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Interactive Whiteboards
(In case you arrive at this page via an Internet Search, click here to get to the CBI Project Homepage)
Do Interactive Whiteboards Differ? This section looks at Software, Licensing and Hardware.
For most users, the difference in the CBI software is what is most obvious. I have prepared spreadsheets which examine the software features of each of the boards.
Note that software versions are regularly updated, so make sure you are using the latest version (usually supplied free to registered users)
Note that the licence to use SMART extends to all Teachers and to all Students in a school - even where just one board is purchased.
Where SMART Notebook software is used on a non-SMART board, a separate "Competitive Product Software Licence" can be purchased
Promethean typically provide Five licences with each board. An 'ACTIVprimary Viewer' is also available to download from the promethean website
Polyvision does not come with authoring whiteboard software. Third-party software (such as Easyteach) can be purchased separately, or 'other board' software can be used (subject to licensing by the 'other' board company)
With Easyteach, it may be installed on the same number of computers as the number of licences you have purchased. As a teacher, you may only install the Software at home if you have purchased 'teacher home-use' licences. If you purchase 25 (Primary) or 50 (Secondary) licences of any Easyteach product, your licence is automatically extended to be a site licence.
Boards differ in terms of their Hardware
Hardware Specifications for the Cambridge-Hitachi Board:
Hardware Specifications for the SMART Board:
The hard-coated polyester surface is tear proof, optimized for projection,
compatible with dry-erase markers and easily cleaned with whiteboard cleaner.
USB cable: Connect the SMART Board interactive whiteboard to your computer (DK:
no separate power supply required).
Touch system Write, erase and perform mouse functions with your finger, a pen
or an eraser – you need no proprietary tools
(Source: http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Boards/Front+Projection/600+Series/Features.htm)
Warranty The interactive whiteboard has a five-year limited equipment warranty
upon registration. See warranty document for details.
Cables 9' 10" (3.0 m) HD-DB15 video, 3.5 mm jack audio, and 16' 6"
(5.0 m) USB cables provided.
Interactive Whiteboard Features
Pen Tray Optical sensors in the pen tray detect when a pen or eraser is lifted
from the tray. LEDs show the active tool.
Pens and Eraser Black, blue, red and green Whisper-tip™ pens and a rectangular
eraser
Resolution Touch resolution is approximately 4000 × 4000
Digitizing Technology Analog resistive
(Source: http://www2.smarttech.com/NR/rdonlyres/29224D89-EB6E-40A6-985C-DFD45CA93749/0/680iSpecsv06Jun06.pdf)
Hardware Specifications for Promethean's ACTIVboard 78:
Resolution internal 2730 points (lines) per inch, output to 200 for precise
operation
Tracking rate 200 inch per second providing a fast response to pen commands
Output rate 100 co-ordinate pairs per second for accuracy when writing and drawing
on the board
Pointing device Cordless battery-free pen
Digitising technology Passive electromagnetic interface encased behind robust
melamine for technical
reliability and durability
Connection Serial (RS232) to host at up to 38.4kbs. or USB 1.1/2
Screen surface Low glare melamine providing an efficient projection surface
Power requirements 6 Volt 0.5 Amp
Warranty 3 years on site, 5 year surface warranty to protect your investment
Board size 78" diagonal
Overall dimensions 1700 x 1240mm (67" x 49")
Active area dimensions 1624 x 1160mm (64" x 46")
Active area diagonal 1995mm (78")
Packed weight 26kg (57lbs)
Board weight 17kg (37lbs) making it easy to share between rooms using the ACTIVstand
Computer requirements Windows Operating System needs minimum system of 233Mhz
with Win 98/2000, ME, XP or NT operating system and 32 Mb RAM. Macintosh Operating
System minimum system needs to be able to run OS 9.2 or above. Optimized for
OSX Connection: USB 1.1 or serial (RS232)
(Source: http://www.prometheanworld.com/uk/assets/downloads/product_brochures/ACTIVboard78_UK.pdf)
Hardware Specifications for Polyvision's Walk-And-Talk Lightning Board:
Touch-sensitive, Teflon® coated, dry erase, low glare, projection-optimized
surface
Power Requirements: USB powered, except with optional wireless kit
Warranty: Two-year limited warranty, free upgrade to five years upon product
registration Resolution 8000 x 8000
Dimension (HXW) 52.6 in. x 67.8 in. (1336mm x 1722mm), 78 in Diagonal
Driver/Software Features
• Instant loading PolyKey™ driver for walk-up-and-use operation
or Webster™ software for advanced users
• On screen keyboard and image mark-up
• Print or save images in PDF, BMP, TIFF, PNG, or JPG image format (other
options available with free Windows Webster software)
Accessories (Included)
• Remote control with built-in touch pad and trigger-click technology
(two AA batteries included)
• Active infrared eraser with two spare eraser pads (two AAA batteries
included)
• 15 foot (4.6m) USB cable
• USB PolyKeyTM with driver
• Stylus
• Installation and Operation Manual
• Reversible remote control holder, mounts to either side of board
• Wall mounting brackets
Source: http://www.polyvision.com/products/Walk-Talk-lightning.asp
What do teachers in other countries think of the different boards? Follow this
link to read what some Foundation Stage Teachers have said about SMART and Promethean
on the Foundation Stage Discussion Forum:
http://www.foundation-stage.info/forums/index.php?showtopic=4706