Find the right interactive whiteboard needs a good understanding of how the system actually works and what you need to get out of it so that your requirements are fulfilled. Since not all users have experience with it; we did the necessary tests and research. After thorough testing, we found that Ipevo IW2 Wireless and No products found. are the two best interactive whiteboards with all the necessary features.
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Top 7 Interactive Whiteboard
1. Ipevo IW2 (CSW2-02IP) – Best Without Monitor
Ipevo presents an interactive whiteboard system to turn any flat surface into a smartboard. The three main components provided are an interactive pen, a wireless receiver, and a sensor cam. This system uses infrared technology and thus no requirement of Wi-Fi. The device is compatible with IPEVO Annotator software as well as many other software applications. You can also connect it with the IPEVO Document camera.
Moreover, this IWB is also compatible with drawing software such as Draw, Quick or Google AutoDraw. But, we don’t like the giant structure of pen provided. Sometimes, it becomes hard to write with it. If you are a primary school teacher, then it’s no issue. Regarding price, it is fairly reasonable with such advanced wireless technology. You can definitely consider this portable system as it is easily transferrable from one presentation area to another.
- It does not require any screen as it uses a projector and camera.
- It is highly portable.
- Integrates well with the computer.
- It is compatible with other drawing software like Google AutoDraw.
- Require projector separately.
- You need to learn the user interface of the software and hardware.
Bottom Line
With amazing software support and portability, it is one of the best for business. Especially when you use software like AutoDraw, you must get this system.
2. GoTouch Basic 3.0 – Best For TV
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This is an interactive whiteboard system by Gotouch. In the package, you are going to have a touch sensor cam and a pen connected with each other. With these, you can turn any monitor, TV or projector screen into an interactive whiteboard. Plus, you are going to get a USB charger and pen’s nib replacement. The GoTouch sensor cam is instructed to be placed at 45° from the presentation area to avoid hustles. It is a Bluetooth system device, so you need to connect your display via Bluetooth with the PCs, smartphones, Mac, or tablets.
The pen provided is short in height and easy to use. The material is also heavy-duty plastic to make it durable. However, no Bluetooth receiver is provided within the package. Plus, the pen writing makes a little bit of noise over the display, which looks irritating. Also, the writings get misaligned as we write sometimes. Well, this problem could be solved to some extent if we get to show some patience and pick up pen and writing gently. The device is very portable to use in different locations. So, you can consider this interactive whiteboard with the price they are charging.
- It uses any monitor, TV or projector you own.
- The pen and touch sensor cam are really sensitive.
- It connects with all smart devices, including Android Or iOS.
- It uses Bluetooth connectivity.
- It is easy to install.
- Quality of the display depend on the monitor or projector.
Bottom Line
If you like to use the interactive system for different purpose and at different locations, then it is one of the most portable interactive whiteboard systems we have tested.
3. Mimioteach – Best For PC
Virtual Ink provides us with a Mimioteach interactive whiteboard system. It consists of an interactive pen and a wireless receiver. Plus, a USB cable is provided to charge the receiver. The stylus uses infrared technology to interact with the system you are using. And, it gets recharged when placed on the Mimioteach bar. You need to have a computer, and projector. The device is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MAC operating systems. It supports a maximum active area of 8ft × 4ft. Simply install the Mimio Studio software over the laptop or computer, and you are good to go.
The software gives you a window feel on the operation. Moreover, the system is portable to transfer it from one place to another. But the stylus goes out of battery in a short span of time. Maybe you need to charge it for a much longer time. Well, all the other features of interaction are worth considering to buy this interactive whiteboard system.
- It is highly portable.
- It works with any operating system.
- Mimio Studio Software is really good.
- It is easy to step up using a laptop or PC.
- It doesn’t work with smartphones.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an interactive system that is portable as well as comfortable for your business environment with a well-designed software to help you with the presentation, then Mimioteach is really good.
