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The Microsoft HoloLens 2 Price and What to consider before buying

The Microsoft HoloLens 2 Price and What to consider before buying

In this post we will explore the Microsoft HoloLens 2 Price (and beyond):

  • What you should consider before purchasing
  • Uses for the HoloLens 2
  • What makes the HoloLens 2 different from the HoloLens 1
  • HoloLens 2 specs and apps that are available for the HoloLens2.

How Much does the HoloLens 2 Cost to Buy?

The Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 is priced at $3,500. However, you can test this revolutionary technology before you buy, through an exclusive HoloLens 2 Rental Program offered by Hartford Technology Rentals.

When was Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 Public Release Date?

Every so often an invention comes along that truly fits the description of a game changer.  On November 7, 2019, Microsoft introduced the HoloLens 2.  Think back to how profound the invention of the camera was.  Or how about the computer? Or the iPhone? Or even the internet.  Now what if you could put the revolutionary ideas of all of those items into one new device?  Hartford Technology Rentals is proud to introduce and be the Microsoft Authorized rental partner for the HoloLens 2.

But this is no ordinary headset.  Most people will typically think of a headset as a toy for virtual reality and gaming.  But while there are HoloLens 2 games available, it could not be more different than the usual gaming device.  Instead, the HoloLens2 brings the amazing new world of Mixed Reality (augmented reality) right to your eyes and fingertips.  This is primarily an industrial tool and not a consumer appliance. 

Where Can You Buy The HoloLens 2?

One of the most significant considerations when learning about the HoloLens 2 is the acquisition cost.  At $3500 you need to be absolutely certain that this device will benefit your enterprise.  You can purchase the HoloLens 2 directly from Microsoft in the Microsoft Store or through several resellers or distributors.  However, you can also rent the HoloLens 2.  At Hartford Technology Rentals, we carry an entire fleet of the HoloLens 2 that is available for a daily, weekly or monthly rental for testing and trial purposes.  If you feel like you are spending too much time on travel, operations, design or training, the HoloLens 2  can ultimately save your company significant capital expense. If you have a large front-line workforce or use complex equipment, assembly lines and process flows, the HoloLens 2 can help.  But you need to get your hands on a couple of the headsets to make sure that your money is being spent wisely.  When you are ready to get started, Hartford Technology HoloLens 2 demo can help you meet your budgets.

What should you consider before buying the HoloLens 2 (besides Price)?

HoloLens 2 vs. HoloLens 1 technical specs

The HoloLens 2 represents a significant technological upgrade over the first HoloLens headset.  The following technical specs were compiled by Chris Pietschmann on the Build5Nines website:

 

HoloLens2 HoloLens1
CPU Model QC Snapdragon 850 Intel Atom x5-Z8100P
CPU Cores 8 4
Memory 4GB 1GB
Storage 64 GB 64 GB
HPU 2nd Gen custom 1st Gen custom
Wifi Wifi 5 802.11ac

What can you do with a HoloLens 2?

According to Microsoft, you can “touch, grasp, and move holograms in ways that feel natural—they respond a lot like real objects. Log in to HoloLens 2 instantly and securely using just your eyes with Windows Hello. And voice commands work even in noisy industrial environments through smart microphones and natural language speech processing.”

The HoloLens 2 essentially gives you access to previewing a holographic world.  Want to see what a room will look like with a complete redesign prior to actually starting any construction?  A HoloLens 2 will allow you to visualize every minute detail and custom configure all changes prior to the start of any demolition and reconstruction.  Or if you happen to be on a construction site and need to make changes to your project.  Instead of halting all work and sending the blueprints back to the engineering company for redesign and approval, the revisions can take place in real time, on site, for immediate approval and implementation.  This level of increased efficiency is unheard of until today.  Think of the savings in both time and money that such innovations could bring to your next project. 

