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Purchasing
(In case you arrive at this page via an Internet Search, click here to get to the CBI Project Homepage)
Which is the best whiteboard system?
I do not have the answer that perhaps you want to this question. In my experience, motivated and supported teachers can do wonderful things with any of the board sytems. They all have their own strengths and limitations. Teachers have to take the time to get to know their particular system, and to use it to its advantage - just like teachers already do with textbooks. The most important question to ask is "how can the teacher most effectively teach with the particular whiteboard brand" ..the emphasis should be on the teacher, the students and the pedagogy, rather than on the board. As Paddy Bates always said "Pedagogy leads, technology follows"
Teachers who are looking to author their own content should look closely at the software element of the whiteboard systems. There are other teachers who are not interested in authoring, but are happy to use existing third-party interactive software and/or websites: for this latter, you will find solutions at the cheaper end of the market. Please note that in both cases, the teacher can build engaging lessons ('cheaper' is not being used in any pejorative sense). For some, a computer with remote mouse and/or keyboard - coupled with the essential Projector - can be sufficient financial investment. Again, such investment must be matched with teacher input. Having said all the above, I still come back to the Computer/Projector/Whiteboard suggestion for classrooms - the evidence exist that in the right hands these are are a formidable combination
In the UK, whiteboards (hardware, software and Projectors) must comply with certain minimum standards: visit http://stagebecta.ngfl.gov.uk/leas/display.cfm?section=14_5_3_2 and download the Word document http://www.becta.org.uk/page_documents/whiteboards/functional_specification.doc. Boards which meet this standard can carry an official Becta-approved logo. There is no such minimum standard in Ireland, although we would be wise to observe these Becta standards!
What can I buy, based on my budget?
Purchase based on Budget (this is a guide only: please look at the quality of the Board, of the Software and of the Support and Training as well as thinking in terms of the potential use of the Board in the Classroom; the last thing a school needs is an expensive wall-hanging!)
All systems require you to use your own Computer (or Laptop)
Most Ceiling-mounted Projectors and/or Integrated CBI systems require installation by an approved installer
Guide Prices include VAT, and are only an indication of price (E&OE)
I used to have a link the Irish site for "PC World Business" ...you can still go to the UK site (with prices in Sterling) at http://www.pcwb.co.uk/catalogue/Displays/Interactive%20Displays
Elara also advertises Promethean systems at http://www.elara.ie/products/whiteboard.asp
Where can we buy a CBI?
Scroll down this page for details of these, other boards and other retailers. Note that there may be other boards and other approved resellers 'out there'. If such companies provide their details, I will try to incude such on this website. It may also be possible that the market will grow to such an extent that I will not be able to maintain all details. It is possible also the linked website addresses on this site may have changed: again, I bear no responsibiltiy for updating all of these and I rely on third parties to inform me of such changes. Drumcondra Education Centre nor its agents does not endorse one commercial product over another.
Be aware that in order to meet Public-Sector Purchasing Guidelines, you should get at least three written quotations for any purchase over Euro 635 (and, in addition, a Tax-Clearance Certificate for any purchase over Euro 6350)
Recent additions to the CBI Project portfolio include the following systems:
The following were not in use in the CBI Project, but you may find the weblinks useful:
N.B. Please note that any prices mentioned here are for guideline purposes only - you must approach a retailer and seek specific pricing for your school/college. Prices vary from time to time, individual resellers can quote very different prices, and this page is only a very 'rule of thumb' guide. I have seen price differences of Euro 600 on the same board, so please shop around, ask the Resellers, and get Quotations...E&OE. Reference to Companies on this site is as an information-servive, rather than a specific endorsement.
The CBI Project used Promethean boards from Prim-Ed (http://www.prim-ed.com/home.php?country=IRE),
Visit http://www.prometheanireland.com ...the site previously held details of the boards and price updates ...but is currently (Nov 2009) "under construction". In the interim, you may wish to visit http://www.prometheanworld.com/ where you will learn of other ways to acquire Promethean boards, such as the 'Try and Buy' scheme and the 'Jack and Jill' mobile-phone swop promotion.
