Which interactive panel to go for?

[Zoom7000]

I'm looking at purchasing some interactive panels at my schools and have come to the choice of one of two models:

 

BenQ RP6502 65"

ActivPanel Nickel 65"

 

Historically, I've always purchased Promethean boards because they were cheapest and no one else (barring Iiyama, but bad experiences there!) came close. However, I have had recommendations to check out the BenQ and I've been quite impressed. So the question is, which does everyone recommend and why?

Edited April 20, 2020 by Zoom7000

[localzuk]

With this question I always ask one extra question - do you use SMART Notebook, or Promethean ActivInspire?

 

If the answer is yes, then using non-SMART or Promethean hardware brings in issues with licensing. SMART will charge a lot more for their stuff on non-SMART hardware, and Promethean require a license to be purchased for use on non-Promethean kit also. Last I checked it was VERY expensive per device.

[robyholmes]

We go for any panel which is cheap enough. So long as its Full HD, Hard Glass screen, more than 1 HDMI input and supports HDMI detection.

 

Last ones we got were Sharp BigPads and quality is quite good.

 

However, as above, depends if you need ActivInspire or any other board specific software.

[paulkerton]

As a Google guy are you looking to use them with Jamboards and Chromebooks? The Activpanel used to just be a rebadge of the same kit that Genee Vision badge up.

I don't know if that's still the case though. They worked really well when I used them with Chromebooks and came out much cheaper than the Activpanels.

[Zoom7000]

With this question I always ask one extra question - do you use SMART Notebook, or Promethean ActivInspire?

 

If the answer is yes, then using non-SMART or Promethean hardware brings in issues with licensing. SMART will charge a lot more for their stuff on non-SMART hardware, and Promethean require a license to be purchased for use on non-Promethean kit also. Last I checked it was VERY expensive per device.

 

The answer here is no. We don't use SMART Notebook or ActivInspire. Our boards are mainly used for use with Google Slides.

 

As a Google guy are you looking to use them with Jamboards and Chromebooks? The Activpanel used to just be a rebadge of the same kit that Genee Vision badge up.

I don't know if that's still the case though. They worked really well when I used them with Chromebooks and came out much cheaper than the Activpanels.

 

I've always used the ActivPanels and nothing but, however, I wasn't too happy with the v4, 5 and 6 range as it didn't offer any built in screen features unless you used the OPS input, which let's face it, most teachers never use! The BenQ came with built in casting for iOS and Miracast devices, as well as on screen annotation and a few other useful features. It also has a built in soundbar which is very good quality.

 

Up until the release of the ActivPanel v7, I was a dead cert for the BenQ, however, the Nickel (which is the lower end of the v7 range) comes with a lot of the added features that the BenQ does. The only things that I can see that are missing, is the soundbar and palm rejection (you need to buy the Cobalt or Titanium ActivPanel to get palm rejection)

 

So, they are very similar products. The question is, better the devil you know or go for new?

[Rizzo]

We tested four different brands of screens and had the sales pitch and demos onsite. Ended up liking Prowise, https://www.prowise.com/en . Very good value. 4K, strong build quality, and the built in speakers are good. Also an option to have a built in PC.

[BenQ_Royce]

I'm looking at purchasing some interactive panels at my schools and have come to the choice of one of two models:

 

BenQ RP6502 65"

ActivPanel Nickel 65"

 

naturally i would recommend the BenQ..... the 02 comes with a whole new suite of software upgrade and remote learning....quite an improved experience, was only unveiled at BETT, which feels years ago now.... also if you want to discuss Jamboard or use of GSuite in education, BenQ are also the sole supplier of the Jamboard. PM me and i'll pass you onto one of the education team to help you out. Shipping demos isn't so easy right now but we can do a lot remotely.

 

/Royce

Edited April 21, 2020 by BenQ_Royce

[Protec]

I'd go with the ActivPanel. They are descent overall. There are a few things I don't like about them such as; they are very reflective and the speakers sound terrible. If you are installing one of these ActivPanels and the speakers for the old IWB are still there, I'd suggest using the old speakers and they probably sound better than the ones built in.

[paulkerton]

Of course, the other question you need to ask is that does the panel need to be interactive at all? Should you put the interactivity in a device attached to the panel instead? It's something I've long considered. Wouldn't it be better to send the content via AirPlay/Chromecast and then use a device with a pen. That way, the teacher can move aroung the class, and children can do modelling from the desk, rather than the awkward "stand up in front of everyone" situation

[Protec]

That's right, most of the classrooms here don't even use the active board pen at all. In fact, most aren't even powered up and the projected image fills up the whole board. It would seem like a waste of money to put a new 4k ActivPanel in these classrooms when the touch functionality wouldn't even be used. I've heard of some schools removing the active boards and just projecting onto a white wall. It also means you can get a much larger image. I know some people say these boards are cheaper but a projector and even 5 years of lamps would be much less than £2000.