I snagged one of the 2nd batch of BYOC tickets. Is it okay to just to bring my laptop? And is it safe to leave a laptop there? Obviously it would be hard for someone to walk out with a full tower, but a laptop is a lot easier to quickly grab.
Lots of people bring laptops. I would suggest that you buy a laptop cable lock if you are leaving it there.
I snagged one of the 2nd batch of BYOC tickets. Is it okay to just to bring my laptop? And is it safe to leave a laptop there? Obviously it would be hard for someone to walk out with a full tower, but a laptop is a lot easier to quickly grab.
Echo BigRed, plus (assuming this part hasn't changed) major equipment, such as a PC and Monitor, is tagged with a bar code and number that you put on your badge. So, assuming it wasn't hidden under a coat or something, the enforcers at the door would be checking bar codes and such, so they'd have to get your badge and laptop to get out the door, or be very sneaky or lucky.
That said, lock your stuff, like BigRed says.
I think I've heard of one thing getting accidentally picked up in the last few years. Those closer to the events decribed, please feel free to correct me. I think that was a keyboard that BYOC'r A asked BYOC'r B to pick up from his spot, BYOC'r B knew the kind of keyboard and roughly where BYOC'r B was sitting, but accidentally grabbed BYOC'r Y's keyboard that happened to be similar. All was sorted quickly, if I recall correctly. We've lost stuff, of course, but I lose stuff at home, too. BYOC'r's are pretty cool, I think we all cherish this more than the temporary benefit of stealing something as opposed to getting kicked out and probably banned. That's aside from any criminal charges, which are always fun.
That said, again, lock your stuff, like BigRed says.
I'd call BYOC the most generally honest bunch in a convention crowd that generally holds high the motto of Wheaton's Law. I've sat at the same table as guys who accumulated a virtual mountain of swag over the course of three days, and not a single thing managed to grow legs and walk out of the room in someone else's pocket or bag. There may be occasional rare exceptions, you're dealing with good people in a good place when a high-end boxed video card can be safely left unattended atop someone's tower for hours on end.
I'd call BYOC the most generally honest bunch in a convention crowd that generally holds high the motto of Wheaton's Law. I've sat at the same table as guys who accumulated a virtual mountain of swag over the course of three days, and not a single thing managed to grow legs and walk out of the room in someone else's pocket or bag. There may be occasional rare exceptions, you're dealing with good people in a good place when a high-end boxed video card can be safely left unattended atop someone's tower for hours on end.
We're out on the streets, lined up from the convention center down to pike place market. I'm totally claiming the one by the golden pig. (I am kidding)
PC room will be 3rd floor in the Conference Center (The Annex).
That will be right next to expo
BAM.
Will we be able to go straight from BYOC into Expo when it opens, as we did a few years back when BYOC was right next to the hall, or will we need to reroute around to the Line Room?
PC room will be 3rd floor in the Conference Center (The Annex).
That will be right next to expo
BAM.
Will we be able to go straight from BYOC into Expo when it opens, as we did a few years back when BYOC was right next to the hall, or will we need to reroute around to the Line Room?
I am hoping and going to push for that to be the case.
Anyone have pro tips on the best way for me to pack my PC for air travel? I'll be coming all the way from the East Coast.
I was thinking a regular cardboard box, and use towels or my clothes as padding.
Any other ideas?
harking on
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whypick1PAX [E] Info Booth Manager~2' from an LCDRegistered Userregular
edited June 2012
Pull HDs and heatsink, throw computer into the box your case came with, Fedex/UPS it to your hotel, reinstall HD/heatsink that you brought with you on plane, repeat when PAX is finished (well, send it home, not to your hotel again, obviously).
Anyone have pro tips on the best way for me to pack my PC for air travel? I'll be coming all the way from the East Coast.
I was thinking a regular cardboard box, and use towels or my clothes as padding.
Any other ideas?
You'll wanna check your airline's checked baggage policy too... When I flew back to East I noticed some fine print that actually said you were not allowed to check any "computer equipment". Shipping it is probably your best (but expensive) option.
Anyone have pro tips on the best way for me to pack my PC for air travel? I'll be coming all the way from the East Coast.
I was thinking a regular cardboard box, and use towels or my clothes as padding.
Any other ideas?
You'll wanna check your airline's checked baggage policy too... When I flew back to East I noticed some fine print that actually said you were not allowed to check any "computer equipment". Shipping it is probably your best (but expensive) option.
IANAL, and YMMV, but unless you were flying out of the country, my guess is that's more of a way for them to Cover their asses in case it gets busted (then they can say "we're not paying for it since you weren't allowed to pack it in the first place.") So I doubt they'd pull it from your bag but if something goes wrong don't expect the airline to come to your rescue with payment.
All of that being said, (with insurance) is likely the best bet to be sure it makes it in once piece (or at the very least so you don't have to pay for it.) Most UPS/Fedex stores even do packing these days.
Anyone have pro tips on the best way for me to pack my PC for air travel? I'll be coming all the way from the East Coast.
I was thinking a regular cardboard box, and use towels or my clothes as padding.