In the Summer of 2009, Westcoast-Clarity, based in Tallaght, have taken up the distributorship of Promethean, held previously by Prim-Ed. The website http://www.clarity.ie/ doesn't (as of Nov. 2009) carry Promethean details so you may wish to contact them directly
Westcoast-Clarity provides the following Reseller details to schools:
The CBI Project used SMART Boards from Meritec (http://www.meritec.ie).
The SMART Board 680 (classroom size) has a guide RRP of around Euro 2800 (including VAT); data projector, installation etc. extra.
The SMART CBIs come with a wall-mounting bracket for fixed installs. For schools who want a mobile solution (which is not my preferred method) they will need a floorstand (SMART FS470), RRP EUR435 + VAT
I have also been provided with details of the following:
SMARTboards are distributed here by Stelljes Ireland, so a very useful point of contact is their website at http://www.smartboard.ie/where-to-buy.php ...they can then put a local reseller in contact with you. You can also contact Stelljes via Steljes Ireland, Premier Business Centre, Arena Road, Dublin 18; Telephone: 01 2130887. Email: info@steljes.ie. It may be the case that some of the companies that I have listed above are no longer resellers of SMART
Details of the board at ....http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Boards/Front+Projection/
The Cambridge-Hitachi Starboard
The CBI Project used Cambridge-Hitachi boards from Meritec (http://www.meritec.ie).
Details of the boards at http://uk.hitachisoft-interactive.com/Templates/Type2_English.asp?modeID=Content&uID=43&DoLogin=
The Hitachi Duo Board is available from FusionTech in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. See their site at http://www.interactiveclassroomsolutions.ie/products/interactive-front-projection-whiteboards/
The Cambridge-Hitachi Board may also be purchased via Uptown Computers, Drogheda. Contact Barry Donn, sales@uptowncomputers.net, 087 2496341
Feb '09: €3798 - for a Hitachi 77" wall-mounted board, ceiling-mounted XGA projector, 30W audio, Starboard software, all accessories, installation, training, five year warranty on the board, from Interactive Whiteboard Solutions - see http://www.interactiveclassroomsolutions.ie or phone 01-8015482
Feb '09: €1500 - for an ultra short throw Hitachi projector, from FusionTech, Unit 12, Dunboyne Business Park, Dublin, Meath. Phone +353 1 8013970
TouchIT is one of the more recent additions to the CBI platforms in Ireland. This is distributed by Resources4Learning
John Hughes, Resources4Learning, Ballycullen, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. Email: john@..., www.resources4learning.ie, Tel: 061398747
Details of the TouchIT board can be found at www.touchittechnologies.com
TouchIT 78" HID Board with Ceiling mounted standard XGA 2000lumen projector, sound system, full installation, training and VAT Euro 2350
TouchIT 78" HID Board with Wall mounted XGA 2000 lumen short throw projector, sound system, full installation, training and VAT Euro 2580
The TouchIT board uses infra-red beams down and across the board so does not need a pen, your finger will do. Further, the board surface reverts back to a white board for use with dry marker pens when turned off. The board comes bundled with Easiteach software and Draw.exe software
TouchIT Technologies now offer HID technology (Human Input Device) that does not require a driver. "Windows, Linux and MAC all recognise HIDs so it makes the implementation of [the] hardware on these platforms a lot more straight forward. The HID TouchIT Board represents a total redesign of the electronic hardware. Performance has been improved, tracking is faster, connection time to the server has been reduced which improves the user experience of the product."
Watch TouchIT on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAxdKSQH2K8&feature=player_embedded#
Manufacturers warranties are four years for the TouchIT and three years on their projectors.
The CBI Project used 3M '578' Digital Boards (which incorporate eBeam software), supplied by 3M
For more about the Board, read www.3m.com/meetings
For more about eBeam (which can also be ourchased as a stand-alone software product), read http://www.e-beam.com/products/projection.html
3M also supply their own branded data projectors, as well as short-throw projectors which incorporate eBeam
The 3M "Super Close" (wall-mounted) XGA Projector guides at RRP of Euro 3100+VAT (for the 'DMS800' model) while the 'DMS815' model (which incorporates an eBeam pod) guides at RRP of Euro 3800+VAT
The 3M "Digital Board" (which includes an eBeam pod) guides at RRP of Euro 1300+VAT (for the 65" diagonal board) and Euro 1500+VAT for the 78" diagonal board)
The 3M Boards and Projectors are available from:The CBI Project used the GTCO board with InterWrite Software, and Mitsuibishi data projector from...
