How does a SMART Board interactive whiteboard work?
The SMART Board interactive whiteboard connects to a computer with a USB cable (older models use a serial cable) and draws the power it needs from the computer. The SMART Board driver automatically starts when the computer is turned on, and the interactive whiteboard becomes active once the driver is running.
When you connect a digital projector to your computer, you can project the computer image onto the SMART Board interactive whiteboard.
The SMART Board driver converts contact with the interactive whiteboard into mouse clicks or digital ink. This feature enables you to use your finger as a mouse or write overtop of applications.
Do SMART Board interactive whiteboards come with software?
Yes. Award-winning SMART Notebook software is included. It allows you to write and edit notes, control computer applications, write over any application in digital ink, including moving or still video, and record data and audio. (Windows operating systems only.)
Can I use any computer with a SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
SMART Notebook software is required to run the SMART Board interactive whiteboard. You can install SMART Notebook software on any computer running Windows 98 (and later) or Mac OS 8.5 (and later) operating systems. You’ll also need an available serial or USB connection.
For more details read the SMART Notebook system requirements.
Which computer applications can I use?
Any application that you use on your computer will work on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard. Some commonly used applications, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word, and AutoCAD, are especially well integrated for use with SMART Board interactive whiteboards. Depending on the application, you can save files with notes, convert handwriting to text or activate tools when you pick up a pen from the SMART Pen Tray.
While any software will work on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, some applications are designed specifically for use on interactive whiteboards. These applications may feature large buttons and scroll bars for easy manipulation and low toolbars for easy access by children or seated users.
Can I use it with a floor stand?
Yes. SMART offers a mobile floor stand, if needed. For more information, view our accessories.
Can I use a SMART Board interactive whiteboard for conferencing?
Yes. SMART Notebook software has advanced integration with SMART’s Bridgit conferencing software for simple, effective data conferencing. The software also integrates with other conferencing applications.
For specific information on integration with other conferencing systems, visit the SMART conferencing resource center.
How durable is the screen surface?
Extremely durable. The resilient hard-coated, polyester front sheet is secured over a robust aluminum composite backboard. The surface is tear proof, optimized for projection, compatible with dry-erase markers and easily cleaned.
With the incredibly low return merchandize authorization rate (RMA) of less than 0.01%, SMART Board interactive whiteboards may be the toughest interactive whiteboards on the market.
All SMART Board interactive whiteboards are rigorously tested, designed and produced under ISO 9001:2001 certification standards.
How do I disinfect my SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
The cleaning instructions in your SMART Board interactive whiteboard’s user’s guide are adequate to handle most regular cleaning requirements. However, if you need to disinfect your SMART Board, follow the instructions below.
- Before you disinfect your board, shut down or disconnect the computer
- You can use a diluted bleach solution to disinfect your SMART Board interactive whiteboard
- Wet a clean cloth with a solution of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water
- Wipe the display surface, Pen Tray and any other surfaces that you want to disinfect
- Repeat as necessary
SMART Board interactive whiteboards carry no more or fewer germs than other public surfaces such as door knobs or table tops. In environments where you need to regularly disinfect surfaces, follow the procedure above. The cleaning instructions in the user’s guide are available for download from the SMART Support website.
When will Touch Recognition be available?
As of February 2009, all new SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboards have been enabled with SMART’s Touch Recognition feature.
Which SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboards come with Touch Recognition?
All 600 series boards now come with Touch Recognition, including the wide-format models (SB685 and SB690).
How can I tell if a SMART Board interactive whiteboard has Touch Recognition?
There are several ways to tell if a SMART Board has the Touch Recognition feature:
- All SMART Board interactive whiteboards with Touch Recognition have a serial number equal to or greater than SB6XX-R2-650000
- When a computer with SMART Board drivers service pack 4 is connected to a board with Touch Recognition, a notification bubble will appear informing the user that the board has this feature. The user can then click on the bubble to activate Touch Recognition.
- When a computer with SMART Board drivers service pack 4 is connected to a board without this feature, the Touch Recognition check box in the settings menu will be grayed out
Is it possible to add Touch Recognition to an older SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboard?
A 600 series board that was ordered before February 2009 can be upgraded by replacing its SC9 controller with a new SC9 controller from SMART.
