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Yes, use a Kensington style lock. I would only buy the cheapest knockoff one that has the correct end on it (they're standardized, and the standard is typically called "Kensington laptop lock". The reason being that yes, the cheap ones are easy to hack or cut, but it takes all of 1 second to break these locks off the sides of most all laptops. Nobody bothers to cut them or hack them.
The idea of the lock is that it keeps honest people honest, and makes dishonest people obvious.
I am so excited for this year! Technatis will be making a big showing! I plan to upgrade my pc for this year! Any chance we could have a non-pax lan sooner?
Pax East 2016: BYOC [x], 3 Day Passes [x], car[x], license[x], new computer[x]
+1
JonoseelHere Be Unicorns and DragonsBoston, MARegistered Userregular
I am so excited for this year! Technatis will be making a big showing! I plan to upgrade my pc for this year! Any chance we could have a non-pax lan sooner?
I sure will be making a big showing this year
Pax Eat Stuff: 3 Day Badges[]; BYOC Badge[]; A Roof to stay under[X]; A ride of some sort[].
The case I'm building for this year is gonna be tall. Gonna be weird sitting it on a table (I usually have my cases on my floor at my place). Should be interesting
Yes, use a Kensington style lock. I would only buy the cheapest knockoff one that has the correct end on it (they're standardized, and the standard is typically called "Kensington laptop lock". The reason being that yes, the cheap ones are easy to hack or cut, but it takes all of 1 second to break these locks off the sides of most all laptops. Nobody bothers to cut them or hack them.
The idea of the lock is that it keeps honest people honest, and makes dishonest people obvious.
Security is not an issue, they are pretty good about. Just as a rule of thumb do not leave anything small and valuable out, but other than that everything has a bar code on it to scan in or out of the BYOC area.
Pax East 2016: BYOC [x], 3 Day Passes [x], car[x], license[x], new computer[x]
Security as a whole is not an issue, but there are *very rarely* an asshole or two that will pocket small things that are left out and look valuable. Not everything is barcoded. Just be wise. Your rig will be fine. If you leave your wallet on the table though, it might be less fine.
+3
[H]olyGeekboyPAX dad and PC builderClevelandRegistered User, ClubPAregular
Security is not an issue, they are pretty good about. Just as a rule of thumb do not leave anything small and valuable out, but other than that everything has a bar code on it to scan in or out of the BYOC area.
This. In my recollection, the losses a couple years ago were items won/purchased at the show and left unsecured.
Just bought my BYOC badge! This will be the first year that I will be participating in BYOC. This FAQ is very helpful, but I have some additional questions.
-I'll be by myself in BYOC (i.e. I am not partnering up with any friends to play in BYOC). Is that a problem? Are other BYOC attendees generally friendly and willing to play with newbies like myself?
-Am I limited to games approved by BYOC, or can I play whatever I want?
-I have a great gaming PC, but I don't have any flashy peripherals or fancy cases. Will I be shunned by others in BYOC?
Basically, I'm just looking for BYOC to be a comfortable place to meet other PC gamers and have fun playing games, hopefully without any pressure or aggression (specifically toward newbies).
Just bought my BYOC badge! This will be the first year that I will be participating in BYOC. This FAQ is very helpful, but I have some additional questions.
-I'll be by myself in BYOC (i.e. I am not partnering up with any friends to play in BYOC). Is that a problem? Are other BYOC attendees generally friendly and willing to play with newbies like myself?
-Am I limited to games approved by BYOC, or can I play whatever I want?
-I have a great gaming PC, but I don't have any flashy peripherals or fancy cases. Will I be shunned by others in BYOC?
Basically, I'm just looking for BYOC to be a comfortable place to meet other PC gamers and have fun playing games, hopefully without any pressure or aggression (specifically toward newbies).
Thanks in advance!
I can't imagine you'll have any issues. I did BYOC alone my first year at PAX and had a great time. You can certainly play what you want, but hopping on for the LAN games (be it for an organized BYOC event, or just a "hey, we've got a few people playing X, care to join us?") is what makes it what it is, imo. That and the contests. You can win some amazing stuff and have a blast doing it. In 2012 I walked away with a pair of Intel 520 SSDs after playing "Hard Drive Shuffleboard". That was the year the network had some major issues for the first day, but events like that still made for an entertaining experience.