IMEX Instruments Ltd
Castlecourt
Castlebellingham
County Louth
Tel: 042 9372300 and 9372282
Fax: 042 9372732
Email: sales@imex.ie
FreePhone: 1 800 420465
A guide RRP (as issued at CESI Conference Feb 2007) indicates 77.5" Board with Mitsubishi XL6u XGA projector, ceiling mounted kit, speakers and training for Euro 2845+VAT; Installation at Euro 395+VAT (so total including VAT comes to around Euro 4000)
Details of the board at http://www.imex.ie/iwb/ ...of the projector at http://www.imex.ie/iwb/xl5u.php ...and of the software (with free trial download) at http://www.gtcocalcomp.com/interwritesoftware_schools.htm
iDW7800
USB/Serial Interactive Digital White Board
(also bears the logo “abc Digital Whiteboard”
For a picture and description of the board visit
http://www.chen-source.com.tw/products/products_detail_mult.asp?id=iDW7800
I don't have a guide price for this board
The board is available from
Daniel Gallagher.
M.R.P. Electronic
25 Frankfort Avenue,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6
http://www.mrpltd.ie
mrp1ltd@eircom.net
01 497 6448
087 246 7539 mobile
MRP offer the following services with their iDW board:
Polyvision: The CBI Project used a Polyvision Board/system provided by Bytek
The offer from Bytek includes the Poyvison TS610, callibration-free, 78" diagonal, touch-sensitive; RRP Euro 2800+VAT, with Mitsubishi Projector (with free bulb worth 395); wall brackets and cables. Installation at 395+VAT
Details of the board at ...http://www.polyvision.com/products/ts.asp calibration is done automatically via a press of the Board's remote control (RC). The RC also functions as a Mouse and Virtual Pen. Using a PolyKey means you don't have to pre-load software. The new "eno" board is dry-erase, interactive and magnetic!
TeamBoard
According to its Canadian manufacturers, the exclusive distributors in Ireland are Sight and Sound
Contact Details are David Johnston,
Sight & Sound (Distributors) Ltd.,
24 Spruce Avenue,
Stillorgan Industrial Park,
Stillorgan,
Co. Dublin.
Tel. 01-2953020
djohnston@sightandsound.ie,
web http://www.sightandsound.ie/
The board is described as "the world's largest touchscreen" (with a 77 inch diagonal). It is sometimes supplied with "Easiteach" software; otherwise it comes with its own 'TeamBoard Draw' software (a 98-page user guide to the latter can be accessed at http://www.erlas.hu/brochures/User_Guide.pdf)
The Teamboard can also be used as a dry-erase board. It is available with standard or short-throw projectors, with or without audio subject to customer requirements
RM Classboard
Available from PC World and via Tesco Tokens
Sahara Clever
Details of the Sahara CleverBoard - up to 105 inch diagonal - are available at http://www.sahara-products.com/index.php?do=siteShowProduct&id=894&parent=126
Sahara also produce an 80-inch diagonal CleverTouch board - details at http://www.sahara-products.com/index.php?do=siteShowProduct&id=888&parent=125
Sahara boards uses Lynx software ...see http://www.cleverlynx.com/ ...this has a 'campus license' (one board, multiple users) - 30-day trial available
Available from ...
Portable Solutions are also available to attach to an existing Dry-Wipe Whiteboard (eBeam and Mimio), or which work work on any surface (Onfintiy).
eBeam is a unit which attaches by sucker or magnet or velcro to an existing (dry-erase) whiteboard.
