SMART Launches New Sympodium MP250 Interactive Lectern
Compact, affordable, multimedia presentation lectern announced for classrooms and meeting rooms
Atlanta, GA – June 8, 2004 – SMART Technologies Inc. announces the new Sympodium™ MP250 interactive lectern, a pre-wired multimedia cabinet with an interactive pen display and a multimedia switch. Equipped with award-winning SMART Board™ software, the MP250 simplifies integration and enables users to deliver interactive and multimedia presentations at an affordable price. Its compact size makes it easy to move or fit through a standard doorway, so setup in classrooms, meeting rooms and training rooms is simple.
The MP250 helps users deliver engaging presentations with all the interactive functions and digital ink capabilities offered by the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, SMART’s flagship product. Presenters use the MP250’s interactive pen display to control and write over computer-based material. A projector connected to an external connection panel on the MP250 displays the information on a larger screen so audiences can follow along. Pre-wired for an internal computer, laptop, VCR and DVD player, and equipped with a built-in audio system, the MP250 makes AV integration quick and simple. Retractable cables accessible from the work surface mean users can easily connect their laptop and begin presenting. To alternate between the internal computer and the laptop, users simply press a button on the countertop control panel.
“The Sympodium MP250 interactive lectern effectively combines the mobility and security of our multimedia cabinets with the ease-of-use and rich functionality of our interactive pen display,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART. “The MP250 meets our customers’ needs for simple AV integration, flexibility and value.”
Features
Lectern: The MP250 provides workspace at standard countertop height (36" or 91 cm), a privacy panel and valence lighting. Its 19" (48 cm) rack-mounting system, with two shelves, stores multimedia equipment in one convenient location. Organized and clearly labeled cables make setup and maintenance easy, and locking doors add security. With a compact footprint, the mobile MP250 is easily repositioned as needed.
Interactive pen display: The MP250 comes with an integrated interactive pen display and SMART Board software. Presenters use the battery-free, tethered pen to control computer applications on the LCD screen, and SMART Board software enables presenters to write in digital ink, record audio and data, and write over moving or still digital video. The pen-tool buttons make it easy to change pen colors or erase annotations, and function buttons provide quick, convenient access to SMART Board software and features, such as the on-screen keyboard, screen capture tool and floating tools.
Adjustable mounting arm: The interactive pen display is attached to the lectern via an adjustable mounting arm so the pen display can be angled for optimal writing and viewing comfort.
X-Port™ 40 multimedia switch: The multimedia switch controls data (USB), video (RGB) and audio for up to four peripherals. Users press a button on the control panel to operate the multimedia switch. The X-Port 40 also includes a serial room-control module that enables room-control system to control the multimedia switch.
Pricing and Availability
The Sympodium MP250 interactive lectern begins shipping in August 2004 at a suggested retail price of US$6,499. Not-for-profit educational institutions may be eligible for a grant, through the SMARTer Kids™ Foundation, that would reduce the price to US$5,199. For additional information, specifications or authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com/sympodium or call 1.888.42.SMART. For grant information, visit the SMARTer Kids Foundation website at www.smarterkids.org or call 403.228.8565.
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For more information, please contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.