For this week, I installed Adobe software in the two PC computers in the production lab and also learned how to connect the videorecorder with the Smart Board. For the comparison between Promethean Board and Smart Board, please see the table below:
Similarities | Promethean Board | |
Both are interactive and user-friendly whiteboards; | ||
Both require quite a bit of staff training to enable people to use them well; | ||
Both have teacher support forum, communities, file sharing site, resources, support and training; | ||
Both have much more robust software with many more options, functions, and capabilities; | ||
Differences | Promethean Board | Smart Board |
Standard sizes | 48, 64, 78 inches; | 48, 64, 77, and 94 inches; |
Hard/Soft | The Promethean ActivBoard is a "hard board" that requires the use of a special pen; | The Smart Board is a "soft board" that you can use your fingers to draw on; |
Price | $1,795 for the Activboard package; $4,695 for the Activboard + 2 package. | 600 series $700–$2,100; 600i series $3,299– $4,199, including projector. |
Warranty | 10- year warranty; | up to 5-year warranty; |
Downloading | Promethean does allow the download of their software; | The Smart notebook software cannot be freely used by anyone. Their website states very clearly about downloading it and copyright rules; Installation included in price of board. |
Installation | Promethean Board is Installed by certified Promethean installers; Installation of board not included in price | Smart Board is a "do it yourself" set up; |
Compatibility | Windows/ Macintosh compatible; | Windows/Macintosh/Linux compatible; |
Touch Sensitivity | Students can touch multiple areas of the board with their hands and/or body without affecting the response to the board; The new Activarena upgrade enables all Promethean Activboards to support the use of multiple users at the same time; | Touch sensitive (resistive technology) boards can only accept one contact at a time; |
Mount | Adjustable mounting system allows teachers to move the board up and down 2 feet for student/teacher adaptations; Steel mount is all one piece; | Smart Board does not have a height adjustable mount; |
Right Click Feature | Instantly "right click" by holding down the orange button on pen; | You cannot instantly right click or hover with the tip of your finger. You have to physically click another button or menu item to achieve these options; |
Response Time | Fast response time, no delay when writing; | Analog signal: delayed or lag time; |
Peripheral Connection | Built-in RF technology lets it communicate wirelessly with other products without additional computer ports, receivers, or drivers; | USB connection out of box, extra charge for other connections; |
Lesson Creating | The Promethean is limited and It does not allow you to create lessons | Create lesson material with Smart Board software |
Ease and Flexibility | more flexible in that you start with a blank page; | more "child-friendly" with fancy colors and animation; |
Purpose | Built for use in an educational setting; | Smart Board originally built for business use; |
Finger Touch | Finger cannot be used to operate board; | Finger can be used to operate boards; |
Great work! It's great to present comparison via table.
ReplyDeleteI thought they had the same warranty, but you only get 5 years on the ActivBoard with professional installation.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I don't think calling the smartboard built for business use fair since they are on the 10th version of their notebook software which is only for education
Have you sampled the sound from the Promethean,,, wow! its the best. The sound system beats SmartBoard. Add that to the specs Andy. The connectivity is also detailed a bit with accessories for DVD, multiple COMP inputs and the works. They should make that board touch sensitive and the this will turn to be a war of iPhone aNDROID,,, in case you are wondering, am stil a PC McGuy... LoL
ReplyDeleteHey Andy,
ReplyDeleteYou have done a great job comparing the two interactive boards. I thought we were supposed to that together. It is very difficult for you to get so familiar with both in shch a short time. They are very complex systems. Anyway, there are a few items in your chart that are not quite accurate about the SMART Board, so if you would like, we could sit down and take a look at them together. Just let me know! Elza
The comparisons are really good. Do you think that we should put them somewhere other than the blog (like the front desk instructional manual). This way future lab GA's can have access to it. What do you think.
ReplyDeleteGreat!!!! So you took my suggestion (making a table) Thank you so much Andy!! This is really nice and neat work. So... it seems that Promethean Board is better than Smartbaord in functional aspect like sensitivity, right click feature, and response time. However, Smartbaord provide lessons materials. Now, Andy, I think we can made implications from this comparison and make suggestions (?). I think this information might be useful for educators and teachers who are interested in these two boards. I will think over hwo to make tis information even more useful.... Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteIn lesson creating section, I think the Promethean also allows the creation of lessons, and that it is for ~~~
ReplyDelete