Choosing an interactive screen

[DGardiner]

Not specifically that I am aware of. We do support SSO through AMS/IAM, so users can use existing credentials to access the software.

 

There are regular firmware upgrades available. Which models are you referring to? If you're able to provide the model/FW version I can take a look.

 

RP653K v1 and v2 are the only benq panels weve picked up which as far as im aware stopped at android 5 or 6

[BenQ_Mark]

RP653K v1 and v2 are the only benq panels weve picked up which as far as im aware stopped at android 5 or 6

 

Unfortunately RP653K pre-dates my time at BenQ so I have no first-hand experience of that model, myself. I can see they were updated through to V1.1.0.9 in Sept 2019.

[mavhc]

I'm not connecting random out of date android computers to my network, they'd have to be on an isolated vlan. Also using the browser on them would open you to 4000 browser security flaws, so it's very pointless

[Colt_phil]

We have just installed various BenQ RM6503 at our school and they have been received very well and so far have proven faultless. Please don't be tempted by the cheaper RE series as the sound is terrible in comparison to the RM series. Give Educare AV a shout for pricing, smashed all our other suppliers and their work has been exceptional and nothing is too much trouble for them.

[barrytech]

The RM03 just got a refresh to the RM03A.

 

It was actually a decent bump with more ram, android 11 and better speakers.

 

We had both panels and could tell the difference.

[DrCheese]

The RM03 just got a refresh to the RM03A.

 

It was actually a decent bump with more ram, android 11 and better speakers.

 

We had both panels and could tell the difference.

 

Hah, same with the Smart GX series - They now have the Smart GX v2 which has Android 11 as well. It wouldn't surprise me if these were all the same model under the skin, just with slightly different vendor software.

[localzuk]

I'm not connecting random out of date android computers to my network, they'd have to be on an isolated vlan. Also using the browser on them would open you to 4000 browser security flaws, so it's very pointless

This is something I very much agree with. For screens that have built in systems, we don't join them to the network here - we have no way to ensure they are secure, so they would be a big risk.

 

Potentially in the future, we may put them on a dedicated SSID on our wifi, with client isolation enabled. So, they'd be able to get some use. But having them on your normal network seems like a big problem.

[Caffeine11]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. I will post some feedback on our Clevertouch screens later this week for anyone who might be interested.

[barrytech]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. I will post some feedback on our Clevertouch screens later this week for anyone who might be interested.

 

I'm interested to hear how you are finding it (and how your teachers are finding it/using it interactively)?

[Sonic007]

We are all used to Windows and everything is in Powerpoint or Google Slides so for us a screen that hasa PC module in the back is a must.

[bradleyatkinson]

We use Benq's and they are good and at a reasonable price

[barrytech]

Hi Kieran,

 

Went BenQ RM8603A and are very happy. Promethean was stuck on Android 9, and the normal model didn't have 4K on the OS - it looked noticeably bad especially at 86".

 

I didn't mind Promethean, but BenQ was the better piece of hardware by a fair margin in the end. The Promethean OS was great, just let down by hardware.

[BenQ_Royce]

Thanks Barry. If you need any help setting up, or teacher training; just drop me or any of the team a PM. Always happy to help.

 

/Royce

BenQ UK&I Managing Director.

Edited September 7, 2023 by BenQ_Royce

[BenQ_Chris]

Hi Barry, should you need any support, training or assistance don't hesitate to reach out. More than happy to support.

[Caffeine11]

Hi Everyone

 

Apologies for taking so long to reply.

 

Viewsonic, BenQ, and Clevertouch gave us screens to trial and they came in and demoed the screens to staff. When the screens were demoed, staff did not really engage with the BenQ and Clevertouch reps. However, they were a lot more interested in the Viewsonic because the rep demonstrated how the software helped deliver a lesson.

 

For example, staff were very interested in a piece of software that would highlight verbs, nouns etc in different colours in a piece of text and continue to do so if you changed the language from English. The text could be read and you could also have subtitles.

 

So the staff chose the Viewsonic screens. I had a demo of their management software which is very good but is an extra cost.

 

At the other school I cover, I am finding that a lot of staff are still just mirroring their screen to the Clevertouch. This is understandable as it is what they are used to and using something new requires time and effort. I can understand it as well because if I, and senior management, just leave them to it, then we can do something else.

 

However, we have had some successes. We have a pupil with poor vision and using Clevershare, the screen is mirrored to their ipad where they can enlarge it. Several staff are now producing lesson material in Lynx as well as Smart Notebook so we will just have to continue to push the benefits and provide ongoing training and support.

 

In short, I think that if you purchase a screen with software, you have to push it so staff use it. If you want an easier life and something else that you don't have to keep updated, then just a buy a touchscreen monitor. Also, as people have pointed out, security is a lot easier if it is not on the network.

 

Finally, I intend to approach Clevertouch about further training. I am hoping that they would be prepared for someone to come in and observe some lessons and then, hopefully, demonstrate how the interactive software could be used to deliver those lessons.

[BenQ_Royce]

staff did not really engage with the BenQ and Clevertouch reps. However, they were a lot more interested in the Viewsonic because the rep demonstrated how the software helped deliver a lesson.

 

Hi, if possible can you PM me a bit more detail as to the demo you had from BenQ, and what didn't meet your requirements, as a long term sponsor of Edugeek we strive to give the best possible service, and feedback could greatly help my team. Thanks!

[mavhc]

Weird that people are buying a screen because of the software, surely the price differences make buying whatever software you want not a problem

[DrCheese]

Weird that people are buying a screen because of the software, surely the price differences make buying whatever software you want not a problem

 

Agree - Why bother with the outdated versions of Android software that the boards provide when Windows does it so well now?

Don't connect our boards to the network for this reason also - The vendors drop support about 30 seconds after release.

[XiJ]

Weird that people are buying a screen because of the software, surely the price differences make buying whatever software you want not a problem

 

I disagree. The (built in) software can often be the differentiator. Panels and features of top brands are similar. Same for build quality pretty much.

 

software that helps teachers deliver lessons and makes a difference to their everyday working lives and the pupil learning will make a huge difference. Well done viewsonic. Other vendors take note !

[mavhc]

So viewsonic has a built in document reader that highlights nouns etc? How do you get the document into the screen?

[XiJ]

My point is, rather than just sell a fairly standard piece of hardware, viewsonic are demonstrating an actual practical use for it. On the shop floor.

It needs to be simple enough for teachers to use an understand. If they can do that, winner.

[techedu07]

We still have old Promethean boards and projectors.

A number of teachers do not use the board interactively! , so to me a big tv would be ok for them to use as an extended monitor.

This is a lot cheaper than a full interactive board.

 

The others who do use them as interactive boards, we would go down the replacement Promethean Activepanel LX type.

There s another I.T. are looking at but cant find the name.

 

They are staying away from Prowise due to power supply failures.

 

But as will other areas, no money available for replacements.