Inspiration
This might seem overwhelming but, you DO NOT need to do it all at once! Start with just the Essentials Section first and remember to have fun!
Fun Stuff
- Have a network printer, laser or something cheap for people to make quick prints at the LAN
- 3D printers are always fun to have. Peoples imaginations will run wild making objects and being able to connect to a 3d printer on the network like a MakerBot 3D Printer is so awesome!
- Free software available for everyone to render objects to print by Microsoft called the 3D Builder.
- A spare table or two for people to put their stuff on and/or play card and board games, maybe even building cosplay stuff is a huge hit. Having other games around like Chess, Jenga, Lego’s and a deck of cards, maybe other games is cool.
- Keeping spare keyboard(s), mouse(s), headset(s), power cable(s), 20′ Ethernet cord(s), and monitor(s) are great for those that might be a bit forgetful or can’t bring “everything”.
- With all the people and testing we have done on keyboard and mice combos, the Logitech K120 keyboard/mouse combo is $20 and as durable as a tank. We never had one break or stop working from food spillage on it.
- Here are some recommendations for spares to keep handy
Razer Kraken Headset
Logitech K120 keyboard/mouse combo
Power Cable
Ethernet cord – 20′ long because most festivals and conventions require bringing your own 20′ Ethernet cable
Monitor - Having 1 or 2 extra PC’s stored away is great for newbies that just want to experience the LAN or regulars that can’t bring their PC due to whatever reason. I have called them “Loaners” with no windows on the cases, top tier hardware and they were not preferred. A case with a windows and low to mid grade hardware was preferred. Lastly, calling them “Extra’s” or “Spares” was preferred over “Loaner” or “Rental” PC. The window cases with maybe an LED light on the right side of the player so they can look in and see the PC working wile they are gaming makes for the best experience!
- ASUS NUC, Highly recommended to use Gaming NUC’s as they are small, powerful, energy effecient, easy to store, portable and just straight AWESOME! We LOVE our NUC’s!
TIP: I still use slim NUC’s to run game servers and use one as a stream pc! - Keeping an Art Tablet on hand for people to plug into their PC’s to create/draw digital media is recommended too. The favorite for us was the Huion Kamvas art tablet.
- Having LAN’s themed around events like Birthday’s and Holiday’s make everything that much more fun and memorable!
