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Microsoft Andromeda – Getting Microsoft Back into the Tablet Game

November 3rd, 2017 | Posted by rreeve in Microsoft | Tablet - (0 Comments)

iOS and Android divide the tablet world between them. There is no third.

 

Or at least that is currently the case. Leaks (which may or may not be true) reveal that Microsoft may be throwing its hat back into the ring of the tablet market once again with a device presently being called the “Andromeda” by various tech blogs.

A woman drinking coffee while holding a tablet

If the leaks are true, then the most interesting thing about this new device is that Microsoft itself seems to be developing it. This is a pretty big step up for Microsoft’s involvement in the tablet industry, as Microsoft’s original tablet strategy was pretty much just to throw the operating system onto whatever device tablet manufacturing companies would allow to run it.

 

The Andromeda is rumored to be a foldable tablet device, similar to the Microsoft Courier. If you do not know what the Microsoft Courier is, that is probably because the Microsoft Courier never came out. The Courier was first reported all the way back in 2008 but was canned before it ever hit any shelves to be sold. Hopefully that does not happen to the Andromeda, but I could see Microsoft choosing to go that route. Anyway, here’s a concept rendering of the Andromeda from the leak:

Concept rendering of the Microsoft Andromeda

Since Microsoft did not officially announce the Andromeda, very little is known about the hardware the device will come equipped with, the price of the device, or even what size the device will be. However, leak information does point to the Andromeda having cellular capabilities, which means that it can send texts and calls out in place of your smartphone.

 

Whether Microsoft will be choosing to market this as more of a smartphone or a tablet remains to be seen, but I could personally see the device being paired off with a stylus and being marketed as an artsy tablet. That’s a far safer bet than expecting Microsoft to try the notebook-style Andromeda in the smartphone market, where Microsoft currently has virtually no presence. Not like Microsoft currently has much of a presence in the tablet market either if our tablet rental records are any indication of anything, but maybe that will change if the Andromeda comes to fruition.  

 

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Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Rentals

December 27th, 2016 | Posted by rreeve in Event Planning | Microsoft | Rental | Tablet - (0 Comments)

Not all events can be held using Samsung Galaxy Tabs or iPads, there are some events where you may need more power or just a different operating system than what you would get with an iPad rental or an Android tablet rental. If you ever find yourself in this scenario, perhaps the best tablet rental option for you would be a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 rental. Although bulky for a tablet, the Surface Pro 4’s make up for their abnormal size in other aspects such as:

  • Storage Space

If you’ve used up a tablets storage space before you probably won’t have to worry about that with a Surface Pro 4. Even if you’re using the Surface Pro 4 like a laptop, it would be a feat to fill up this device’s memory if you get the maximum storage option. The Surface Pro 4 can come equipped with up to a 1 terabyte solid-state drive hard drive. That gives you 1000 gigabytes to work with which is a whole lot of space for event purposes. If you don’t see yourself needing 1000 gigabytes, the Surface Pro 4’s come with a minimum of 128 gigabytes.

 

Microsoft did not skip out on memory when it comes to RAM either. The Surface Pro 4 can come with up to 16 gigabytes of DDR3 RAM. To provide a comparison, most laptops come with either 6 or 8 gigabytes of RAM as a default option, which gives some amount of credibility to the Microsoft advertising campaign that these tablets can replace your laptop.  

 

  • Operating System and Application Functionality

Since the Surface Pro 4 is a Microsoft device, it should come as no surprise that the Pro 4 comes equipped with the latest version of Windows: Windows 10. Windows 10 fixed a lot of issues prevalent in Windows 8 and 8.1, and Windows 10 itself has had a lot of time for improvement since its release.

 

  • Audio and Display Enhancements

Although you may not necessarily require every single one of your attendees to be using the audio on your Microsoft Surface Pro 4’s, you will still be pleased to know that the audio quality delivered by the Surface Pro 4 when in use can be both loud and clear at the same time.

 

The Surface Pro 4’s display details are also impressive for a tablet. The screen size of a Surface Pro 4 is 12.3 inches with an aspect ratio of 3:2. Surface Pro 4’s  have resolutions of 2736×1824, and displays 267 pixels per inch. Lastly, one of my personal preferences when looking at display qualities is screen reflection, which has fortunately been decreased from the Surface Pro 3.