Any other ideas?
The best option is to do a case upgrade. When you buy a new case it comes in a nice box with foam buffers. Be careful and take the new case out of the box and don't destroy the foam. Put the parts in the new case and put it back into the foam and box. Viola. Custom packing for your computer!
I think the best way is to fly direct and pay to put it as your check in bag. If you fly direct it only gets touched coming on and off. If you send it FedEx or ups I think it will come into more contact with hands that will throw it.
My best advice is to make sure everything is ziptied very well and tight. When I took my tower to a LAN the power supply was knocked free but because of my ziptie job it stayed in place. Also take out the things you can with ease (ram CPU cooler video card)
PC room will be 3rd floor in the Conference Center (The Annex).
That will be right next to expo
BAM.
Will we be able to go straight from BYOC into Expo when it opens, as we did a few years back when BYOC was right next to the hall, or will we need to reroute around to the Line Room?
I am hoping and going to push for that to be the case.
I you so hard. But in a totally platonic and non-cheating-on-my-husband sort of way.
I got one! I've been meaning to do this for a while.
Buttoneer, Brigadeer, and Keeper of the Book of Wil Wheaton.
Triwizard Drinking Tournament - '09 !Hufflepuff unofficial conscript, '10 !Gryffindor
Nerd blog at culturalgeekgirl.com
I am checking back into this thread. When should we expect news about tournaments and other BYOC fun
Tournaments are separate from BYOC, they will be announced later. For BYOC Activities, I typically don't announce these in advance. Mainly cause I dont want people specifically bringing items required, finding hax, or practicing them in advance.
Schedule will be filled with "BYOC Activities" That you will find out about when the previous one ends.
<MoeFwacky> besides, BigRed-Worky is right
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Fawkes LamentSirBellingham, WARegistered Usernew member
edited July 2012
Hi, friends! I'm so excited about PAX this year, it's going to be a BLAST! I do have one itsy-bitsy favor to ask of you, though. I would appreciate if people with experience could tell me as much information as possible about BYOC attendees. My only direct question, really, is "What sorts of obligations do those with BYOC passes have,and will it affect my attendance of the rest of the show?" Thank you all in advance for any information at all that you can provide!
I posted a similar thread over on Reddit, if you feel like duplicating any responses over there, please feel free.
EDIT: I have not actually purchased the badge yet, I am posting this to get some information about it before I commit.
EDIT 2: Things I have learned: It's a LAN sort of environment?
Fawkes Lament on
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whypick1PAX [E] Info Booth Manager~2' from an LCDRegistered Userregular
"None", to both of your questions.
Although it would be rather lame if you bought a BYOC pass and never used it.
Is it PAX <insert nearest future PAX here> yet?
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Fawkes LamentSirBellingham, WARegistered Usernew member
Although it would be rather lame if you bought a BYOC pass and never used it.
Kind of the primary point of me bringing my PC would be to show people that the price barrier is not nearly as high as they think. I have a $300 PC, which is almost $150 less than I got my Xbox 360 for.
Also, someone on Reddit kind of "informed" me that it's more of a LAN, which I didn't realize.
Although it would be rather lame if you bought a BYOC pass and never used it.
Kind of the primary point of me bringing my PC would be to show people that the price barrier is not nearly as high as they think. I have a $300 PC, which is almost $150 less than I got my Xbox 360 for.
Also, someone on Reddit kind of "informed" me that it's more of a LAN, which I didn't realize.
It's a very relaxed LAN. There are tournaments, contests, and just general "things" happening all the time, however people tend to come and go often.
A lot of folks use BYOC as a place to game while waiting for the next panel/event to happen. It's especially great for after the expo hall closes so you can play all night*.
* All night meaning I'm going to kick you out at 2am
Every time you write parallel fifths, Bach kills a kitten.
3DS Friend Code: 2707-1614-5576 PAX Prime 2014 Buttoneering!
BYOC is a LAN party within PAX. Mainly, it is a place to go when you feel like taking a break, but want to game with other like minded individuals. Personally I like to spend ample amounts of time meeting new people, join in awesome BYOC events (tournaments for the past years have rocked(not going to name any just encase for additional appearances )), and frankly, to have fun. Sure I'll spend tons of time on the show floor and panels, but I always put time into being within the BYOC area for some awesome gaming experiences. Plus it stays open after the expo hall closes, so there is a place to go to chill and have fun. I have never regretted buying a BYOC pass. Something to consider
Although it would be rather lame if you bought a BYOC pass and never used it.
Kind of the primary point of me bringing my PC would be to show people that the price barrier is not nearly as high as they think. I have a $300 PC, which is almost $150 less than I got my Xbox 360 for.
Also, someone on Reddit kind of "informed" me that it's more of a LAN, which I didn't realize.
Yes it is a LAN party. Plus its only BYOC people that are allowed into the space. The general public isnt allowed into BYOC.
<MoeFwacky> besides, BigRed-Worky is right
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sizzlersam(Retired) [E] PC Room NetworkRegistered Userregular
Looks like the BYOC passes are finally gone. That took a lot longer than I thought it would.