4. eBeam – Best For Budget Conscious Users
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Turn normal whiteboard into a smartboard with this Ebeam Smart marker. This smart marker is compatible with Windows 7 or higher, Google Play Store, Apple Play Store, as well as the MAC App store. In the package, you are going to get an instruction manual, a marker carrier, four digital markers in red, black, blue and green color, a Bluetooth adaptor for Windows PC and a magnetic Ebeam Base, USB dongle, multi charging cradle, AC-DC Adaptor, AA battery, and a digital eraser. You can use this smart marker with an app called ‘Ebeam Marker’.
Basically, the only drawback is that you cannot use it on any other surface than the whiteboard. Because the real marker is going to work on whiteboard obviously. You write on the board with a smart marker, and the presentation can be shared with anyone having access to computer or laptop. Well, you also have to install software and connect it with the PC. There is a memory feature into the app which captures everything written. So, you are not going to lose any data. And, you can put it all in a small case which you can transport anywhere.
- It is very easy to use.
- It is highly portable.
- You can save notes on the cloud using this marker.
- It is a digital marker that uses only four colors.
Bottom Line
If you are a teacher, then eBeam Smartmarker Complete will help you save useful notes for your students while teaching and also share comfortably from your computer.
5. EBeam Smartmarker – Best For Education
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Ebeam Official comes up with similar smart marker except that it doesn’t contain special markers. It means you can use any dry erase marker that you have like Sharpie whiteboard, Expo Dry Erase bullet tip, etc. The package consists of the instruction manual, marker carrier, a Bluetooth adaptor, USB dongle, AA battery, digital eraser, and a multi charging cradle. The system uses ‘Ebeam Marker’ app to function, which is compatible with Apple Play store, MAC App Store, Windows 7 or higher and Google Play store.
The surfaces like TV or walls are not suitable. You have to use a whiteboard to utilize this smart marker. All of the necessary accessories are provided except the marker. Simply buy a normal dry erase marker and put it into the marker carrier provided. One thing which we don’t like is the short battery life of the marker carrier. So, you have to charge it for a long time. However, all other features are worth considering with regards to price.
- It works with any whiteboard and marker.
- It is useful for saving notes.
- It works with both Windows and Mac.
- It takes any installation of hardware.
- The battery capacity is low.
Bottom Line
This another interactive whiteboard system that allows you to capture your idea and save it on the cloud. That why we believe it is another best for education.
6. Astar AWB-6507 65″ Multi-Touch Display – Best For Games
This is an electronic whiteboard by Astar. It is available in 65” multi-touch display screen with built-in speakers. The FHD screen is mentioned at 1920 × 1080 resolution. The screen is infrared with touch ability. It supports HDMI, USB, LAN, and Wi-Fi. You are also going to get a mounting bracket, and a rolling tripod stands along with the screen. This electronic board is supported by Windows 7 multi-touch. Plus, the electronic screen provided is waterproof, and the oil and dust have negligible effects on screen.
We loved all the features they have provided on the screen. Regarding its cons, you cannot import things directly from the phone through Wi-Fi but export them. Also, there is no sharing option. As much as we have explored, you can export PPT, JPG, PDF and other files. Overall, it is much better than whiteboard with all advanced features. Basically, it’s a smart electronic whiteboard if you are looking for one. The larger screen area allows getting a good interactive sharing.
- It does not require any laptop or pc.
- Touch is very good.
- The interface is easy to use.
- The screen is waterproof, oil-proof and dustproof.
- It is not portable.
- Expensive compared to pen-based systems.
Bottom Line
If you are focusing more on how you present your idea and like to use several fonts, images, freehand drawing, something like Astar AWB-6507 65″ Multi-Touch Display is a great option. It also the best for games.
7. Promethean ActivBoard – Best For Microsoft Office
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Promethean presents an electronic whiteboard with 78” screen display. It comes with recognized certifications of CE, UL, and FCC. The package consists of board’s power cord, mounting hardware, one interactive pen, and a 5m USB cable for connectivity. The amplifier and slimline speakers are integrated within the board. This board is made up of electromagnetic surface that can be touched or poked without disturbing or damaging the board. You can also upgrade this pack for dual user functionality with ActivArena. The whole system works on the award-winning ActivInspire software. It is easy as well as looks professional.