The Surface Pro 4 is a powerhouse of a tablet, and is a definite improvement to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 3. If you think the tablets you have at your next event will require a lot of power, storage space, or even just the Windows 10 operating system, get Surface Pro 4 event rentals for your next event.

 

Want to share this story on social media? Use these hashtags! #EventPlanning #SurfacePro4

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Conferences & Large Quantity Tablet Rentals

November 29th, 2016 | Posted by rreeve in Android | Apple | Event Planning | Microsoft | Rental | Tablet - (0 Comments)

Conferences are an amazing way to convey vital information to a large number of employees, peers, or even trainees. If you want the most out of your conference, you’ll want more than just projectors. While projectors are fine and dandy for effectively presenting through a keynote speaker, you may want to add to the experience by getting a large quantity tablet rental to use custom business or event applications.

There are many operating systems for tablets which can accommodate your conference needs, which is why we will be covering three tablets you can use for your next conference, instead of one.

1. iPad Pro

Whether you need to rent the 9.7 inch or the 12.9 inch display, Apple’s iPad Pro is an essential tool for holding a conference if your business applications are based in Apple’s operating systems. The iPad Pro is both stylish and efficient, as is to be expected by Apple. The iPad Pro boasts the following specs and more:

  • At least 32 GB
  • A9X third-generation chip with 64-bit computer compatibility
  • HD Video Capability
  • Up to 10 hour battery life

ipad-pro

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

Despite the fact that Samsung products have been taking (outputting is a more appropriate word) heat lately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is a top-of-the-line tablet. Operating on the Android Lollipop OS, this tablet is capable of displaying all of the vital powerpoints, excel documents, and word documents you would expect your event tablet rentals to display. Some impressive specs of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 include:

  • At least 32 GB
  • MicroSD capable of storing up to 128 GB
  • Exynos 5433 AP chip
  • Choice between 9.7 inch and compact 8.0 inch displays

samsung-galaxy-tab-s22

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Microsoft’s competitor in the tablet arena is a powerhouse. The Surface Pro 4 is extremely thin, but does not sacrifice power for size. This tablet runs Windows 10 Pro, and can easily let its specs speak for itself. This tablet has:

  • SSD memory starting at 128GB minimum
  • Battery life of over 5 hours
  • Intel m3,i5, i7, or 6th Gen Intel Core Processor
  • 4GB RAM minimum
  • Headset Jackmicrosoft-surface-pro

Whether you need iOS, Android Lollipop, or Windows, your conference can effectively integrate programs on any of these operating systems with a tablet rental. The three devices listed above are tried and true, and will be capable of powering through the obstacles your conference applications or software may present.

Want to share this story on social media? Use these hashtags! #ConferencePlanning #CorporateEvents #EventPlanning #GalaxyTabS2 #iPad #MicrosoftSurface

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Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Has Big Plans For The NFL

August 17th, 2015 | Posted by admin in Android | Tablet - (0 Comments)

Did you know that the NFL has been using Surface tablets for over a year now to help assist coaches with the analyzation of plays? In short, coaches used to (and some still) use printers for pictures of plays so coaches, players, and other staff can look over which formations teams use throughout the game taken via cameras in the end zones and high up at midfield. Nowadays Surface 2 tablets are used in order to get the images during plays rather than after, plus the staff doesn’t have to wait for the printers to print.

The NFL is becoming the U.S.’s most high-tech sport! In fact, the partnership is growing in 2015 with new uses enabled by the Surface 3. The weather-ready Surface 3 allows coaches to display more images on-screen, use multiple colors for markups, and even has a whiteboard for jotting down ideas between plays. During the preseason, coaches will even be allowed to use their Surface 3s for video replays! On their tablet, they can zoom and even take down notes using the stylus–which can write during any weather conditions. But coaches will have to hold off until next year (maybe) to use their tablets during the games that actually count.

Get a Quote on a Google Nexus Rental for Your Next Event! Google Nexus Rentals are perfect for business events, meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions and RentOurTablets.com offers short-term Google Nexus Rentals nationwide with local delivery and installation!

You might think using tablets on the sidelines is a little over the top for the NFL, but the tech frenzy doesn’t stop there. Microsoft is actually introducing the HoloLens for virtual reality training systems.

But what about the fans? Microsoft is rolling out its new version of its Xbox One NFL app, which is also making its way to Windows 10 later this month. The NFL is launching its Game Pass service, which replaces Game Rewind from last year, for $9.99 per month. Don’t worry, game stats, fantasy stats, and highlights will still be offered for free.

