If you have ever done a trade show(especially in Las Vegas) you know that the internet connections are usually outrageous. Take for an example our both in Las Vegas has 8 computer stations. The first internet connection is $1,400.00 and each additional is $600.00. That is $5,600 for internet connections for a 3 day show. Oh that does not include labor of running lines because we are not allowed to do that(union.)
After a few frustrating show I was flying back to my old home of San Diego reading the ever so popular Sky Mall. Side note: Does anyone really ever buy anything from Sky Mall? Anyway, I was flipping through the electronics section only to find a new device from NComputing. It claimed you could turn 1 computer into 30 unique terminals just by adding their boxes and all the the necessary peripherals to include mouse, keyboard, monitor and speakers.
This sounded too good to be true. While the advertisement was targeted at educational institution and parents to reduce the cost of computers I instantly saw that I could reduce the cost on internet, computers, labor and weight of load in. I mean if this really does work I could save $5-7k per show.
So buying the product was a cheap gamble and a few days later my shipment from Sky Mall arrived. Yes, in answer to my own question I bought something from Sky Mall. I was amazed by the small size of the terminal box. It fits behind a monitor when the monitor is mounted to a wall. I quickly loaded the software to my most powerful computer and hooked up my first terminal station.
To my amazement it worked incredible. On hindsight the only thing I would have done different is I would have not got 22″ monitors. The resolution provided by the terminals is mediocre and I would recommend 20″ monitors or less.
So this is now our third show running just one computer, powering 8 stations and paying for only one internet connection. If you have a use for multiple computers such as a trade show or maybe even an internet cafe this is a great way to do it if you have to pay per internet hookup. I will never do a trade show or expo again without this system.
If this helped yoiu save some money leave me a comment below.
Tags: expo, internet connections, ncomputing, sky mall, trade show
Brooke,
I had no idea how expensive a trade show could be. The display looks great, by the way. Thanks for all you do for United First Financial and for the world. You’re an incredible person.
Brooke,
You can buy these from tigerdirect.com. I will definitely consider using this for my trade shows and possibly my home office. This could cut down on the noise and cost of running multiple machines., ie., electricity, software.
Thanks for the great idea!
Brooke, am I correct in assuming that the convention organizers don’t allow you to use a router, with a single Internet connection, from which you could feed each terminal ? If so, would an aircard with the a router such as Linksys’ Mobile Broadband Router not be a solution which would preclude needing any Internet connection from the organizers?
Hi Brooke
You must have been very very busy with corporate lately. Love the set up you have at the homeshow. One day I will do that.
Thanks for all you do for so many others. You are a 1000% top quality person.
Correct they do not allow routers or any other devices that create a nat type terminal. But since this is a single machine that powers separate stations it is legit. You can do an aircard and router but that would be slow with 8 stations. And never know the reception you will get in the buildings.