Resources4Learning are the only Irish reseller listed on the e-beam website http://www.luidia.com/cgi-bin/dealers.cgi?region=Europe
John Hughes, Resources4Learning, Ballycullen, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. Email: john@..., www.resources4learning.ie, Tel: 061398747
Feb '09: €580 - eBeam - Attach this to your existing (ordinary) Board, and use your own Data Projector; installation not required, from Resources4Learning
Jan 2010: eBeam 78" Board with Ceiling mounted standard XGA 2000lumen projector, sound system, full installation, training and VAT Euro 1640
eBeam 78" Board with Wall mounted XGA 2000 lumen short throw projector, sound system, full installation, training and VAT Euro 1870
Manufacturers warranties are three years on the eBeam and three years on their projectors.
Details of the unit are at ...http://www.e-beam.com/products/projection.html
The CBI Project used a Mimio unit from the recently appointed Distributor/Reseller
Details of the board at ...http://www.mimio.com/products/index.php
Feb '09: €580 - Mimio - Attach this to your existing (ordinary) Board, and use your own Data Projector; installation not required, from GDK
GDK can also provide a wireless attachment for the Mimio for another €300
Contact GDK Network Systems Ltd, Unit E2 Nutgrove Office Park, Nutgrove Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. visit www.gdk.ie
The mimio website http://www.mimio.com/purchase/resellers_uk_ireland.asp?rd=dlr refers to two resellers in Ireland:
ONfinity
The ONfinity CM2 solution works by calibratiing itself to the light-projected image. The working surface can be a whiteboard, a blackboard or a stone wall (it can also work with a Plasma screen via the 'video out' of the PC). The unit sits on or beside the Projector, rather than being attached to the Board.
For details of the board visit http://www.onfinity.com/Products_Show_02.asp
ONfinity also produce the FB121 which is essentially a wireless graphics pad ...for details visit http://www.onfinity.com/Products_Show_02.asp. A guide price for the board is Euro 495 including VAT and Delivery.
The onfinity.com website lists its Irish agent as Sligo Graph Ltd, Ballincar, Sligo, Rep. of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 71 9142044
Fax: +353 (0) 71 9142044
email: sales@sgeducation.ie
Web http://www.sgeducation.ie
This board offers a touch-based, dry-wipe solution. It comes with an installed short-throw projector as well as its own comprehensive software package.
Details of the board are available at www.iqboard.ie.
The board, including projector, delivered and installed, comes in at Euro 3582 inc. VAT (with a special introductory offer also available at the time of writing) ...the Board itself can be bought for Euro 1295 + VAT
The IQBoard is distributed in Ireland by
Traceboard: this is a recent ('09?) entry to the CBI market in Ireland. Details of this touch-board at http://www.traceboard.com/.
An Irish reseller of the Traceboard is Lennox Lab Supplies ...see www.labsupplies.ie ...with specific details relating to their Traceboard offering to schools available at http://www.labsupplies.ie/images/traceboard_2.pdf.
Hardcopy information provided by the company (at CESI 2009) indicates a price for the installed Traceboard system of Euro 2950 inc VAT. The board comes with its own TRACEbook software. The Traceboard itself may be available from Euro 1295 inc VAT (mention CESI!). Lennox, located on the Naas Road in Dublin are a long-established supplier of school science equipment. Contact Denis O'Sullivan via Tel: 01 4552201, Fax: 01 4507906, Email: schools@lennox.ie
Lennox have alsp put in place a site to support the platform at www.traceboard.ie
The Tesco Catalogue http://www.tesco.ie/schools/pdf/TescoCFS2006WholeClass.pdf has links to a number of CBI-related items, such as
For a DIY approach, you need:
I have shared a document (pdf) to show how to get the Bluetooth connection to the Wii up and running ...WiimoteSetupDK.pdf
I have a short video showing the Wiimote in action ...CBIwiimote377.wmv (3.39 MB file)
Classus: information to be inserted
Disclaimer
Neither Drumcondra Education Centre nor its agents promote one brand and/or company over another. The information gathered on this site is provided as a service to our schools. Issues of prices, specifications, warrenties etc. are a matter for the individual companies. Schools should not rely on the information provided on this site, but should confirm these details with the relevant companies. There may be other brands and/or companies who provide similar solutions to those listed above - it is not the intention of this site to exclude those companies. E&OE