Tag Archives: Netbook & IPad Trolleys

Why access control for mobile device storage could be your best friend.

22nd September 2012

Educational institutions have a long list of priorities to manage with Security near the top. Security requirements cover people and premises as well as data and not forgetting resources. When it comes to security for both site and students, Schools, colleges and Universities have a range of access control solutions at their disposal, using a comprehensive range of readers, controllers and software systems.

The management and control needs of educational establishments are such that they are increasingly using sophisticated database systems to capture and analyse a broad range of information – including, for example, attendance records and academic performance. Information systems such as these form an integral part of timetable planning and the development and review of the curriculum, as well as providing a link to budgetary and financial management packages.  The information allows school managers to review, analyse and report on a wide range of data for staff and pupils.

In addition to these operational management and financial analysis requirements, schools are increasingly reviewing their access control needs and looking to integrate and, where appropriate rationalise, their often disparate systems – either by introducing new modules into an existing system, or by consolidating previously standalone processes and procedures.

With this complexity comes a requirement for a specific expertise in the integration of access control solutions with proprietary management information systems.

The ideal is one solution that will streamline access control, time and attendance, student accounts as well as monitoring and managing access to resources. And all this whilst maintaining a high level of security, throughout an institution.

Each school features its own set of ever-changing idiosyncrasies and unique challenges requiring flexible system architectures to satisfy each site’s demands.  With administration departments constantly seeking other creative ways to leverage current infrastructures, the academic services industry serve their identification needs by providing unique solutions to help educational institutions secure facilities and improve administrative efficiency to aid in academic excellence. With educational institutions worldwide seeing a significant influx of mobile devices for access by staff, pupils and visitors the administrative burden of managing a significant estate of mobile devices can be further complicated by various means of access. This is often compounded by the fact that these device estates have been added to over a matter of years.

Colleges and universities present unique security challenges; not only does it mean controlling physical access to buildings and events but also includes logical access to resources, at the same time trying to control operational costs and serving the diverse needs of a campus community.

Managed access to educational resources, reducing administrative complexity.

With many establishments looking to industry to help support them administer managed access to resources, this is when access control can improve managed access to educational resources and reduce administrative complexity.

In a college with several different faculties or a secondary school with several different subject departments managing access to mobile devices for each department can be an administrative burden. Whether this is existing device storage solutions or incorporating new solutions into an existing access control system, administration departments expect usage and access data and provision for remotely revised access.

With the increasing security threats among educational institutions coupled with diminishing budgets and intense pressure to cut costs across all levels and departments. Colleges and universities, as well as schools and academies, must contemplate how to keep their sites, pupils and resources safe without breaking the bank. All of which can be easily achieved with the use of brand agnostic hardware, easily integrated into existing management information systems providing security and usage information data whilst offering easy to use access control management.

Loxit Hi-Lo® Multimount All in one Mobile lift – “Helping bring your vision to life”

11th June 2012

Image experience is critical when it comes to video walls, whether it’s a Command and Control room’s mission critical video wall or for use in security, broadcast, traffic and transportation, utilities, emergency operations centres or corporate environments. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of environments like the military, public utilities and security agencies and manufactured as modular components. Each of the major pieces of the video wall mount is a sub assembly that can be quickly and easily removed and replaced. Compatible with a wide variety of components and technology platforms it can be integrated quickly and easily with the most popular multi-image processors, networking technology, content management systems, and specialised software and audio-visual equipment.

Due to the versatility of Audio Visual communications, flexibility is becoming an increasingly important factor. Designed with our technology partner Panasonic Loxit have created a flexible mount solution and our modular approach has meant one solution offers you a truly “all in one” product.

Loxit’s universal approach helps remove the guesswork from component setup and configuration, and supports small and large-scale installations enabling you to quickly build a configuration to suit your needs. Compatible with a multitude of component manufacturers ensuring you can leverage the best technology for each application and integrate leading third-party products helping you offer solutions that work together.

For use in……..

  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Education
  • MOD
  • Healthcare
  • Emergency Operations Centre
  • Transportation Hub
  • Energy
  • Government
  • Command + Control
  • Security
  • Broadcast

For use by….

