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High-Tech Rentals: A Good Business MoveMarch 30th, 2010
Apple is a good example of a firm that is forever pushing its own envelope. Sometimes the firm gets on the wrong side of its own customers when it introduces a replacement early in a product cycle, as happened throughout the 1990s. Today, the company is somewhat more careful about new product introductions, spending millions on “pre-announcement” research. Still, you may have purchased a new iMac less than a year ago only to find that you now want one like the new 21.5 inch iMac rentals from CRE. Buying all the new models would be a swift road to insolvency. Software evolves, too It is not only hardware that evolves. With the Windows OS, three different eras are now overlapping with the widespread use of XP, Vista and the new Windows 7. Rental companies like CRE need to update customer information and preferences continuously to stay abreast of what the market demands. Right now, some customers demand good hardware like CRE’s HP 8600 computer rentals and are less choosy about which OS is installed. Others need certain applications installed, so smart rental firms need to be able to outfit a workstation in the manner the customer needs. It’s a hard balance to strike. The “name of the game” in rentals, like everywhere else, is value added. Consulting firms like the Gartner Group advise rental and leasing firms to move to a “suite of services” model and educate customers on the different advantages and options. Instead of simply responding to a RFQ (Request For Quote) with a dollar figure and the number of tablet PC rentals needed, firms can take the opportunity to show customers the costs and benefits (and savings) that inure to their advantage. CRE has always led the way in customer education, and both company and customers benefit. The solution business Fact is, rental companies, like CRE, need to be in the business of offering solutions that are not cookie cutter simple, but which meet specific requirements of cost, availability, processing power and ease of use. Good rental companies will work hard to maintain the following strengths: Flexibility – Rental firms should be able to recommend technology equipment based on a particular project need, adjust the rental period if the project wraps up sooner than expected, or offer to exchange plasma rentals at the first sign of a glitch. Financial stability – The financial status and length of time in business of the rental firm will assure customers that the company will be in business for the term of the rental and beyond that. CRE has been in business for over a quarter century. Full service – The expertise of the rental firm’s employees is key to ensuring that all services, from consultation to setup and operational support, are rendered with the highest possible quality. Know-how – You need to trust that the rental firm has employees that are in a continuous educational process concerning its inventory of high tech equipment. Whether you need audience response rentals or LCD monitor rentals, you must trust that you are getting the right one for your needs. CRE is serious about “the solutions business,” and part of that means we listen so that we make the right recommendations. When you need an expert to help you solve a production bottleneck or set you up for a new project, call or send an e-mail to one of our Account Executives and get the assistance you need. If you know what you need, simply send a Quick Rental Quote form and we will be back to you quickly. Computer Recycling – A New “Green Apple” RecipeMarch 25th, 2010Apple CEO Steve Jobs is serious about environmental leadership. He is also serious about being seen to be serious, as this makes for good public relations. However, having a business motive for making “green” upgrades does not negate all the good that they will do. Even before his latest announcement, Apple had already eliminated, by the end of 2008, such toxic chemicals as lead and arsenic (in displays), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants. With the introduction of LED technology in its displays, like the 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display rentals from CRE, the Cupertino firm also took the lead in eliminating mercury from its products. The latest iMac rentals also have mercury-free components, and arsenic-free glass, and represent the future of “non-toxic tech.” CRE also checks the manufacturing processes of the other companies whose products it rents, as CRE is committed to its own sustainability strategy, as outlined in its corporate “green statement.” A little history
Presently, there is no industry-standard way to assess the effectiveness of these recycling programs. Dell Computer has proposed a simple measure that projects a seven-year product lifetime, and measures the percentage of total weight recycled each year against the total weight of what was sold seven years earlier. This is a sensible proposal, with the added benefits of simplicity and transparency. The way forward For its part, Apple recycled 13 million pounds of e-waste in 2006, almost 10% of the weight of all products the company sold seven years prior. Apple executives expect this percentage to grow and, by 2010, project that the company will recycle 19 million pounds of e-waste, or nearly 30% of product weight sold in 2003 (seven years earlier). Apple’s high-end models, like CRE’s MacPro rentals and the iMac line, are not part of the Apple trade-in program yet, but the company offers 10% off a new iPod when a customer brings in an old one to recycle. Whatever you need in the way of Apple products, potent PCs, plasma rentals or conference capabilities, it takes just a quick phone call or e-mail to get a CRE Account Executive working on a solution for you. If you know what you need, our Quick Rental Quote form is the way to go. CRE is proud to partner with Apple and other industry leaders in the “greening of technology,” and we will keep you updated on the progress! Brand New Gadget Review – CRE RentalsMarch 23rd, 2010Mini Projector for iPhone/iPod Miniaturized projectors are getting popular and better all the time. Business professionals who don’t want to lug around big, expensive projectors now have another choice. They won’t usurp the projector rentals available from CRE Rentals for conferences and top corporate events, but mini projectors certainly have their place.
