How companies can reduce costs and improve operational efficiency by renting iPads
Tablet Rental Comparison Guide for Businesses: Optimal Choices Through Thorough Comparison with Purchasing and Leasing
"I want to introduce tablets, but I'm worried about the cost and management."
"Buying is too expensive, and used ones make me a bit uneasy."
For corporate managers with such concerns, the option of 'rental' is gaining attention. Especially for short-term introductions of 10 to 100 units or for event use, the appeal lies in the ability to operate flexibly while keeping costs down.
This article is for managers in general affairs, IT, and planning departments who are researching "tablet rental fees." It will clearly explain the differences between rental, lease, and purchase, key points for introduction, use cases, and a comparative cost table.
Why are "Tablet Rentals" Chosen by Corporations?
Zero Initial Cost, Bulk Procurement of 10-100 Units Possible
When purchasing, the latest models like iPads can cost around 50,000 to 100,000 yen per unit, leading to a significant initial investment if many units are needed. In contrast, rentals have zero initial cost and can be introduced from a few thousand yen per month, standardizing costs. PRODIG can handle orders from a single unit to over 100 units, making it ideal for both short-term and long-term use.
Reliable Support with Replacements and Warranty for Breakdowns/Loss
For natural breakdowns and accidental damage that often occur during field use, PRODIG offers a warranty and arranges replacement units. This ensures peace of mind even when problems arise during operation. With insurance options and inquiry support, the support system is comprehensive.
Easy Expense Processing—No Asset Accounting Required, Advantageous for Approval
While purchasing tablets requires asset accounting and depreciation, rental contracts allow direct expensing. The clear monthly fees make management easy, and it's a significant advantage that creating approval documents can proceed smoothly.
Comparing Rental, Lease, and Purchase
Comparison of Contract Period and Flexibility for Mid-term Cancellation
Lease contracts are generally based on long-term agreements of, for example, three years, and mid-term cancellation incurs fees or penalties. Purchases, of course, are non-returnable. In contrast, rentals allow contracts for periods from one week to several months, and devices are simply returned after the period ends. This flexibility allows for quick changes in the number of units or extensions, making it ideal for events or seasons with frequent personnel changes.
Differences in Accounting Treatment (Rental = Expense / Lease = Asset)
While leases and purchases require ledger management and depreciation, rental contracts allow the monthly billing amount to be processed directly as an expense. The accounting process is simpler, which is particularly beneficial for companies that prioritize annual budget execution and monthly reports.
Optimal Choice by Use (Sales Field / Training / Events)
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Sales Field: Lightweight, portable iPad models are popular.
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New Employee Training: Easy to bulk-introduce pre-configured identical devices.
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Exhibitions and Seminars: Short-term contracts allow immediate return after the event.
Comparison Table: Rental, Lease, and Purchase Differences
| Item | Rental | Lease | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | None | Yes | High (from 50,000 per unit) |
| Monthly Cost | Yes (Expense Processing) | Monthly (Asset Processing) | None |
| Contract Period | Flexible (from 1 week) | Fixed (2-5 years) | Outright purchase |
| Mid-term Cancellation | Flexible | Not possible / Penalty fee | Not possible |
| Accounting Treatment | Expense | Asset (Depreciation) | Asset (Depreciation) |
| Breakdown Response | Warranty / Replacement device available | Generally none | In-house handling |
| Spec Selection | Possible | Possible (limited) | Free |
3 Key Points for Charges and Specifications to Check Before Introduction
How to Justify the Balance of Monthly Unit Cost, Quantity, and Period in Approvals
With rentals, the monthly fee per unit varies depending on the contract period and quantity. For example, the total cost will differ when renting 30 units for 3 months compared to 50 units for 6 months. It is important to clearly state the "monthly unit cost," "required quantity," and "contract period" in the approval document to provide a clear sense of cost.
Device Specifications, Kitting, and Option Availability
Depending on the purpose of introduction, check the device's size, OS, and specifications. For iPads, adding options like Apple Pencil compatibility or a keyboard can strengthen the case in your approval document. PRODIG also offers kitting services (initial setup, Wi-Fi connection, MDM registration), reducing the workload on your IT department.
Confirm Support Details (Initial Setup, Breakdown Response, Replacement Devices)
A crucial aspect of operation is how issues are handled. PRODIG includes a warranty for natural breakdowns and can quickly arrange replacement devices. Furthermore, devices are delivered with initial setup complete, ensuring they are ready to use from day one.
Understanding Rental Usage with Case Studies
Improve Operational Efficiency with Sales/Field Regular Use
Tablets are ideal for outside sales and on-site information sharing. PRODIG offers a wide range of lightweight iPad series, highly valued as an option to improve the operational efficiency of sales representatives.
Short-term Use in New Employee Training and Seminars
For intensive training, an immediate need for multiple devices with identical specifications makes rental more practical than purchase. After use, simply return them, eliminating concerns about inventory management or storage space.
Using for Surveys and PR at Exhibitions and Events
The use of tablets in events is expanding, including reception, survey input, and playing product introduction videos. With PRODIG, short-term rentals are available from a single unit, making it ideal for event hosting.
PRODIG Rental's Strengths and Comparison with Competitors
From 1 Unit OK, Flexible Short- to Long-Term Contracts
PRODIG offers rentals from a single unit and allows flexible short-term contracts from one week to several months. Long-term contracts are also available, providing a flexible contract system tailored to corporate needs.
Pre-configured and Ready-to-Use for Reduced Operational Workload
Devices are delivered with initial setup, Wi-Fi connection, and business apps installed, making them ready for immediate use in the field. This allows even departments with less IT literacy to start operations smoothly.
Akihabara Base / Nationwide Delivery and Corporate Invoice Support
Based at a physical store in Akihabara, we offer nationwide delivery and corporate invoice payment support. We flexibly provide necessary documents like quotes and device lists for approvals, easing concerns during introduction.
Q&A | Answers to Common Questions in Internal Approvals

What is the process for breakdowns and loss?
Natural breakdowns are covered by a free warranty, and a replacement device is dispatched immediately. The costs for damage or loss are clearly stated, making it easy to explain in approval documents.
Is it possible to change the number of units or cancel mid-contract?
Our flexible rental contracts allow for changes in the number of units, and extensions or reductions of the contract period. This enables smooth adaptation to changes in business conditions.
Which makes a more convincing argument, new or used rental?
New devices offer cleanliness and performance benefits, while used ones have a significant cost advantage. All used items at PRODIG are thoroughly tested and cleaned, allowing for confident consideration even for first-time used device introductions.
Conclusion
Tablet rental is an ideal choice for corporate introduction due to its zero initial cost, easy expense processing, flexible contract periods, and peace of mind in operation. We hope this article, including information necessary for approval documents and a comparison table, will be of assistance.
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