About Apple Laptop Rentals
Computer rental (all makes and models) is big business, yet it's one that most home computer users aren't aware of. Generally geared toward the corporate market (in fact, many companies refuse to deal with home users), renting an Apple laptop is usually not a problem, but doing your homework beforehand can help you avoid problems.
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Significance
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Laptop, desktop: We rent 'em all.
For a wide variety of reasons, not everybody can run to a local computer dealer and whip out the cash for an Apple laptop computer that is only going to be used for a limited period. Because of this, there is the possibility of renting computers everywhere, both locally and online.
Types
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There are several reasons to rent an Apple laptop. It could be for a business trip, delivering a presentation, an emergency replacement for an employee or getting a temporary user working quickly. Sometime a Mac user is working at a job site that only has Windows or Linux machines, or some last-minute work needs to be done on a deck or document.
Benefits
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Powered by Macintosh
One benefit of renting is that there is virtually zero configuration required, namely because the rental firm provides software that is up-to-date. (Though any custom apps and data have to be loaded by the end user.) Also, the rental company is able to deliver (via a shipping service, or courier if it has a local office) directly to the user or client. Finally, because in many instances the client is billed for the rental, the accounting department doesn't have to spend time on tracking assets, calculating depreciation or depleting budgets.
Warning
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Beware of companies that can't support the Mac.
Many rental companies only deal with Apple products as an afterthought, so often there is no Mac expert in-house. That's only an issue when there is a tech problem, or something has to be custom configured (remote access, projector connectivity). Also, the Mac laptop may not be fully updated with the latest OS or software, which could cause problems down the road. Likewise, the peripherals supplied (keyboard, mouse) might not be compatible with the Mac.
Expert Insight
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Mac laptop for sale: Only two weeks old.
Although there are companies whose entire business is based on renting computers, printers and other tech-related equipment, this isn't the most economical way to handle things. While buying a laptop for a twice-a-year business trip might appeal to some, the industry is constantly updating, so after a trip or two, the computer might be outdated. Instead there are those who make it a practice to buy new, use for a short while, and then sell on the used market, notably CraigsList or eBay.
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