Vendor claims its interactive whiteboard system will help pave the way into the corporate space

Vendor Smart Technologies has launched its own all-in-one interactive whiteboard (IWB) system, following the recent trend set by Promethean of offering IWB as a bundle.

In June, manufacturer and distributor Promethean launched its Activboard+2 bundle. It combined Sanyo’s XE40 short-throw projector with a height-adjustable stand and a Promethean Activboard (CRN, 26 June).

Smart has now introduced its 600i system. This combines a Smart IWB with a Unifi projector and a built-in audio system. Mounted to a wall above the Smart board, the Unifi projector incorporates 3M’s Vikuiti super-close projection technology with XGA native resolution (1,024 x 768 pixels).

Russell Blackburn, commercial director of Steljes Trade, the sole UK distributor of Smart products, told CRN: “The 600i’s selling point is that it can operate without being connected to a PC. It will also help pave the way into non-education markets, such as the corporate space, because it is aesthetically pleasing.”

Nancy Knowlton, Smart’s co-chief executive, said: “An all-in-one option makes perfect sense: it simplifies the buying decision, reduces set-up time for staff and makes it easier for users to get started.”

Steve Dracup, managing director of Promethean, said: “Conceptually, Smart has done what we did. However, our system is height-adjustable, which is crucial in a classroom so that children, as well as the teachers, can reach the board. Smart’s bundle is a bit more elegant looking than ours, so it might appeal more to the corporate market. Ours is aimed at the education market, so it needed to be more robust.”