SMART Board 600i Interactive Whiteboard Review

SMART Board announced the 600i interactive whiteboard in June 2006. It combines a SMART™ Board interactive whiteboard and the new Unifi™ projector with built-in audio – a complete package. There are two models; the 77 inch 680i and 64 inch 660i.

Instead of placing the projector in a separate mounting frame or on a convenient surface, both the interactive whiteboard and the cantilevered projector are wall mounted.

Interactive Whiteboard Features

No propriety tools are required to operate the SMART Board 600i. You can even use your fingers to replicate mouse gestures such as “right-click”. Tools are kept in the pen tray and the 600i automatically detects which tool has been selected – eg. eraser vs pen.

SMART Board software 9.5 provides functionalities for the creation, presentation and management of digital content. The software is compatible with Microsoft® Windows® or Mac OS X operating systems. Other versions of SMART Board software are available for UNIX, Linux and earlier Windows and Mac OS operating systems. Notable software features are:

On screen images (including any annotations) can be captured as a screen shot that can be edited,
Existing software can be used with the 600i,
Work done on the interactive whiteboard can be saved directly to software applications, including Windows versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel, or into AutoCAD software,
Access thousands of free images and templates, interactive and educational content, advanced drawing tools and many other features from an easy-to-use interface,
Take-home privileges allow staff and students use of the software at at home,
Free SMART Board software upgrades,
Available in 34 languages ,

Located in the pen tray, the help button provides quick access to a screen orientation feature and SMART’s online training and support material.

A Projector control module also built into the pen tray has three buttons; a simultaneous start up of the whiteboard and projector, volume adjustment and on-screen interface access.

The On-Screen Interface Includes interactive tools for projector control, annotation of projected images and saving them to a USB drive.

The durable whiteboard surface is a “tear proof”, hard-coated polyester which is resistant to scratches, abrasions and chemicals. It is also compatible with dry-erase markers and easily cleaned with whiteboard cleaner. The same material is used for New York City Transit and Shanghai Subway cards. The hard coat is a thin finish that greatly enhances the resistance to scratches, abrasions and chemicals.

A connection module, provides input and output connections for such devices as a DVD, VCR or document camera. The 600i system can be operated without a personal computer giving presenters the freedom to annotate their presentations and save them to a USB drive in pdf, jpg or notebook file formats.

Users can switch between multiple inputs. Changing between inputs is achieved by using a menu button in the pen tray and selecting between inputs in the pop up dialog.

An included Remote Control is alternate method of controlling the 600i system’s major features.

The wireless module operates on the Bluetooth® wireless standard and integrates with AirLiner™ wireless slates.

As a USB device, the SMART Board interactive whiteboard is plug and play, allowing for easy integration of USB peripherals and accessories, such as the new USB audio system.

A hardware expansion slot enables hardware upgrades over time.

Integrated Unifi 35 Projector

The Unifi 35 DLP Projector features XGA (1024×768 pixels) native resolution. It’s microdisplay chip is a 0.7inch DDR DMD from Texas Instruments. With a brightness rating of 1,500 ANSI lumens it is suitable for use in smaller rooms with little ambient light. The native aspect ratio is 4:3 although it will also support 16:9. The projector incorporates some practical security features. The contrast ratio is given as an acceptable 1500:1 although it from using full on/full off testing which produces higher figures.

To achieve the feat of projecting from such a short distance at the end of the cantilever arm (and with significant vertical keystone correction) the Unifi (trademark of SMART Technologies) projector incorporates Vikuiti™ Super Close Projection technology from 3M.

There are advantages to the projectors positioning directly above the interactive whiteboard including:

greater flexibility for the presenter moving around the board - without casting a shadow on the screen,
improved sound-to-image synchronization due to both audio and video sources being close together,
simplification of layout requirements for installation including projector positioning and cabling.

Video image quality has not been ignored with the Unifi projector including a Realta HQV® video engine by Silicon Optix, a leading supplier of advanced video image digital processing systems and integrated circuits.

The projector head includes a focus ring and side -mounted access door for lamp replacement

Quoted lamp life is 3000 hours (Economy mode), 2000 hours (Standard mode).

Input/Output Connections

DVI-I/A - analog or digital projector video input,
HD-DB15 - RGB video input from computer, linked to remote connection panel,
Two 3.5 mm mini jacks - audio input, one linked to remote connection panel,
Mini DIN 4-pin - S-video input, linked to remote connection panel,
RCA jack - composite video input, linked to remote connection panel,
Two RCA jacks - stereo audio input, linked to remote connection panel,
Three RCA jacks - component video input,
Two USB A receptacles - one for USB storage device, linked to remote connection panel - one for USB link to interactive whiteboard,
USB B receptacle - computer data connection, linked to remote connection panel,
RS-232 (DB9) - serial connection,
Power reset connector - linked to remote connection panel Reset button,
Power switch - master power control switch,
AC power inlet - accepts standard IEC power cable or adapter,

Remote Connection Panel Features

HD-DB15 - RGB computer video input,
3.5 mm mini jack - computer audio input,
USB A receptacle - connection for USB storage device,
RCA jack - composite video input,
Two RCA jacks - stereo audio inputs,
Mini DIN 4-pin - S-video input,
USB B - computer data input.

Warranty

The SMART Board 600i series interactive whiteboards include a two-year limited warranty that can be extended to five years with product registration. The projector lamp has a 90-day or 500-hour warranty.