In the end, who you meet and what you end up doing will end up depending on how social you make yourself. You can certainly go in, put yourself in a cocoon, and just play solo for the entire weekend and not really interact with anyone. On the other hand, if you put forth some effort you can undoubtedly make some new friends and have a great time for what I consider to be the real point of a LAN in the first place.
All of that being said, I got a BYOC pass last year and ended up not using it at all. I would have liked to after my previous experience, but I ended up having 10 friends come to PAX and became an Enforcer. Between a shift of Enforcing and trying to spend some time with friends who I don't really see due to distance, my time was more than accounted for.
Just bought my BYOC badge! This will be the first year that I will be participating in BYOC. This FAQ is very helpful, but I have some additional questions.
-I'll be by myself in BYOC (i.e. I am not partnering up with any friends to play in BYOC). Is that a problem? Are other BYOC attendees generally friendly and willing to play with newbies like myself?
-Am I limited to games approved by BYOC, or can I play whatever I want?
-I have a great gaming PC, but I don't have any flashy peripherals or fancy cases. Will I be shunned by others in BYOC?
Basically, I'm just looking for BYOC to be a comfortable place to meet other PC gamers and have fun playing games, hopefully without any pressure or aggression (specifically toward newbies).
Thanks in advance!
You will be fine my first year BYOC I went with friends and they didn't like it much. The second year I didn't bring my gaming PC.
Also if you want to sit with someone sit with me man. I play league and a bunch of other fun games.
-I'll be by myself in BYOC (i.e. I am not partnering up with any friends to play in BYOC). Is that a problem? Are other BYOC attendees generally friendly and willing to play with newbies like myself?
I've been BYOC'ing with 3/4 friends since East started, last year was my first running solo. Each year I have never been around a group that were nothing but nice to be around.
-Am I limited to games approved by BYOC, or can I play whatever I want?
Play what you want, 3 years ago I sat next to a guy who played WoW the entire weekend. Not sure why he spent money on the passes to do that, but to each their own.
-I have a great gaming PC, but I don't have any flashy peripherals or fancy cases. Will I be shunned by others in BYOC?
I had a crap case last year, Corsair picked me to be in a competition Saturday night and gave me, along with 3 others for participating, brand new cases and power supplies. Sometimes having crap works in your favor. Nobody mocks or shuns.
You will enjoy yourself.
Pax East 2014 checklist:
3 Day Pass [X] - BYOC [X] - Accomodations [X] - Travel [ X ] - Time Off [ X ]
When you say BYOC closes about an hour before PAX, do you mean an hour before the expo hall closes, or an hour before the BCEC closes? Because the expo closed at like 5 or 6 most days, and the BCEC ran until 2 or something. But I didn't know if the BYOC had it's own door/escalator access so that it wouldn't interfere with expo hall lockdown. I was thinking it stayed open like tabletop freeplay....
0
Kilonum[E]Somewhere near BostonRegistered Userregular
When you say BYOC closes about an hour before PAX, do you mean an hour before the expo hall closes, or an hour before the BCEC closes? Because the expo closed at like 5 or 6 most days, and the BCEC ran until 2 or something. But I didn't know if the BYOC had it's own door/escalator access so that it wouldn't interfere with expo hall lockdown. I was thinking it stayed open like tabletop freeplay....
That's referring to PAX closing (this year, midnight), and not Expo closing. So it is indeed similar to tabletop.
The case I'm building for this year is gonna be tall. Gonna be weird sitting it on a table (I usually have my cases on my floor at my place). Should be interesting
We may be able to come to some sort of agreement. Fill me in on your plans.
I did BYOC on Pax East year 1. (across town) We had fun despite many first year launch issues. (and awesome swag from Nvidia)
The last couple of years we have done pax with large groups, and didn't get to do BYOC. It looks like ticket woes have struck those friends. So this year, me, my wife, and my college-aged son are gonna take advantage of the smaller group and plan for some BYOC goodness. Tickets are lined up and we're looking forward to it.
Were there any energy issues last few BYOCs? Any temporary power outages? I'm just wary about not being able to use a surge protector. On that note, do backup batteries count as surge protectors/power strips? Even if I promise not to use all but the main outlet.
Were there any energy issues last few BYOCs? Any temporary power outages? I'm just wary about not being able to use a surge protector. On that note, do backup batteries count as surge protectors/power strips? Even if I promise not to use all but the main outlet.
Not that I've ever heard of.
And yes, backup batteries count as surge protectors/power strips. The only thing you are allowed to plug in to the power is a tower, monitor, and/or laptop.
