Choosing computer rentals over purchasing is a big decision, especially when figuring out the cost. Your business may only save money by renting if you need to replace your computers with newer models every year or less anyway.
Most computer rental companies don't make it easy to calculate your pricing and costs of computer rentals, because they won't give you prices up front. They'll ask you to request a quote from them instead, depending on how many units you need and your location. Your decisions also include:
1. Renting computers by the month or week
2. Determining on desktop or laptop computer rentals
3. Choosing between Windows-based PCs or Mac computers
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get the best deal for desktop computer renting and leasing
Almost every business will need desktop computers, and the best thing is renting multiple units of the same brand. You also must make sure all the computers you rent have the same version of Windows installed so all your computers are compatible.
I recommend: Tech Travel Agent rents out desktop computers for about $99 dollars a week and $149 per month, but they advertise that the price can drop up to 35 percent based on specification and location.
Egads Computer Corporation offers rentals for as little as $75 for one to three days to $650 for six months. However, the monitor is extra at $20 to $250, and they offer memory and software upgrades for $10 to $200 depending on length of time.
Look at pricing for laptop computer rental
You shouldn't need to rent as many laptop computers as you would desktop ones. A few small businesses may exclusively use laptops, but mostly you'll need a handful for a few employees to compliment the desktops you have.
I recommend: Digital One Rental Solutions has numerous laptops and notebooks, renting them for as little as $75 to $90 a day to $149 to $199 a month. Most units come with carry cases included.
Instant Laptop Rental has Business rental packages for $49 to $149, Professional for $69 to $169 and Executive for $89 to $189. They also offer equipment protection for $199.
Find Apple/Macintosh computer rental services if your business prefers them
Businesses that focus on artistic and creative design usually find that Macintosh computers work best for them. Any computer rental company should offer Mac desktops and/or laptops for rent, as Apple gradually increases its presence in the business world.
I recommend: Meeting Tomorrow offers standard and premium MacBooks from $249 to $399 per unit, depending on the type of notebook and weekly vs. monthly rental. Their round-trip shipping costs are about $199 total but could increase to around $229 for 15 or more units.
CRE Rentals leases out the iMac, PowerMac and MacPro for $325 to $395 to $595 per week and $425 to $495 to $795 month. Their shipping varies on the size and location, and they recommend using a FedEx or UPS account if you have one.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Check with your computer rental service to see what software is included on the units. Find out if they have any restrictions on what software you can install.