In addition to a dock for the iPod Touch and iPhone, the MiLi Pro has VGA and RCA connectors that allow it to work directly with LCD monitor rentals. Its built-in, adjustable stand is easily adjusted to get the image just right, but remember it is only about VHS quality. The device charges in roughly three hours and includes integrated speakers. Walkie-talkie watches for conventions
There are no buttons to push as the devices are voice activated and an incoming call alert lets you know someone wants to chat. With an impressive range of nearly three miles, these “walkie talkies” keep you in touch with colleagues at a conference or convention. A simpler “pad” computer device It will never be mistaken for the new Apple iPad, as the Adesso CyberPad A4 is an entirely different creature – it is made for taking notes, which it saves to its 32MB of internal memory or SecureDigital (SD) cards in an integrated slot. Connect the included USB cable to your computer and download your doodlings – rather, your mission-critical meeting notes – with the included software. The utility software is also capable of converting your handwritten notes into text, but like many OCR (Optical Character Recognition) programs it is somewhat of a “lite” version and will need some “on the job training” to work right. Digital recorder rentals from CRE are another way of capturing notes on the fly, but together they could make one complete, seemingly foolproof solution. “Gadget” technology rentals At CRE, we stay abreast of all modern “gadget” technologies, particularly those that help busy creative and administrative professionals get their work done more efficiently. From tablet PC rentals to convention rentals, our Account Executives can help you push through any obstacles that are delaying your projects– whatever you need, we’re here to help! Fill out our online Quick Rental Quote form, and get a swift reply and a thorough solution using the newest gadgets. New Technology for Security SystemsMarch 18th, 2010Today, companies of all kinds need to consider security. It used to be large firms or retail stores that used video surveillance and other tools, but with lawsuits concerning hostile workplaces, harassment and on-the-job injuries, more and more companies are equipping their properties with security cameras. Originally, systems were clunky and hard to control, but with the continuing progress in computing and communications, First things first with security systems Do not go too fast when you decide to get a CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) system for your business. Approach the decision as any other, with research, study and plenty of poking around the right Web sites. You need to learn about pan/tilt/zoom cameras, wireless technology, DVRs and NVRs (Digital Video Recorders and Network Video Recorders), and the ways in which they work with computers as a central “command post.” As with many first-time projects, it might behoove you to get one of the CRE Mac Pro rentals to use for your first setup, so you don’t have to ‘borrow’ other workstations from their current and ongoing duties. If you have PCs, you have even more choices of software, as Windows is far more widespread than the Mac OS. In that case, consider one of the CRE desktop rentals like the HP 8600, a powerful computer that can accommodate any surveillance setup. Security offers multiple benefits When you do decide to make the move to installing a system, remember that even the sight of a few pan/tilt/zoom cameras outside your business has a deterrent effect. You should not gamble on dummy cameras for an entire installation, but you can add a few in non-critical areas to buttress the message sent by the real ones. Software from commercial packages to freeware are available, and there is a particularly high number of shareware specialty programs for the Windows platform. Mac users have multiple options, too, as do users of Linux PCs. A CCTV system, in fact, can safeguard your business in many ways. You can document accidents or other incidents involving customers, employees or both, and simply having the cameras can reduce your insurance premiums, too. Of course, having a safe, secure store environment – or office building, warehouse or studio – can be used as a selling point when promoting your business, too. If you want to do a “test run” for a new computer-based security system, or need high-tech help for any kind of project from animation production to audience polling, our expert Account Executives will get you set up right. Call or e-mail for assistance, or fill out our Quick Rental Quote form, and you will be assisted swiftly and effectively. We’re here to support you, every day, in every way. Smart Marketing for Recessionary TimesMarch 16th, 2010Scott Harris is the founder and principal of Mustang Marketing in Thousand Oaks. He writes columns for various publications, including the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, and has recently been reminding companies that tough economic times should encourage them to revisit