Posts
Lots of people bring laptops. I would suggest that you buy a laptop cable lock if you are leaving it there.
Echo BigRed, plus (assuming this part hasn't changed) major equipment, such as a PC and Monitor, is tagged with a bar code and number that you put on your badge. So, assuming it wasn't hidden under a coat or something, the enforcers at the door would be checking bar codes and such, so they'd have to get your badge and laptop to get out the door, or be very sneaky or lucky.
That said, lock your stuff, like BigRed says.
I think I've heard of one thing getting accidentally picked up in the last few years. Those closer to the events decribed, please feel free to correct me. I think that was a keyboard that BYOC'r A asked BYOC'r B to pick up from his spot, BYOC'r B knew the kind of keyboard and roughly where BYOC'r B was sitting, but accidentally grabbed BYOC'r Y's keyboard that happened to be similar. All was sorted quickly, if I recall correctly. We've lost stuff, of course, but I lose stuff at home, too. BYOC'r's are pretty cool, I think we all cherish this more than the temporary benefit of stealing something as opposed to getting kicked out and probably banned. That's aside from any criminal charges, which are always fun.
That said, again, lock your stuff, like BigRed says.
Contributing writer at Marooner's Rock
Twitch broadcasting! Currently playing through Wing Commander: Privateer
Pinny Lanyard
Well spoken, sir.
Except at East where it seems there are far more less honest types
I would store expensive non-tagged Items in your hotel room though.
One of my staff had a job where he was able to borrow a ton of cable locks that we let people check out.
He doesn't have that job anymore :P
That will be right next to expo
I can't to show off my keyboard this year. I'm growing it myself.
BAM.
Will we be able to go straight from BYOC into Expo when it opens, as we did a few years back when BYOC was right next to the hall, or will we need to reroute around to the Line Room?
PAX Prime Attendee since 2006, BYOC Attendee 2008-2012, Buttoneer 2010-2014
https://www.pinnypals.com/pals/alegria
I am hoping and going to push for that to be the case.
I was thinking a regular cardboard box, and use towels or my clothes as padding.
Any other ideas?
You'll wanna check your airline's checked baggage policy too... When I flew back to East I noticed some fine print that actually said you were not allowed to check any "computer equipment". Shipping it is probably your best (but expensive) option.
IANAL, and YMMV, but unless you were flying out of the country, my guess is that's more of a way for them to Cover their asses in case it gets busted (then they can say "we're not paying for it since you weren't allowed to pack it in the first place.") So I doubt they'd pull it from your bag but if something goes wrong don't expect the airline to come to your rescue with payment.
All of that being said, (with insurance) is likely the best bet to be sure it makes it in once piece (or at the very least so you don't have to pay for it.) Most UPS/Fedex stores even do packing these days.
The best option is to do a case upgrade. When you buy a new case it comes in a nice box with foam buffers. Be careful and take the new case out of the box and don't destroy the foam. Put the parts in the new case and put it back into the foam and box. Viola. Custom packing for your computer!
WE LOVE YOU BIG RED!
My best advice is to make sure everything is ziptied very well and tight. When I took my tower to a LAN the power supply was knocked free but because of my ziptie job it stayed in place. Also take out the things you can with ease (ram CPU cooler video card)
I
PAX Prime Attendee since 2006, BYOC Attendee 2008-2012, Buttoneer 2010-2014
https://www.pinnypals.com/pals/alegria
Enforced: West 2015, West 2016
Triwizard Drinking Tournament - '09 !Hufflepuff unofficial conscript, '10 !Gryffindor
Nerd blog at culturalgeekgirl.com
Tournaments are separate from BYOC, they will be announced later. For BYOC Activities, I typically don't announce these in advance. Mainly cause I dont want people specifically bringing items required, finding hax, or practicing them in advance.
Schedule will be filled with "BYOC Activities" That you will find out about when the previous one ends.
I posted a similar thread over on Reddit, if you feel like duplicating any responses over there, please feel free.
EDIT: I have not actually purchased the badge yet, I am posting this to get some information about it before I commit.
EDIT 2: Things I have learned: It's a LAN sort of environment?
Although it would be rather lame if you bought a BYOC pass and never used it.
Also, someone on Reddit kind of "informed" me that it's more of a LAN, which I didn't realize.
It's a very relaxed LAN. There are tournaments, contests, and just general "things" happening all the time, however people tend to come and go often.
A lot of folks use BYOC as a place to game while waiting for the next panel/event to happen. It's especially great for after the expo hall closes so you can play all night*.
* All night meaning I'm going to kick you out at 2am
3DS Friend Code: 2707-1614-5576
PAX Prime 2014 Buttoneering!
Sweet!
Yes it is a LAN party. Plus its only BYOC people that are allowed into the space. The general public isnt allowed into BYOC.
it always takes longer after 3days are sold out
This year I am doing far more game things than previously (But will still have quite a bit of non tech stuff like normal)
Including a bunch of mini-tourneys of either serious or batshit crazy nature.
About half of which will require BF3 or Starcraft2.... The rest will likely be free games.
This is what I am talking about