The main purpose of an audiovisual cart is to safely store and transport AV equipment. An AV cart should be constructed of strong, durable materials, be user-friendly and have locking casters for added safety and stability.

Decide what you will be using the AV cart for. The kind of audiovisual cart you purchase will largely depend on whether you would like it to hold one specific type of equipment or more than one kind.

AV carts intended for multi-media can have adjustable shelves, be adapted to accommodate a sitting or standing presenter, and include power sources, retractable equipment/keyboard trays and built-in swivel capabilities. Decide what features are important to you. An AV cart that includes a swivel base is ideal for presentations in rooms that are subject to glare. The more features you select when choosing an audiovisual cart will increase its functionality.

Types of AV Carts

In addition to the multi-purpose audiovisual cart, the most common types of AV carts are TV carts, plasma carts, projector carts, computer carts and laptop carts.

TV Carts:

Mobile and functional, a TV cart is designed to specifically store and safely transport a television and its related equipment from one place to another. When purchasing a television cart, the most important thing to keep in mind is the size of the monitor and whether or not the top shelf of the cart will be wide enough to accommodate it. To ensure that it will fit comfortably on the TV cart, when measuring, take into account the television’s footprint. This will include the dimensions of the screen, as well as the shape of the television, which, on some models, will extend beyond the width and depth of the viewing surface. For optimum safety, ideally, the television should sit on the cart with a margin of space both front and back, with no overhang. Common features available on a TV cart include straps, safety mats and a built-in power strip.

Plasma Carts:

A plasma cart is designed especially for plasma screen televisions. Plasma carts come in a variety of styles and designs with a number of different features. Decide which will be suitable for your specific needs. A plasma cart can be simple in design, resembling a mobile stand, or it can have a cabinet-style base and include a pull-out tray, adjustable pencil tray or cable management. For added stability and safety, purchase a plasma cart with large casters.

Projector Carts:

Designed to hold slide and multi-media projectors, projector carts are available in a number of styles and configurations. Popular features of a projector cart include wire management, adjustable shelves, pencil tray, a laptop shelf and adjustable heights. Before making a final decision, consider the configuration of the room the projector cart will be most used and choose the features best suited to that environment.

Computer Carts:

Ideal for a home office or your growing business, select a computer cart that will complement your work environment. A computer cart combines mobility and convenience with all of the regular features of a computer desk. Computer Carts can be moved out of the way when not in use, or they can be moved from one room to another as needed. They can feature pull-out keyboard trays, adjustable shelves and CPU holders.

Laptop Carts:

Laptop carts are available in a variety of designs intended to hold or house laptops for specific purposes. A portable laptop stand is intended for individual use, with space for one laptop. A portable laptop cart usually can accommodate at least two and might include other storage options such as cabinets, enclosed or open shelving and skid mats. Laptop storage carts are specifically designed to hold a number of laptops and are ideal for computer labs, training centers and businesses.

AV carts are a practical way to store and transport your valuable audiovisual equipment while keeping it safe and secure. Now that you have a good understanding of the different types of AV carts available, you will be able to find the one that best suits your particular situation or work environment.