SMART Board for Flat Panel Displays

[markwilliamson2001]

I wasnt sure where to put this thread, but since we use it on Windows Machines.... 8)

 

We currently have a large amount of Front Projection SMART boards in school, but are having a new science block built, so are looking at some alternatives to projectors.

 

I have seen these SMART Board for LCD Displays, but wondered if anybody had used them in anger, and set them up and supported them from a TECHIE point of view?? Any ideas on cost and supported LCD Displays would be good.

 

I think they would alleviate the alignment problems we have with front projection boards when the projector moves slightly and falls out of alignment, causing problems for staff when drawing on the board.

 

Thanks

Mark

[FN-GM]

I have used these ones before http://www.rochdaleclcs.co.uk/?_id=371&showArticle=10 I would recommend these.

 

But if you are talking about the smartboards that have the built in projector, they are a waste of time. They can be very temperamental and decide to go to sleep for 30 mins and you can't get them out of it. Also it takes a while to get the picture quality right and then it isn't that good. This is the one I am referring to http://blogs.region4.nycenet.edu/photos/fnewsom-lang/images/8151/original.aspx

[Domino]

It htink this is what he actually means mate: http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Boards/Overlays/Default.htm

 

not had any use of one myself - but i hear on the grapevine they're actually quite good.

 

But you do still need to align them every day

[markwilliamson2001]

Neither of those, although I am glad you mentioned the integrated projector and speaker system (600i, and the latter).

 

It is basically an LCD Screen/TV Large (42" Plus), which then houses a SMART Board panel in front of it.

 

Domino has provided a link to what I mean.

 

Can you explain why they need aligning still though?

 

Kind regards

Mark

[FN-GM]

Can you explain why they need aligning still though?

 

Not sure

[steveg]

I have installed one of these in a nursery. They are pretty good - I haven't had to go back since I installed it 4 months ago, but keep getting feedback that they use it every day. Install is fairly straight forward (when they ship the correct overlay). They have custom brakcets made for most of the different screens availible.

 

They are very expensive though for what they are - the overlay was aroung £1600, combined with a good quality screen and the mounting brackets your getting near to £3000. Does look good though!

 

Steve

[Domino]

There's still movement (up and down, expansion contraction, etc) on both the flat panel and the layer.)

 

Also if they got knocked - will happen.

 

They're better for hit detection but you will still notice mis-alignment with writing.

 

We personally just drum it into the teachers that if they wanna use the whiteboard they align it first, only takes a couple of seconds