their marketing plans – and that doesn’t mean cutting the budget arbitrarily to save money. “Today’s economy is our new reality,” says Harris, “and blaming Wall Street is not an acceptable excuse for not doing well in 2010. We’re all dealing with the same economic environment, which means we have the same opportunities and the same challenges that our competitors do.” Product position, value proposition Generally speaking, your mission as a business owner is to identify and bring to market quality products and services, delivering better value than competitors. You need to develop unique insights about your customers’ buying behaviors – as well as those of potential customers. This way, you can tailor your message. Your core message, sometimes between the lines and sometimes explicit, tells customers the benefits of doing business with you (your “value proposition”). It may, for example, be something like “big enough to get you the best price, small enough to know your name.” Depending on needs and venues, particular ads could focus on just one proposition, or bring in some others. The point is, are you communicating your message clearly and consistently? Market and competitor research You need to know your competitors well, and stay abreast of what they are doing (and saying) so you can better position your sales efforts. By identifying segmentation, competitive behavior, market opportunities and product/service “gaps,” you will discover opportunities you may well have missed. Market research can be as vast or as focused as you need it to be. Online databases from both corporate America and government have a treasure trove of information about businesses in every state. Remember, too, that the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) many of you have used for years was replaced by the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS breaks down businesses in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada by type and location. Online resources Below are some very valuable online resources to assist you in researching and developing your marketing plan, or at least getting your pump primed. The list cannot possibly be exhaustive, of course, so use the links to bridge to others that will get you where you want to go, and tell you what you want to know. When you want to know how to get your overflow work handled, or meet a shortened production deadline, CRE has Mac Pro rentals, computer rentals and every other tool you need for a digital work flow. Whether you work with audio, video, design programs or publishing packages, we have the solution to your challenge, from office equipment rentals to LCD monitor rentals. Call or e-mail an expert and attentive Account Executive, or fill out the Quick Rental Quote form, and we will get right to it. That brings us to one of CRE’s value propositions: Expert solutions, fast! - – - Resource list A great place to begin your research is the Carnegie Business Library. Fedstats is “the gateway” to statistics from some 100 federal agencies and departments. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) is just one of many, many useful databases from the Census Bureau. The Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE) offers free online business tools. You can easily send out your press releases via the Internet with PR Newswire. Verizon offers a number of documents on “Expanding into New Markets.” Web ‘n’ Tech Forecast for 2010March 11th, 2010Nothing is constant but change, as the old saying goes. The Web is changing daily, and our gadgetry too, but the more time you spend on the Internet and your smartphone, the less likely you are to notice gradual changes in their forms or functions. Researchers who keep track of new technologies, however, make it their business to chart the changes and try to project at least a little bit into the future, if only to light the way a step at a time. There are a handful of areas in which change is being observed right now, and at least begin to paint a picture of where “Web ‘n’ tech” are going in 2010. Social gaming – play time for grown-ups Social gaming will be big this year. Zynga’s FarmVille game on Facebook already has more active users than Twitter, at least according to Facebook execs. Electronic Arts, a gargantuan game firm, acquired the Playfish social game Web site in a multimillion-dollar deal. Forward-looking companies leverage social media for PR and publicity, and are also interested in the “virtual currencies” that these game sites use, which may be “monetizable” (converted to real money) under certain circumstances, in the opinion of some economists. PCTVs and “iFlicks” services Among the big buzz-makers in Web movies are Apple – maker of our Mac Pro rentals plus laptops, iMacs, iPods and the new iPad – along with Tivo, Hulu and Netflix. Hulu had a particularly strong 2009, with great growth and even better press, while even the tech-paranoid studios banded together to take a shot with Epix, a Hulu-style site for movie fare. Apple is leading the way with both TV and film deals in the works, as the “convergence” continues apace. The “now” and the “wow” Facebook, Twitter and their hordes of imitators made moves toward more productive real-time interactivity in the latter part of 2009. Smartphones, laptops, netbooks and WiFi-enabled whatchamacallits will converge more and more, enabling real-time collaboration in ways unimaginable even a few years ago. Things will absolutely explode once Google explains exactly what Wave is and makes it push-button simple (read our blog about Google’s Wave). Mobile pay is on the way