Well, you have to additionally buy an ActivHub to enjoy its wireless function. It can integrate wirelessly with ActivHub 2.4 GHz. However, the access is easy as the ready buttons are available on the bottom panel. The inbuilt apps are very useful, and you can also remove them if desired. The board is worth considering to buy with regards to price and features. It consists of apps like Google Chrome, Gmail, etc.
- It has built-in Microsoft office support.
- It easy to use.
- It supports apps like Google Chrome, Gmail etc.
- The display is really good.
- It is not portable.
- Require internet connectivity.
Bottom Line
If you want an interactive board that has internet connectivity, the Promethean ActivBoard is the best that we have tested. It is probably the best smart board on our list and also the best for school.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider?
Interactive Whiteboards should be responsive to the set communication level. You have to see many other points before buying an interactive whiteboard. It may seem a daunting task if you are not a technical guy. Thus, you should look at the buyer’s guide given below for the interactive whiteboard systems.
1. Types
Mainly, there are two types of interactive whiteboards. These are as follows:
These are basically interactive whiteboard systems consisting of pen, sensor, and receiver. You can create any flat surface or existing whiteboard into an interactive whiteboard with these systems. As compared to readymade electromagnetic boards, these are cheapest available in the market. They use infrared technology to communicate the motions of an interactive pen. These systems usually come in their boxes and hence portable. Unlike large boards, you can apply this interactive system anywhere. All you need is a computer, flat surface, and a projector.
These are electronic boards usually comes with pre-installed windows or software. A stylus is also provided with them for ease of use. You can also interact with your fingers. While there are some boards which do not provide this function. They make use of copper wires to get input. However, you should always consider ease of use and go with those having pen and finger touch system. Some of the best options available in the market will give you a similar feel like using Windows. Also, you don’t require any laptop or computer to connect unless you want to share the screen.
2. Display requirements
Where do you want to display the presentations? It matters to choose the display size of the interactive whiteboards. If the purpose is to show educational videos, then a small display screen is enough. But, if you want to present heavy text images with collaborate function, then go for a big screen. Further, if want to buy interactive whiteboard systems, then look for their maximum display. There are also interactive system that use the existing displays or projectors like Ipevo IW2 Wireless. They are also practical when you are lecturer or teacher who has to switch classes through out the day.
3. Touch
Touch includes many features such as audio quality, image size, resolution, picture quality, and video inputs. The touch ability should be smooth. Make sure about the nib of the stylus. Its smooth tip allows for fulfilling this purpose. You can also check for features like anti-glare or scratch resistance. Touch with fingers should be as smooth as with stylus. Further, you can also consider different editing styles available with the font. So, basically, look for ease of use of the board with its different features. If you are looking with interactive whiteboard with touch then go for No products found..
4. Accessibility
The created content should be collaborative, as well. The accessibility feature allows the user and readers to freely access the written material. This can be done when the board or the system you are using should be capable enough to add remote devices. Thus, even if anyone is one the go, he/she can easily share the screen with just an internet connection and supporting app.
6. Engaging Apps and Software
In almost every interactive whiteboard, you need to install some software. That software also needs to be downloaded in the connecting device. So, consider the software that provides great interactivity with front display as well as with the shared users. It should consist of things like collaboration, edit, and assessment tools to have a great experience using it.
Final Thought
There are interactive systems without display and with displays. We cannot say which is best out of both as it depends on the user’s need. If you are looking for a station system for a like conference room or lecture room, you can go for smart display boards. However, if you need something portable, to go with an interactive system that uses smart pen and camera capture. Make sure you do your research and understand what you need because cheap interactive whiteboard are rare.
Ipevo IW2 (CSW2-02IP- Editor's Choice
Summary
With amazing software support and portability, it is one of the best for business. Especially when you use software like AutoDraw, you must get this system.
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