Microsoft Surface Tablets Being Used by NFL CoachesPerhaps the most interesting feature fans will be able to use this season is Next Gen Stats. This application uses the new motion tracker chips embedded in player uniforms for the 2015 season to track distance and speed. This will allow you to actually see the plays that each team runs!

The NFL is truly becoming a next-generation sport thanks to all of the technology that is being introduced. With coaches and teams utilizing things like the Surface Tablet, we are seeing the beginning of the future of both technology and professional sports.

Content originally published here

Sharing this story on social media? Use these hashtags! #NFL #Microsoft #SurfaceTablet #HoloLens

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A Surface 3 With Windows 10? Here’s How!

July 1st, 2015 | Posted by Michael Luciano in Android | Rental | Tablet - (0 Comments)
Rent a Surface 3 Tablet for your next business event!

Rent a Surface 3 Tablet for your next business event!

Microsoft has released updates for its Surface Pro 3 devices, allowing the tablet/laptops to run the new Windows 10 operating system.

That’s one of the changes the company announced this week with its new firmware for the Surface Pro 3 and its sister product, the Surface 3.

The changes happen automatically through Windows Update, but can also be performed manually in five steps:

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and hit Settings. (If you’re using a mouse, aim it at upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and click Settings.)
2. Tap or click Change PC settings, and choose Update and recovery.
3. Choose Check now.
4. Assuming the updates are available, choose “View details.”
5. Pick the updates you want to install, and tap or click “Install.”

You may need to restart the device after the updates install.
The company announced the updates last week, but if you haven’t gotten them yet, don’t panic. The company says on its website:

“When Surface updates are provided via the Windows Update service, they are delivered in stages to Surface customers. As a result, not every Surface will receive the update at the same time, but the update will be delivered to all devices. If you have not received the update, please manually check Windows Update later.”

According to Microsoft, the changes for the Surface Pro 3 include:

  • A UEFI update that adds support for new features in Windows 10.
  • An update to the wireless network controller and Bluetooth driver update that improves system stability and the Wi-Fi connectivity, while also increasing network download performance.

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Are Laptop-Tablet Hybrids Taking Over?

September 8th, 2014 | Posted by Michael Luciano in Android | Rental | Tablet - (0 Comments)

If you have even stepped outside once in the past few years, you may have started noticing a trend occurring. There has been a shift in the technology that we use today. Apple has taken over just about everything in the consumer technology department. Samsung is still doing its best to compete with Apple. Microsoft is still struggling to get back into the game and convince people that regular PCs and Windows are cool. There are a lot of tablets now as well. Just recently, however, and by recently I mean within the past few years, there has been another change in the technology, mainly in the tablet and laptop department.

Some people thoroughly enjoy using their tablets for everything. Others only use it for surfing the web and games because they can’t stand not having a keyboard. Thus, the change occurred. The tablet-laptop hybrid was made. Does that mean that it’s taking over now though?

Microsoft

surface3Microsoft has been looking like a dying breed for a while now. They’re far from out of the game, but they aren’t at the level that they used to be either. They, just like Samsung, have to compete with Apple and their iPad. Microsoft does have something that Apple doesn’t have. Apple has the MacBook. Apple also has the iPad. Microsoft’s answer to this? The Surface Pro 3. The latest rendition of the Surface Pro was hyped up so much by Microsoft that the ad even claimed that it was the “tablet that could replace your laptop”. In reality, it easily could. Reason being is that it was able to be a laptop when you needed it (after the purchase of the keyboard attachment of course) and a tablet when you needed it. You didn’t need to buy two separate devices. With the Surface Pro 3, you have them both.

Dell

dell hybridHere’s a name you might not have thought about in a while. Dell is still in the game, and at this year’s IFA conference in Berlin, they made sure that everyone was aware of that fact. Dell is following suit with the laptop-tablet hybrid game, much like everyone else in the mobile technology industry right now. They released their new Latitude 13 7000, which they are claiming to be a “2 in 1” device. Dell hasn’t really been making too much noise, as they’ve been drowned out by the likes of Microsoft, Samsung, and Apple. That being said, this new device aims to jump in the battle with the other hybrids out there. It was announced at the event but won’t be available to the public until October. Just be ready to spend around $1,200 if you want to try out their version.

What Does It Mean?