CRE is right there at the leading edge, staying abreast of all the latest technologies. When you need computers, projectors, screens, interactive kiosks and other high-tech gear for projects or conferences, our expert Account Executives can get you squared away in no time. Call or send an e-mail, or fill out our Quick Rental Quote form, right now, and you’ll get help you need, swiftly and efficiently. Producing Music on Any BudgetMarch 9th, 2010Time was, if your company needed quality music – for a Web site, a presentation, a commercial – you would spend a lot of money on rights to commercial productions, or go to a recording studio and have the engineers put together a “package deal” for you. Paying for musicians, engineers, equipment and studio time adds up fast. A new generation of composition and soundtrack tools now brings the power of pro music to smaller businesses, and CRE has the equipment to help you produce music on any budget, all the way up to G5 with Kona card rentals that can handle any audio job you want to tackle. For high-quality drum sounds the “old” way, you would have had to set up a drummer and his kit in a room with baffles, sound deflectors, etc. Adding analog If you have more to accomplish than a self-contained program can offer, you can take the next step up with entry-level programs like Apple’s Garageband or Cakewalk’s Home Studio, which are based on “loops” that you put together like puzzle pieces. They are competent in the tracking arena, but fall somewhat short in terms of plug-ins and quality of effects (like reverb) that are essential to a project. Still, you can add a USB, Firewire or PCI-based audio interface allowing you to use microphones and electronic instruments to add real sounds to the real-sounding samples in your computer. The pro level studios use one or more of the major Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software applications – Digidesign’s Pro Tools, Apple’s Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer (Mac only), Sonar (PC only) others – and you can also get “lite” versions like Logic Express, that will get you into the game and will run fine on mid-range PCs and iMac rentals. Depending on the results you need to get, you can even get hold of a good sound professional and one of the Mac Pro rentals from CRE and still save a bundle over the alternatives. Decisions, decisions If you need to get some music tracks in a hurry without recording anything, you should choose “soundtrack” software that doesn’t require anything at all except a computer – no microphones, no interfaces, nothing. If you have more time (and expertise) then you move up one or two notches as described above. The more involved, the better the results, of course. Weigh your needs against your budget and capabilities, and then go for it. CRE can help in any way you need. When you start a new project that’s a little different, you can count on CRE’s experienced Account Executives to inform you about all the options available. Call or send an e-mail, or fill out the Quick Rental Quote form, and we will get you set up however you need. When it’s time to get the job done and done right, you can count on CRE to support you with the right information, equipment and expertise, so that you can make the “sound” move. Trade Show Highlights from E-Reader to ToysMarch 4th, 2010CRE Rentals provides news and highlights from two recent trade shows: CES and Toy Fair. 2010 CES Trade Show During the January 2010 CES show, over a dozen e-readers were displayed from both major firms (Audiovox and Samsung) to a number of smaller companies. The devices represented different approaches to the e-reader product. There were various form factors like clamshell cases and ultra-thin tablet PCs, not unlike the tablet PC rentals available from CRE, and different levels of functionality including touchscreens and handwriting capture. There were even choices of connectivity, including Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth, and some with combinations of these protocols. “Content is king” for E-Readers Don’t forget the mantra of the Internet and all connected devices: “Content is king.” Most products in this category will have to go a long way to match the content available from the market leaders, Amazon’s Kindle and Sony’s Reader. When considering content along with the tech specifications, and trying to gauge the ever-tickle consumer’s interest, one new entry does stand out. It’s the Skiff Reader, from a subsidiary of media heavyweight Hearst.
