smart notebook

[Tesla]

I understand now that to use any newer versions of smart notebook, fees need to be paid, any idea how much this is? their website doesnt seem to be much help...

[dhicks]

I understand now that to use any newer versions of smart notebook, fees need to be paid, any idea how much this is?

 

The quote we had was for 38 rooms in total, 27 of which currently have SMARTBoards of some sort in (either projector and board or touch overlay) and are licensed for SMART Notebook 11.3. For the remaining 9 rooms we would have to pay £300 per room, then around £700 per year for the latest version of SMART's software as a whole-school license (both figures don't include VAT). That's more reasonable than it used to be (I think those SMART dongles used to cost around £800), but a cheaper option would be better.

[Tesla]

Damn, not good for schools running on a shoestring then.

[SHimmer45]

i thought they did an "online" version of 2012?

not the most recent version but i doubt many staff be able to tell the difference.

[edutech4schools]

it depends if its connecting to smart hardware. It was very cheap for us as we already have smartboards in the school

[foofighterjim]

it depends if its connecting to smart hardware. It was very cheap for us as we already have smartboards in the school

 

I thought they weren't allowed to discriminate on what hardware the software is connected to anymore?

[edutech4schools]

I thought they weren't allowed to discriminate on what hardware the software is connected to anymore?

 

It was only a few months back and it was listed as a question in the email, although price was not broken down in the reply.

[localzuk]

I thought they weren't allowed to discriminate on what hardware the software is connected to anymore?

 

There's nothing legally to stop them discriminating over hardware. They don't have a monopoly... They require that you're licensed for each "interactive" device you use it on, but bundle a license with any SMART board/screen anyway. So, they are effectively charging everyone the same, but including the license in the hardware price.

[VeryPC_Andy]

Hi @Tesla

 

Smart changed their business model earlier this yr, from a hardware sale with free software updates, to a hardware sale with bundled software and a subscription model to get software updates. Smart Bundle 1 yr subscription to updates and support with new smart hardware or if you purchase a smart notebook licence for a non-smart device ie Phillips /Hitachi.

 

The subscription model is relatively simple - Products are licenced on a per classroom basis and not per device.

 

There are now two products -

 

Smart notebook = The software package

Smart Advantage = Subscription to Software updates and support

 

Smart notebook - Is bundled with smart products. If you have old smart kit you have a smart notebook licence for the device. If you buy new smart kit you get a licence + 1yr subscription to advantage. If you have purchased non-smart branded kit and have not purchased a notebook licence you will need to purchase one.

 

Smart Advantage - New smart products come with a 1yr subscription to advantage enabling you to get updates and support for a 1 yr. If you have existing smart products and no advantage subscription you will need to purchase an advantage subscription to get the latest software updates and support. If you have non-smart hardware (ie Hitachi) but have purchased a notebook licence for the device in the past you will need to purchase a subscription to get the latest version.

 

Smart advantage is licensed per classroom and not per device meaning you need only need one licence for a classroom with say 4 interactive devices, there are discount available for purchasing site licence (all your classrooms with interactive devices are licenced for smart) and for volume purchases.

 

If your advantage subscription expires and yu do not renew you still get to use the software but it will not recieves update past the version/date that your advantage subscription ran out.

 

I'll drop you a PM across with my details and will be happy to give you pricing for the various options if you like.

 

Cheers

[speckytecky]

Jumping on this very useful thread as it's a similar issue - I suspect to one I'm trying to sort at present.

 

We have 11 classrooms fitted with various models of SmartBoard. I'm currently replacing a PC that drives a SmartBoard in our Science Classroom. I'd installed version 11.4.103.1 but on connecting the PC everything was working ok but the software refused to run the SmartBoard. I've now uninstalled - twice - first through Control Panel (re-installed to no avail) without a restart secondly with the built in uninstaller. I'm now installing Version 11.0.113.0 to see if that makes any difference. So far not looking good. The green light remains stubbornly red!

[chrbb]

Just checked our smartboard licence and it's a site licence for smart notebook dating from 2010. What's the newest version I can install without additional cost?

[Tesla]

11.4 , but we can;t use it everywhere as it doesn't support some of our older boards (i found this out today...)

[chrbb]

I think I got round that last time by installing notebook only and leaving the drivers on that worked with an old board.

[mtillbrook]

As a few people say, just stick to 11.4.

 

As far as older boards go though, 11.4 works with the 600 series boards no problem - if you still have any 500 series, you should really look at replacing them! These are over 10 years old now and from our experience, the few that are left are failing!

It's probably worth keeping an ear to the ground though as from time to time, Smart do offer a bit of a rebate if you have an old board you want to replace with a new one and you might get some money off!