  • Stand Contractors and Design Agencies
  • Exhibition Organisers
  • Exhibitors
  • Event and Production companies
  • Conference Organisers
  • Rental companies

Key features

  • Electrically operated screen lift suitable up to 60 inches, max. 100kg
  • Universal mounts suit virtually all makes of screen
  • 750mm stroke enables exact screen positioning and adjustableImage configuration
  • Ideal for touch screens/digital signage/video conferencing
  • Wheelchair compatible design
  • Robust steel construction
  • 12 month return to base warranty

BETT and ISE 2012 review

6th February 2012

Loxit recently returned from exhibiting at #ISE2012 (Integrated systems Europe) at the RAI centre in Amsterdam and #BETT2012 (British Educational Training and Technology Show) at Olympia in London, both of which were very rewarding shows for many reasons. For any business the level of investment to attend such shows is significant and for a business the size of Loxit they represent one of,  if not the largest portion of our marketing expenditure.

There are of course several reasons for exhibiting and attending these types of shows, and this is at the forefront of our minds when both planning and during our time on the stand. There are two main product lines to our business one being “IT security” products and the second being “Audio Visual” mount solutions. Although it has to be said that products from each are applicable to both product lines. None more so than both our iPad (Tablet) charge and sync storage solution and our Hi-Lo® 500 Flip Top™ DisplayLift which we demonstrated at ISE and BETT.

What was very clear is that Loxit has two products in particular which received significant interest and more importantly investment from throughout the world, we had conversations with end users and integrators alike from many different countries about the integration of tablet devices and Interactive large format displays into the #work, #learn and #public environments.

This was echoed by the plethora of major brands introducing the latest tablet and interactive large format displays at both shows, one of which was #Samsung with the Microsoft #Surface #sur40 (on several stands at both shows) and the #galaxytab. Along with of course the #apple #ipad

Our Lapbank iPad charge and sync solution was extremely well received at both shows, we knew of course there is a market for this type of product as we wouldn’t have invested the time and money in making the product in the first place. But I have to say what did come as somewhat of a surprise, was the interest from BETT, during a time of shrinking budgets there was evidence that schools with the necessary budget are already clearly seeing educational benefits and outcomes. Which in turn we are told is helping justify the sometimes significant investment tablet products require to other schools. And furthermore it’s clear this investment is not only coming from the schools themselves but from parents too. Shown by some of the BYOD “bring your own device” initiatives advertised and discussed at BETT this year. At ISE the product was of no less interest with some visitors who are providing tablets to aid both customers and its own employees, surprised that such a product even existed.  The most interesting conversations came from such reactions with people seeing the product as a catalyst to discuss BYOD initiatives with end users and their colleagues.

Our  Hi-Lo® 500 Flip Top™ Display Lift which was designed specifically for use with #multitouch interactive large format displays, also saw significant interest from visitors from around the world. With so many display manufacturers including the likes of #samsung #LG and #Panasonic, as well as a large number of independent solutions providers releasing a raft of interactive large format displays at both shows. To say our flip top was well received is somewhat of an understatement, with us even selling the Flip Top trolley we had on our stand at #ISE2012 to a fellow exhibitor from Scandinavia. Further testament I feel to both the reception our own product receives along with its potential worldwide, as well as the explosion in the #multitouch #interactive media market.

Introducing the first product in our iPad/tablet Charge and Sync range

20th January 2012

Charge. Sync. Secure

The recent BETT education show saw the unveiling of the first in our range of tablet, security charge and sync solutions.

The Lapbank iPad Trolley provides market leading high security storage with simple and efficient full power charge/sync for iPads at each USB port, the Lapbank iPad Trolley is the perfect iPad mobile management solution.

Connect the USB to your host computer and synchronize your iPads with their iTunes account, once this is complete disconnect the USB and start charging with Loxit’s Intelligent Charge System. The iPad Intelligent Charge System manages the power requirements and includes a charge status indicator which is simple and intuitive to use. With state of the art technology packed into this high security iPad trolley, the usability and management of iPads could not be easier.

Buyers Guide to Laptop Trolleys – Simple tips to help you make an educated decision

26th May 2011

There are an excess of Laptop trolleys available on the market, with a plethora of different designs and price tags. Which one is right for your requirements? Here are some simple tips to help you avoid the pitfalls of buying the wrong Laptop Trolley.