Are you a surgeon and want to examine an MRI of a patient prior to surgery and look deep inside the body to find any unnoticed obstructions or unforeseen problems?  The HoloLens will literally allow you to remove holographic body parts, examine them in ways never before accessible and then plot your path to success with the patient before any incisions are ever made.  During surgery, any delay is costly.  Two delays during a procedure can prove to be dangerous.  And more than two delays can ultimately lead to legal consequences.  The HoloLens 2 will help minimize risk and predict the success of all procedures in advance of the treatment.

Do you need to train your manufacturing staff on complex new procedures and products.  The HoloLens 2 will allow you to train personnel in real time on new machinery without ever having to operate the machinery.  Simultaneously, an instructor can ever offer real time support and guidance from a remote location to ensure the proper use and safety of the operator.  Imagine the cost savings of conducting training in a real world, real time scenario with your staff.  Instead of starting in a classroom with videos and concepts, you start on the workfloor with real equipment and the staff who will be operating or maintaining the gear.

The uses for a HoloLens 2 in a retail environment are seemingly limitless.  You can holographically redesign an entire floor space of a show to quickly change the stylistic designs and presentations.  The HoloLens will allow you the opportunity to change everything from wall colors to carpet patterns to mannequin placements to even the tiniest details like lighting and sign placement.  All of these important considerations can be previewed prior to a retail buildout to ultimately increase traffic flow and customer experience.  And increased traffic flow and customer experience typically will lead to increased sales, which at the end of the day is the goal of the exercise.

The HoloLens 2 is such a powerful and unique tool.  Every day more and more apps are being designed and implemented for this cutting edge technology.  This is the future and it is here for you and your business today! 

What are the experts saying about the HoloLens 2?

We thought that it would be interesting to provide you with a HoloLens 2 review.  Here are several links to independent reviews of the HoloLens 2:

  1. Microsoft’s distinctly futuristic vision of computing
  2. The HoloLens 2 is much faster and lighter than the HoloLens 1
  3. An enterprise headset with a more natural method of mixed reality

Can You Get a HoloLens 2 Demo before buying?

Since there are currently no real demo options outside of a few select Microsoft stores available for the HoloLens 2, renting is your best option.  Renting will allow you the time to test both the headset and any relevant apps that you might find useful.

Try Before You Buy: Renting The HoloLens 2

The most exciting mixed reality device to be released to date is easily the Microsoft HoloLens 2.  But if the $3500 price tag is more than you or your company can afford, we at Hartford Technology Rentals have another option.  Now you can rent the HoloLens on a daily, weekly, monthly or even longer term basis.  Renting a HoloLens 2 is an excellent way to be sure that the device, along with the wide array of apps that are available, will do everything and more than you need it to.  Need multiple units?  We have a large inventory!  Need delivery to multiple locations?  We can handle all of the logistics for you and even preload the apps that you are looking to try prior to shipment. 

In short, we make HoloLens rental as quick and easy as one simple phone call or email.  You can contact us via phone at 888-520-5667 or visit us online at www.hartfordrents.com.  Our team of HoloLens specialists look forward to working with you today.

What are some of the industries that might use the HoloLens 2?

For many years a device like the HoloLens has been viewed as not much more than some fantasy emerging technology that was never quite ready for prime time.  But with the introduction of the Microsoft HoloLens 2 real world applications are suddenly within reach.  Real world scenarios in many of the following fields are now seeing an influx of revolutionary opportunities:

Manufacturing – by increasing efficiencies manufacturers can significantly reduce time and associated costs

Healthcare – from remote interactions via telemedicine to enhanced training

Education – from remote learning to hand’s on interactions

Retail – new employee training to quality checking

Public Sector & Defense – advanced design implantation and deployment

AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) – quickly preview and execute design revisions

Remote Assistance – quickly solve issues with the help of a subject matter expert

Training & Simulation – hand’s on real time learning

Guides & Task Management – step by step processes overseen by a virtual mentor or supervisor

Design & Prototyping – real time effect job site revisions

Sales Assistance – virtual help available immediately