• Call us at VEND-PC'S 877-836-3727

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is LaptopsAnytime based? Who started the Company? to what end? Where do stations ship from? Typical ship time from receipt of order? Do you build custom stations or are stations pre-built?

LaptopsAnytime is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA with a Regional Office in Dallas, TX. The Company was started by Co-Founders Matthew Buscher and Jonathan Ruttenberg with the vision of giving back to the community through convenient on-demand access to full-function laptop/netbook computers (and soon tablet computers!), piggybacking on already present broadband. Stations ship FOB from San Jose, CA. Typical ship time from receipt of order is 6-8 weeks.

Current mix-n-match 19" wide laptop and netbook stations include 4-Laptop Host, 5-Laptop Host, 6-Netbook Host, 8-Laptop Companion, 9-Laptop Companion, 12-Netbook Companion plus 24" wide "Laptop Maximizer" which includes 6-Laptop Host, 12-Laptop Host, 12-Laptop Companion and 18-Laptop Companion. Next project for us will be developing a Tablet-based Dispensing Station to complement the product line.

What demographic/type of facilities are LaptopsAnytime targeting? Are available mobile laptops a "want" or a "need" for the target market? Can we request a particular laptop brand or model?

LaptopsAnytime sees Universities, Public Libraries, Hospitals and other public places where people gather in great numbers as natural beneficiaries of its "smart" automation systems.

Primary demographic: 14 and older. Male and female. Internet savvy. Lower, middle and upper middle classes. Most, but not all, of this population already owns a personal computer and many own or are planning to purchase a smart phone as soon as they are able. Often, they consider themselves "naked" when going without technology and they recognize the pros and cons of desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablets and smart phones.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a "want" is defined as having a strong desire for something. The word "need" is defined as lack of the means of subsistence. In every arena of life, the two concepts are opposing elements (Merriam-Webster Online). While laptops/netbooks are generally defined as a "want," an available mobile computer can serve as a life-saver when one's own device is in the repair shop, one is physically removed from one's personal machine, one is unable or unwilling to carry one's personal device due to distance, weight or circumstance or one simply requires a mobile tech device with a large screen.

Default stations with custom trays are configured around the Dell Latitude line (2100, 2120, e5500, e5520 and e6520). However, you may request a particular brand or model (Yes, even Apple!) and, in some cases, even multiple manufacturers. Please call us for details.

Can we place our Company's/Educational Institution's internally licensed programs and applications on the individual mobile computing devices?

Yes. LaptopsAnytime will work with you to make this happen.

Let's discuss how PC Dispensing Stations can help expand usage of technology versus other options (Traditional Public Access Computer Kiosks and Terminals, Internet cafes, PC labs, and Manual Checkout Programs).

LaptopsAnytime kiosks are designed to be a "smart" stand-alone (or integrated into ILS or Student Databse Systems) and space-efficient way to extend round-the-clock untethered access to mobile laptops in public spaces for authorized users. Laptops/netbooks are to be loaded with popular software and Wi-Fi, thereby providing reliable access to the web from nearby internet hotspots.

By automating the recharging and resetting of laptop/netbook software to its original format in between uses and providing the flexibility to charge logically scaled rental fees by credit/debit card (or set worker or student ID card for free operation per facility ownership), stations are an attractive way to meet the expanding needs of today's demanding "on-the-go" generation or internal group. For maximum utility, stations help speed checkout, control inventory and improve operational efficiency via network-supported remote management and advanced database tracking tools,

System protocols enable the highest level of computer security and permit authorized users to have complete 'Administrator Access' as if laptops were their personal devices with the freedom to download applications off the internet. In the event that facilities want to place restrictions on people, sites or capabilities, we can do so per local need. Lastly, Self-Checkout Stations can be placed in remote settings without any corresponding need for staff involvement.

Stations are designed to appeal to a broad range of potential users with special attention to making them approachable, including those who are non-technical. While it is thought that most installations will be 18 computing devices or less (i.e. 5-ft. width), the number at a particular location is determined based on available space and traffic flow.

Once a laptop/netbook is dispensed, users are free to find a comfortable area nearby to work, surf and connect at their convenience. In fact, a user is able to take a laptop anywhere where Broadband is installed without restriction. In addition, each laptop has a handle for easy carrying, a long battery life (up to 5+ hours) and no cumbersome wires or cords. Note: in new netbook station design, handle has been eliminated due to ease of carrying netbook.

Let's discuss installation and service. Is an electrician required?

A typical install does not require an electrician, just plug station(s) into available 110V outlet (Please note: if you require a different power configuration for outside the U.S., just let us know.), and set up router on available Broadband according to instructions. If you choose to monitor station(s) on your own without a LaptopsAnytime Service Plan, we suggest being proactive and visually checking stations every 10-14 days, more often with heavy usage, less often with light usage. In any case, remote monitoring will pick up most issues whether that relates to hardware or software at the individual laptop/netbook or station level.

We are interested in partnering or collaborating with LaptopsAnytime. Is that possible on a Facility or a 3rd Party Level?

Contact us today at 877.VEND.PC's (836.3727) and/or email us at info@laptopsanytime.com. We look forward to speaking with you.