When announcing its product, Skiff also announced a comprehensive content strategy to support it. In addition, the Skiff Reader is the first e-ink product (all using licensed technology) built to display magazine and newspaper content, and both its service model and digital store are built to allow swift, simple, wireless consumer access to free and paid content from news organizations, magazines, blogs, books and other publishers. It will all be delivered fast-fast-fast over Sprint’s existing 3G, and upcoming 4G, networks. Big and “bendy” The Skiff Reader is a mere quarter-inch thick, 11.5 inches diagonally, weighs just under pound and is housed in a remarkably flexible magnesium frame. For reading and interacting with the device, the Skiff Reader uses a flexible 1200 x 1600 pixel (UXGA) touchscreen manufactured by LG from stainless-steel foil. In addition to 3G/4G service, the unit is Wi-Fi-capable, lasts over a week on a single charge and will be available at Sprint’s online and retail stores. Pricing has not yet been set. - – - A Few Laughs from Toy Fair 2010 The recent New York Toy Fair 2010 showcased scores of new toys for all ages, a few of which should put a smile on your face. One for example is the Marshmallow Blaster which is the only thing better than Nerf guns and ammo for indoor shoot-outs. The best marshmallow-shooting device at the Fair, it can fire 20 puffy rounds in a five-second burst, with a range of 40 feet. Fun! The new Hot Wheels RC Stealth Rides (image 11 of 20 in this slideshow) are Mattel’s popular radio-controlled (RC) cars scaled down to the size of a domino, and fit in a case the size of a cell phone that doubles as charger and remote control. Is there a better workplace distraction than this? Amazingly (or not), Mattel also makes an electronic dog tag that you hang on Poochie’s neck. Puppy Tweets (image 15 of 20 in the slideshow) will sense the dog’s activity levels, motions, barking and such, and transmit pre-set tweets to its own Twitter feed. You read that right. Now you can teach your dog Stupid Human Tricks! - – - CRE does not rent blasters, RC cars or canine Twitter-enablers, but we have the leading-edge all-in-one touchscreen computer rentals, LCD monitor rentals and other high-tech equipment you need to get your work finished. Deadline moved up? Hire a Final Cut expert, get one of CRE’s potent Mac Pro rentals and get the job done, bing bang boom. Know what you need already? Then use our Quick Rental Quote form and get to work fast, or contact an experienced Account Executive and figure out a solution together. We’re here to take care of business – yours! Highlights of April 2010 Trade Shows and ConferencesMarch 2nd, 2010CRE Rentals highlights the upcoming Trade Shows and Conferences in April. IPC APEX EXPO 2010
The EXPO features the industry’s best standards development discussions, technical conferences and professional development training, as well as an exhibition featuring the industry’s top suppliers. If you are exhibiting, you need to grab the attention of the thousands of passersby, which can be done with plasma rentals displaying your company products, Web site or even a live webcam feed. NAB 2010
The Show was promoted with electronic communications instead of direct mail, social networking sites were leveraged for publicity and registration took place online. Post-consumer recycled materials are being used for conference bags and the limited amount of printing required. CRE can supply exhibitors with energy-effective rentals for NAB, from modern LCD monitor rentals that draw half the power of 5-year-old models to wireless tablet PC rentals for taking notes, downloading conference materials and communicating with others via Skype, chat or e-mail. The NAB Show’s famous annual exhibition features some 1,500 companies covering over 800,000 square feet. Special pavilions include Destination Broadband, with more than 50 cutting-edge firms and a theater, which will showcase the online video experience and map out the “broadband ecosystem” from basic infrastructure to the latest home entertainment technologies. Other technology-focused pavilions include the 3D Pavilion, Mobile DTV Pavilion, Technologies for Worship and Content Central. Interop
For exhibitors who need to be in two (or more) places at once, CRE interactive kiosk rentals are a good move. You can capture attendee contact information, offer product specs and maximize your conference investment. If you have a booth, nothing grabs and holds attention like touchscreen feature available in the all-in-one computer rental with some “push-button fun.” You could also plug a laptop, a DVD player or a home-theater system into a plasma rental to present a PowerPoint slideshow, Flash animation or multimedia brochure. You will also see new technology being deployed, as the InteropNet will be offering a stable high-speed network for attendees and exhibitors, from the conference rooms to the exhibition floor. InteropNet will showcase leading technologies in a live environment, with “virtualization in action” and information on bringing the same cost-effective power to your company. If your company is exhibiting at any of these events and needs technology rentals, partner with CRE Rentals – your one-stop conference and expo shop. Fill out the Quick Rental Quote form and one of our expert Account Executives will work with you to ensure you get the gear needed to make your conference presence a success! |
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Apple began a serious recycling program in 1994 and by 2007 it operated recycling centers in the countries where upwards of 80% of all iPods and Macintosh computers were sold. By the end of 2009, that figure had increased to over 90%. Hewlett-Packard, whose powerful HP8600 is one of CRE’s top 
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