Size matters

Ensure there is plenty of room.

Shelf height should be minimum 25mm more than the thickness of your laptop for ease of loading and unloading the trolley.

Will the device have an extended battery you’re going to be storing/charging?

This can add several centimetres to the height and depth of device.

Where does the power supply/LAN socket plug in to the device?

Don’t forget this could add more width to your device.

What’s the total weight of your devices you’re going to be storing/charging?

The average laptop weighs around 2.5kg. When you are storing 32 this makes for a heavy load to push. Consider who is using the laptop trolley, or purchase 2 smaller trolleys to reduce load and increase flexibility.

How many devices are you going to be storing/charging?

The average class size in UK education for example is 32 pupils and the majority of laptop storage units hold either 16 or 32 devices (Other configurations are available of course) Data and Other

Will you need to use the storage/charging unit for additional peripherals?

You may wish to consider using the laptop trolley to hold additional peripherals like a wireless printer. With this in mind you will need to ensure the unit has additional power sockets available.

Practicalities

What if I lose my keys?

Will they be traceable and if they are, how much will it cost for a duplicte set?

Consider if you may need to change or replace laptops in the future.

Chances are the model you are using now will have been upgraded or you may use another manufacturer when you purchase new laptops. If a single laptop is damaged and needs replacing, will a different make/model still work in your trolley? Can I charge an iPad next to a netbook next to a laptop in the same trolley? Investigate the costs and complexity of swapping out laptops in the future.

What is the battery life of the devices you’re going to be storing/charging?

Remember batteries lose as much as 50% of their capacity in the 1st 12 months. If you need to remove the power supplies from the trolley, this needs to be a simple process which can be done by a member of staff, not an Engineer.

Do you require networking in your trolley?

Networking your trolley enables the transfer of data directly to the devices without the practicalities of having to remove every device from the trolley. This will save significant amounts of time by uploading or downloading data simultaneously for all your shared devices without removing them and turning on the devices. Networked ready trolleys have all the necessary cabling in place for you to manually install your aftermarket network switch.

Where on the network will you be plugging the storage/charging unit into?

To ensure efficient data transfer where on the physical network you plug your trolley into will be critical, as a guide the most efficient way is to patch the trolley into the same switch as your server.

Can the room electrics handle the power requirement?

If you intend to charge large numbers of devices, the power they need can trip electrics in the room. This is especially important in older buildings but still relevant in new buildings. Look into soft start devices to spread the charging load. 

Where are you going to be plugging the product into?

Some products have more than one mains plug and therefore a double socket will be needed.

Will the storage unit need to go between buildings?

Consider the overall weight and how easy the trolley is to push. Whether it’s having good handles and large diameter easy glide wheels, durability will be extremely important as the unit is used over time.

Will your insurance be affected by what you store your devices in?

Some insurance companies have small print when insuring IT equipment and require a certain degree of security specifications. Check for secure docking options and overall security levels.

What if a part needs to be replaced?

Investigate the availability and costs of any parts which may need to be replaced in the future. Will an Engineer have to visit site or are they user friendly replacements?

Welcome to Loxit Products

13th May 2011

Established in 1996, Loxit Products design and manufacture high quality professional ICT mounting and security products including laptop trolleys and laptop cabinets, electric TV lifts, interactive whiteboard lifts, whiteboard stands, projector mounts, projector security and all aspects of PC and laptop security.

Trusted by ICT/AV professionals worldwide, Loxit’s product ranges are renowned for their high quality materials and construction, providing best value for money solutions.

The Lapbank laptop storage range comprises mobile laptop trolleys and static laptop cabinets covering all laptops from netbook to 17″. With market leading laptop security features as standard, the Lapbank range of laptop trolleys and laptop cabinets are synonymous with simple, maintainable laptop security, durability, reliability and safety.

Our Hi-Lo range of TV lifts and whiteboard stands incorporate universal mounts and are designed to accommodate the largest screens and boards. Ideal for sharing resources and with wheelchair access, facilitating inclusivity.

Our professional range of wall projector mounts, projector ceiling mounts and projector security devices can accommodate virtually all projectors using our universal projector mounts.