If you’re in the market for a new laptop or desktop computer, you may be able to find what you need at your local rental store. Many retailers are beginning to cater to a growing consumer demand for short-term rentals of computers and other technology. Renting a PC might be the right choice for someone who needs a new computer during the holidays, wants to do some word-processing work at home, or is trying out a new software program at their office. It can also be a great way to save on the high cost of purchasing a high-end piece of equipment that you don’t plan on keeping long term.
Tech companies often design their products to be replaced within months by faster, more powerful upgrades. It’s a losing game for consumers who spend their hard-earned dollars on the latest gadgets and end up stuck with yesterday’s technology. Renting a new computer, smartphone or flat-screen TV lets you enjoy the latest releases and save some cash.
Some people choose to rent a computer because they don’t have the money or credit to buy one at retail prices. For example, if you’re not sure whether an online business venture is going to be successful, it may make sense to rent the equipment and see how things go before investing in the expensive equipment. Another reason to rent a PC is that it’s usually cheaper than paying for a traditional lease agreement through a finance company. These agreements often feature “balloon payments” that balloon to more than double the initial purchase price after a few years of repayments. Federal consumer-protection laws don’t cover these types of rent-to-own services, and they’re considered predatory by some consumer groups.
In the past, pc rental was often viewed as a stop-gap for businesses that could not afford to keep a large supply of computers in stock at all times. It was not uncommon for a business that relied heavily on computer systems to have one or more break down, and they’d be forced to shell out big bucks for a temporary replacement.
Nowadays, pc rental is seen more as a strategic option for companies that need to temporarily expand or augment their technology on short notice. For example, if a company plans to host an important trade show or corporate event, it might be worth renting some additional computers and other equipment for the occasion.
Desktops and laptops are the two most popular computers rented today. However, the popularity of laptops is expected to eventually overtake that of desktops. At BCSR, a firm that rents computers out of a headquarters in Kirkland, owner Dan Hiatt says that five years ago his firm rented primarily desktops. “But that’s changed,” he says, adding that his firm now rents more laptops than desktops.
Some of the most popular models for laptop rentals include Apple Macbook Air rentals and HP Windows based laptops. A MacBook Air is a light, stylish and powerful machine that offers long battery life and a sleek look. HP’s flagship laptop, the EliteBook 900, is another high-performance option that offers powerful processing power in an attractive package. Other popular laptops include the Acer Helios and Dell XPS mobile workstation.