Interesting news on the interactive whiteboard front - eBeam developer Luidia is teaming with Claridge Products and Equipment to make traditional whiteboards with “built-in connections” for quick conversion into digital interactive whiteboards. They’re called Digital Ready whiteboards, and they’ll be available sometime at the end of 2009. So what’s the difference between this technology and separate portable interactive whiteboard systems you attach to a traditional dry erase whiteboard?
From what I can see, it’s a matter of how much you want to spend up front for the ability to upgrade to an interactive whiteboard. In the case of the Digital Ready whiteboard, it seems as though you’d spend a little extra up front for the built-in receiver and access to future features. With an unfurnished dry erase whiteboard, there’s no receiver, and therefore no up front cost for the option to upgrade. If you decide to make the leap to digital technology, you can spend a little extra later on to buy and attach the portable system.
There’s always the question of actual price comparisons, which system is easier to install and operate, and which one has more flexibility and functionality in the long run. Either way, these two competing conversion systems should convince educators and businesspeople that they can convert to interactive whiteboard technology at their own pace without breaking the bank.
Posted by Taeho Lim