You can purchase new SC9 controllers from an authorized SMART reseller. All SC9 controllers that were ordered after January 5, 2009, are enabled with Touch Recognition. To activate this feature, the latest version of SMART Board drivers must be downloaded and installed.
Please note the following limitations:
- Only the SMART Board 600 series can be upgraded
- Touch Recognition can only be activated by the latest version of SMART Board drivers. The feature will not be available if you are using an older version.
- Changing the SC9 controller takes approximately 15 minutes. Wall-mounted SMART Board interactive whiteboards must be taken off the wall to make the change.
Can Touch Recognition be added to a SMART Board 500 series interactive whiteboard?
Only 600 series boards can be upgraded with our Touch Recognition feature. A feature upgrade path for 500 series boards is not available.
Can someone without SMART Notebook view my notes?
Yes. There are several ways to share notes with someone who doesn't have a SMART Board interactive whiteboard or access to SMART Notebook software.
- You can download Notebook interactive viewer at no charge and share files with anyone, even those who don’t have the full version of Notebook software
If you're running the latest version of Notebook software for Windows operating systems, you can save your files as .pdf, .html or .jpg files. To upgrade your software, visit the software library.
What's the difference between an interactive whiteboard and an electronic whiteboard?Interactive whiteboard is the standard term for a product on which you display your computer desktop and with which you interact to open applications, navigate websites, and write and save whiteboard notes.
Electronic whiteboard is the standard term for a product that you use solely to save dry-erase-marker notes to a connected computer. You don't display your computer desktop on the board.
The SMART Board interactive whiteboard front-projection models (640, 660, 680) can be used either as electronic whiteboards (without a projector) or as interactive whiteboards (with a projector).How does the SMART Board interactive whiteboard know which SMART Pen Tray tool I'm using?Optical sensors in the pen tray automatically detect when a tool is lifted and send this information to the computer. If you pick up the red pen, your next contact with the surface will be in red ink. If you pick up the eraser, you’ll erase the ink. LED lights indicate which tool is active. If more than one tool is removed from the tray, the last tool selected will be active.
How do I right-click without a mouse?Simply press the right mouse button on the SMART Pen Tray, and your next touch will be a right-click.
What makes a SMART Board interactive whiteboard touch sensitive?The interactive whiteboard surface consists of two sheets of resistive material separated by a small air gap. When you press on the interactive whiteboard you close the air gap and thus register a contact point. This contact point's coordinates are sent to the computer.
What are the advantages of analog resistive technology?
- Touch control is intuitive. With resistive technology, you can press on the board with your finger or a pen to control computer applications or write on the interactive whiteboard. You need no special tools, batteries or buttons to work at the board.
- Resistive interactive whiteboards are reliable and stable – they can be easily moved because there are no delicate scanners or sensors to dislodge. Yet they also offer accurate, precise input.
How firmly do I have to press to register contact with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard?You don't have to press hard, but pressure on the SMART Board interactive whiteboard must be constant in order for writing to register. It's similar to writing with chalk on a blackboard.
Is product training available?Yes. SMART offers a variety of training materials and services to help you get the most from your SMART product. Whether you choose to learn at your own pace free of charge, through instructor-led sessions or through the reseller who sells you the product, you'll find tools to suit your needs. For more information, visit our
training center.
What type of projector should I use with my SMART Board interactive whiteboard?You’ll need a digital projector, which can be mounted directly above the board. The Unifi 45 projector kit is now available for SMART Board 560, 580, 660 and 680 interactive whiteboards. The kit includes a short-throw projector and control panel that allows you to transform the board into an integrated system that can be started with one button.
For a standard-format front-projection SMART Board interactive whiteboard, you can use any digital projector to display your computer screen, but for wide-format boards, you’ll get the best results using a 16:10 or a 16:9 projector to ensure that the image is projected on the active screen area.
What size SMART Board interactive whiteboard does the Unifi 45 projector work with?The Unifi 45 projector works with the 580 and 680 models that have a diagonal size of 77" (195.6 cm) and the 560 and 660 models that have diagonal size of 64" (162.6 cm).
Please contact your local authorized SMART reseller for more information and pricing.