A computer podium serves many functions for businesses that regularly make presentations, either within the company or for clients. A podium computer lectern facilitates the use of a laptop computer, which makes it easy to present Power Point slides. From the lectern the speaker can control the pace of the presentation, so he can quickly access information in response to questions.

Computer podium desks come is a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. The product is made to hold laptops, but may also have additional storage for papers and a projector. Computer lecterns pricing and costs vary depending on:

1. The size of computer podiums.

2. Whether they have additional hidden storage.

3. Extra features, such as a sliding drawer for speeches or a shelf for a projector.

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Choose a simple podium for a computer to save money

If you want to save money on a computer lectern, choose a simple design that offers all the functions you need without a lot extras. These podiums may or may not come with extra room for a projector or other small AV equipment. The price for this type of product ranges from $100 to $175.

I recommend: The Podium and Lectern Store offers a buying guide for choosing the right lecterns and podiums for your conference room. Everything Furniture has a simple computer lectern that offers ample room for a laptop and additional AV equipment.

Consider computers lecterns with hidden storage space

Many presentations require more than just a laptop. When a presenter needs both computer equipment and papers, choose a computer lectern that provide additional storage space. In this case, the lectern may include extra shelving or a sliding keyboard drawer, perfect for hiding notes. A unit with additional storage space can cost $250 to $300, depending on whether or not the podium is mobile.

I recommend: Ergo In Demand provides a computer lectern that has many features, including hidden casters, a sliding retractable shelf for keyboards and notes, and an additional side shelf for small pieces of AV equipment. CBT Supply has a lectern that is ideal for the classroom. The Projector Screen Store also offers a buying guide for podiums and lecterns. Topics covered include brand, price and features.

Explore multimedia lecterns that let you do more with your computer equipment

Multimedia lecterns are a great way to impress your audience with excellent video and sound during a multimedia presentation. Many models come with ample space for AV equipment and allow you to wire the sound directly into the podium. Multimedia podiums can cost $500 to $650 without sound, and $800 and up for a lectern wired for sound.

I recommend: Amplivox Sound Systems offers a computer lectern built especially for multimedia presentations. The lectern can be purchased with or without sound. The company also offers the specs on the wireless systems available for this model. BuyOnlineNow.com offers a podium guide that focuses on a presenter's needs in terms of mobility and adaptability.

With today’s technology, computer lecterns are becoming more important than ever. No longer the podium of your parents, a computer podium can hold an array of technological equipment to take your presentation into the twenty-first century. Why update your podium computer space?

1. A computer lectern holds computers, sound equipment and projector equipment neatly.
2. With a laptop podium, the speaker can see the computer screen but his line of sight to the audience remains intact.
3. Multimedia podiums can be locked to protect valuable materials and equipment.
4. Modern computer podiums offer style and professionalism to any classroom or presentation area.

The right computer lectern can help make public speaking just a bit easier by keeping everything organized and at the speaker’s fingertips.

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Know the space that you'll be using the computer podium in

Knowing where the computer lectern will be used ensures that you buy the right size and style. Look for a computer podium with a compatible color or finish. Business conference rooms will also generally want a more professional, luxurious unit than a training room will.

I recommend: Spectrum Industries has computer lecterns for classrooms and lecture halls. Ergo In Demand has a movable lectern that can be moved from room to room.

Decide whether the podium computer will be a laptop or hidden unit

Some podiums have a monitor window on the top of the podium for a computer within the unit. Others have sloped shelves for laptop units. If the podium will need both monitor window and laptop capability, look for a unit with a place for the laptop and the appropriate connectivity.

I recommend: Smart Desks has several different computer configurations to consider. Hertz Furniture Systems has computer lecterns with hidden screens.

Choose computer lecterns with adjustable shelves, drawers and other multimedia features

Adjustable shelves and pull-out media shelves allow you to customize the podium for the equipment that you need. You'll also want to look for a unit with holes for power cords and connection cables. This will keep the area looking neat and uncluttered.

I recommend: AmpliVox sells a computer podium with integrated speakers and many adjustable features. Woodstyle can customize a computer podium to fit your particular multimedia needs.

Buy podiums that you can lock

Your multimedia equipment is valuable and units that lock will provide you with a little extra protection. It also provides a space for instructors or speakers to place personal items safely.

I recommend: Ventura Education Systems has lockable computer podiums for educational locations. Bretford’s lecterns can also be locked.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying extras like podium lights or integrated speakers and microphones for your computer lectern. You may be able to add these items later but often you can get a good deal by buying them with the podium and you'll know that they'll work with your podium.

A styled podium computer lectern allows for a professional appearance and functional operation of a computer, particularly ideal for businesses which utilize computers for business discussions and PowerPoint presentations. Computer podiums are convenient and effective, adding a touch of elegance and professionalism to any boardroom, conference room or meeting room. You can purchase a computer podium to fit into the environment or ambiance of any room.