This change in the direction of technology could mean a lot of things. It could mean that this is what we can expect all of the tech giants to do now. It could mean that soon the laptop and hybrid will no longer exist as two separate entities but only as hybrids. Apple is making an announcement on the 9th of this month and for all we know it could be about their own version of a iPad and MacBook hybrid. Although that is highly unlikely, the possibility is still there as the IFA conference showed that this seems to be a big trend among the mobile market now. It could end up saving consumers and developers a lot of money in long run, but we won’t know until something like that actually happens.

I for one don’t own a tablet, but I do enjoy using them. I also enjoy just using my laptop. Should this become the new tech trend and take over officially, it might take some getting used to, but I feel that ultimately it wouldn’t be a bad financial call on either end.

Interested In Renting A Laptop-Tablet Hybrid Or Convertible Tablet? Contact www.RentOurTablets.com Today At 888-736-8301

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Lenovo Will Stop Selling The ThinkPad 8 In America

July 21st, 2014 | Posted by Jake Nolan in Android | iPad | Rental | Tablet - (0 Comments)

thinkpad8Microsoft has been struggling a little bit, especially after having to cut out so many jobs. New news from Lenovo just adds to the pain. Lenovo is the worlds largest PC vendor, and they have said that they are going to some selling one of their small screen Windows tablets in the United States.

On Thursday Lenovo confirmed that the 8.3 inch Thinkpad 8 would not be available on store shelves in the states anymore. On top of that, the 8 inch Miix 2 has already sold out in the states and there has been no word on restocking. This means that Lenovo is going to have zero small screen tablets available in the U.S.

The company has observed that their customers in the U.S. are more interested in Windows tablets with bigger screens, and they are really happy with the response that the ThinkPad 10 has gotten. The ThinkPad 8 has done way better in other markets like China, Brazil, and even Japan. They are pretty much just delivering the goods where they are wanted the most. Smart move for Lenovo, bad news for Microsoft.

The small demand may come from the fact that Microsoft ignored the small screened tablet world for a very long time. The iPad mini was already out and so were a lot of other Android and tablets, including Samsung’s Galaxy tab, before Windows even offered support for tablets of that size. By that time it was too late and the market had already been spoken for. Even Asus, Acer, and Dell has their own smaller tablets out on the market that had been doing pretty well. And even now, some of the apps for Windows are a little wonky on smaller screens. It’s just not working.

Microsoft still has a lot going for them with tablets. They do great with larger ones. They provide a superior computing experience, and tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 have gotten awesome reviews.

Lenovo will probably offer smaller tablets again at some point, but for right now Microsoft is going to have to focus on their bigger tablets and possible start working on a game plan for their next shot at a big release of a smaller tablet. They have said that they will probably still put out another one in the U.S. before the end of the year to see how it does, so Microsoft should start preparing.

Contact RentOurTablets.com For Nationwide Tablet Rentals 888-736-8301

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A New Microsoft Surface Mini May Be In The Works, But That May Not Be Enough To Help Their Declined Revenue

April 30th, 2014 | Posted by Michael Luciano in Rental | Tablet | Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

surfaceThere are few different phrases, idioms, and proverbs that many of us go by.  One saying may be more true than any other one: timing is everything. One simple timing error can cause a disaster. Having bad timing can ruin anything from a first date to quarterly sales for a company. Speaking of quarterly sales involving companies, bad timing may be  affecting a large company right now. I’m talking about Microsoft’s Surface tablet sales. According to a sales report recently released by the company, the sales for this particular tablet have plummeted quite a bit. Now Microsoft is looking to see what changes need to be made in order to help bring sales for the Surface back up.

While the earnings report was looking pretty rough at a 44% drop in sales, the previous quarter prior to this was the holiday season quarter. Having said that, that can only attribute to so much loss in revenue. I mean we are talking going from $893 million down to $500 million in sales. It almost leaves something to be desired by the market itself in a way. Apple saw some decline as well. 33% loss in revenue is still bad, but Microsoft’s 44% loss is just hard to overlook.

You have to figure that since almost a billion dollars of Microsoft’s revenue came from their Surface Tablet back in 2013, you’d think such a decline like that wouldn’t be possible unless something detrimental happened with the product. Even though, hardware wise, there may be nothing wrong with the product itself, there are still some factors that Microsoft may just now be taking into consideration.

