Well, it took me awhile, but I finally broke down and did it. Purchased an iPad and kiosk holder for it, and its been very successful.

Before, I was just using a laptop, and it didn't see much use, or I didn't have a place to put the laptop safely.

This is great. Everyone is using, even my older folks, and the response has been positive. People think its fun, and easy, and it is! Check it out!

what software are you using?

I use kjams with two iPad 1st gen for kiosk songbooks.

Kjams has server built in and iPad uses wtkjams app.

IPad 1st gen needs to be jailbroken to use encarcerator app to lock app for kiosk mode.

Yeah, that sounds a lot better then using that Songbook DB. Why would anyone want to continuously pay a monthly charge to use it (DB) when there are better alternatives. What you will have paid in about 3 months buys you better software, with no adds, no internet needed, and you own it. But, to each his own.

and that software would be.....

Yeah, as I heard the remarks about 'more professional'... etc.. I had to wonder, "What software are you talking about?" Why would someone say something like that and then not give actual details?

No internet connection? Really? So, your singers are using their phones how? There's a network connection SOMEWHERE. 21" touch screen? Must be nice to have all that room.

See.. the way this forum is suppose to work is we share our ideas with one another.

My Question would be why the hell would anyone spend $400-700 for an ipad when they could pick up a used same sized tablet that will run EXACTLY the same way for less than $200.

we have different ideas of professional and customizable.
CH shows the kiosk logo on its screen, SongbookDB shows MY logo (i could be wrong on CH not doing this)
You are wrong! Both the Smart phone, which I haven't gotten to yet and the Kiosk, which I customized with my own logo and graphics can be customized. You can even write your own CSS files for the phone.
ch shows each song version separate (8 "Friends in low places = 8 lines) songbookDB puts them together into one line (less scrolling to find the song you want)
Wrong again! Obviously you have no clue about what you speak. Yes, you can have it show every song in every version but you can also hide duplicate versions and choose the brand preferance to display. Such as SC first, CB second, and so on.
CH shows all the versions you have in separate lines, SongbookDB can show them under the song in the listing separated by commas
OR i can turn them off altogether (to avoid the "what does DK, SC, CB, MM mean? which one is the best?") and let me pick
CH gives them name and key change, So does SongbookDB but there is a notes to kj space to add versions if they want a specific one and i have it turned off (customizable by me) or birthdays, first time singer, etc..
CH you must disconnect your phone from the WIFI to submit a song, SongbookDB they can stay connected to the bars free WIFI that they are already connected to and submit a song without changing anything or not connect to any WIFI and submit a song anyway.
Where the f**k are you getting your information?? Have you ever used CH? I have people on their phones in conversions as well as texting and you can still turn in a song request. No, you don't have to disconnect from anything. Just use your phone as normal and the smart phone feature works as well.
CH gives you artist or title, SongbookDB searches both at the same time gar fri brings up Garth Brooks friends in low places
Wrong again. You really got your (@$%&#!) together.
CH gives you artist or title, SongbookDB gives you genre search, decade search, language search, duets search or any combination thereof (only 1990's rock, only 1960's country, just 70's motown, only duets in spanish...)
Yes, you can do that to if you configure it to do so.
CH gives you artist or title, Songbookdb gives you "just added" to show what has been added in the last 30 days.
CH allows them to put in a song, SongbookDB allows them to add songs to their favoriotes even when i am not running a show, it is available 24/7/365 on their phone (website or through my app) to see every song i have and make a favorites list to sing next time.
SongbookDB allows me to buzz the singers phone to call them in from the smoking patio when it is their turn (so they are in and ready when the other singer is done).Only thing you're right about.

you said more professional.....which one give the more professional look?
CompuHost of course. And lets not forget you are paying a monthly fee to use that inferior Songbook DB. Do you like having adds on your program. Or did they soak you for even more money each month to not show them. The bottom line is, you are very misinformed. CH together with the Kiosk and FastTracks can run circles around your little DB sh*t. You are incorrect on everything you say above except one. And for that one, you need an internet connection for.

I looked into the CH request system and DIDN'T choose for several reasons

1) it only works while you're running it at your show. SongbookDB runs 24/7 as its web based. Singers can log on from home, and create their personal song list any time they want.

2) I used the CH kiosk at another KJ's show and found the interface to be bulky, too time consuming, and a bit particular when it came to adding the requests... especially the FIRST request as there was this whole process of selecting a user name.

I HATED that to use the kiosk I had to create a 'unique user name' WITH a number that I had to remember.I wasn't impressed, but to each his own.

When I KJ for Spirit Cruises where I'm doing a one time, CHARTER cruise where I've got 50 singers that I'll never see again, the CH process is just not appropriate, and far too time consuming.

3) You MUST use a windows based laptop or computer. An Ipad isn't even an option. At many venues, finding another place to set a laptop or a computer can be a challenge as table space is at a premium.

I find the iPad kiosk presentation to be very simple, and professional looking and I know from experience that my singers are less intimidated by the ipad than the full on laptop.... in my particular case, where space is a premium, a smaller size is preferred. The 'All in One' kiosk stand is waaaaay more convenient.

The interface is simple and easy and as far as 'ads' go, they aren't 'pop ups' They are KJ/ DJ related little boxes. Hardly a major issue. I don't care for them, but it doesn't impede the operation of the service in any way.

Singers just walk up, enter a request are prompted with a 'sing' icon, and then need only enter their name, and any key changes, and then done. No need to 'create a user name' or go through any kind of 'log on' process at the kiosk itself.

I only paid $169 w/shipping for my refurb ipad 2, and the kiosk stand was $75. Also less expensive than another full laptop or computer.

And I AM a CH fanboy. I've been using that software for 8 years, and love it. Not a fan of their kiosk system, but if it works for you, great. Songbook DB works great for me, for the reasons I listed.

The fee is $14 a month. I'm a full time Dee jay and karaoke host, and haven't found it to be a financial burden, and the customer service is spot on awesome.

I looked into the CH request system and DIDN'T choose for several reasons

1) it only works while you're running it at your show. SongbookDB runs 24/7 as its web based. Singers can log on from home, and create their personal song list, and browse my song list any time they want.

And is that really worth paying a subscription for? Do they really need to be "connected" to you 24/7?

If someone wants to see my song book all they have to do is go to my website.