There are a number of computer lecterns types and styles on the open market. This means that no matter what an individual or business' personal preferences and expectations are, they will likely be met through some of these multimedia podiums:

1. Examine options for a metal podium for computer accessorized presentations and meetings.

2. Review the many types of wooden computer podium desks available for purchase.

3. Compare computer podium desks and podiums for laptops.

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Investigate metal computer lectern products available online

Many multimedia lecterns are composed of a type of metal. Metal computer podiums often add a touch of the modern world to the professionalism and functionality that go along with multimedia lecterns. A multimedia podium can be composed out of strong or less durable metals, depending on the durability needed by the individual client.

I recommend: ModernOffice showcases a number of metal multimedia lecterns including adjustable laptop podium options and laptop podium stands which are stationary. TheFind.com offers businesses and individuals a variety of computer podiums which are stationary and durable.

Peruse the wooden computer lectern options available to consumers

Wooden computer lecterns are classical and sturdy in appearance and functionality. Many businesses enjoy the look of wooden computer lecterns in their common areas and presentation rooms because they conform to the look and feel already created in the room or area. Wooden materials used to make such pieces include plywood, laminate, mahogany, birch, oak and maple.

I recommend: Ampli.com offers a number of traditional and classical wooden computer lecterns for purchase. Some of these computer lectern models are elaborate and some are simple; there is something for everyone. AVinedTechnicalFurnishings.com discusses the stains and materials available for wooden computer lecterns and computer podiums.

Look at computer lectern options for laptops and those for larger computers

There are many computer lectern options out there. Some have been designed to work with smaller computers and others have been specifically created to provide support and room for larger computers. Laptop computer lecterns and desktop computer lecterns are different and offer a number of specific benefits to businesses that may rely upon them.

I recommend: SmartDesks.com offers a number of podiums for laptops. The site also discusses the differences and benefits of such podiums for laptops. USMarkerBoard also offers a nice, reliable and elaborate laptop computer lectern. Large computer and desktop computer lecterns are typically larger and more detailed in order to offer enough space for all the materials necessary, since desktops are considerably larger than laptop computers. Meanwhile, BuyerZone.com illustrates some lecterns useful for desktop computers.

As more and more speakers use computer technology in their presentations, you'll find more lecterns with features to accommodate such technology. Computer lecterns often look like traditional lecterns from the audience's perspective, but have special designs to hold many computer-related gadgets.

Modern lecterns have many features and parts that assist those using computers when they speak. A speaker might want to tie the microphone into his computer system or use a document camera to show the audience a picture from a book. A computer lectern might have a shelf for a projector, a monitor trough and a power strip, among other features.

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Microphone

Many lecterns have built-in microphones or microphone jacks to connect to one or more microphones. If you want to broadcast sound from your computer, or record your lecture onto your computer, look for special connections that will allow this.

I recommend: Musicansbuy.com offers lectern microphones and provides a description of its features.

Line-in and line-out connectors

Line-in and line-out connectors are ways to connect a device such as a CD player or your computer to your lectern's speakers. Use the line-in connection to plug in an audio source and play it over the speakers. Use the line-out connection to plug in a recording device that will record your lecture when you speak into the lectern's microphone.

I recommend: Read about line-in and line-out connectors for your lectern when you visit Audio Links Services.

Document camera

A document camera is a small camera that allows you to display any paper or book onto a viewing screen, using computer technology. You can use this type of technology with the smart boards that are popular in educational fields, or you can use it with a regular LCD projector or TV. Many computer presentation lecterns have this option.

I recommend: Check out a description of a document camera at SMART Technologies, which offers many gadgets that assist with presentations and lectures.

Multimedia shelves

Computer lecterns often have special shelves for various types of multimedia equipment. A slide out shelf slides out and often locks in place, so it won't move while you're using it. A fold-down shelf folds down against the side of the lectern while not in use. You could use either style to hold a laptop or a projector.

I recommend: To check out examples of computer lecterns with different styles of multimedia shelves, visit Amplivox.

Monitor trough

Some lecterns come with a platform specifically designed for a computer monitor to sit at the back, sometimes to one side. The area for the monitor is often lower than the rest of the surface and goes by the name monitor trough.

I recommend: View illustrations of various lectern top configurations that will accommodate a computer monitor by visiting AvinED Technical Furnishings.

Power strip

A power strip contains several power outlets in one device, so that you can plug the computer into one outlet and still have power for several devices. You can find power strips mounted or built into computer lecterns to make it easier to use electronic devices.

I recommend: At the website of Capital Community College, you can view an example of a computer lectern that has space for several devices and that includes a power strip.