun, enjoyable, educative art. Kids should be encouraged to grow and evolve as they are the potential artists of tomorrow.

It is however important to limit the exposure kids get on computers through the internet. Kids should avoid interacting with strangers as some of them have ill intentions. They should also keep off from explicit content made available in the internet. This content causes social and moral decay.

 

Apple Product Update

Apple Product Update

Apple Product Update at WWDC 2017

Last week at Worldwide Developers Conference in San Diego Apple announced long overdue updates for MacBook and iMacs. By doing so Apple once again emphasized the importance of Laptops and iMac line of computers among other Apple Product Update.

MacBook Pro, iMacs and iPad Pro are aimed at professionals who are hungry for faster and graphic intensive applications. The new line of computers will be introduced with iOS 11 to provide extra punch of speed and security features.

The older MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 were based on sixth generation Intel chips. This time around, Apple is serious about its laptops and have opted for latest 7th generation chips from Intel.

Newer MacBook Pro and iPad Pro tablet will directly compete with Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface book in performance and. price category. It will be an interesting rivalry between Microsoft and Apple laptops but the choice will mostly be dictated by operating system.

The new MacBook laptops are faster across the board, with new top turbo speed of 4.1GHz for the 15-inch MacBook Pro, which is 300MHz faster than last year’s model. The top-line Pro models also get more robust graphics, topping out with a 4GB AMD Radeon Pro 560 for the 15-inch model.

The latest MacBook Pro line of laptops will displace some older model and introduce new line at slightly different price point. Here is the rundown on new MacBooks:

12-inch MacBook

New Kaby Lake CPU (still Core M, not Core i)

50 percent faster SSD storage

16GB RAM option, up from 8GB only

Still only one USB-C port

13-inch MacBook Pro (no Touch Bar)

New Kaby Lake CPU

Price drop (with a catch): Now starts at $1,299 instead of $1,499

But that’s with just 128GB. The 256GB version remains at $1,499

13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

New Kaby Lake CPU

15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

New Kaby Lake CPU

Improved graphics on baseline model

13-inch MacBook Air

1.8 GHz Core i5 Broadwell CPU on baseline model, up from 1.6 GHz version

2015 MacBook Pros

The 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2015 has been discontinued. It’s no longer listed on Apple’s site, but you can probably find remaining models in the retail channel

The 15-inch MacBook Pro from 2015 remains available for those who want full-size USB ports

HomePod Speaker

Apple also announced brand new HomePod speaker system based on Sri to take on Amazon Alexa and Google’s Home. Home automation and personal assistant market is dominated by Amazon’s Alexa at the moment. It will be an uphill battle for Apple with HomePod not only because it is late to the party but because of its hefty price.

iMacs All in One Desktop Computers

Apple iMacs have gotten much needed upgrade with brighter screen, faster graphics chip by AMD, Solid state drives and seventh generation Intel Processor. This will breathe new life into all in one computer and bring cheers to graphic and advertising agencies.

Apple also is bringing VR capabilities to iMac line of computers along with new High Siera MacOS. VR enthusiast will have to wait for headsets that are compatible with VR. Apple and third parties headsets will be available in late 2017.

To learn more about Apple product update, please  visit Event Technology Rentals at www.rentipads.com

Topics Discussed: Apple MacBook Pro, iMacs, Laptops, All in One Computers, PodHome

 

 

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