Were there any energy issues last few BYOCs? Any temporary power outages? I'm just wary about not being able to use a surge protector. On that note, do backup batteries count as surge protectors/power strips? Even if I promise not to use all but the main outlet.
Yeah you are only allowed to plug your devices into outlets that we provide.
That said, we furnish the surge protectors. So if you're worried about that, shouldn't be a worry.
Vapok
0
taumesonPAX PC Room ManagerMinnesota?Registered Userregular
Were there any energy issues last few BYOCs? Any temporary power outages? I'm just wary about not being able to use a surge protector. On that note, do backup batteries count as surge protectors/power strips? Even if I promise not to use all but the main outlet.
Yeah you are only allowed to plug your devices into outlets that we provide.
That said, we furnish the surge protectors. So if you're worried about that, shouldn't be a worry.
Vapok and I have seen the circuit plan for the BCEC and where it fits into the metro grid. If we lose power that'll be the least of your issues!
I only got 2 days but I want byoc... What should I do? Is it like a requirement to have 3 days?
Byoc is sold out so if you did not get a pass I believe you are out of luck. 3 days is nice, but you do not need it, you could do one day but that is not nice to people who want to go all three days and could have gotten a pass.
Pax East 2016: BYOC [x], 3 Day Passes [x], car[x], license[x], new computer[x]
What I mean is that there is nothing stopping someone from coming to just one day of byoc, but that makes no sense. I have always had three days when I attend BYOC.
Pax East 2016: BYOC [x], 3 Day Passes [x], car[x], license[x], new computer[x]
Well, since BYOC tickets are purchased completely separate from 3-Days (or individuals) There's nothing technically stopping you from buying BYOC and say a Friday and Saturday. And unless I'm having a brain fart, I don't remember them validating a 3-day when you check in. Last year I had to buy Fr/Sa/Su tickets and I only brought Friday's with me when I checked in at BYOC. Also I can say for a fact that people I sat next to last year never returned on Sun.
But since BYOC is sold out, this whole conversation could be irrelevant.
Pax East 2014 checklist:
3 Day Pass [X] - BYOC [X] - Accomodations [X] - Travel [ X ] - Time Off [ X ]
BYOC is intended for people to come the entire 3 days of PAX. That said, there is nothing stopping people from buying a BYOC Badge (other than it being sold out) and not having all three days of badges. If someone has a Friday and Sunday badge as well as a BYOC badges, they are more than welcome to setup their computer on Friday, partake in the activities, leave it there overnight and through Saturday and come back on Sunday to continue partaking in the festivities until time to go home.
Does it make sense to do that? Not really, because the value is in having all three days, and it is totally recommended that people attend BYOC all three days. But will there be anything limiting a person's ability to get into BYOC if they only have one or two days worth of badges? No, and we invite those people to take part in the fun, knowing that they'll only be with us for part of the weekend.
One could argue that it waters down the BYOC population and will make Saturday (assuming the day that people had the most problem getting) look empty. One could argue that, but I would respond to that with the argument that by splitting out the badge sales this way, more people who will use BYOC for it's intended purpose will show up. More computers, more gaming, more LANing = more fun.
If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong. The goal is to maximize the space used for BYOC for its intended purpose and not have it looking like a barren wasteland of storage chairs.
In total Agreement with @Vapok, I was just trying to say, Even that Sat was sold out, this would not "Prevent" someone from experiencing BYOC. With all that being said, I'm not sure what you can do to prevent it from looking like a barren wasteland. Last year was really bad. Not sure if its because we are in the hall and it just looks more open and empty. I would love to see us move back to a room. logistically probably not possible, but still. Is there a post BYOC Survey? (Don't remember ever seeing one), maybe try to get more info on why no-shows? Just throwing it out there, feel free to cut me off at any time.
Oh and this year I promise not to get into an argument with BCEC Staff about drop-off. I will be a good boy.
Pax East 2014 checklist:
3 Day Pass [X] - BYOC [X] - Accomodations [X] - Travel [ X ] - Time Off [ X ]
Posts
Kensington Lock
The idea of the lock is that it keeps honest people honest, and makes dishonest people obvious.
I sure will be making a big showing this year
Is security in the BYOC an issue?
This. In my recollection, the losses a couple years ago were items won/purchased at the show and left unsecured.
-I'll be by myself in BYOC (i.e. I am not partnering up with any friends to play in BYOC). Is that a problem? Are other BYOC attendees generally friendly and willing to play with newbies like myself?
