These days, the majority of companies still have their employees working from home. Our laptops have become our lifeline when it comes to communicating with team members, submitting requirements and everything that has to do with work.
Safe to say, a broken laptop is everyone’s work-from-home nightmare.
So what can you do?
First things first
If your laptop is company issued, you should immediately call your IT department to get it fixed. They’ll also usually have backup units you can use for the meantime. If your personal laptop is the one malfunctioning, quarantine restrictions have eased enough so you can run to the nearest authorized repair center and get it fixed. In the meantime, you can ask a friend to lend you a spare one.
But what if those aren’t options?
Most of you may be familiar with laptop rentals for events, but did you know that you can actually rent a laptop for personal use? It may not be ideal, but it’s an option if you’re really in a bind. Here are a list of laptop rental services you can call (just in case the unthinkable happens):
Laptop Rental Services
Since the pandemic hit and most events were on pause, Makati-based iTech Digital Solutions has turned their attention to another market. They offer flexible laptop rental plans for those of us comfortably working from home with several models to choose from. If you ever run into issues with your issued laptop, they also have tech support ready to answer your calls and questions.
For a quote or more information, you can visit their website or contact (02) 7949-8479
Poundit Business is a business-to-business procurement specialist that helps companies source IT and electronic needs, office supplies and now, laptop rentals in case of an emergency. Their terms are on a three month basis (which could be a plus or minus depending on your needs), but you can rent the laptop and pay for it on their website.
Their laptop rental starts at P3,990.00 for three months. For more information, you can visit their website
One Depot is another provider that you can call if your laptop conked out on you. They have flexible rates and rental periods with a wide variety of models with up-to-date software and easily reachable tech support. If you’re looking to rent from them, you also have to be ready with the right documents. One Depot requires renters to submit business registration and other government-mandated documents, so this might not be an option if you’re just freelancing.
For a quote or more information, you can visit their website
A few reminders
If you’ve decided to rent a laptop, the first thing you should do is figure out how long you need it. Once you’ve decided, that’s when you should start canvassing different laptop rental services for their rates and terms.
Another extremely important thing to keep in mind is your online safety while using the laptop you’ve rented. Before using it, check the laptop for any suspicious-looking software. While you’re using it, make sure you disable the autofill and remember password functions as a precaution. When you’re ready to give it back, scrub your search history and delete the cache or any sensitive work and personal information the laptop may have stored.
Renting a laptop shouldn’t be the first option, but it’s always there if you have nowhere else to go.
Header image by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash
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Writer: ANDREIANA YUVALLOS
