SMART introduces new generation of interactive whiteboard system

December 1, 2008

Source: Smart Technologies

New line includes widescreen interactive whiteboard system

SMART Technologies announces the third generation SMART Board™ 600i interactive whiteboard system. The new product line offers two screen formats - widescreen (16:10 aspect ratio) and standard (4:3 aspect ratio). Each model in the improved 600i line combines an award-winning SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboard and one of two new boom-mounted, short-throw projectors, both of which offer longer bulb life and better image quality than previous generations.

The 4:3 model integrates a UF55 projector, and the 16:10 integrates a UF55w. The widescreen model increases active whiteboarding space by 20 percent over the standard. Measuring 87" (221 cm) on the diagonal, the 16:10 makes it compatible with today's wide-format computer resolutions and content. Any SMART Board 680, 660, 580 and 560 interactive whiteboard can be retrofitted with a UF55, and the 685 model can be retrofitted with a UF55w.

The new 600i system builds on the success of the two previous 600i generations. Network functionality has been added so the system can now be remotely diagnosed and managed, saving users time and reducing costs. It offers a bright, crisp display with true color representation, making all video or still images clearly visible, even from the back of the room.

The redesigned projector and boom reduce shadows and glare compared to typical ceiling- or table-mounted projectors, better engaging students and meeting room participants while limiting the amount of light cast toward the teacher or presenter. The extended control panel enables users to plug in peripheral devices such as document cameras, DVD players, laptops, VCRs and other audiovisual equipment.

The panel also provides walk-up-and-use control from a single source. Total cost of ownership is lower with a projector bulb that lasts 3,000 hours in standard mode and 4,000 hours in economy mode, an improvement of 50 percent and 33 percent, respectively, over the previous generation's lamp. The new SMART Board 685i and 680i interactive whiteboard systems will be introduced at BETT 2009 in London, England, January 14–17.

"This year, we have seen tremendous growth in the global adoption of our products, both in the classroom and the meeting room," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's CEO. "These new systems take our product offering to the next level in meeting evolving customer needs and delivering unparalleled ease of use."

Features

Widescreen option – The 600i series includes the SMART Board 685i3 - SMART's first widescreen interactive whiteboard system offering an 87" (221 cm) interactive whiteboard with a 16:10 aspect ratio

Easy-access control – Enables central audiovisual control from the extended control panel on the front of the interactive whiteboard

Image quality – Delivers 2,000 lumens and a 2000:1 contrast ratio, so all images, whether video or still, are clearly visible, even from the back of the room

Increased security – Ensures strong visual and physical deterrent to theft with the D-loop lock and Kensington slot

Precision touch – Provides direct, precise touch control for accurate data selection and interaction

Easy maintenance – Delivers low total cost of ownership with longer lamp life (3,000 hours in standard mode and 4,000 hours in economy mode) and remote asset management

Projector resolution – Has excellent resolution with the UF55w providing WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution and the UF55 providing XGA (1024 x 768) resolution

Finger and stylus input – Receives inputs from finger, pen tool or any pointing device

SMART product integration – Integrates with all SMART products, including SMART Notebook software and SMART Meeting Pro

SMART Notebook software – Comes with award-winning software that ships with all SMART Board interactive whiteboard systems and is one of the most popular lesson-delivery applications in the world

SMART Meeting Pro –Is fully compatible with collaboration and conferencing software developed to meet the presentation, meeting and brainstorming needs of today's business and training professionals

Full solution support – Includes access to one of the world's most comprehensive ranges of services and support, content and resources, and professional development and training for interactive whiteboard systems and related products

Pricing and availability

The SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system will be available in North America in January 2009. The suggested education list price starts at US$3,079, depending on the model, and the MSRP starts at US$4,399, also depending on the model.


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