The Surface 2 is now one of the last few devices from Microsoft running Windows RT. For those of you who don’t know, Windows RT is a version of Windows OS that is made to optimize performance on tablets at the cost of running older apps on the software. This is where this becomes a problem. There are so many other tablets out on the market currently that are running with Windows 8.1 instead of Windows RT. To the average consumer, having the latest operating software on your tech is a big deal. If they are getting that from another company, then Microsoft is going to lose money.  Aside from the Surface 2 lacking in the OS department, there is yet another big thing missing from the Surface line up. The name is small, but the demand is pretty big. A “Surface Mini.”

Yes, you may as well be selling the masses a smaller version of the exact thing that they already have, but if people keep buying it it’s just going to become that much more appealing. With Apple still leading the pack, and products like the iPad Mini and Nexus 7 out on the market currently, Microsoft is being left in the dust with nothing to show for it. However, rumors are beginning to circulate that Microsoft may just get with the times and release something soon. Possibly by mid-May, we could see a new Surface Mini.

For Your Next Tablet Rental Visit www.RentOurTablets.com Today or Call Us At 888-736-8301

That may not help though. Another thing to consider is that Apple and it’s software now have access to Microsoft’s Office programs. This was a big deciding factor for most when trying to see what product would be deemed as more “productive” for the customer, and could have hurt Surface sales.

The odds are definitely not in Microsoft’s favor at the moment, as far as the Surface tablet goes. If they don’t do something dramatic with the new Surface Mini, they should only expect their revenue for the Surface line to continue declining.

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Microsoft Confirms Office For Tablet Users

March 28th, 2014 | Posted by Erika Blasko in iPad | Tablet - (0 Comments)

Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, announced that Office for iPad is will be available for tablet users. Microsoft plans to introduce Office apps for tablet computers running Google’s Android system as well. Critics state that Microsoft has waited far too long to introduce Office to iPad tablets, which nearly 200 million have already been sold.

The iPad apps for Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel and Word are all free in the app store. From these apps, you’ll be able to read and present your information. The launch of these new apps lets you create and edit your documents, calculate spreadsheets and also design professional presentations.

Mobile office apps have already been launched for the iPhone and Android smartphones, so of course Microsoft and Apple would target tablets next.

Nadella stated that Office on iPad is “a beautiful set of applications; the company is taking great care to make sure that Office on every device shines through.”

A personal subscription to Microsoft Office for your computer and tablet is due this spring for $69.99 a year. Microsoft has said that the Office iPad apps would be free to users who want to use them in “read-only” mode, but to be able to create work on the app users will have to pay an annual subscription fee to get Office 365.

For Your Next Business Tablet Rental Call www.RentOurTablets.com Today At 888-736-8301

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Tons of Different Benefits from Renting a Tablet

November 22nd, 2012 | Posted by zackduncan in Rental | Tablet - (0 Comments)

Microsoft SurfaceTablet PCs are very cool pieces of technology but a lot of people don’t really need one on a long term basis. Many people get them simply because they are trendy or they don’t need all the features that come with a laptop, but these devices do have a lot of productive uses and are perfect for college students or businessmen who are always on the road.

One thing that tablet PCs allow you to do is take them everywhere, including a classroom, business meeting or trade show. You can buy digital copies of books from online retailers and read them directly on your tablet or download different business apps that allow you to fully connect during a meeting or presentation.

However, even though tablet PCs are extremely convenient and cheaper than buying a fully-featured laptop, they are not always cheap. Sometimes tablet PCs can sell for as high as $600, which is a lot to throw down if you ask me. That is where RentOurTablets.com comes in with its full line of tablet PC rentals.

RentOurTablets.com allows you to rent a tablet PC for a period of time, like a school semester perhaps, so you can have all the conveniences of a tablet PC without the cost of buying one. In many cases, renting a tablet is far less expensive than buying one, especially if you are a student where money is always tight or you don’t have a long-term need for one.

RentOurTablets.com has many regular tablets in stock, like Apple’s iPad, and even some convertible tablets (devices that convert from a laptop to a tablet) like the Inspiron Duo Convertible Tablet from Dell. You can even rent Microsoft’s new Surface Tablet, which comes complete with Windows RT.

Tablets can be expensive and unless you are planning on using yours all the time, it doesn’t make sense to jump in and spend a lot of money on one. If you need one for a school semester to save on books or for a business meeting that you are taking out of town, then renting a tablet is your best bet and RentOurTablets.com can get you whatever you need.

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