-Am I limited to games approved by BYOC, or can I play whatever I want?
-I have a great gaming PC, but I don't have any flashy peripherals or fancy cases. Will I be shunned by others in BYOC?
Basically, I'm just looking for BYOC to be a comfortable place to meet other PC gamers and have fun playing games, hopefully without any pressure or aggression (specifically toward newbies).
Thanks in advance!
I can't imagine you'll have any issues. I did BYOC alone my first year at PAX and had a great time. You can certainly play what you want, but hopping on for the LAN games (be it for an organized BYOC event, or just a "hey, we've got a few people playing X, care to join us?") is what makes it what it is, imo. That and the contests. You can win some amazing stuff and have a blast doing it. In 2012 I walked away with a pair of Intel 520 SSDs after playing "Hard Drive Shuffleboard". That was the year the network had some major issues for the first day, but events like that still made for an entertaining experience.
In the end, who you meet and what you end up doing will end up depending on how social you make yourself. You can certainly go in, put yourself in a cocoon, and just play solo for the entire weekend and not really interact with anyone. On the other hand, if you put forth some effort you can undoubtedly make some new friends and have a great time for what I consider to be the real point of a LAN in the first place.
All of that being said, I got a BYOC pass last year and ended up not using it at all. I would have liked to after my previous experience, but I ended up having 10 friends come to PAX and became an Enforcer. Between a shift of Enforcing and trying to spend some time with friends who I don't really see due to distance, my time was more than accounted for.
Pinny Pal since PAX Prime 2013
Also if you want to sit with someone sit with me man. I play league and a bunch of other fun games.
Pinny Pal since PAX Prime 2013
I've been BYOC'ing with 3/4 friends since East started, last year was my first running solo. Each year I have never been around a group that were nothing but nice to be around.
Play what you want, 3 years ago I sat next to a guy who played WoW the entire weekend. Not sure why he spent money on the passes to do that, but to each their own.
I had a crap case last year, Corsair picked me to be in a competition Saturday night and gave me, along with 3 others for participating, brand new cases and power supplies. Sometimes having crap works in your favor. Nobody mocks or shuns.
You will enjoy yourself.
3 Day Pass [X] - BYOC [X] - Accomodations [X] - Travel [ X ] - Time Off [ X ]
That's referring to PAX closing (this year, midnight), and not Expo closing. So it is indeed similar to tabletop.
We may be able to come to some sort of agreement. Fill me in on your plans.
The last couple of years we have done pax with large groups, and didn't get to do BYOC. It looks like ticket woes have struck those friends. So this year, me, my wife, and my college-aged son are gonna take advantage of the smaller group and plan for some BYOC goodness. Tickets are lined up and we're looking forward to it.
Oops wrong thread!
So where is the special BYOC Entrance?
And yes, backup batteries count as surge protectors/power strips. The only thing you are allowed to plug in to the power is a tower, monitor, and/or laptop.
Yeah you are only allowed to plug your devices into outlets that we provide.
That said, we furnish the surge protectors. So if you're worried about that, shouldn't be a worry.
Vapok
Vapok and I have seen the circuit plan for the BCEC and where it fits into the metro grid. If we lose power that'll be the least of your issues!
Vapok
But since BYOC is sold out, this whole conversation could be irrelevant.
3 Day Pass [X] - BYOC [X] - Accomodations [X] - Travel [ X ] - Time Off [ X ]
Does it make sense to do that? Not really, because the value is in having all three days, and it is totally recommended that people attend BYOC all three days. But will there be anything limiting a person's ability to get into BYOC if they only have one or two days worth of badges? No, and we invite those people to take part in the fun, knowing that they'll only be with us for part of the weekend.
One could argue that it waters down the BYOC population and will make Saturday (assuming the day that people had the most problem getting) look empty. One could argue that, but I would respond to that with the argument that by splitting out the badge sales this way, more people who will use BYOC for it's intended purpose will show up. More computers, more gaming, more LANing = more fun.
If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong. The goal is to maximize the space used for BYOC for its intended purpose and not have it looking like a barren wasteland of storage chairs.
As the Zen Master says, "We'll see."
Vapok
Oh and this year I promise not to get into an argument with BCEC Staff about drop-off. I will be a good boy.
3 Day Pass [X] - BYOC [X] - Accomodations [X] - Travel [ X ] - Time Off [ X ]