Evaluating kit is hard - so thank god for the Gadget Show

One of the hardest things for a small business, or even an individual, when planning a new technology hardware purchase is getting hands-on time with a range of equipment from different manufacturers in order to make a fully informed decision.

Asking a large supplier or distributor to send over a range of evaluation units is often met with the question "How many are you looking to purchase?" If the answer is just one, say in the case of a server or laser printer, chances are you won't get very far. Some forward thinking suppliers have showrooms with a limited range of equipment on display but you incur cost visiting these sites (as you may need to visit multiple vendors), the range at any one site may be limited, and you may have to book well in advance.

It is unfortunate as few things beat seeing your intended purchase close up, and a touch-and feel experience with a range of evaluation units is even better for making the final selection. All too often we are stuck with reading specifications, reviews, news features, blog articles, and asking around if anyone has seen or heard of this latest device. These are all vital mechanisms to assist in the selection process and are as close as we often get to actually experiencing hardware prior to purchase.

In a small business you may still have to convince the board to spend the money, even for a relatively small purchase, and going in with just paperwork and hearsay doesn't really do you justice as the, often token, technology boardroom member sets about grilling you as to "why this particular device?".

It's with this in mind that shows like the upcoming Gadget Show Live event, or even the Consumer Electronic Show (recently held in Las Vegas), and others, can be vital opportunities for getting close to a wide range of equipment. Unfortunately, my funds didn't stretch to a trip to Las Vegas but the Gadget Show Live event being held in Birmingham between 7-11 April 2010 (the opening has recently been extended due to high demand) is geographically quite close so I have planned to spend several days there.

Exhibitors at the Gadget Show Live event this year include MSI Computer (UK), Linksys, Iomega, Nvidia, Olympus, Panasonic, Packard Bell, Sanyo, Revo, Solar Technology, TomTom, The Open University, Canon, Elonex, Nikon, and many more. Try and get representatives from all of these exhibitors onto your site for a "show and tell" day and you might just struggle.It's not just the ability to visit these vendors in one place though – these shows often give a fascinating insight into upcoming technologies and ideas you may not be aware of, or had time to look at before. You may rethink your project altogether based on a visit to a large event like this and at the very least you will be much better armed for that board-convincing meeting. The show this year has a Future Tech Zone where you can take a look into future technologies such as that popular topic – augmented reality.

It looks like it's going to be a busy show this year but if you want a huge range of equipment under one roof, in a location that is pretty accessible in the UK, it should be well worth a visit. If you see me wandering around with bags full of literature, don't forget to say hello!