How Tablet PCs and iPads Can Help Meetings Go Green

Why rent Tablet PCs or iPads for your next meeting or event? There are many reasons, but one of the most compelling reasons to consider this slate technology because it is environmentally friendly, cuts costs, and saves resources.

Today's blog will focus on energy usage and paper reduction; this is where event and meeting planners can see immediate improvements as the result of adopting the Tablet PC or iPad technology.

Energy Usage

Traditionally, attendees and meeting planners bring their laptops to events. The problem with laptops is:

• They require you to be sitting at a table or hard surface in order to ensure stability


• They can weigh up to 7 or 8 pounds


• They create a barrier to conversation because of the screen


• The battery life is limited up to 5 hours so you need to be make certain you are near an outlet


• Many are not energy efficient, up to 45 watts of energy and


• You most certainly cannot walk around, or stand and navigate applications on a laptop

Now, think about the benefits if you rent Tablet PCs or rent iPads:

• They can be used standing, sitting, or walking around


• They weigh as little as 1 pound


• Meeting and trade show information can be downloaded to rental unit


• No barriers because you can carry it just like a paper notebook


• The battery life can be up to 10 hours, so the recharging is at night


• The latest iPads and Tablet PC have EnergyStar ratings, using around 15 watts of energy

Reducing Paper Usage

Tablet PCs are suitable for cutting down on all kinds of paper, including note taking, reading documents, filling out registration forms, and surveys or other reports.

Architectural design firm, BCRA, adopted the iPad to lessen impact on the environment and decrease printing costs. The company uses the iPads to showcase presentations, designs, and maps to their clients. The iPad has reduced their paper need by 41 pounds per month, representing over $1,500 per month in printing and paper savings.

By the end of 2011, the firm estimates printed brochures will be reduced by 80%, as those brochures and video displays will be on the iPad. According to BCRA officials, the estimated savings for the year will be over $15,000 on printing and paper costs.

Bottom Line

Looking at interactive technology tool rentals, such as Tablet PCs and iPads make sense for any event planner. However, this requires looking at the total picture, including energy output, paper, printing, copying, your time and your staff's time, and green initiatives within your organization and your client's.