LCD projector rental is a lifesaver for road warriors and internal presenters alike. Whether you need a LCD projector in a far flung locale or just some place local, renting the projector can be your ticket to presentation success. But you need to be careful about the contracts you sign … all LCD projector rental contracts are not created equal.

Price is perhaps the biggest and most obvious difference in LCD projector rental contracts. It’s up to you to read the contract carefully to watch for low-ball offers that end up costing you more in the long run. While the price should be primarily dependent upon the type of LCD projector you rent, you need to know exactly what you are renting … there are wide variations in projector capabilities and construction. You need to pick the right unit for your needs.

The size and weight of the LCD projector may be a factor if you have to lug the unit from location-to-location. If you’re carrying it in your luggage on the plane, you’re likely to be most interested in the smaller and lighter units. If the unit is being shipped into and out of the presentation location, the size and weight are far less of a factor.

LCD projector brightness–measured in lumens–is crucial. Make sure that the unit you choose will provide enough lumens to do the job. If you go for an inexpensive projector with inadequate lumens for the room environment, you and (more importantly) your audience will be most unhappy.

Repair/Replacement policies are quite important. LCDs and other parts can fail. Consequently, you want to know that your LCD projector rental supplier can get you up and running ASAP. This is one area where the local provider has a distinct advantage over a competitor that is thousands of miles away.

Sound can be a big factor. If you’re like me, you’ll want the quietest projector you can find. Nobody likes a noisy fan. But it doesn’t stop there … heat, remote controls, and carrying cases are other important attributes to take into consideration.

LCD projector rental may or may not be for you.

In some cases, you may be far better off purchasing a unit … it largely depends on the amount of use. Nonetheless, iif you’re thinking of purchasing a LCD projector, you may want to try out a variety of rental units from InFocus, Panasonic, Sony, HP, Toshiba, and ViewSonic first … to see which best suits your needs.

Don’t forget to look at the LCD projectors from Dell and Gatway, as well …