Bretford Introduces the Presenter's Assistant for Learning (PAL) Cart

CHICAGO – June 3, 2009 – Reinforcing its emphasis on the manufacture of technology carts that support and safeguard the precious equipment they hold, Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., today began shipping the new Presenter’s Assistant for Learning (PAL) cart. Designed for education, business and hospitality environments, the PAL cart provides a single location to house all equipment in a complete multimedia station that is small and simple to move, yet durable enough to secure the technology and protect the people using it. The new cart is being shown in the Bretford Showroom (#330) during the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2009, June 15–17, at Merchandise Mart Chicago, and in booth #5281 during InfoComm 2009, June 17–19, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

According to Dave Smith, product manager for Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., “It takes a lot of effort to coordinate the use of multiple pieces of technology in a class or training environment, especially if the equipment is in different locations.” He continued, “The PAL cart houses everything together and its small 25" x 23" footprint can fit between a row of students or in other tight places while still providing easy access to the technology. At the same time, the cart’s welded steel construction and locking doors provide added security so expensive equipment doesn’t get jostled during movement or stolen when not in use.”

The new PAL cart supports a data projector, a document camera, a DVD player, an MP3 player, sound system, gaming console, rack-mounted electronics, two equipment shelves, and a pull-out shelf for a laptop computer, resulting in endless technology combinations. Along with its small footprint, the cart features a wrap-around, full-length rear door to maintain a compact profile and provides simple access to all electronics from the back of the cart where the presenter will likely be standing. Additionally, the PAL cart’s designer casters and handle allow for easy positioning of the equipment during use, and smooth and steady movement into an AV storage closet or another location while in transit.

The PAL cart is ideal for even a non-technical professional. A single key opens all the doors and each cart uses the same key, making it easier for IT to manage all the carts throughout a facility. All the equipment can be stored within the cart, so minimal setup and break down are required between uses. The cart has an optional pass-through data plate that makes it simple for a laptop or document camera to interact with the equipment, because everything can be plugged in on the outside panel. Its 19" rack mount features 14 units of equipment spacing for flexibility in the way the technology is organized, while two accessory shelves store non-rack-mounted equipment inside the cart.

The cart is available with a 10-outlet electrical unit and a side-panel cord winder to keep the cables neat and out of the way. Mounting holes are included on the side panel for optional auxiliary electrical units. The PAL cart also has a thorough ventilation system to ensure that the equipment stays cool. The side panels and doors are fully ventilated and the full-length door can be opened when in use to provide additional access to electronics and air circulation. The projector can also be pulled out of the upper cabinet to dissipate heat.

Further, the PAL cart has a welded steel frame with steel side panels and doors that protect the equipment from damage during transport and keep the people moving the equipment safe from harm. The doors are also key-locked and reinforced with stiffeners to make them difficult to pry open, which deters theft.

About Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.

Bretford designs and manufactures dependable furniture products that are built to last for decades and are created to improve how people work and learn. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Franklin Park, Ill., Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. holds more than six decades of expertise dedicated solely to the design and manufacture of furniture solutions.