I've used both SMART and Hitachi, and I prefer my Hitachi. This is my third year using Hitachi in my classroom and I love it. My students also use our Hitachi Starboard to create "mathcasts"; if you'd like to learn about that please visit http://www.pattyoflynn.com and click on mathcasts.
BTW, I was able to preview the new Hitachi Duo board in August and it can be used with a pen or without. It hit the market about a month ago. It also allows two users to use the board simultaneously which is very cool.
