Devices
Consider bringing your work laptop (should you have one) along for the trip, but be weary about putting your bread-and-butter in public hands! So many things could go wrong. Refurbished laptops come with guarantees and start around $250. If you're working on a mobile game, your demo should run on end devices anyway.
| Recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Laptop – HP Refurbs | $250+ |
| Tablet – iOS | $300+ |
| Phone – iOS | $45+ |
| Tablet – Android | $70+ |
| Phone – Android | $130+ |
| Chromebit | $80+ |
Displays
You want as many eyes as possible on real gameplay footage throughout the show. Consider renting or purchasing dedicated monitors or televisions to increase your visibility and entice visitors to play. Some booths even create open living room settings that invite hangouts and conversation. Reminder: you need ways to securely transport these fragile things.
| Recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monitor – Large | $284 |
| Monitor – Budget | $144 |
| Portable Player 9" | $62 |
| Portable Player 13.3" | $95 |
| TV Kiosk | $300 |
Security Equipment
Exhibit Halls typically have security detail so you can keep belongings overnight. But your booth is still vulnerable. We've heard malicious stories and unintentional incidents throughout the years about exhibitors who weren't serious about security measures. If it's not locked down and labeled, take it with you.
| Recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Label Maker | $16 |
| Lockbox | $15 |
| Security Cables for Laptops | $6 |
| Standing Tripod for Tablets | $65 |
| Standing Case for Tablets | $80 |
| Shipping Case for iPads | $250 |
Peripherals
Most visitors are already comfortable with Xbox 360 controllers paired to laptops, but your game may require a different setup. Consider lightly-used refurbs to keep your costs down. Visitors can be weary of dingy personal peripherals and mismatched equipment, so weigh your options with plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
| Recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Controller – Budget | $14 |
| Controller – Xbox 360 | $33 |
| Controller – Xbox One | $60 |
| Controller – PS4 | $50 |
| Controller – Retro Bluetooth | $35+ |
| USB Converters for Retro Game Pads | $18+ |
| Keyboard | $9 |
| Mouse | $6 |
| Headphones – Nice | $45 |
| Headphones – Budget | $27 |
| Audio Splitter | $3 |
Cables
They're bound to be forgotten, destroyed, or fried at some point. Cables are stupidly stressful, so be very attentive to the state of your cables and be realistic with how many you require throughout the show's duration. If a specific cable is critical to your operations, maybe buy two since local suppliers may run out.
| Recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Power Strips | $6 |
| Cable Organizer | $20 |
| Charger – iPad | $8 |
| Charger – MiniUSB | $1 |
| Charger – Laptop | Varies |
| HDMI | Varies |
| VGA | Varies |