Smart Debuts Updated Whiteboard Lineup

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Smart Technologies last week unveiled updates to its Smart Board 600i interactive whiteboard system. The new lineup includes both a standard 4:3 and a widescreen 16:10 model, each featuring new boom-mounted, short-throw projectors.

The Smart Board 600i interactive whiteboard packages include a 600-series interactive whiteboard and a short-throw projector. The new 4:3 model will include the UF55 projector (1,024 x 768 resolution), while the 16:10 will include a UF55w projector (1,280 x 800 resolution). According to Smart, the new projectors feature improved lamp life (3,000 hours or 4,000 in economy mode) and improved image quality (fueled by a brightness of 2,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1) compared with the projectors included with previous systems.

Other features of the third-generation 600i system include:

  • Network functionality for remote management and diagnostics;
  • Reduced shadows and glare owing to improvements in projector and boom design;
  • An extended control panel; and
  • D-loop lock and Kensington slot for security.

Previous-generation 600-series whiteboards, including the 680, 660, 580, 560, and 685, can be retrofitted with the new UF55 or UF55w (685 only) projectors.

The new Smart Board 600i interactive whiteboards will be available in January 2009. Pricing for education will start at $3,079. Further information can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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