Smart Notebook Free Edition

[petben]

Hey does anyone use the free edition of smartnotebook, looking down the list of ‘not included’ I don’t think we are going to miss things using this version, but can anyone comment what it’s actually like for the end user? does it endlessly nag to upgrade, or just make itself a bit annoying. You know the deal.

 

Any comments..?

 

Thanks

[mikeprice]

There is a 'free' edition and I used it at my last school

 

 

the teachers were quite happy with it as they were used to it

 

BUT - the license terms clearly state that it is only for use with SmartBoards - not just anyone who wants it

 

We had ancient SmartBoards and when they were new this was the current version - so we were OK

 

but the attitude that 'it's for the kids' is just not good enough but still some schools think they can use copyright stuff and ignore the T&C

[Primus]

BUT - the license terms clearly state that it is only for use with SmartBoards - not just anyone who wants it

 

No the new Smart Notebook basic doesn't require you to have a Smart board but it will watermark each page of the notebook if you don't.

[CHiLL]

Hey does anyone use the free edition of smartnotebook, looking down the list of ‘not included’ I don’t think we are going to miss things using this version, but can anyone comment what it’s actually like for the end user? does it endlessly nag to upgrade, or just make itself a bit annoying. You know the deal.

 

Any comments..?

 

Thanks

I deployed out SMART Notebook 19, as part of their free SMART Learning Suite. When installed it automatically activates a 45-day free trial of the premium edition. After that, it reverts back to the free version. We've had no problems with this, writing on the board works without issues. The only nag is when the user launches the actual SMART Notebook, where they're prompted to sign into a SMART account to continue using it. It doesn't make it obvious, but staff can sign up to a free SMART Notebook using their school email address and use that account to use SMART Notebook for free. Some features are disabled, but we don't require those features - almost all essential ones work for the free version.

[mikeprice]

No the new Smart Notebook basic doesn't require you to have a Smart board but it will watermark each page of the notebook if you don't.

 

Sorry you may be right

I was referring to the ancient version that came 'free' with boards a long time ago not anything issued since the dinosaurs died out :-)

I have only ever worked with old SmartBoards - so anything I say on the subject is based on them - I haven't used/installed any new ones - comes of only working in stingy schools!

[bigal06]

I deployed out SMART Notebook 19, as part of their free SMART Learning Suite. When installed it automatically activates a 45-day free trial of the premium edition. After that, it reverts back to the free version. We've had no problems with this, writing on the board works without issues. The only nag is when the user launches the actual SMART Notebook, where they're prompted to sign into a SMART account to continue using it. It doesn't make it obvious, but staff can sign up to a free SMART Notebook using their school email address and use that account to use SMART Notebook for free. Some features are disabled, but we don't require those features - almost all essential ones work for the free version.

 

This removed the Nag for us:

 

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\SMART Technologies\Activation Wizard 2\Nag\notebook_14\global\modal]

"disabled"="true"

 

But we do have a license key for basic version (premium expired) installed also

 

Edited December 5, 2019 by bigal06
Add screenshot

[CHiLL]

This removed the Nag for us:

 

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\SMART Technologies\Activation Wizard 2\Nag\notebook_14\global\modal]

"disabled"="true"

 

But we do have a license key for basic version (premium expired) installed also

Unfortauntely "disabled"="true" is the default setting for us.

[bigal06]

Oh no...sorry it must need the key also as once I put this reg key in the nag went away.

[CHiLL]

Oh no...sorry it must need the key also as once I put this reg key in the nag went away.

Unfortunately the only key we have is for 11.4, which 19.0 does not accept as a valid license key.

[bigal06]

Unfortunately the only key we have is for 11.4, which 19.0 does not accept as a valid license key.

 

Yeah, I tried the old keys first with no luck but then came across one that was longer and started with 'NC-' in Smart Admin Portal https://adminportal.smarttech.com for Smart Learning Suite

 

Whilst it is expired it seems to activate the basic version. I must have got it with a new smartboard purchase?

[CHiLL]

Yeah, I tried the old keys first with no luck but then came across one that was longer and started with 'NC-' in Smart Admin Portal https://adminportal.smarttech.com for Smart Learning Suite

 

Whilst it is expired it seems to activate the basic version. I must have got it with a new smartboard purchase?

Turns out I can't use the SMART Admin Portal. You need to have a current active license or an expired but more recent license. 11.4 is simply too old and not a valid license for the Admin Portal.

[bigal06]

Turns out I can't use the SMART Admin Portal. You need to have a current active license or an expired but more recent license. 11.4 is simply too old and not a valid license for the Admin Portal.

 

I have to be honest - I've no idea why I have the new key 'SMART Learning Suite License, 1-year' because I didn't purchase it but it must be from a purchase of a new board and it came with it.