SMART Board 4000i, 3000i and 2000i Rear Projection SMART Boards Review

Rear Projection SMART Board 4000i Interactive Whiteboard Joins 2000i and 3000i Models

One fact of life when working with a front projection interactive whiteboard is positioning oneself to avoid casting a shadow on the screen in the wrong spot or at the wrong time. Technical solutions are use a wide screen television (display) with an interactive overlay or use one of SMART Technologies rear projection interactive whiteboards (2000i and 3000i) which the new 4000i model joins.

All models in the series are mobile, have a 66 inch (167.6cm) screen and integrated stereo speakers.

A significant difference between the new 4000i and the existing models is the change from an NEC VT670 or VT676 LCD projector with SGA (1024 x 768) resolution to a Projectiondesign DLP projector with SXGA (1400 x 1050) resolution. The 4000i has the latest Texas Instruments DLP microdisplay panel – a single 0.95″ DarkChip3. SMART Technologies Inc. don’t specify whether they integrate Projectiondesign’s 3 or 4 segment color wheel projector design into the DLP projection system. More color wheel segments reduce the likelihood of viewers being aware of color rainbow effects during video action sequences. For the differences between DLP and LCD display technologies see Presentation Technology Reviews comparison article.

Other significant differences between the three models are listed below:

2000i

storage tray
screen is height adjustable between 69″ (175.3 cm) and 83″ (210.8 cm)

3000i

lockable integrated storage cabinet
2,100 lumens projector
wireless keyboard with built-in trackball (except Japan) for mounting on holder at side of cabinet.

4000i

lockable integrated storage cabinet wireless keyboard with built-in trackball (except Japan) for mounting on holder at side of cabinet.
3000 lumens projector – highest of models and best for lighter ambient light conditions.
Highest contrast ratio at 2500:1 also.

Interactive Whiteboard Features

Digital Vision Touch (DViT)

A very useful feature with all models is SMART’s proprietary DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology which uses digital cameras in the corners of the display to track contact with the screen. SMART “Touch gestures” allows users to use hand/finger gestures to mimic mouse functionalities. Scrolling is achieved by touching the overlay with two fingers and dragging them up and down or side to side. Similarly, a right mouse click is achieved by touching a the overlay with one finger then pressing another finger to the right of it. This functionality reduces the time spent searching for the right buttons to press.

SMART Board Software 9.5

SMART Board software 9.5 provides functionalities for the creation, presentation and management of digital content. The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux 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,
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.

Connection panel: peripherals, including another computer, external audio system or network printer, can be connected.

An included infrared remote control is alternate method of control.

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

Warranty

All models have a two-year limited equipment warranty on screen, cabinet and projector. The projector lamp has a 90-day warranty applies to the projector lamp. It should be noted that the projector and lamp warranties are provided by projector manufacturer.

The new Rear Projection SMART Board 4000i interactive whiteboard ships in February 2007.

Conclusions

All the interactive whiteboard models are adequate for displaying applications, such as spreadsheets and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for presentations. Consideration should be given to the higher brightness (lumens rating) in the higher number models if ambient light is significant. The change from LCD to DLP with the 4000i is probably SMART Technologies Inc giving more emphasis to video display.