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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, 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 require installation of Electrics by an approved
installer
Guide Prices include VAT, and are only an indication of price
€500 - Installation This is a guide price for the installation of the wall-mounted
'special' boards
€500 - Graphics Tablet - use a wireless tablet to control your PC from anywhere(?) in the room, and have the image projected via your projector. Note that some brands of whiteboards have their own brand-specific tablets
€1000 - eBeam or Mimio - Attach these to your existing (ordinary) Board,
and use your own Data Projector; installation not required
€1200 - use a Tablet PC and your own projector. The Tablet PC's screen is your working, portable surface. Note that whiteboard software may not be compatible with this approach.
€1600 - 3M Board - Buy this 'special' board; use your existing Projector
€2,420 – Promethean ACTIVboard - Buy this 'special' board; use your existing Projector
€2800 - SMART Board - Buy this 'special' board; use your existing Projector
€ 3600 inc VAT - Full system: IMEX Interwrite Interactive Whiteboard (77.5") and Mistubishi DLP XGA Projector (model XL9U for the Education Sector), Ceiling Mounting Kit. Sound
system and Installation included
€3800 - Inspire Board and Projector - Buy this 80-inch touchscreeen board, together with Epson EMP-X5 projector, with free bulb. Installation extra
€3800 - 3M Close Projector - Buy this 'super close' Projector and use your
existing ordinary Board with eBeam or Mimio; or else use this Projector
with the 3M 'special' board
€4600 - 3M Projector with eBeam - Buy this 'super close' Projector, including
eBeam; use your ordinary whiteboard
€5000 - ACTIVboard (Promethean) - Buy this 'special' board, with new Projector
and Speakers; includes installation
€5000 - SMART Board - Buy this 'special' board, with new Projector and
Speakers; includes installation
I have discovered that "PC World Business" sell a large range of boards: see the list (with prices) at http://www.pcwb.ie/action/find-similar?similar-to=EBEAM004
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 are 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 is using Promethean boards from Prim-Ed (http://www.prim-ed.com/home.php?country=IRE),
Promethean: Prim-Ed in Wexford (http://www.prim-ed.com/home.php?country=IRE) are the sole accredited dealer in Ireland (Republic)
Prices for their Bundle guide at around Euro 4840 (including VAT) for an ACTIVboard (classroom size 78" diagonal, user software (ACTIVprimary and/or ACTIVstudio), a Sanyo XU70 data projector (1500 lumens, XGA), fully installed, ceiling-mounted and two-hours training (with follow-up support).
The new ACTIVboard+2 with Integrated Projector and Sound can be bought for Euro 5600 inc VAT
Details of the board at ...http://www.prometheanworld.com/uk/html/uksolutions/products/activboard.shtml (and scroll down the page to get the PDF document). Also, there is a new site being developed at http://www.prometheanireland.ie/
The CBI Project is using SMART Boards which, in 2005, were purchased 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
As of December 2007, FusionTech no longer sell/distribute SMARTboards. FusionTech, in relation to SMART products in particular, had been very supportive of the Whiteboard Project. They also developed a separate website of advice and resources at http://www.smartboard.ie
The official list of resellers to Education, as supplied by Steljes the Distributor (December 2007):
Details of the board at ....http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Boards/Front+Projection/
The Cambridge-Hitachi Starboard
The CBI Project is using 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=
A guide price for a full system (77" board, Hitachi EDX 10/12 Data Projector, Connectioin Box, Ceiling Mount, Speakers) installed is Euro 4600 inc VAT.
The Cambridge-Hitachi Board may be purchased via Uptown Computers, Drogheda. Contact Barry Donn, sales@uptowncomputers.net, 087 2496341
The CBI Project is using 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 is using 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
IMEX Interwrite Interactive Whiteboard (77.5") and Mistubishi DLP XGA Projector (model XL9U for the Education Sector), Ceiling Mounting Kit. Sound system and Installation included. For 3600 inc VAT
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
IDW board guides at Euro 2195 (with Euro 250 for a standared install); and a 720 XVGA 1500-2500 lumens projector would bring the full suite to around Euro 3600 inc Vat
The software is called VosaTrek version 3.3 (I cannot locate a separate url for this - other than in Taiwan)
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:
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.
TeamBoard
According to its manufacturers, the exclusive distributors in Ireland are Sight and Sound
Contact Details are David Johnston,
Sight & Sound (Distributors) Ltd.,
Terminus Mills,
Clonskeagh Road,
Dublin 6,
Ireland
Tel. 01-283-8974
Fax. 01-283-8919
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 "Easyteach" 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)
For details of the board, visit http://www.teamboard.com/library/brochures.php from where you can download the relevant PDF brochure.
TeamBoard carries the 'Becta Approved' logo.
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
Cleverboard 105" and Projector and Ceiling Mount and CleverPad Cables, Sofware, training (1 hour) ...all for 4500 inc VAT (not included Mobile Stand, nor Installation) from SHAW Scientific
"Cleverboard 3" (72") for Euro 1700 from Resources4Learning
Cleverpad for 320 inc VAT (wireless tablet) from Resources4Learning
Sahara boards and Cleverpads uses Lynx software. Read about Lynx at http://www.cleverboard.com/html/lynx_software.html and http://www.cleverlynx.com/ ...the latter also has a nice collection of classroom resources. Code: 1520019 Single User Licence £299 Code: 1520020 Primary School Site Licence £500 Code: 1520021 Secondary School Site Licence £1,200
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: eBeam Projection for Euro 700 inc VAT and the eBeam Integral (eBeam and Whiteboard combined) for 1700 inc Vat from Resources4Learning
Via DICTAT, I have come across the following links:
Details of the board at ...http://www.e-beam.com/products/projection.html
Drumcondra has purchased its Mimio unit from the recently appointed Distributor/Reseller
Guide prices are Mimio Interactive USB €599 + Vat; Mimio Interactive Wireless Upgrade €289 + Vat; Mimio Ink Capture Kit €199 + Vat. Bundle Offer: Mimio Interactive + Wireless €995.00 inc Vat (saving €74).
Details of the board at ...http://www.mimio.com/products/index.php
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
The Tesco Catalogue http://www.tesco.ie/schools/pdf/TescoCFS2006WholeClass.pdf has links to a number of CBI-related items, such as
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